Selecting that special person to join your travel endeavors is as important as who will be the next president of the United States. Yes, it’s that big of a deal. We may assume that our closest friend or family member is best suited as your #travelbae but I can attest that this isn’t always the case. The term #travelbae is my mantra for my travel companions. The term is unisex and I will also showcase myself along with my jet-setting #travelbaes throughout this post. Traveling in itself can already propose some kind of pressure, from planning to making sure everything is cohesive. Why add additional headaches by traveling with someone who doesn’t seem to fit your aesthetic? Doesn’t sound remotely logical right? So let me share some useful tips to eliminate complications.

By the way, always strive to capture a moment with the person or people you are with. Not having photos to looks back at sucks big time!

Do bring someone who shares the same interest

This is probably the most important tip. If you are oil and your buddy is water why even bothering forcing the impossible. Some people travel for adventure and some people travel to relax. Lay out these expectations in the beginning to avoid disappointments.

Do bring someone who matches your budget

People assume that discussing finances is scary, but I for one love it! Don’t be afraid to talk about money boundaries. Wanting to experience that Michelin rated restaurant while your buddy prefers street food every day can become pretty annoying. Selecting someone who mirrors your budget can make your entire trip worthwhile from where you stay to the activities you decide to partake in.

Do bring someone who knows your angles

Let’s be honest, we all have friends who don’t give a damn about a picture. Well those are the friends that I would prefer NOT to travel with (nothing personal). As someone who enjoys collecting photographic memories during my trips, I prefer to only travel with folks who are on the same page. Pictures are a VITAL part of my travels especially since I share them with you guys. Y’all want visuals right? 😃

Do bring someone who wants to explore

To travel is to live is a statement that I live by. I strongly believe in exploring and learning new things. If your pal prefers to be a lazy couch potato and take Uber’s instead of walking the off beaten path, this will pose as a disagreement when it comes to missing out on hidden gems and when the time comes to foot that unnecessary bill. Beside, we are team #sustainableliving.

Do bring someone that likes to try new things

Why spend time traveling to another place to do the same sh*t you do at home? That is something that baffles me til’ this day. Doing rare and unique endeavors while traveling is what builds undeniable memories and makes it worthwhile. If a person doesn’t seem to understand why these things are important it is better to leave their a** behind. Ain’t nobody got time for that negative energy.

don’t BRING the friend who has a bad attitude

Having a bitchy attitude won’t get you anywhere in the travel world. Being able to admit your flaws or mistakes (ex. Taking 2 hours to get ready and causing tardies) and move forward to have a great time is important for all parties. Mishaps may happen but it is better to get over it quickly for the sake of having a good time instead of be a party pooper. Deal with whatever is bothering you BACK HOME!

don’t bring the clinger

Ugh the clinger, when have we ever stan a clinger? Being an adult comes with independence. With independence comes with giving me my personal space. Unless you’re traveling with your offspring, clingers and emotional baggage aren’t needed on the road. Babysitting a grown a** adult is just…ghetto.

don’t bring the I-can’t-leave-bae

If someone wants to talks to bae all day then they should’ve traveled with their bae, simple. During travel you are connecting and interacting with the person(s) you are with. How rude is it to ignore the person(s) you are with to constantly boo-love? We recommend those puppy love folks to travel with their mate. Not only are they killing the vibe, they’re making things super awkward with an extra set of ears around. Please don’t let them constantly be on FaceTime, ew, now you’re there by force with someone who wasn’t even invited.

Don’t bring the scary, overprotective Lad

Don’t do that! Don’t go there! Oh, shaddup an-noy-ingggg! We all got love for our friends no matter how annoying they can be. HOWEVER, they don’t really serve the positive vibes that we all need while traveling. Scary, overprotective, clingy folks need to round up people like themselves and plan a worry, stressful, panic trip of their own. We promise we won’t feel away about missing out on that trip.

Don’t bring that friend who doesn’t believe in carry-on only

Contrary to popular belief, most places do NOT need checked luggage, periodt. Now we have to wait for your luggage to get loaded off the plane and roll around the slow a** carousel. Perish the thought that the luggage is misplaced. This will cause unnecessary attitude and times wasted that could’ve been avoided had they just traveled with a carry-on. Now we have to accompany that person while they shop for new clothes, aht aht, I told you so. Look, it’s 2020 get with the program.

4 Questions to ask

1.   What’s your budget for the trip total approximately?

• Are you price conscience when spending or do you set aside a grand total budget for the entire trip?

2.   What’s your deal breaker?

• Something that is non-negotiable, like camping outdoors with bugs and critters.

3.   What’s your preference on stay?

• Do you prefer Airbnb with kitchen or hotel with room service. Would you stay in a backpacker hostel and link with other travelers?

4.   What would you splurge on?

• Are luxury restaurants your thing or unique excursions. Or do you like a room with a magnificent view.

If all fails, partake is one of my favorite activities….drum roll…. solo travel!

You will meet people and the best part is that you don’t have to tolerate them if you don’t want to =)

check out these pictures from my solo trips (Kenya, Nicaragua and Rwanda).

I would love to hear tips from you guys, share them below! Share this post as well!