How to Travel With a Friend

Traveling with a friend can be awesome. It can also be stressful. More stressful than traveling with a significant other or family. If you know how to do it right, you'll still be friends when you return. It helps to plan trips with someone you know you  have things in common with to begin with. This National Best Friends day, I want to share my tips on how to travel with a friend, and not kill each other in the process.

Talk About Budget

We all hate to talk about money, especially with friends, but if you don't do this before your trip, I guarantee you will not be friends after your trip. Tell them what you're comfortable spending and find out what they're comfortable spending. 90% of the time, they will not be the same, and that is okay. It sucks if they are planning to spend twice as much as you can and you don't find out until you're on Day One of your vacay. It's always easier to spend less than come up with more, when you have bills and rent to pay. 

Set Expectations

Talk to each other about your travel styles. Are they chill about everything? Can they handle your micro-planning? Is it the other way around? If you are drastically different travelers, you may not work as travel partners. Of course, you could be like me and my friend who came with me to Disney last year. She was super chill and enjoyed that I am a super planner and planned all our days. I gave her an itinerary, made all the reservations, bought all the tickets, and she just went with it. 

Talk about the other stuff too. Are you a morning person? Is coffee a must before people talk to you after you wake up? Do long silences make you uncomfortable? Do they plan to help you drive? Are you unwilling to help them carry their bags because they're a chronic overpacker? It's easier to know these things before you leave home. That said, expect the unexpected.

Plan Together

Also known as knowing priorities and learning to compromise. Once you know your budget, talk about what your "must dos" are for your trip. If you're lucky, many of those things will be the same. You might also both find that the other wants to do/see/eat things you didn't know about, but actually want to to do/see/eat too! 

It's important that you're both happy on your trip. You can't both do things that only the one of you wants to do, because one of you will end up being bitter. Of course, compromising on things is important, too. Be open to new experiences. Do things that you only sort of want to do to make the other person happy. That brings me to this next tip:

Spend Some Time Apart

I get very worn out if I spend 24 hours a day with someone. I like to have my own space, my own room, some personal time. Just because you're on vacation with someone, doesn't mean you have to spend every waking moment with them. This could mean you get a two-bedroom to stay in, you keep up your morning run without them, or even that you go and do something alone for part of the day. It's possible they want to do something that you really don't. It's okay to tell them that they should still go do it and you'll do something else on your own. Time apart is good for you both. 

Be Honest

I really don't want people to tell me what I want to hear if they feel the complete opposite. If you don't want to do something I want to do, or I'm being annoying, tell me. I'd rather know than you be resentful. I'm not sensitive, so things like this won't hurt my feelings. And even if they do, I'll still know that it was probably hard for you to tell me, so I won't let it ruin our trip or friendship. If you need to just take a walk by yourself, tell your companion. If you don't feel like Italian food, tell your companion. If their incessant gum popping is making you want to punch them, tell them. Just maybe say it nicely and not threaten to throttle them if they don't stop. 

Traveling with a friend (or friends) can be super rewarding and a great bonding experience. Of course, it can just as easily break your friendship if you don't prepare and communicate, so following the 5 tips above can help you manage all expectations. 

What are some ways you make trips with friends better?

Doing Disney & Other Theme Parks On a Budget

Being on a budget can sometimes make theme park vacations challenging, since everything seems to cost an arm and a leg. As fun as theme parks are, it’s not all that fun when you know you are quickly draining your bank account and spending way more time in line than you need to be. With some strategic planning you can get a better value for your dollars and still have a great time at the parks. Here are my top tips for doing Disney and other theme parks on a budget:

Get to the parks early

My number one rule of visiting any theme park is to get there before they open. The worst line you stand in is the one before you get into the park. Try to arrive 20-30 minutes before the gates open and you could avoid large crowds of excited guests.

Avoid EMH

Disney parks that have Extra Magic Hour each day tend to be the busiest ones. Find out which are participating on which day and avoid them. The other parks will be less crowded in the morning and that means shorter lines.

Bring snacks

Even if you don’t have children in tow, it is always a good idea to bring a bag stocked with healthy snacks and bottled water (or a reusable bottle that you can refill for free around the park). Those churros, pretzels and popcorn throughout the day can really add up and they aren’t very nutritious either. The other upside to bringing your own food is that you don’t have to wait in line forever to get a drink or an overpriced ice cream. You have your own snack bar in your bag!

Make dining reservations

Dining reservations are a must when visiting Disney. There are so many restaurants to choose from, but even at the least busy times you may have to wait up to an hour to be seated. Look at menus and prices online, then book a table right there (or call Disney Dining). Aim for times outside the normal meal times – 11-11:30 A.M. or 2-2:30 P.M. for lunch and 5-5:30 P.M. or 7:30 P.M. or later for dinner – to take advantage of a ready table and to beat the crowds. Ride lines are considerably shorter during lunch and dinner. You can book reservations at a few restaurants inside Universal as well.

Buy souvenirs off-site

There are many cool things to buy inside the parks, but you’ve probably noticed their high price tags, too. Children have a habit of wanting things wherever they are. Surprise them by purchasing clothing and toys at one of the nearby souvenir shops or discount stores like Target. You will keep them happy and also save a bundle.

By doing a bit of preparation, you can pack more into each day and really get your money’s worth. Waiting in line sucks, and your kids (or your significant other) will be glad you took the time to learn some tricks to help eliminate needless standing around for things, and you can do the happy dance when you wallet isn’t empty at the end of each day.

Theme parks don't have to be crazy expensive. We do a lot of them and we know where to cut corners and how to make the most of our time as well. 

How do you make your visits to theme parks more affordable?

Dad & Grad Gift List 2019

In just a few weeks, we'll be celebrating dads all over, and so many kids will be graduating both high school and college. No matter who you have on your list, you're going to want to get them some awesome gifts to celebrate them and their achievements. Lots of dads like to travel or travel for work and plenty of grads want to see the world. If those describe your recipients, then this dad & grad gift list is for you!

Photo by Joseph Chan on Unsplash

I've got some new ideas for you this year, including plenty of cool things I saw, and will hopefully be reviewing for you, at the Travel Goods Show. As always, I have broken them down by price range for you.

Budget: >$50

1. Memory Foam Armrest

Now there will be no question as to who's got the armrest, though there might be an even bigger fight for it. The airplane armrests are always uncomfortable, even when they are padded. Make long flights a little more comfortable with one of these awesome memory foam armrests. They don't take up much room in a bag and can make a big difference towards getting them there a little happier. $15 from Walter+Ray

2. Travel Journal

Help them plan their next trip or keep track of what they've done and seen with a great travel journal or two. I have the This Journal is Going Places and it is fantastic for those who like to plan out everything in advance and keep all their wish list items in one place. You can plan a handful of trips with this and it's color coded for each trip. It's got a slim profile for taking with you everywhere. The Travelogue Journal has scratch-off maps, checklists, itineraries and places for receipts and ticket stubs. This Journal is $16.30 on Amazon | Travelogue is $24.99 from Amazon

3. Compression Socks

All types of people use compression socks, and now they are even more fun to wear with bright colors and patterns. Compression socks are good for long flights, long days of walking, or even running and jogging. I always keep a pair or two in my travel bag and they are lifesavers. Your dad and grad are going to love them on all their trips, just like I do, especially the new fun styles that don't look like you work at a hospital. $26.99 from Sockwell. You can see my review here.

4. Travelon Active Anti-Theft Packable Backpack

It's never a bad thing to have a good backpack when you travel. Travelon has this great anti-theft one that's also packable, which had never been done before! It's a bit heavier than other packable bags, but it is also way more secure and great for using as a day bag or your personal item on a plane. For grads going off to see foreign countries and might be staying in hostels to save money, this is a must for keeping all their valuables safe while they're out and about. You can view my review here. $40 on Travelon's website (but use my code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to save 20% off your purchase)

5. Humangear utensils

So, I'm not gonna lie. I love a good food cart, and I also like to make my own food when out and about, like on a road trip. If your dad is the same or that college grad on your list is just wanting to travel on a budget, then not only do they need these awesome all-in-one utensils, but they will also be eco-friendly on their way, since these are reusable and so much better than plastic forks and spoons - and much more durable. They come in a variety of colors, too. These are very budget friendly at $3.99 on Amazon for one or $10.22 on Amazon for 3-pack {If you're looking for something similar to go with these, Humangear also has squishy silicon bowls or you might want to pick up a set of metal or other reusable straws.}

6. Copper Cow Coffee

You all know I love coffee. Maybe your dad or your husband or your grandpa or your son also loves coffee. Maybe the thought of going backpacking through Europe having to live off Starbucks or instant coffee sounds terrible. Give them coffeehouse quality coffee in a portable pour over pack that they can take everywhere. My favorite pack is the 5-pack of filters with added creamer packs, so you can have a great cup anywhere you are. $15 on Copper Cow website

7. Packable Rain Jacket

I never bring an umbrella anymore. Not only are they bulky and only useful for one thing, they take up space in your bag that could be used for something else important. When we travel anywhere we don't need a regular coat, we always take along packable rain jackets. They enable you to stay dry and keep both your hands free. If it's not raining, but it gets a bit chilly, you can use it as an extra layer. They also pack small when not in use. I have both a Columbia and an Eddie Bauer rain jacket, which you can find on Amazon, but this unisex jacket runs just $26.99 on Amazon

8. Laken Thermos Bottles

Hydration is very important when you travel, and it helps you save money to not have to keep buying beverages all day. Laken bottles will keep your beverages hot up to 8 hours (and cold for up to 24). I use mine everyday at work for coffee and if I haven't finished drinking it, it's still warm by mid-afternoon, because we all know there's nothing worse than cold coffee if it didn't start out that way. Depending on the size you buy, these run $17+ on Amazon

Moderate: $50-100

1. Bracketron Roadtripper

Here's another thing I'll be reviewing. The Roadtripper is a multifunctional travel tool. It is a phone stand, but you can unfold it to also hold your tablet and your phone for viewing videos on the tray table latch, so it's at eye level. If you're on the road and need to use your phone as a GPS, this also works for that...and it's certainly not flimsy like a lot of those other phone holders you buy elsewhere. The roadtripper folds up small and unfolds in different ways for what you need to use it for. $50 on Bracketron, but it is on sale now for $34.99. You can also find it at Best Buy and other stores.

2. Walter + Ray TAB

Getting on the plane and then having to contort your body uncomfortably to get items you want to use in-flight out of the bag under the seat in front of you is crazy! Walter + Ray invented the TAB in response to allow you to pack everything you need for your flight in a slim pocket that has a tab that slides into the seat pocket or a strap that fits over the tray table, even closed, so you always have access to all your goodies and you don't have to hurry to shove them all in the seat pocket and then realize you've forgotten something after you've deplaned. $65 on Walter + Ray's website

3. Benjilock

Regular TSA-accepted locks usually suck, and are easy to forget the combination to, especially if you only travel a few times a year. If that's a problem your dad has too, so he just doesn't use a lock on her luggage, a Benjilock might just be what he needs. Instead of a combination or a key, it opens with a fingerprint. And if he's traveling with several people who are using the same carry-on/suitcase, it can hold up to 10 fingerprints. I'll be reviewing this soon. $70 on Amazon, but can also be found at The Home Depot and QVC and Ace Hardware.

4. My Elios Wanderer solar charger

When out sightseeing all day, you don't really have access to any outlets. While I always carry a portable charger, it's not always possible to recharge that when you travel. If you have a dad or grad that likes to camp or backpack or hike, then they are in need of a good solar charger. The Elios has 4 fold-out solar panels that recharge by the sun, though you can also recharge it with the wall outlet, and then use it to charge your phone or your tablet when you need to re-up. $75 on MyElios website

5. FaceCradle

There are so many travel pillows to choose from, but one of the best I've tried is the FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it. We have the regular version and the lite version, and we sleep like babies on the plane. You can see my review here. $49.99 on Amazon

6. Cashmere travel blanket

Sure, you could buy them any number of other travel blankets, but add a bit of luxe to their travels, especially those college kids staying in super cheap accommodations, and to make their economy seat a little less awful. I like this one that's a wool/cashmere blend, making it a bit more affordable for your wallet, too. $64 on Amazon

7. Tropicfeel shoes

I backed these as a kickstarter, because they sounded amazing. They are pretty much Spring and Summer shoes (though if the fall isn't cold, you could wear them then too). We travel to Vegas a lot and do a ton of theme parks, which have plenty of water activities. These shoes are like your best sneakers and water shoes in one. I backed them hoping they would be as good as they sounded, and they were. We both have a pair and they are super lightweight, can be worn with or without socks, and look fantastic. They are perfect for all the walking your dad/grad will do on their travels. $78 on TropicFeel (available for preorder.)

Splurge: <$100

1. Anti-theft Tailored Wheeled Underseat Carry-on

This new carry-on with spinner wheels from Travelon is fantastic and has a great wipe-down bottom half that can be cleaned easily after tromping through the airport, the subway, and down the street. It has a ton of room and is easy to stash in the overhead. You dad will love this new classic bag, and he'll be able to pack everything he needs in it. $141 on Travelon (get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

2. Priority Pass

Hanging out in the airport can be fun, but after a while, you wish it could be better. Buy your dad access to all the airport lounges, so he can get some peace and quiet, free snacks and maybe get some work done or catch a shower. You can purchase him the standard pass for $99/year, or upgrade him to the plus for $299, which includes 10 free visits (generally member visits are $32). Right now you can get 15% off memberships on PriorityPass

3. Travelon's new Heritage Weekender

This bag is so beautiful and unisex and user-friendly. It unzips on top and has a phenomenal wide mouth opening, because they know what we all want and need in our bags! It can easily hold a week's worth of clothing with spare shoes and toiletries. The Heritage collection is lovely and wears so we'll. The longer you use it, the more worn and fantastic the fabric looks. Every dude needs this for Father's Day, but everyone's going to want to steal it to use for their trips too. $105 on Travelon (get 20% off if you use code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)

4. Airline gift cards

Buy a gift card that can be used for their favorite airline or hotel chain (or Airbnb) or rental car company. It's nice because you can customize it and make it a bit more personal than a normal gift card. $1-infinity: whatever you want to spend.

5. Bluffworks Chinos 

It's nice to have clothing that does double duty. Bluffworks pants are specifically for travel, because they are odor-resistant, stain-resistant, wrinkle-proof and almost indestructible. They look like dress pants, but they're sturdy enough to wear hiking, camping or rock climbing. One pair can work for everything you do on vacation or a business trip. $98 or $125, depending on the style, on Bluffworks' website

6. CityPASS

I'm sure your dad already has heis next trip planned. Why not help him make it more affordable by giving him most or all of his activities for free? This is also something that a grad will be undyingly grateful for getting to do more for less, so they can splurge a bit more on food. You'll be able to find a lot of participating cities. $50+ on CityPASS website.

7. Thule Crossover 2 backpack

The Thule crossover is a 30L bag that can fit all your gear for a trip, plus keep all your electronics safe and organized. It has RFID-blocking, a water-resistant shell, a sleek profile, and plenty of room with pockets and sections to keep everything in its place. The Crossover 2 Convertible Laptop Bag has all the same features, plus a side handle and removable strap, so it can also be carried like a briefcase. Perfect for business travel and backpacking. From $184 on Amazon

Who's on your list this year and what are your top gifts?


*Dislaimer: this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links, I may be monetarily compensated + I'll be eternally grateful for your support.