The person you share your adventures with can either make or break a trip, leaving you with fantastic memories or a friendship in tatters. This makes finding the perfect travel companion important and it may not be one of the first people that come to mind. Follow these tips and you’ll avoid spending your well-earned time away with the wrong person.
Shared expectations
No matter how well you get on in everyday life, spending a lot of time travelling with another person can lead to all sorts of issues. One of the most vital things to look for in a holiday companion is somebody who wants to get the same thing out of a trip. There is no point going on a beach break with a culture vulture who can’t sit still or an adrenaline-filled sports break with a beach bum. Match the holiday to the interests and you’ll be off to a good start.
Independence
Choosing to travel with someone does not mean you are signing up to spend 24/7 with them and not having some time apart can be disastrous. Choose a companion who has a certain amount of confidence and will be happy to go off and do their own thing occasionally, as well as spending time with you. If your friend has never been to the type of country you are travelling to before, there is a chance they could feel insecure and needy, so address this beforehand if you are the more experienced party.
Similar values
It is amazing how travelling can bring a side out of people that you have never seen before – good and bad. If you share similar values to begin with, this shouldn’t be too much of a shock once you are away. This goes for attitudes to new places and cultures, the pace at which they like to do things and their priorities. Some people require an hour to do their hair each morning, which is only a problem if they are travelling with another person who gets ready in 15 minutes and is itching to leave the hotel.
The same budget
One of the most divisive issues when travelling as it is in life is money and if one companion has significantly more than the other, this can lead to issues. Having totally different budgets will mean being able to do things in opposing ways and can be very inharmonious. More money does not necessarily mean better, but if someone can’t afford to do activities or stay in certain places, this can lead to resentment not just for them, but also the person with a bigger budget. Awkward!
Communication
People who keep everything in can be the worst travel companions, as it is easy for the other friend to believe everything is fine until they suddenly explode. Easy communication between the two of you is important, especially if a quick decision needs to be made on the road. There is not always the time for the niceties of holding back when travelling, so it is good if you can both be comfortable about saying what you really feel to each other.
Don’t jump in at the deep end
Finding a good travel companion can be a slow process and it is best not to book a three-month long multi-centre holiday with them for your first adventure together. Try a weekend away with other people first and see how you get on, then perhaps a week just the two of you. If there are any alarm bells during these trips, consider how the situation might play out over a longer time and in a destination much further away from home.
Nadine is one of the directors of eShores. She left school at 16 and went straight in to a travel agency. Over the 30+ years she has worked in various sectors of the industry and has also worked as an overseas representative in both summer and ski resorts. She has also travelled to many countries from Europe to the Far East and USA.
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
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We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
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Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
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As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
Excellent
4.93 Average 2404 Reviews
Angela
Have just booked with eShores for the second time.
Gavin planned a three week Caribbean Island hopping trip earlier this year which was fantastic and very well organised.
We decided to do the same thing again and look forward to our next trip in January.
Would definitely recommend this company and use them again.
Posted 14 hours ago
Paul
Absolutely a fab team ...Matt has been taking care of my holiday he is really so nice and helpful and responded to everything for me..
Posted 15 hours ago
TeresaFrancina
Eshore’s are an excellent company I can’t praise them enough, especially Adam who has been amazing. He was really patient as I’m indecisive and changed my mind several times. He persevered and found us a dream holiday and put together great itinerary covering every aspect of our journey . Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel the trip and Adam went above and beyond to recoup as much as possible for us. It was a huge help & felt very personal as if he were a friend. We have rescheduled the holiday & will use Eshores for all future trips’
Posted 1 day ago
DebbieAnn
Nick was helpful from start to finish, helped us with any concerns, would recommend( not been on the holiday yet but sure we won’t be disappointed)
Posted 2 days ago
KarenBryant
Lynette has been very accommodating it meeting all of our requests and changes and also with her suggestions. Price was good too.
Posted 3 days ago
Chuk
I had never heard of eshores till I decided to plan a multi-stop holiday in Turkey some weeks ago. The decision to use eshores was based on a quick internet search for any help I could get with this. So, i wasnt really expecting much.
As the planning was at relatively short notice...and we had never travelled to Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at the support I had from Rachel at eshores who listened to what I wanted and was patient to go back and forth with me till I had the exact holiday I wanted (Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya). I always had a response with every query(and I had quite a few!!).
The travel itself worked like a dream...both international and domestic flights were straightforward, but even more surprising was how reliable the multiple taxis to and fro airports were, even when picking up at 0330!!
Overall, the experience has been very positive and I would be very happy to use the service again
Posted 4 days ago
carol
We have just booked a two centre holiday in the Caribbean through eshores. This was the first time we've used this company them and found them to be GREAT. Lynette helped us find the perfect holiday, she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.
Posted 6 days ago
Stephen
To be honest, I had not used eShores before, however, after arranging our holiday plans with Michelle, I will certainly be back. Very helpful and knowledgeable and we are delighted with the advice received and all the travel arrangements, choice of hotels and flight times. Thank you so much.
Posted 1 week ago
Michaela
Booking was great and easy with Rachael. She was polite and listened to our requirements.
I am positive the experience will be a fantastic holiday in October !
Posted 1 week ago
Carole
Just booked a two centre Caribbean holiday through eShores and Rachel was extremely helpful. She listened to our needs and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her pleasant and friendly manner made it easy to discuss our requirements and made the whole process so easy.
Posted 1 week ago
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