What qualities make for a good travelling companion?
 

Barring the solo travellers, what top three traits (there are lots, I know) make for a good travelling companion? One that you don't want to strangle, or "fix" their front brakes after a long and trying day/week/month/year?

Easy going, doesn't take things too personally, flexible.

When I planned a little expedition to the Gambia I was only interested in taking guys from the military. They are used to having to live in each others pockets and are used to working under stress, and understand that everyone will throw their teddy out of the pram sometime and don't take it too personally.

This was after my experience travelling with others. I travelled with my dad and had to be stopped by others from putting a shovel through his head, he just didn't know when to leave someone alone! I also saw lots of teams who were best mates who after a week couldn't bear being in the same car together! I'm sure lots of us have done house shares with best friends and ended up hating them!

Most people simply don't have the experience to be able to adjust to that kind of living.

Thats why a lot of people, myself included, prefer to travel alone. I enjoy travelling with others, but in every group there's always at least one who really shouldn't be there and spoils it for the rest.

For me;

• Reliability,
• In-dependability,
• Good communication abilities,
• Shared interests.

____
Paul

Flexibility.
The wisdom to know when to call it quits and split up.
Knowledge of bike mechanics.
An easy going attitude...but not too easy going.

I second that. Back in the sixties I used to ride in a group of eight of us, but only did long trips with one. He had a Velocette 500 and I had a Triumph. Our outlooks and riding styles were compatible and we rode all over the UK each summer holiday. never with any of the other six. Sadly we are the only two still surviving, both still riding bikes although I am reduced to riding an Enfield and him searching for a Ducati. These days I usually ride alone, was used to it as being in the forces I usually had along ride home each weekend from various "camps" back to Cornwall. I find it hard work riding with others.

Oh and the quality, just being able to trust in your companions judgement.

wise word indeed:thumbup1: OldBMW

IMHO over the years, it is this!

always ready to go when you are
happy to eat anything especially what's in your bowl
never complains
never a prima donna
will jump in any water for a shower
never wrecks your plans
always happy to be with you wherever you are and want to go!

Someone who:

1. Shares their idea, view or opinion but isn't hell bent on achieving it

2. Knows how to have fun and enjoy the trip without riding or behaving like an imbecile or taking unreasonable risks

3. Is calm and resourceful, not getting stressed under pressure or when plans have to be changed

I look for someone who says what he/she is going to do and does it.......
Not people who say what they are going to do and then pull out !

I avoid anyone that says: " I'm not fussed" or " I don't mind" or "I'm easy"
( I may adjust my thoughts on the last one, should the facts dictate it may be in my best interest to do so )

So I either go alone, or take the wife ( which has been great.......... so far) :innocent:

It has to be...

Compatibility. Obviously !

I've made some great life long friends from travelling partners and also wanted to bury some travel partners within days of leaving home...

For me........

1) Same sleep patterns.

There is NOTHING more irritating than being packed up, fed and sweating in your riding gear your travel partner is still snoring at midday. Especially when you have arranged an early dart in the morning for a border crossing etc etc

2) Easy going.

The ability to just go with the flow. I've traveled with one or two people who are such bullies in where to stay, what to eat and how long to ride.

I'm happy to be led... But not dragged !

3) Patient

We all have our moments when we're less than desirable. Long term travel can be stressful, lonely and difficult. You need a travel buddy who can bite their lip at times when you're having a bad day.

4) Helpful.

We all need help at times. A good team is essential.

5) The MOST important of all..

Sense of humor...

If you can't 'laugh it off' or find the funny side of a bad situation, you're lost in my books.

My Wife .

I'm lucky that I get to spend each and every day on the road with Her. We work through any problem's that come our way. I don't think I could have done it without her and who better to share all the fantastic things that you see on on your travels . :mchappy:

I see several have referred to taking their wives.
When I take mine we go by car.
can carry more, bigger tent, camp beds etc.
also car has longer range and is easier to stop for a meal or brew up as I keep the boot as a kitchen. In fact seriously considering getting a little diesel hatch back or similar.
They will do more mpg. more comfy than any sidecar rig.

Easy going, common sense are the primary things ... then in rough order

The ability to disagree, but not take it personally!

Similar ability/attributes;
in riding
in camping

Preferably different knowledge (so as to cover areas I'm not proficient in! doh).

You only find theses thing out after a while .. so always a gamble on a new comer .. but worth taking the risk for the good ones. :thumbup1:

Good travel partner
 

Able to try and make the most of any situation.

Agree with many who have already posted, but also need:
- someone who is happy to do things on their own (not tied at the hip!)
- the ability to make / share decisions (not just leave things to me)
- someone who can be relied upon to act accordingly (especially in difficult or dangerous situations)

I like the idea of a Dog! :)

I agree 100% with all of your point, Ted. My buddy and I just left Brazil, otherwise I'd try and track you down for a cold one. Hopefully see you on the road one day.

Cheers!

!. Never see them after breakfast until tea time.
2. Buy 1 for 1 in the beer stakes every evening.
3. Doesn't snore.

Ride safe.

IMHO There is only one quality .

Understanding. (or maybe acceptance fine line there)..

This sums it all up for me:

Understand that travel can be hard- you must laugh

Understand that communication is the only way for the other to know what you are thinking

Understand the other is human: - will have flaws/ will spit the dummy once in awhile/ will have needs you dont need to Understand (just accept with in reason).

Understand when things go wrong or not your way you must..

• Understand what is wrong and fix it (e.g clutch) or
• Understand your dont understand and step back (e.g clutch) or
• Understand you wont always be able to fix it and you need help or
• Understand - cultures are different and things will be done differently, and you cant do nothing about it so deal calmly!
• Understand (in most cases) you are in the same boat so blame is not helpful.

Understand when to shut up or not to (many many situations)

Understand compromise/commitment.. you agreed to move early for the border run so do it.

Understand you are not alone so dont act like it.

Understand you are not on a tour so share decisions/responsibility for the bad ones

Understand that if did not help make a decision (and could have) you cant complain about.

Understand that hindsight is 20/20

Understand if there was no malintent there is no foul. (i.e. S#!t happens)

Understand that not getting stressed under pressure or when plans have to be changed is the only way.

Understand that even the closest couple needs time alone.

Understand the limits - theirs and yours and do not push either (too far)

Understand your are a team and teams don't do quid-pro-quo they do what is best for the team (even if that means leaving).

Understand that when i throw the stick it means get it, come back and give it to me! not that I should now chase you around only to get the stick and start again..(okay i understand that can be fun too). lets play!!

My wife....

today she told me to shut up and go to Bunnings (warehouse) and get some THOUGHEN UP! They have a special offer for softies at the moment...:oops2: and I just said that 0-3°C is a bit cold in the tent...:freezing::freezing::freezing:

No really, for me (us) there is one important thing>

Trust! One man (OK,... or woman) one word! And you stick to it. If you dont want to, no problem just say it! That´s OK as well but SAY IT!

The rest have been said already...

cheers

whatever the qualities required for a traveling companion it seems I don't have it :innocent:, my first one flew home 4hrs after reaching our destination leaving me "resting" in west Africa for a week beer others were better but not perfect at least they didn't abandon me.

I now travel with the wife she understands my OCD need for clean/tidy & not ragging the bollocks off my transport.

Regards all

Gren

Quite
able to laugh at the bad things that happen
speak a second language
mechanical knowledge
reliable

has lots of money.......:thumbup1:

My wife because I like to look after her but she is completely reliable and dependable. We rarely have a cross word (when travelling) and she often has an alternative perspective on things we see and do.

She's also much better communicating and making friends with locals and other travellers.

Other advantages are that it's all our money, our dirty clothes that need washing, our food etc. - no kitty, no balancing up.

Good sense of humour, reliability, similar budgets.
You don't want to go with somebody who has a lot more money than you and feel like you are holing them back, nor do you want to miss out on things simply because your companion cannot afford it, similar budgets is a must for me.