by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: March 26, 2007   Last Updated: April 15, 2007

Traveling along may not be the choice that you would take, though spending a fortnight in the company of someone that you mistakenly believe to be a good travel companion can worsen the holiday and indeed make it a terrible experience. Putting thought into your holiday plans can make that holiday one to remember, and when choosing a holiday companion, there are so many considerations to be taken into account.

TASTES

On choosing a travel companion, the fact that you have similar tastes works well in many instances, although if you don't have similar tastes, this can work as well, as long as both of you are sufficiently independent and willing to go your own way during part of the holiday, not expecting your companion to bend to your will, or having to bend to theirs. There is a really good area of healthy difference here, because traveling with someone of this nature, you get to see the things that you want to see without being with them all day, and could get together in the evenings and have different aspects of the holiday destination to talk about. Being open minded and independent, you get the best of both worlds and can still do those things you enjoy without inflicting them on someone else.

Finding out in advance what others feel about their holiday expectations singles out the kind of traveler they are and for some the ideal holiday is to be with you all the time. Maybe that was your intention too, but only by discussion can you decide whether the person is the right one to spend a holiday with.

COSTS

Deciding upon who pays what at the beginning of the holiday is a good way forward. Here, sharing costs can add such an asset to a stretched budget, though discussing what they see as reasonable prices for foods, and saying frankly if you are a cheap eater, and would prefer a picnic to an expensive restaurant meal is wise. Going halves only works if each person has the same outlook, and offering to go halves on everything can backfire, as their tastes may be more expensive than yours, costing you more than you anticipated.

COMPANION COMPATIBILITY

When choosing a holiday companion, getting to know them well, and seeing how your interests could work together is a great start. Don't be afraid to say what you want to do and what you like. Many bend to the will of a stronger personality and unless you are open and honest about what you seek in a holiday, then you cannot expect total harmony. They may want noisy night attractions when all you want is sunsets. They may

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