Holiday companions

[Rose65]

Once I went with a relative with whom normally I get on really well. She's lovely really but oh my lord. When it came to deciding where to eat, excursions and activities etc, it was a nightmare. I like to relax, sit and read, browse antique shops and sit people-watching at nice pavement cafes. A time to recharge, be waited upon and slow right down.

She wanted active activities, unfeasibly long walks, very different food from me and seeking out the nightlife - it was many years go. I vowed privately never ever to go on holiday again with anyone who I wasn't certain had similar tastes and outlook.

 

[Michael Z]

Let your friend know what your intentions are ahead of time. I know this is something we will do before again visiting some (dear) folks that have a view of “relaxation” a bit different than ours.

 

[Rose65]

Absolutely, prepare in advance and test each others' preferences. Compatibility is vital.

Trouble is, you think you know someone, until you are stuck on a cruise ship with them! It can become an endurance test. An all action person stuck with a sedentary one like me must also find it a drag. It can of course be physical reasons, I have bad knees so anything more than gentle strolls are not possible.

 

[Wren]

I had some wonderful holidays with a friend, mainly we enjoyed the same things but we agreed at the start, if either of us wanted to do something the other wasn’t interested in, we’d go our separate ways, meeting back at the hotel before going out for our evening meal

 

[jujube]

My late husband and I divided our friends along the following lines:

Can you go on vacation with them?

If so, can you go camping with them?

If so, can you go camping with them
when it's raining?

How about in a leaky tent?

If you can answer "yes"to all of the above, you have great friends. Hang onto them!

 

[C50]

When I used to travel with others it seemed I was always the one compromising, I could tell you fifty stories but bottom line is it was frustrating. Now I travel alone and enjoy it much more!

 

[Remy]

Your idea of a vacation is like mine. I too like to relax, browse, people watch, eat. It's been years since I've been on a vacation but it's a nice feeling. I would not want a high itinerary time.

 

[hollydolly]

I am your idea of a nightmare Rose... don't get me wrong, one of my favourite things to do is to set at a pavement bar or cafe for an hour or 2 and people watch... but outside of that...I am all action.. always on the go... climbing mountains.. swimming, trekking long ways.. activities of all sorts...dancing..

I'm not someone who can sit or lie on a beach for more than 15 minutes..unless I'm at a beach bar, then maybe an hour....a Cruise would be my idea of hell...

My Daughter who is an all action sportswoman loves cruises... because in between her sporty things which she books well in advance at their various ports when she's on a cruise..she loves nothing more while sailing to just read her book lying out by the pool, and enjoy the evening entertainment... me?..I'd be chomping at the bit to get off that boat!

 

[Rose65]

I am your idea of a nightmare Rose... don't get me wrong, one of my favourite things to do is to set at a pavement bar or cafe for an hour or 2 and people watch... but outside of that...I am all action.. always on the go... climbing mountains.. swimming, trekking long ways.. activities of all sorts...dancing..

I'm not someone who can sit or lie on a beach for more than 15 minutes..unless I'm at a beach bar, then maybe an hour....a Cruise would be my idea of hell...

My Daughter who is an all action sportswoman loves cruises... because in between her sporty things which she books well in advance at their various ports when she's on a cruise..she loves nothing more while sailing to just read her book lying out by the pool, and enjoy the evening entertainment... me?..I'd be chomping at the bit to get off that boat!

Oh my goodness, I am tired just to read that! I really ought to move more but my idea of exercise is a nice short stroll.