From Tension to Tranquility: Here’s your travel survival guide to not ruin your vacation while traveling with someone you are not close to.

Explore in this travel survival guide – practical strategies and insights for enjoying travel with someone you may not be particularly fond of. From setting boundaries and effective communication to embracing differences and finding common ground, discover how to navigate the challenges and make the most of your journey together.

Have you ever had to experience a vacation with someone you’re not fond of? It might be that you’re heading on a family holiday with your cousin, only to realize they’ve brought their new partner along, and you’ve had concerns about them in the past.

Maybe you’re heading abroad with your mother and father-in-law, and know they tend to be a little sour or will complain easily if service isn’t perfect. It’s not that you don’t like these people per se, but the reality of life is that we can’t always be 100% super mega best friends with everyone we know, are related to, or are acquainted with.

It also doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time and learn to appreciate this person anew. Perhaps travel will be the catalyst for you to finally connect with this person through and through. Sometimes, all it takes is a new environment to bring the best out of people.

Regardless, if you’re a little worried about this situation, you’re well within your rights to be. In this post, we’ll discuss how to think with more optimism and put appropriate plans in place to succeed:

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Focusing On The Positive

Sure, we could start this post with a thousand recommendations to dip and avoid this person wherever possible, but that’s not always a good way to start your vacation. If you head out with the intention to have a bad time, that’s likely what you’ll experience. Instead, focus on the positive. Be optimistic. Look past issues that don’t matter, such as a grating laugh or a lack of table manners. See the good. It’s an inspiring mindset to travel the world, and applying this to give the person in question some slack can be healthy. They may also reflect positive energy back at you if you’re civil and friendly.

Setting Boundaries Where Needed

Sure, being nice is important, but that doesn’t mean setting boundaries makes you any less friendly. It mighty be that no, you won’t share a hotel room with that side of the family, or you’d rather have your own activities on two of the days there, or maybe you’ll decline them using your credit card for a personal purchase. Setting boundaries is important, and can help you manage the vacation appropriately, and politely.

Opt For Worthwhile Travel Insurance

Having good travel insurance in place can be a lifesaver because if you need to cancel or end the trip, you can get some of that money back. The same is true if you encounter medical issues or certain services, like canceled flights, are no longer available. With travel insurance from brands like Generali, you can feel like there’s always a contingency, which can help you avoid taking small issues to heart. Not to mention if that person is unreliable, then having this preparation in hand could potentially prevent you from encountering difficulty.

Ultimately, the shared experiences and memories created while traveling together can help strengthen your relationship, foster mutual respect, and even lead to unexpected moments of joy and camaraderie. So, whether it’s a short trip or an extended adventure, approach it with an attitude of openness and positivity, and you may be surprised by the bonds that form along the way. Safe travels!

With this travel survival guide, you’re certain to enjoy travel even if someone you’re not too fond of is coming along for the ride. 

Hope you have a great time traveling with a companion you’re not close to!

Lots of love,

xoxo