travelerconfidential

No matter how much you like your friend or how long you’ve known them or how great you get along, at some point, you will clash. And, if it happens while you’re sharing a room on vacation, it can be downright stressful.

Spending lots of time around your travel BFF can be heaven (like the first few days of a vacation) or hell (like the last days of your trip.) But keeping the relationship running smoothly with your travel companion can be done.

We’ve listed 5 ways to keep your road-trip problem-free:

1.SCHEDULE AT LEAST ONE ACTIVITY ALONE

Spouses need time away from each other. Parents need time away from their kids. Everyone needs a break from time to time. And, traveling with a BFF requires the same. After days together, disagreements will inevitably happen. One way to prevent this is to give yourself a day or two to tour the city solo. It’ll make you appreciate one another all the more once you reunite. You’ll feel refreshed, like after a good night’s sleep.

2.AGREE ON A DAILY ITINERARY 

The more you plan ahead, the better things will be. You don’t need to have every minute of every day planned out, but if you have 90-percent of the trip planned, it will make things easier. There’ll be less room for arguments or surprises. You will both know exactly what to expect.

3.DECIDE WHO TAKES LONGER TO GET READY AND LET THAT PERSON RISE AND SHINE FIRST

This might seem small, but females know that the struggle is real. From styling hair to putting on make-up to ironing clothes, these things can delay the start of your day. And, being late for a scheduled tour or restaurant reservation can make even the most patient traveler upset. The best way to avoid this is to let the person who takes longer to dress get up a little earlier. It’ll keep you from hearing or saying the proverbial, “Are you done yet?”

4.PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR FRIEND’S PLACE

No one wants to have a bad trip. Everyone travels to have a relaxing and memorable experience. So, no matter how seemingly hotheaded they are, they the same thing you want – to have a great time. Just remember the goal of the trip and how fun the relationship was before you left.

5.TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Take a deep breath. Don’t let a disagreement ruin a lifelong relationship. Try to keep things in perspective. Sometimes taking a walk can help you unwind and give you a different perspective. It’ll also give you some space and time to think – two things that can diffuse any situation.