Travel Buddy - Part 1

Some time back I pondered on the criteria for the 'perfect' (is there such a thing?) travel buddy.

During lunch just now, some thoughts crossed my mind and I thought I'd make a quick post before I forget.

I've discovered a lot about others as well as about myself during the past travels.

My idiosyncrasies (in no particular order):

* Waiting too long is not enjoyable thing, unless there's an absolutely valid reason. Where possible, please let me know if you decide to wake up late/take a longer nap/etc so I need not wait.

* Insisting everything is perfect can be irritating; not all places have their maps/ signboards/information in order or updated. We can just ask :)

* Doing nothing can be just as enjoyable. We do not have to cram every thing into the itinerary. Just sitting there and looking out to the horizon is also time well-spent for the soul.

* I can understand taking pictures is a must; but trying to take 20 perfect snaps of the same thing is time-consuming and zaps the fun out from the experience.

* Getting lost is part of the adventure. No explanation needed here.

* When it comes to eating, please eat anything you want. And sometimes when I don't feel like eating, I'll let you know; please don't feel bad about me not eating. Oh and if you're hungry and I am not (and vice-versa), let's tell each other openly. Nothing is worse than arguing about and over food. And, also if I feel like having something else, please understand; we do not have to eat the same thing/at the same place.

* Last minute changes can happen, so we learn to accept and improvise our plans. However, if you do know that you wish to do something else, have the heart to let me know earlier so I can make my own plans too.

* Budget-wise, let's agree in advance to go Dutch. Although I assume we won't be so calculative as to split bills to the nearest cent, let's make sure that we won't have any issues about money. If I am feeling generous and want to buy you lunch/an ice cream/anything, I will let you know.

* I won't place too high expectations on cleanliness, yet at the same time please at least be neat and respect common facilities and personal space.

* We watch each other's backs, okay?

Other than that I think everything else is fine.

Oh - one last thing, please let me know what you allow me to do if you snore too loud :)

(The above list is neither final nor comprehensive at this stage. Expect new entries as my travels plod along)

Flying Solo

With eight leisure trips so far since end of last year, I feel that I'm getting used to this solo-travel thingy.

I guess I've psyched myself up quite well by reading and googling up all I need to know to prepare myself for the destination, especially in terms of safety and what's a solo traveller to do. I never take for granted the possible peculiarities of any place and pretend to be a savvy, well-travelled girl. Not even local destinations in Malaysia or even Sabah. 

Yes, there are pros and cons.

The biggest pro is having your freedom to do anything you wish during your holiday. Bliss! No long discussions and arguments and compromises about the whats, whens, wheres, whos and hows.

One of the cons is that some hotels charge you extra for single occupancy and tour packages usually need a minimum of 2 pax, otherwise there's a surcharge. This upsets me big time. GAH. 

I don't mind dining alone in restaurants, in fact it can be a lot less stressful coz I get to eat whenever, whatever, wherever I want. I am comfortable having my meals (or my coffee) in solitude, thank you.

But I guess what affects me most and makes me miss the company of others during travels is when I encounter a beautiful scenery, an awesome view, or an interesting event... and there's no one to share it with.

So, what's a girl to do?

Grin and bear it, of course.

Haha. 

Nah. 

I actually start talking to myself in my head, and appreciate the opportunity to be present there, at that point in time.

Having said that, once in a while, having a travel buddy is great. For me, mostly it's because you will have someone to talk to, to have conversations with. Someone to take pictures for you (important this!), and with you. Also, someone you can split certain expenses with especially for transportation.

Thing is, not everyone makes a good travel buddy. Because we all have our own idiosyncrasies, as much as you'd like to claim to be very normal and ordinary. Yes, including me. 

Hmm, so what criteria makes a good travel buddy? 

I'll go back to my cave and dwell on that.