Two weeks ago I set off on a wild adventure across Europe with my best friend from elementary school. A whirlwind one-month trip across France, Italy, Greece, and Spain to see all the sights we'd always dreamed of. Sounds like paradise right? It has been! But it's also difficult at times. Like when you've been hauling luggage in the sun for hours then realize the train you just boarded is heading the wrong direction or you get pickpocketed by a pack of girls or you drop your gelato on the ground. Here are some lessons I've learned along the way to help minimize the flare ups in those rough moments!
1. Compromise, Compromise, Compromise.
This is by far the most important lesson I've learned. You can't do everything you want and if you're the kind of person who isn't OK with that you can, you can go on a solo trip. Start by understanding what's important to your friend when traveling and their quirks and pet peeves. If you're one of those people who thinks they can fit in every sight in a city in one gung-ho day, but your friend likes soaking up the city, compromise and pick the two most important sights to you to see. My friend has learned one of my quirks is that I refuse to eat somewhere before first yelping every restaurant nearby. Although she couldn't care less where the heck she eats, she lets me do it without complaining. In short: take one for the team sometimes.
2. Blame it on the Food and Sleep.
Almost always, when there's a conflict it's because one or both of you is low on food or sleep. Whenever I'm acting up, my friend will go "I think you need a snack" which is a nice way to say "you're being an asshole but it's not your fault." When you're traveling it's tempting to stay up partying every night but make sure to get that 8 hours once in a while or you'll be at each other's necks. Lifehack: take advantage of sleeping on trains- and take turns sleeping so you don't get robbed!
3. Apologize When You Were an Asshole.
It might take you a few hours to realize you were being an asshole but regardless of how long it takes, apologize at some point. Even if it's a text. (Hey, better than nothing!)
4. Don't Hold a Grudge.
Because traveling is expensive and there's no reason to waste a beautiful day abroad being mad. So just forgive and forget. There's going to be a billion little fights and if you don't learn to forgive you'll spend your entire vacation fuming in a corner missing out on life-changing experiences with your best friend.
5. Recap Your Favorite Moments.
Reflecting upon the best times regularly is a great bonding experience and reminds you both how much fun you're having. Does it get any better than traveling the world with your best friend? No, I don't think so.
