the best travel companion

The Top 7 Websites to Find a Travel Buddy

If you're heading off on a travelling adventure soon and don't want to go alone, check out these seven websites that can help you find a travel buddy.

Traveling solo can be fun at times, but there are times when you want a travel partner. It's pretty common for family or friends to ditch you at the last moment and ruin your big trip. You don't have to give up on your plans because of that, though.

Luckily, there are websites out there that connect you with travel buddies, so you can have company on your trip. These websites will embellish your journey and make the holiday memorable.

So, let's take a look at seven of the best websites for finding a travel buddy.

GAFFL helps you find a dependable travel partner. It's easy to use, and you get a lot of options to choose from while selecting your partner.

The first step is to search and select your destination . The second step is to find the people who also want to travel to the same place.

You'll find a list of different routes and the locals and people near you who also want to visit that destination. All you have to do is choose the preferred options to carve out a plan for your trip.

You can start talking to the potential travel buddies in the chat to try to know them better. You can initiate the chat by clicking the connect button. This website also shows if their accounts are verified.

If you like the person, you can meet up with them and plan the trip together. Finding a partner is effortless on this website.

2. Flip the Trip

Flip the Trip offers a wide range of services. It lets you find either a local or a nearby partner with whom you can travel with ease. You need to search for the place you want to visit, then select the exact location where you are planning to travel.

The website shows a list of local people. Locals can be excellent guides as they can introduce you to local places and know the best places to get native food. You can also select somebody who lives near you. In this way, both of you can travel together right from the start.

People can ask random questions related to their travel on the website in the Feed section. Other people who have been to those places can answer them.

3. Trip in Touch

Trip in Touch not only finds you a travel buddy, but is also well known for its travel blogs. You can read travel blogs on the website and find great traveling partners.

This site doesn't just provide you with a partner for adventurous traveling–it also helps you find partners for dates and concerts. You can connect with people all over the globe on Trip in Touch.

RELATED: Travel Apps That'll Help You Save Money

The website only connects you with trustworthy people. It also lets you join its massive Facebook community, where people can communicate with each other.

You can share your traveling experience on the blog so that other people get tips from it. Trip in Touch is a content-rich travel website worth checking out.

4. TripGiraffe

TripGiraffe is a straightforward travel website. It helps you save time and money so that you can travel in peace. You can either create a trip or join an existing one.

The first step is to share your details and the destination of your trip. You can also add the date and time of travel.

Secondly, you can specify which type of partner you want for your journey. You can also select the gender of your partner. The site then connects you with a partner to travel with, in up to 100 countries or so.

Moreover, there is an option to select whether you want to split the expenses with your partner or not. You can also predefine your budget.

This is one of the most polished websites on this list. It specifies everything one needs to know and tries not to leave any ambiguities behind. TripGiraffe also has several travel blogs that are pretty helpful for a traveler.

5. Women Welcome Women WorldWide

This website is a space for women travelers to travel with other women. It is a website made by women for women. However, it's worth noting that the website is based in the UK, but anyone can join.

The site takes into account all the needs a woman can have while traveling. If you specifically want to travel in a girl group, you should try this website. It also gives you local members' contacts who can guide you on your trip.

RELATED: The Best Websites to Help You Travel for Free

You need to join the website to get access to people worldwide. You can then choose the people you would like to contact and get in touch with them. Women above the age of 18 are eligible to join this platform–the membership of the website costs around $50.

6. Workaway

You can join Workaway either as a worker or as a host. A worker helps the community by writing their experiences and helping others in their travel plans.

Workers stay at a host's place in return for sharing their skills. The skills can be gardening, charity work, house sitting, teaching, or practicing a language. The workers who help the host in business activities get paid a minimum wage per hour. You can make new friends this way.

You don't have to pay any money for this stay. All you have to do is provide some valuable services. This website is review-based to make it convenient for you to make your choices.

7. JoinMyTrip

JoinMyTrip allows you to travel to more than 6,000 destinations. You can select your desired location and find the people who also want to travel to the same place.

You can also create a trip on your own. In this way, other people will join your trip. Many passionate travelers enjoy making their trips in this space.

RELATED: Apps Every Solo Traveler Should Have

The price of the trip caters to all the expenses of the journey. This website has excellent customer care service as per the reviews.

You also get to know your trip leader before the actual trip. All the leaders are verified. In this way, the site clears all your security concerns.

Find Your Travel Buddy Using These Websites

All these websites will help you arrange or join an organized trip. You can meet honest and dependable travel buddies on these websites.

Chatting and meeting up with people before going on the trip is usually a good idea. Check out these sites to choose the one that looks most reliable and interesting to you.

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How to Find a Travel Companion: Safe Options and Some to Avoid

February 20, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Finding a travel companion can make travel better but it can also make it worse.

There was a lively debate about finding a travel partner on the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.

• The majority of people considered this service counter to solo travel. Karen wrote: “I don't want to connect with anyone, love being solo. “
• Some thought that there was definitely a place for it. Danielle wrote: “when it comes to hiking or camping remotely while solo, that's a little nerve wracking and I'd love to meet up with people who are in the same mindset. “
• Some liked the idea as a means of getting around the single supplement. Mary wrote: “I like the idea of being connected to someone sometimes to avoid that “single-occupancy tax. “

Let's be clear: despite being a solo traveler, I have traveled with companions many times and had good success. It can enhance the travel experience as you discover a new destination through your own cultural lens and that of your new travel companion as well.

Yet, whatever your reason for seeking a travel companion, I suggest you proceed with caution and use the methods below. They are safe and will help increase your chances of making a successful match.

Table of Contents

How to Find a Travel Companion: Methods I Can Recommend

There are safe ways to find a travel partner for a day, a week, or more. These methods give you the freedom of being solo and connecting to interesting people when you want.

1. Get a warm introduction from a friend.

One of the best ways to find a travel companion is through a friend or family member. Being concerned for your safety, they will only suggest that you travel with people they trust. Hopefully, you will be geographically close enough to meet each other a few times before setting out so that you can determine for yourself whether they are a person with whom you'd like to spend a lot of time.

2. How to meet the right travel companion along the way.

This has happened to me most often in hostels, but it doesn't really matter where you meet them. The point is that you meet a travel buddy as you travel, not before. You get to meet them in person and spend a few days together sharing meals or day tours before committing to anything longer. Spend the days in the public sphere and return to your own safe accommodation every night. Eventually, you can decide whether this is the right person for you to travel with.

3. Let your tour/cruise company connect you with a travel partner.

If your goal is to avoid the single supplement on a tour or cruise, ask the travel company to partner you with another solo traveler. Most companies will and, if they can't, they'll give you your own room for no additional charge. See our Deals  page for tours and cruises with no or low single supplements.

4. Use Meetup.com to find locals who want similar experiences

Meetup.com is a fabulous resource for solo travelers to meet people of similar interests. These are most often locals, not people to travel with. But, locals! How great is that? I used Meetup.com and found people to hike with in Hong Kong.

5. Book a greeter and have a local share their city with you. 

International Greeters  connects you with locals who volunteer to show off their city. I've used this service in Paris, New York, Kyoto, and Chicago. It's a great way to meet and have fun with someone new. I've gone cycling, shared lunch, and shopped with greeters.

6. Women Welcome Women World Wide

This is an international community of 2,400 people in over 80 countries. They are mostly women over 60 who want to travel more often and meet locals, so they host one another for a tea or a stay as they travel. Read  Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships .

7. Take a day tour or a class to find a travel companion.

If social is what you're looking for, schedule in time for social activities. Day tours and group lessons give you a social experience. Perhaps you'll meet someone with whom you'd like to spend more time. Read How to Travel Alone Without Being Lonely: 10 Tips & 6 Short Stories .

3 Safety Rules for Traveling with Someone New

Traveling with someone you do not know really well requires a few safety tips, especially if you're traveling independently:

• Stay in public. When you are with someone new, stay in the public sphere for at least a few days. You need a bit of time to get to know them before renting a car together or sharing a hotel room. Eventually, determine whether this is a person with whom you truly feel safe.
• Be proactive . Choose who you want to spend time with. Make your own decisions rather than responding to invitations from others who might have agendas of their own.
• Don't be rushed into a decision. If you are considering traveling with someone, don't be rushed into the decision. If the idea comes up but they say that you must decide by a time that is less than comfortable for you, decline the opportunity.

Also, read our primary post on solo travel safety .

Apps/Sites for Travel Companions: My Concerns

There are a number of apps and websites that will help you find a travel partner. I have concerns about them for the following reasons.

• Compatibility . Just because you're going to the same destination does not mean that you're compatible with someone. You may not discover until you're into the trip that you don't share the same interests or ways of exploring, never mind the rhythm of your travels. This can make for a miserable trip.
• Catfishing . A catfish is someone online who pretends to be someone they're not. Without a real life connection, there is no way to know who is real and who isn't on social media. This could put you in a vulnerable situation where the person you thought was going to be your travel buddy is actually expecting to hook up, is not who they pretended to be, or worse.
• Misunderstandings . The potential for a serious misunderstanding is another reason I don't promote the idea of finding a travel partner on an app. Your new travel partner may not have had any intention of deceiving you and may not mean to cause you any harm, yet they may have different hopes for the trip than you do.
• Telling the world you're solo . By participating on an independent matching site and sharing your itinerary you are telling the world that you are traveling solo and where. While I don't hide the fact that I'm solo while I travel, for safety reasons, I don't broadcast it either.
• Sites/apps can get too much personal information . In an effort to increase member safety, some sites go through a variety of verification steps, including gathering government ID information. This raises identity safety concerns.

Because I can't promote the sites that help you find a travel partner (I don't have experience with them), I'm not giving you a list. However, if you are still interested, you will find a list on Google. If you do so, I hope you'll be cautious with a new travel partner and read the Solo Travel Safety section of the site before leaving.

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Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

How to Find a Travel Buddy: Travelling with a Friend 101

There’s a certain romanticism in the life of an intrepid solo traveller—solitary and stoic—braving venturing unto new frontiers. But do you want to know the truth?

Some of my warmest, happiest, and most sincere memories from the road are of experiences shared travelling with a friend.

Now, that’s not necessarily to say a friend  from home.  No, rather, a travel buddy that I met on the road. People that, astonishingly quickly, became treasured friends and companions.

Because that’s the underlying magic of finding a travel buddy: it’s a shared experience, and that makes it more real. Suddenly, there’s someone to tell that story with—someone to reminisce with. At the one-year reunion, the two-year reunion, or, hell, maybe (if you’re lucky enough), then when you’re old and grey and still complaining about the price of cigarettes together.

And that’s exactly why I want to teach you how to find a travel buddy! Because remembering and sharing those stories together… that’s more special than the travels themself.

We’ll be covering the basics today, i.e. how to make a friend (in case you missed that 101). But also the peripherals: how to find a travel buddy online AND offline, the (more practical) benefits of travelling with friends, and even the stampeding elephant in the room that is the variable of gender.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Travel with a Stranger?

How to find a travel buddy online, how to find a travel buddy offline, the ins-and-outs of travelling with a buddy.

Ok, so ‘stranger’ is a bit rough. Sure, when you first meet a travel buddy they’ll be a stranger, but that’s the beauty of travel relationships: they get real deep real fast.

Imagine a friend that you see every day of your life, be it for 3 days or 3 months. Every decision is shared, resources are shared, stories—new and old—are shared. Rapidly, this person becomes a staple and constant in your life.

It sounds almost like a… real relationship , right?

But it is, essentially, albeit platonically (most of the time).

If the idea that you won’t find a travel partner is holding you back from travelling, that’s daft. There are incredible places to travel alone in the world.

Short of disappearing into the frozen expanses of the Alaskan tundra, you will never be alone. Often, alone time can almost be like black gold for a traveller.

The world is a big place, and no matter how hard you try, you’re never really alone.

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The Benefits of Travelling with a Friend

Outside of all the esoteric mumbo-jumbo about meeting people to travel with and forming lifelong kinships of an almost spiritual substance, there are heaps of logistical reasons to travel with someone!

• Saving money – Duh— budget backpacking 101 ! Someone to split costs with means spending less money overall.
• Taking nicer rooms – Kind of an offshoot of the last point but think about all the private room options that will open up if you’re sharing. You can take swanky Airbnbs at a steal or share grimy single rooms (with one person on the floor) for a pittance!
• Sharing resources – “Hey, dude, got any mozzie spray?”
• Someone to watch your back – Safety in numbers, naturally, but not just that. You’ve got someone to watch your stuff when you wander off for a piss or to talk to on the long train rides. It’s the little things.
• They might not finish their meal – Cha-ching!
• Photo-ops – You’re gonna be featured in way more Insta-basic-beach-poser shots with someone around to take them.

Travelling with a Friend from Home

Personally, I’m not a fan of the ‘bring a friend’ method. You know how sometimes friends choose to live together and then they discover they’re shit housemates and it gets petty and causes schisms within the whole friendship group? (No, you’re a projection!)

I know the dream is to have your mates from home tag along for the adventure, but a dream can quickly turn to a lucid nightmare. Once you’re travelling—solo or with a travel buddy—you’ll discover the glory of freedom. Both the freedom of the road and freedom from home.

Travel is a chance to be free of the perceptions of who you are held by the people closest to you. It’s a chance to grow, develop, and learn about yourself, with yourself, in brand new and unprecedented scenarios. Bringing a friend from home along to that experience is like sneaking a flask into an AA meeting.

I wouldn’t say doggedly avoid travelling with a friend from home. I would, however, suggest to experience travel in its fullest before you bring that home-friend.

A home-friend, or, yes, a partner, is—to be blunt—a ball-and-chain. A travelling friend is someone you meet on the road. You have no unspoken contract to uphold; if it goes south, then so do you (while they go north).

A friend you travel with , however, has all sorts of potential to get messy, and it’s not a good first-time introduction into the backpack-o-sphere. It’s a commitment and one that works counter-intuitively to the freedom of travel.

It can be a real restriction.

Will here again!

While planning an entire backpacking trip with a friend (or friends) can lead to surefire disaster, a short stint through the crazies of Asia or clubs of Europe is a blast!

When it comes to getting my friends to come out and travel with me for a bit, I am absolutely a convincing bastard! What I like to do on longer trips is to make a Facebook group, add my favourite homies, and then post my—extremely rough—itinerary and any general directional updates. That way, people can work out where I’m heading and decide if they’d like to swing by for an interlude.

I tend to much prefer to go my own way during the adventures, but seeing the peeps from back home is always such a heartwarming experience, especially in the reaches of some far-flung land. It may just take some persistence to convince them. 😉

Travel Alone or with Someone: Shoulda Put a Ring on It

While travelling with a friend may be the dream, solo travel is the real journey. If you find a travel buddy, you’re not solo travelling, and that, simply by nature, is restricting.

As a solo traveller, you’re living on a whim. Anywhere you go is entirely in your hands. And experiences come a lot more frequently as a result of your solitude.

• Hitchhiking alone is easier.
• Meeting locals is easier.
• Having someone host you is easier.

That’s not to say that this stuff doesn’t happen when travelling with someone. Only, it’s more restrictive.

A pair of exotic foreigners is a lot more daunting to approach than a single dazed soul. And you haven’t got to hash out decisions with someone either before you do something crazy in the spur of the moment. You do you.

However, you do lose a lot too. Travel isn’t about being alone: it’s about all the people you meet. It’s about all the things that they teach you, and all the things that you learn together. Meeting a travel buddy and earning a travel companion is a natural extension of that.

What I’m trying to say is that sometimes you just wanna smoke a joint by yourself. I get that—we all do. But, at the end of the day…

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It’s the 21st-century. Of course, we’re doing this digitally! Isn’t the main reason to travel to be looking at your phone more?

Ok, so finding a travel buddy online may not be my favourite flavour, but it does work. There are no shortage of travel companion sites and ‘find a travel buddy’ apps fit for the purpose of hooking you up with some loose cannon through cyberspace.

The most obvious is social media and this does work:

• Facebook – Is the no brainer. Check general backpacking groups, backpacking groups for the country you’re in, groups for specific hobbies (hiking, climbing, etc.), or even ride offering/asking groups in the famous road trip countries (Australia/New Zealand/etc.).
• Instagram – Yeah, Insta does have its purposes ; try posting a photo or story showcasing where you’re at now. Chances are someone you met on the road before will hit you up.
• Twitter – I’m not even going to pretend to be an expert on Twitter, but if you’re already an avid tweeter of twits, then I’m sure you know how to utilise it. I have heard success stories!

Your socials are already covering a lot of ground given that so many people—and travellers—are active users. But your also looking at a huge gene pool of many splendid examples of the lowest common denominator. There are no referrals, no rating system, and no barrier of entry.

They definitely have their uses, but there are plenty of much more nuanced travel friend apps and sites to find people to travel with.

Best Travel Buddy Apps and Sites

• GAFFL – On the reverse end of social media’s low threshold to sign up is GAFFL with its 4-step verification process—yikes! There’s a site with a yummy UX and an accompanying travel buddy app, plus you get some extra bonus features for planning the trip itinerary and securely splitting the costs even prior to the trip.
• Travel Buddies – Well the name certainly fits! It’s kinda like a social media platform with the explicit purpose of advertising your upcoming trips and seeing other peoples’. It’s pretty straightforward to contact people and overall a pretty clearcut travel buddy site.
• Meetup – It’s not actually a site for finding a travel companion but rather a site for group meetups and events—hiking, pub drinks, Taco Tuesdays, LGBTQ Taco Tuesdays. You may never meet a travel buddy through meetup, but you’ll definitely meet some friends!
• Tinder – I know, I know. But, using Tinder while travelling does have its uses.
• Backpackr – Just a straight app without a website. You can browse people’s profiles (so, yeah, it’s a bit dating-ish) and a ‘Common Room’ for asking questions, getting tips, and screaming into the void.
• 5W: Women Welcome Women Worldwide – I wanted to throw a ladies-only choice in, and this one is more like a worldwide network than just an app for meeting travellers. 5W is a non-profit that’s been around since 1984. You’ll have to complete an application process first to ensure you meet the prerequisites (i.e. having a vagina), but once you do, you’ll be given the keys to the kingdom: the members list with plenty of opportunities for attending gatherings or organising one-on-one meetings.

Then there are Traveller forums. They’re a dime a dozen for both seeking tips and finding travel buddies. If you’re not a massive fan of apps, these are the major players you should look at:

• Tripadvisor forums – People ask a lot of questions over there too.
• Reddit –  There are endless subreddits divided by different destinations, communities, and hobbies. Check out the Travel Partners and Solo Travel boards particularly.

Couchsurfing – A Broke Backpacker’s Secret Weapon

Heya, Sexylegs.

While the above apps certainly serve the cause, there’s only one platform that I believe takes the true crowning jewel of being the best app to find a travel buddy—Couchsurfing! I have Couchsurfed in all manner of weird and wonderful locales—Iran, Venezuela, and Jordan just to name a few—and I have always found the Couchsurfing community to be absolute gems.

As well as being a fantastic platform for finding free accommodation and meeting locals, Couchsurfing is also a great site and app for making travel friends. I have found numerous people through Couchsurfing’s groups who I have travelled with, and I’ve won some truly treasured friendships as a result.

The best group to look in is either the ‘Backpacker’ group or the ‘Travel Buddies’ group as well as checking out the specific group for whichever country or region you are travelling and Couchsurfing in. Often, people will post in country or city groups asking if other CSers are around for drinks, an adventure, or to see if anybody else is trying to find a travel mate. It’s also definitely worth heading to any local Couchsurfing meetups in your area too!

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Look, I’m old fashioned. I don’t like Tinder. I prefer paying in cash, and I do enjoy popping the odd Werther’s Original. Finding someone to travel with offline is my jam.

You’re going to meet travel companions organically as you travel alone (assuming you’re lovable with a winning smile). It’ll be in any number of differing formats too. They could be a:

• Solo human with an equally unquenchable thirst for the world’s most adventurous places .
• Pair of humans who are either previous friends or also travel buddies.
• Group of any size and connecting factor (though a group of all solo travellers is always madness of the finest calibre).
• Romantic pair of humans. This actually happens more often then you might think and is more-often-than-not excellent fun! Bonus points to the travelling couples who argue in their native tongue for the sake of politeness.

There are probably other formats than this, but that’s the basics. And again, it will happen organically , even if you’re not lovable with a winning smile. (Unless, of course, you’re a total prick, but then you have bigger issues).

Meet Other Travellers (But Never Settle for Second-Best)

Do let it be organic. You’re a solo traveller! Be the badass motherfucking homeless-hero thou most certainly art.

Go and solo travel. Brave new ventures, be lonely sometimes, and make many, many new friends. When the right companion to travel with comes along, you’ll know it. Forcing this issue is just like forcing relationships – it doesn’t work out very well!

Usually, finding a travel buddy (or buddies) is a matter of something shared; it is a core value of The Broke Backpacker Manifesto . A shared desire for the same off-beat adventure. Or it could be a shared matter of convenience— we were both going to the same place, but then we stayed together.

Often, for me, it’s just a shared love for the same simplicities in life: living cheap, travelling without money , eating local, smoking the finest dankeries, and, sometimes, sleeping under the stars. The dirtbag life.

My point is, don’t settle for mediocrity! You’re way too good for that. Wait until you meet travel buddies that truly deserve you.

Just do you, soak up the journey, and let the opportunity come to you. Ultimately, it’s gotta flow.

Places to Find a Travel Buddy Offline

If you’re steering clear of the apps and socials in your travels (or are just terrible at using them), then there are still some classic meeting points to find a travel mate:

• Hostels – Staying in backpacker hostels is the tried-and-true classical method to meet travellers and find someone to travel with. But remember to pick hostels that match your vibe.
• Work Exchange Programs – Absolutely! Things like Workaway, WWOOF, Worldpackers, HelpX, etc… these types of travel jobs are tops places for meeting travellers. Particularly solo and long-term travellers.
• Public Transport – If you’re carving a typical backpacking route for any given place—say the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia —then you’ll always encounter travellers en route between the major destinations.
• On the Plane – You can find a travel buddy before you even leave the airport! Scout the plane and passengers (at the baggage claim is also a smart spot) for any smelly backpacker vagrant types, and ask them if they’d like to share a taxi to the nearest backpacker hub of whatever city you’ve landed in. A general rule: the cheaper the flight , the more likely you’ll walk into some fellow broke backpackers!
• Declaring a Grand Adventure – It’s happened to me no short number of times. You declare with great intention (no bluffing allowed) about some grand adventure you’re planning—say, hitchhiking across India or finding some legendary hidden mountain village. If the chances of death are still low enough, people are always gonna want to tag along.

Often, if the flow is right, someone that you met as a short-term travel buddy (say, on the bus) can end up being someone you travel with for a while. Sometimes, it can be a long while.

Seriously, work exchange programs are a brilliant method to meet other travellers. Given that the people you meet—not even counting the local friends that you’ll make—are more than likely going to be dedicated to the slow travel life (and to exploring a country away from the tourist bubbles), forming substantial friendships is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

It also helps to know your way around the voluntourism sector, and how to choose worthwhile programs (ideally, with a steady influx of travellers). Worldpackers and Workaway —two esteemed platforms for volunteering abroad—are good places to look too.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Nobody said it was easy. No one ever said it would be this hard.

Yes, indeed, the man known as ‘Coldplay’ was correct. While sometimes it flows effortlessly, sometimes it is hard.

They’re not a true friend until you’ve seen them at their worst. They’re not a true friend until you’ve considered throwing them out of a 6-storey window.

If you’re going to choose to travel with a stranger, you’ve got to be prepared for some strangeness. Sometimes it gets tense. Sometimes it gets uneasy.

Finding a travel partner is only half the journey.

Oh Boy, We’re Discussing Genders

Yay for minefields! I really wanted to avoid this topic because finding a travel buddy should never be about the potential to get inside another traveller’s Thailand Elephant Pants. However, we can’t honestly pretend that gender isn’t an influencing factor and so… it’s into the abyss we go!

Yes, finding travel companions for singles, as a single, is definitely a thing. Finding love and sex while backpacking is a potential natural conclusion of this. Fairly often, it ends poorly once the honeymoon bubble of travelling together wears off; but it does work out too… sometimes.

BUT, it’s more important to shift your thinking away from that and to more consider the variable of gender , i.e. how gender affects travel.

I remember travelling with a friend—female and very much treasured—in Sri Lanka. She cracked the shits at me one night after dinner because I failed to see the host was ignoring her and taking executive decisions on the meal order from me: the man. Truthfully, I was completely oblivious; I was just pumped for dinner.

However, having a female travel companion does help create insight. Many parts of the world are substantially more difficult for a girl to travel in solo or otherwise (though certainly not impossible)…

The Arab World is tricky. South Asia is not the best either? South America is… mmm .

Being a female looking for a male travel partner in these parts of the world—while not a necessity—is smart. It does mitigate the intensity. With a couple of fake wedding rings thrown in, you’ll be coastin’.

If you do end up travelling with someone of the preferred gender and orientation you most enjoy diddling, again, you guys do you. Just remember the variable.

Dudes, stay aware of your female travel companions. Just stand a bit tighter in the surge of a crowded bazaar, or keep an eye on her drinks during a psy-banger in Goa. Remember that her experience will always be different.

As for the Mademoiselles travelling with a guy friend, just keep communicating: be chill, girl-bros. If you’re gonna crack the shits, do so gently. Sometimes, we’re just not paying attention.

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How to Travel with a Friend: On Fights

Yeah, arguments do happen on the road. Travel with a friend long enough, and, eventually, it’ll happen.

The first time I had an argument with a travel buddy, it got ferocious. Imagine two colourfully dressed hippies shoeless on the side of a New Zealand road screaming and cussing each other out—one in broad Australian, one in angry Japanese. That wasn’t our last argument either.

The next time I hitched long distance with someone, I warned him:

“Alright, dude. At some point, we’re gonna fight. We need to decide now, what we’ll do then.”

He thought I was joking.

“Oh, yeah, well how about we roll a joint on it.”

Several days later while being held semi-captive in a buttfuck-nowhere Indian village, we had our first fight, and that’s exactly what we did.

Assume it’ll happen, make the necessary plans in your head, and communicate well. When you find a travel companion, you’re gonna see that person every day. Often, for every meal.

Travelling relationships can be every bit as intense as romantic ones. The only difference is you don’t get the catharsis of a make-up bang afterwards.

How to Travel with Someone – Tips and Pointers

• Talk – And communicate; if you’re having an off-day—a case of the traveller blues—mention it. Talking is important, especially if it’s about something that affects the team.
• Share – If you’re both giving and taking fairly, you’ll end up a stronger team for it. Pool your resources!
• Don’t be an accountant –  For big sums of money, sure, but keeping track of the little things is going to wear very thin. Often, it’s easier just to go 1:1 on buying each other chai, meals, bus fares, and whatever else.
• Take Space – When you feel you need it, and sometimes when you don’t too. Timeout is rarely the wrong choice.
• Compromise – You ain’t solo travelling anymore which means sometimes you’ll need to make concessions! Somedays, you’re just not going want to do the same thing.

And remember that word— team.  Because that’s what you are. You’re a team working together towards a shared goal.

You gotta function as a unit.

Travel Alone or with Someone, but Get Insurance!

I once had a friend spot his travel buddy several grand when she got herself into a medical mess in Nepal (which is yet to be returned, to the best of my knowledge). Now, granted, he’s self-sacrificing to a fault, however, it’s a picture-perfect example of exactly why you should have travel insurance.

Because it ain’t you who’ll be cleaning up your mess.

All kinds of things can happen when you travel, and they do happen. Be sure to consider some quality travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And Now You Know How to Find a Travel Buddy!

And how to travel with them. It’s kinda cool, right?

Ding-dong—I’m a solo traveler!

For me, one of the greatest thrills of backpacking is to rock up somewhere completely new and meet a whole new crowd of people, travellers and locals alike. I have done a huge amount of solo, partnered, and group travel, and I highly recommend you have a crack at all of them.

Moreso, I can’t stress enough that if the fear of being alone is holding you back from travelling, it shouldn’t. One of the main reasons some would-be vagabonds never leave home is because they’re worried they won’t meet anyone and will be lonely. One of the lessons you’ll learn travelling is that that’s simply never going to happen.

The backpacker community is awesome; everybody is extremely friendly and, in general, people just want to meet-and-greet (the same as you). It’s really quite easy to find people to travel with. And the times that you are, you’ll still be having a damn good time!

It’s something someone said to me a long time ago: some things you can only learn in a relationship, and some things you can only learn on your own. I think the same is true of travel.

Travelling solo is only one part of travel as is travelling with a friend , buddy, stranger, partner, or even in a group. Don’t find a travel buddy because you’re scared. Be scared and be awesome, because the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Travel in all ways, experience it in all forms, and when you do find travel buddies, experience that too. Because many of those shared stories—and those shared photos—will be the ones that inspire your kids to travel.

1+1=3… which is to say that a unit is greater than the sum of its parts. A team, a friendship, and travel buddies—when it’s right—are stronger together than they are apart. And the end results?

They’re worth all the stupid fights.

Ziggy Samuels

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17 Comments

Too cool of a website. Thumbed the NA Continent, tried in SE Asia {didnt know what thumbing was} and met fine people. There are great people wherever one goes and ones that will go out of their way to help another. Canada is super, picturesque as is the Alcan, North of 60 {Phillip smith mts}. Stayed mostly northern areas. The south has a different atmosphere but good folks. Want to try Hitching Trains. Valuable info to share with others re the site

This helps. I need a travel companion if nothing else someone to talk to but, I would like to find someone that can do some of the driving. Money is not my problem it’s time. I once said we have 3 things. MONEY, SEX, TIME. SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRAVELING THE USA STARTING IN MARCH OR APRIL CONTACT ME. [email protected] .

I’ve been trying to FIND Someone Anyone!! to go with me from: TX. To and Through: OK./MO./KS. with NO LUCK!!! LOCAL TRAVEL(S) NOT FOREIGN TRAVELS!! Because I LIVE LOCALLY In The USA DUH,……For TWO YEARS Now,…..SO NOT GETTING ANYWHERE OR ANYPLACE, With DIALING The: CHARTER BUSES, The RIDE SHARES, And Even Other HIKING AND BIKING BUDDIES, Especially LONG Distance, Because I Don’t Drive A Car As A Grown Up ok??? VERY FRUSTRATING!!!! What HAPPENED To Just Getting A SIMPLE RIDE Safely Of Course (That Word SAFE AGAIN Grrrr!!!) (SAFE THIS AND SAFE THAT, Or: Safe That And Safe This, For TWO FREAKING YEARS NOW!!!) (SHUT UP ABOUT SAFE!!!) (And Oh Yeah Also: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER BULLCRAP For TWO FREAKING YEARS!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!) Basically AND Generally??? I N E E D A R I D E From A D R I V E R Or D R I V E R S And/Or A Bike AND Hike Group A LONG A DISTANCE Soon For The REST Of This fall And winter DUH!!! And SOMEONE AND SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS THE AREA And/Or AREAS WE ARE GOING THROUGH Soon!!!!! I JUST WISH!!!!!! I’LL EVEN LEAD THE GROUP OR A GROUP, IF NEED BE, THOUGH I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY HAVE LED A GROUP OF OTHER PEDESTRIANS EVER!!! UHG!!! GETTING MORE AND MORE FRUSTRATED DAILY HERE IN GREENVILLE, TX./Texas AND SOON I’M JUST GOING To Go FIND SOME ABANDONED CAR, AND HOTWIRE IT EVEN IF IT’S A NEW WORLD ORDER AI SCARY BOT CAR!!! TIRED OF WAITING FOR A FEW YEARS TO RETURN There WHEREVER!! And A FRUSTRATED TRAVELER(S), BECOMES A HOSTILE CRANKY TRAVELER(S)!!!

Sad to not see more comments since Covid… It’s like a message in a bottle thrown into the sea. I’m French, 35 yo, fit, gentleman, I don’t smoke, marketing manager teleworking, looking for a travel buddy, a woman, I’m not vaccinated, I already moved to different places with my car in France but I also plan to travel in EU, I usually stay a month or more in the same place. I like to explore around, to try the local food, organic mostly, monuments, history, nature… The week I stay around the place to work and do multimedia art, music, etc. on my laptop… I don’t need someone but when I see that most places I rent are for 2 minimum, well… It’s a shame not to share this experience, right?

TravBuddy & Thorntree shut down their service.

GAFFL is a similar site which matches up travelers with similar travel plans and ensures the safety of travelers through their well-built verification process. Currently, it has users from over 170 countries.

This can be a great addition to this list.

Hi my name is LUIS I live in Houston to and I’m ready for new adventures

Teacher: Looking for travel buddy know knows how to budget. Currently in Mexico and looking to head to Asia. Any takers? My goal is to travel with Will one day!

Yes i too would like to travel to Asia! You still down for it?

Hi Guy !!! I am an asian guy,living in the Netherlands now.I will be travelling to Viet Nam ( from 12th/Jan/2019 till 28/febr/2018. I wanna look for a travelbuddy to join me .You dont need to travel as long as i do if you cant.You dont need to travel with me all the time either,if you dont want it.You can catch me up during imy holiday in Viet Nam.Travelling with me together wont be only a great fun, but it will also be a great advantage for you,because i have known the beaufitul cities and countrysides in Viet nam,i do know where we can get cheap accomodation ,, cheap and delicious local food..and wonderful highlights in Viet nam too.Ofcourse you can afford in travelling with me with your low budget . I can speak Vietnamese ,English and Dutch.Any guys are interested in being on vacation with me together in Viet Nam.Be welcome to contact me : [email protected] Greeting. Khale

Hi I’m isaac 28 yr old currently homeless having lost both my parents rest of family have turn there back on me looking for a buddy to travel with I’ve haven’t got much but a good Hart and great company.

I am nearing 60 , but my heart is still of 25 . Passionate about Travel ( Nature) , Sports Music . I have traveled 59 countries so far , partially due to my official requirement and remaining pleasure- trip . I have now enough free time to explore the World with some like minded travelers at economical way . South America , Australia-New Zealand, Japan , Scandinavian Countries are in my bucket list. I am of very flexible and adjusting nature . I am now looking for a like minded travel buddy. Anyone interested ? [email protected]

I would like to add https://travelmate.world to your list as well 🙂 It’s more than just a platform to meet travel buddies. You can also write a free travel blog and ask others for help.

Nice one! It is really nice to watch people going back to good old fashioned hobby – travelling. I love those new travel platforms and apps, allowing people to find ideal companion from a different country so quickly and easily. I do not have many experiences with a “travel buddy” system, but many times I heared about https://tripgiraffe.com/

Another good article for finding travel partners.. Also, Babak I really liked your network you’ve created too! I started my own travel network a while back for finding like-minded travel partners also – http://www.travelchum.net

Great roundup. I’d add another free resource: https://www.tripolette.com/ I started Tripolette to help you find other travelers with similar plans and share trips together. The benefit of this over other forums is the powerful search and discovery, and social aspect. Give me a shout if you like it!

I’ve taken a lot from this post. Firstly – awesome idea about making the facebook group for your itinerary, I always struggle so much remembering who to tell.

BUT, mostly I’ve decided that if you’re ever short of cash, you should contact Colegate and offer to promote them while you travel. They sponsor you to smile next to a famous landmark and boom, you’re rolling in dollar. While giving 60% to your manager in commission for coming up with such a great idea of course.

Oh, I’ll be your Colegate manager by the way.

This looks crazy fun. This is one of the best things in travelling with family and friends. You get to do all things that can give you the fun that you need.

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How to find the perfect travel partners: tips & tricks

Find your perfect travel partners with our guide on choosing companions, planning ahead, and ensuring a safe, unforgettable journey together.

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Mar 04, 2024

Finding the perfect travel partner can significantly enhance your journey, offering companionship and shared experiences that create lasting memories. Before you embark on your journey, it is important to carefully consider and plan who will be the best travel partner for you . In this article, we will delve into tips for selecting the best travel partners who complement your personality and interests.

As we explore various ways of finding travel companions online through social media platforms and dedicated websites, you'll learn how to build a strong partnership with fellow solo travelers. We will also discuss crucial aspects such as planning ahead for smooth coordination between both parties during the trip.

Lastly, safety considerations and precautions are paramount when traveling with someone new; therefore, we will provide valuable insights on ensuring a secure experience while discovering exciting destinations together. So embark on this informative journey with us as we guide you towards creating unforgettable memories with like-minded travel partners.

3 Tips for choosing the best travel partners

Traveling with a compatible partner can make your journey more enjoyable and memorable. To ensure a successful journey, it is essential to discuss and agree on travel goals, preferences, and expectations . This involves communicating openly about your interests, budgets, and travel styles.

1. Define your travel goals

To begin with, discuss what you want to achieve during your trip. Are you looking for adventure or relaxation? Do you prefer cultural experiences or exploring nature?

By understanding each other's goals, you can create an itinerary that caters to both of your interests.

2. Determine your budgets

Budget is often a significant factor when traveling. Discuss the sum of money each individual is willing to allocate for lodgings, nourishment, transport and activities.

Establishing a budget range will help avoid conflicts later on in the planning process.

Keep reading:  A beginner's guide on how to plan your travel budget .

3. Discuss travel styles

Everyone has their own unique way of traveling - some may enjoy luxury hotels while others are content with hostels and backpacking style of travel ; some might prefer guided tours whereas others like going off-the-beaten-path independently.

Discuss these preferences upfront so there are no surprises once on the road together.

How to find travel partners online

Uncovering the optimal travel buddy can alter your voyage for the better. With so many people sharing their wanderlust on social media, it's easier than ever to connect with like-minded travelers who share your interests and goals. 

In this section, we'll explore some popular platforms and online communities where you can find potential travel companions:

Worldpackers

Worldpackers is a platform that connects travelers with volunteer opportunities around the globe .

As a member of Worldpackers, you'll have access to an extensive network of fellow adventurers who are also looking for meaningful experiences while traveling. You might just find someone who shares your passion for making a positive impact on the world .

Read some experiences of fellow travelers using Worldpackers: " My experience teaching English in Argentina for 2 months " and " How I had the best volunteering experience in Ecuador "

Travel Buddies

If you're specifically searching for someone to join you on your next adventure, Travel Buddies could be an excellent resource.

This website allows users to create profiles detailing their upcoming trips and preferred travel styles, making it easy for potential partners to see if they'd be compatible companions.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing, known primarily as a homestay network connecting travelers with locals offering free accommodation, also features groups dedicated to finding travel partners.

Join one of these groups or post about your plans in relevant city-specific forums - there's always someone eager to explore new places together.

A resource for backpackers and gap year travelers , offering forums where users can find travel partners or get advice on their journeys.

Tips for using online platforms:

• Create detailed profiles: Be honest about yourself and what kind of trip you're planning. Constructing comprehensive profiles that accurately reflect who you are and the type of trip you're seeking can help to attract people with similar interests and travel styles.
• Communicate openly: When reaching out to potential partners, be clear about your expectations and preferences. Ask questions to get a better understanding of their personality and traveling habits.
• Look for verified users: Many platforms offer verification systems that can provide an added layer of security when connecting with strangers online. Look for profiles with positive reviews or badges indicating they've been vetted by the platform's team.

Take the time to find a compatible travel companion, as this can lead to an enriching experience. Don't forget to stay open-minded - sometimes, the best travel companions are those who challenge us in new ways.

Connecting with other travelers through Worldpackers 

As mentioned, Worldpackers is a platform that allows you to volunteer in more than 140 countries. As a volunteer , you will collaborate for a few hours a day on different local projects receiveng accommodation in return for your help.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet people on the road and find travel partners, as in most cases there are other volunteers from around the world, as well as local hosts who will make you understand more about the local culture.

The best thing about this is that fellow volunteers will have similar interests to yours, making it easier to build a relationship. For example, if you are interested in volunteering in eco villages , NGOs , non-profit schools , holistic centers , or even hostels , you will meet people who are in tune with your values. 

It will be much more natural to have a travel partner with whom you shared several stories during your volunteering and spent some time living together.

Learn more about how Worldpackers works:  How to volunteer abroad using Worldpackers  and  Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered .

Building a strong travel partnership

A successful travel partnership requires clear communication, collaboration, and compromise during the planning phase.

Also, setting expectations is crucial for a strong travel partnership. When planning to travel with someone, discuss preferences, interests, and potential challenges. These are some tips that might help you while traveling with a partner:

Open communication

The foundation of any successful partnership is honesty. Be upfront about expectations and encourage your partner to do the same. Discuss budget, accommodations, activities, and personal habits.

This helps both parties make informed decisions throughout the journey.

Collaborative planning

Involve all partners in the planning process to ensure everyone's needs are met. Share ideas and be open-minded towards suggestions.

Collaborate on deciding which destinations to visit, accommodations to book, and activities to participate in. This ensures both parties have input into the journey's details. Compromise is key - find common ground on shared interests.

Establish expectations

Be upfront about what each person wants from the trip so that everyone's needs are met.

Resolving conflicts amicably

Conflicts can arise while traveling together. Address them constructively. Listen and empathize with your partner's perspective, and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Maintaining a positive travel dynamic

A positive travel dynamic is essential for enjoying the journey. Be flexible, support each other, and celebrate shared experiences. Show appreciation, respect personal space, stay open-minded, and prioritize self-care.

Safety considerations and precautions

Traveling with a partner can be exciting and rewarding, but safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential steps to take when choosing a travel partner:

Conduct basic background checks

Before deciding on a travel companion, it is prudent to conduct basic background checks for any criminal records or other warning signs that may be present.

Verify that no criminal records or other warning signs are present which could potentially endanger the journey. You can use Instant Checkmate , BeenVerified , or similar services to perform these checks.

Share emergency contact information

Exchange emergency contact information with your travel partner before leaving home. This includes phone numbers for family members or friends who can help in times of need, as well as details about any medical conditions either of you may have.

Create a shared document with important details

Some essential information that should be on your shared document, includes:

• Name and contact information for each traveler's emergency contacts.
• A list of medications taken by each person (if applicable).
• Allergies or dietary restrictions (if applicable).
• Contact information for the nearest embassy/consulate in the countries you'll visit (for international trips).

Practice personal safety measures together

To ensure both travelers' safety throughout the trip, discuss personal safety measures beforehand and practice them together. Some useful tips include:

• Always share your location with each other using a GPS tracking app like Life360.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Keep valuable items hidden and secure while traveling (e.g., use money belts or hidden pockets).
• Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels off.

Discuss any worries or difficulties that come up while travelling together to make sure your journey is enjoyable and safe. Remember to communicate openly about any concerns or issues that arise during the trip so you can address them promptly and maintain a positive travel dynamic.

Choosing the right travel partner is crucial for a successful trip, so use online resources like Worldpackers , travel forums and s ocial media groups to find someone who shares your interests and goals.

Building a strong relationship with your travel partner is key, so communicate openly and plan ahead to avoid any conflicts or surprises.

Don't forget about safety - share your itinerary with family and friends, stay in well-lit areas at night, and trust your instincts if something seems off.

With these tips, you'll be ready for an unforgettable adventure with your new travel buddy!

If you like these tips, follow Worldpackers social media to keep up with the news: we are on Instagram  and  Tiktok !

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Jul 27, 2023

More about this topic

HomeExchange: the growing trend for purposeful travel

Travel Items List: Essential Packing Tips for Every Trip

Cool places to travel: 12 best destinations for your bucket list, how do worldpackers trips work.

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

12 Apps and Sites to Find a Travel Partner

Traveling is always a magical experience, even if you’re going solo. But in case you’d love to arrange an exciting trip with a new friend, this post is for you. I’ll introduce you to the coolest apps and sites to find a travel partner.

You’ll notice how simple it is to browse the web for folks with travel preferences that match yours, as well as fine-tune the results according to age, gender, and other filters if you want.

Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

Top apps to find a travel partner

1. travello.

Available on iOS and Android

Travello tops our list because it’s hands down the most thorough app of its kind, in addition to one of the largest travel communities on Earth.

Despite not being designed specifically as a travel partner search tool, the issue-oriented groups you can take part in are perfect for that. You can interact with fellow solo travelers, photographers, hikers,… or any other interests you may think of.

Chances are you’ll get to meet new friends in your hometown too, as there are millions of users around the globe.

What’s more, Travello offers 30,000+ tours and activities all over the planet that you can book for a discount by collecting points on the app.

The app also features a built-in GPS functionality that locates sweet deals, events, and free Wi-Fi wherever you are. 

2. Facebook

Facebook isn’t as popular with the younger crowd as it used to be a couple of years back, yet Meta’s flagship social media platform remains unrivaled when it comes to one precious tool: groups.

You probably know the drill. You just have to tap on the Groups icon on Facebook’s homepage and search for keywords or phrases related to your need. In this case, “travel buddies”, “travel partners”, or “travel friends” are the best combinations.

Then, simply join the groups that match your interests and either post your travel plans or scroll down to see what’s up.

A few of the highlights here include I Need a Travel Buddy , with 33,000+ members, and Travel Buddies , with 26,000+.

Women Who Travel , a private group with over 155,000 members, might turn out to be a lot of help to female travelers.

Meetup isn’t exclusively travel-oriented, but it is definitely an amazing place to find a travel partner. 

The platform’s basic premise is to hook you up with people who share similar interests with you, based on the events that the 61 million users organize in 9,000 cities. Meetup’s impressive size is by far one of its greatest assets. 

Like Facebook, the app also offers the possibility of creating and joining groups so you can interact with folks who enjoy the same stuff as you, be it cooking, visiting museums, or cycling.

Though that doesn’t necessarily amount to finding a travel buddy, you’ll be able to meet new friends and hopefully make plans to see the world together.

Plus, you can always attend an event in the city you’re traveling to and meet up a local to show you around.

Gaffl is a reliable resource that connects you to potential friends, which means you never again have to travel all by yourself if you don’t want to.

The first thing you have to do is pick a destination. The app will then show you people near you who have similar travel plans so you can use the chat tool to get to know them better and arrange the details. Alternatively, you can post your itinerary and let other members join in.

 One of Gaffl’s advantages is the fact that you can see which users have a verified account and choose to interact only with trustworthy profiles.

5. Travel Buddy

Whether it’s Japan , Peru , or Italy , Travel Buddy is your go-to guide to explore the must-sees, find the best deals on everything you may need while abroad, and meet new friends on-site. 

Built as a community of travelers that connects over a million locals and visitors around the world, the app also allows users to list services like walking tours and accommodation options in such a way that you’ll hardly need any other travel app.

This is an innovative system to find a travel partner, as you’ll bond with authentic globetrotters and passionate locals. 

6. Tourlina

Women face far larger safety risks than men when traveling by themselves, especially in remote areas or in countries where traditional values are still upheld by the majority of people. Traveling with a male partner, in turn, can end up being just as complicated.

That’s what Tourlina aims to address: letting women make travel plans with other female travelers. It works like a regular dating app, where you swipe left or right on potential matches after setting the outline of your plans (i.e. dates and destination) and your partner preferences, including age range.

The best thing about the app is that only verified users with a Facebook profile are admitted, which makes it extremely reliable. On the other hand, Tourlina is an expanding platform, which means you’ll often struggle to match with someone depending on your travel plans.

7. CouchSurfing

When CouchSurfing was launched in 2004, it was a truly groundbreaking initiative because it was the first-ever website to connect travelers and folks who would host them for free.

While that remains its core business, with its 12 million users, CouchSurfing is also a wonderful forum where you can meet new friends to travel the world with you.

One of the best ways to do that is by taking part in the weekly events members organize in 200,000 cities across the planet. 

In 2020, in order to bear the financial burden brought about by the pandemic, CouchSurfing introduced a membership fee for users registering from a bunch of countries, among which Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, the UK, as well as several EU nations.

Yet that takes nothing away from the app’s status as the no. 1 platform connecting travelers and hosts on a global scale.

8. Workaway

Like Couchsurfing, Workaway is a different sort of app in that it’s not aimed as much at matching you with a travel partner , but rather with a travel host . This is a fantastic alternative for those of you who want to travel on a budget.

Basically, you’ll be given accommodation and food in exchange for pre-agreed services you’ll be performing for your host according to your skills. You can tend their garden, do some house sitting, or teach their kids your native language, for example. Even better, you’ll be paid an actual wage in case your host needs help with business matters. 

The app was launched approximately 20 years ago and is extremely effective, so the fact that it charges a  $49 annual membership isn’t really absurd. Both hosts and volunteers are reviewed by other users, meaning you can trust Workaway to help you take a totally safe trip. 

Best sites to find a travel partner

9. tripgiraffe.

TripGiraffe is one of the most comprehensive websites on our list, as it does its best not to leave room for ambiguities. 

Upon registering, you’ll get to specify your budget, your target destinations, your preferred accommodation type, the languages you speak, and more. You can even let people know how you want to split expenses.

It works as a full-on social network for travelers where you can message users that seem to match your profile. TripGiraffe can do the hooking up for you as well if you want, connecting you to fellow travelers in 100+ countries.

On top of that, you can join an existing trip if finding the ideal travel buddy sounds like too much work. In other news, TripGiraffe maintains a blog with precious travel tips to help you prepare as you should when it’s time to hit the road.

10. JoinMyTrip

JoinMyTrip’s app is only available for Android users, which is why I’m listing it as a website instead.

Upon selecting among 8,000 destinations all over the planet, the platform will introduce you to members who want to discover that exact place too.

As its name suggests, JoinMyTrip also allows you to… well, join other people’s existing trips or create your own itinerary as a tripleader so other users will come along.

You can preset the dates and group size and estimate the total budget per tripmate, then wait for one or a few of the 160,000 members to hop on the boat. 

One of the things that set JoinMyTrip apart from other similar solutions is its excellent customer service. The team advertises itineraries on Instagram daily and is always ready to answer your questions.

11. Women Welcome Women WorldWide

Women Welcome Women WorldWide’s promise is similar to Tourlina’s, as its name suggests. Women who don’t feel safe traveling alone or simply don’t want to do it can interact with other users to organize a trip together.

While the website is UK-based, women from all over the globe can register. You’ll be expected, however, to pay a $50 admission fee to help cover Women Welcome Women WorldWide’s maintenance costs. 

Besides finding a partner to travel with, you can use the website to connect with a local in your next destination so she can show you around and keep you company as you explore her hometown. 

WWWW currently has 1500 members in 40+ nations on all continents; it’s a relatively small but expanding community.

12. YourTravelMates

On YourTravelMates, travel is more of an excuse than the end goal. Founded about 30 years ago as TripTogether, the platform is present in over 40 nations and has as many as a million members worldwide.

Yet the focus here is more on finding a life partner rather than a travel buddy. The website’s purpose is to foster romance on a global scale. Still, tons of users are seeking friendship and companionship instead, just like most of the other entries on our list.

When looking for other users, you can narrow the results down according to gender, age, arrival dates, and destination.

You can then exchange e-letters or video chat with them until you eventually decide to meet up. Though YourTravelMates charges for these services, membership is 100% free.

Final thoughts

As exciting and enlightening as traveling on your own can be, finding a travel partner can be a great way to ensure your trip will be safer, more affordable, and often more fun.

Through top-notch apps like Gaffl and Travello and websites like JoinMyTrip and TripTogether, you can connect with millions of globetrotters from across the planet and find a travel partner to see the world with you.

2 thoughts on “12 Apps and Sites to Find a Travel Partner”

I highly recommend these two couchsurfing communities to find female travel buddies:

Host a Sister – Facebook group where women around the world can find accommodations and travel buddies. Travel Ladies – mobile app connecting women who want to travel with other women

I highly recommend these two women-only communities to find female travel buddies:

Host A Sister: Facebook group Travel Ladies: mobile app

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Travelling can be an enriching and unforgettable experience, but it can also be lonely for those venturing out alone. That’s where the idea of finding a travel buddy comes in.

A travel companion not only alleviates loneliness but can also provide a sense of safety, share expenses, and help create long-lasting memories. With the rise of technology, finding like-minded individuals who share your passions and travel goals has become more accessible than ever before.

There are numerous websites and apps dedicated to helping travelers connect, while also offering guidance on how to create an appealing profile to attract the right kind of travel partner. Additionally, reaching out to locals at your destination is a great way to make friends and gain valuable insights about the place you are visiting. However, as with any online interaction, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and be diligent about the people you choose to travel with.

Key Takeaways

• Finding a travel buddy can alleviate loneliness, provide safety, and share expenses during your trips.
• Utilize online platforms and local connections to find like-minded travel companions.
• Prioritize safety and choose the right travel partner for a more enjoyable and memorable journey.

Importance of Finding a Travel Buddy

Finding a travel buddy can greatly enhance your trip experience, providing numerous benefits that make traveling more enjoyable, safe, and rewarding. A good travel partner can not only help you with planning and organizing your journey, but also offer invaluable advice, guidance, and practical assistance during your trip.

When venturing into unfamiliar territory, a travel buddy can be a source of comfort and companionship. Solo travel may provide growth opportunities and self-discovery, but sharing the experience with a like-minded travel partner can lead to lasting memories and deeper connections. Exploring new destinations together creates a strong bond through shared discoveries, adventures, and meaningful moments.

Traveling with a partner can also contribute to your personal safety, as you watch out for each other in potentially risky situations. In case of emergencies, it is reassuring to have someone by your side who knows your medical and accessibility needs. A travel buddy can serve as a support system, helping you navigate challenging terrain or offering assistance when needed.

In addition, a travel companion can bring a fresh perspective and unique insights to your trip. Drawing upon their own experiences, your travel partner may offer suggestions, recommendations, and tips that you may not have considered. This can lead to novel and enriching travel experiences.

When choosing a travel buddy, it’s important to look for someone who is flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. You should also consider practical factors such as financial compatibility, shared interests, and complementary travel styles. Ultimately, a well-matched travel partner can transform your journey, enhancing your adventures and turning a great trip into an unforgettable experience.

How to Find a Travel Buddy

Finding a suitable travel buddy can greatly enhance your travel experiences. There are several methods available to help you connect with potential travel companions. In this section, we provide some popular and reliable ways to find travel partners.

One popular option is online platforms dedicated to connecting travelers. Websites such as GAFFL and Travel Buddies provide an easy-to-use interface where you can create a profile, set your travel preferences, and search for like-minded individuals. These platforms often allow you to send free messages to other users and exchange travel ideas, making it easier to find a suitable travel partner.

Another useful method is to engage with dedicated traveler communities and forums. Websites such as Workaway and Couchsurfing are excellent places to connect with fellow travelers, as they provide opportunities to share travel plans, ask for advice, and even find people to travel with. Many of these communities also offer free accounts, making them accessible to a wider range of travelers.

Lastly, consider leveraging social media platforms to find a travel buddy. Facebook Groups, for example, offer numerous travel-themed communities where users can post details about upcoming trips and search for travel partners. Creating and sharing a post in a relevant group can help you to connect with other travelers who share your interests and travel plans.

In conclusion, using a combination of dedicated travel platforms, online communities, and social media can help you find the ideal travel partner for your next adventure. Taking the time to create a detailed profile, engage with fellow travelers, and explore various platforms will increase your chances of finding a travel buddy who complements your travel preferences and enriches your overall experience.

Creating an Appealing Profile

When looking for a travel partner, it’s essential to create an appealing and informative profile to attract like-minded travel buddies. A well-structured profile can make it easier for potential friends to understand your interests and preferences, facilitating better connections.

To start, include a clear and recent profile picture that shows your face. This allows potential travel partners to recognize you and helps build trust. Additionally, provide some basic personal information, such as your age, gender, and current location. Sharing these demographics can assist others in determining if they’d be a suitable travel buddy for you.

In the profile description, provide insight into your travel preferences and interests. You can mention whether you prefer budget, mid-range, or luxury travel, as well as your favorite activities or destinations. Providing a variety of interests ensures that you’ll find travel friends with similar tastes, making your trip more enjoyable.

Communication is crucial in finding a travel companion. Including a valid email address or other contact methods, such as social media handles, allows interested individuals to reach out to you. Be sure to keep your contact details up-to-date to avoid missed connections.

Lastly, remember to highlight your preferred travel dates and locations. Detailing your itineraries will allow like-minded travelers to join you if their schedules align. This way, your profile becomes focused on targeted information rather than general interests.

By carefully crafting a confident, knowledgeable, and clear profile, finding the right travel companion becomes a more manageable task. Keep these tips in mind when creating your appealing travel buddy profile, and you’ll be one step closer to sharing an unforgettable journey with a new friend.

Meeting Locals

Meeting locals can be an enriching experience while traveling, as it provides a unique opportunity to learn about the culture, language, and lifestyle of the destination. One way to connect with locals is through social networks and apps that focus on travel companions, such as CouchSurfing and TourBar. These platforms encourage connections between travelers and local communities by offering a space to share interests, travel plans, and even accommodation.

Adventure-seekers can benefit from meeting locals who are familiar with the best spots and hidden gems in their region. They can guide travelers to the most scenic hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and exhilarating outdoor activities that might not be listed in standard travel guides. Additionally, locals can provide insights on cultural nuances and customs, making the travel adventure even more immersive.

Social network apps are not the only method to meet locals during travels; in-person experiences can also be valuable. Participating in local Meetup groups focused on travel, language exchange, or outdoor excursions can be a brilliant way to build connections, especially for solo travelers. These groups organize events and gatherings where travelers can share experiences and ideas with local adventure enthusiasts and make long-lasting friendships.

In conclusion, meeting locals while traveling can lead to more authentic, enjoyable, and culturally enriching experiences. Using social networks and joining local groups can facilitate these connections, enhancing the overall travel adventure and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Find a Travel Buddy Using Online Platforms

Finding a travel buddy has become easier with the help of online platforms catering to travelers aroound the globe. These websites and apps provide a convenient way to connect with like-minded individuals, share itineraries, and split costs, ultimately making your trips more enjoyable and budget-friendly.

One such platform is GAFFL , which allows users to browse through trip listings, locals, and nearby users in a specific location. By connecting with potential travel partners, users can chat, share their itineraries and plan trips together. An added feature is the ability to meet up at a pre-decided public place, ensuring a safe environment for travelers.

Another popular option is JoinMyTrip . This travel platform enables users to lead or join trips to destinations across the globe. By connecting with fellow travel enthusiasts, one can share unforgettable memories, build friendships and explore new places in a group setting.

TripTogether is also a known platform where people can sign up, create profiles, and reach out to others who share their travel interests. The website allows users to search for travel partners based on location, age, gender, and travel preferences, enabling travelers to find a partner that suits their needs.

Not to be left out, social media platforms such as Facebook and Reddit have dedicated groups or subreddits for travelers seeking companionship. Facebook groups like “Travel Buddies” or “Backpackers” zone in on particular trip styles, while Reddit users can subscribe to communities such as /r/travelpartners to find like-minded individuals.

Using these online platforms requires users to create an account and log in, ensuring that there is some level of accountability when making connections. Always exercise caution and use your best judgment when contacting potential travel partners to ensure safety and a pleasant travel experience. With the variety of options available, finding the perfect travel buddy has never been easier.

Travel Buddy Safety

When searching for a travel buddy, safety should be a top priority. It’s crucial to choose someone trustworthy and reliable to ensure a pleasant and secure journey. Here are some practical tips and advice to help you find the right travel companion and ensure your safety during your adventures.

First, consider asking your friends or family members for recommendations. A warm introduction from someone you trust is often a safer option than searching for a companion online. This way, you have a better chance of traveling with someone your friends or family trust and have confidence in source.

In case you do opt for online platforms to find a travel buddy, choose reputable websites that offer a thorough verification process for their users. Sites such as JoinMyTrip or GAFFL connect travelers who share similar interests while ensuring their profiles undergo verification. The use of trustworthy websites minimizes the risk of meeting unscrupulous individuals during your journey.

When you’ve found a potential travel buddy, it’s essential to communicate openly about your travel preferences, interests, and boundaries. Be sure to discuss topics such as budget, accommodations, and the desired pace of travel to ensure compatibility. Clear and honest communication helps to prevent misunderstandings and disagreements during the trip.

Moreover, it’s wise to meet your travel companion in person before committing to the trip. Meeting in a public place, like a café or a park, allows you to assess whether you feel comfortable with them and can trust them during your journey. If you cannot meet in person, consider having a video call to better gauge their personality and intentions.

Lastly, while traveling, always trust your instincts, and prioritize your safety and well-being. Should you feel uncomfortable or unsafe with your travel buddy, don’t hesitate to make alternative arrangements or seek assistance from local authorities or your embassy.

In conclusion, finding a travel buddy can enhance your travel experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety. By following the advice mentioned above, you can confidently embark on an enjoyable adventure with your chosen travel companion.

Dividing Expenses and Budgeting

When planning a trip with travel buddies, it’s important to discuss and agree on how to divide expenses and create a budget. A clear understanding of shared costs can make the trip more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved. Here are a few guidelines to help manage expenses efficiently:

Firstly, determine the major expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. It’s crucial to decide whether to book individual or shared hotel rooms, as this will significantly impact the overall budget. If you opt for shared rooms, make sure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement. For transportation expenses, discuss if you prefer a running tab for taxis and tours or pay individually.

Next, create a trip budget that includes all anticipated costs. Be transparent about individual budget preferences and ensure everyone is on the same page. A shared budget spreadsheet can help keep track of expenses and allow everyone to contribute their fair share.

When it comes to daily expenses, such as food, entertainment, and attractions, set boundaries on what will be considered shared costs and what each person will cover individually. Establish a system to track these expenses, either by using an app or keeping a travel expense journal.

One smart technique to avoid confusion and disputes over shared expenses is using a splitting feature in some apps like Airbnb and Uber. This feature lets multiple people pay their portion directly, eliminating the need to reimburse each other later.

Throughout the trip, communicate openly with your travel buddies about expenses. If any unforeseen costs arise, address them in a timely manner and decide how to handle them as a group. This will make the trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Overall, dividing expenses and budgeting play a vital role in ensuring a successful and stress-free trip with travel buddies. By addressing these matters in advance, you can create a positive experience and lasting memories together.

Choosing the Right Travel Buddies

When embarking on an adventure, finding a compatible travel companion is essential for a successful and enjoyable trip. A crucial consideration is each travel partner’s individual travel style. It’s critical to ensure that your travel preferences align in terms of budget, pace, destination, and interests. Sharing the same priorities can make or break your travel experience together.

Another aspect to contemplate is the gender of your travel partner. Deciding on the basis if you prefer to travel with the same or opposite gender can help you to feel comfortable and secure on your journey. Consider talking openly about your preferences and boundaries, as this will help both of you to create a harmonious environment throughout your trip.

Identifying the perfect travel buddy involves evaluating your personalities, social habits, and communication styles. Open and honest communication between travel partners is vital to express your needs, handle conflicts, and reach compromises. Traveling with someone who shares your adventurous spirit will further enhance your time together. Remember, a considerate and respectful travel companion can make even the most challenging situations more manageable.

In conclusion, to choose the ideal travel partner, evaluate the aspects of travel style, gender, and personalities. Ensuring compatibility in these areas will result in a more enjoyable, relaxing, and rewarding journey. Forge strong connections with your travel buddies, as shared memories can become lifelong friendships. Make informed decisions, and be open to the incredible experiences that await you and your travel companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are numerous websites and platforms where you can find a travel companion online. Some popular options include The Broke Backpacker, Road Affair, and Big Travel Nut. These websites offer tips and resources to connect with potential travel mates who share your interests and travel goals.

Choosing the right travel buddy requires careful consideration. Look for someone with similar interests, travel style, and budget. Communication is key, so ensure you can easily discuss preferences and make compromises. Prioritize safety and trust, as you’ll be spending a significant amount of time together. It’s helpful to go on a short trip or spend time together before committing to a longer journey.

Yes, there are several apps designed to help you connect with fellow travelers. Examples include Travello, Backpackr, and TripTogether. These apps allow you to create profiles, search for travel mates based on preferences, and chat with potential travel mates. Some apps also provide recommendations for activities and destinations based on your interests.

When searching for travel mates, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Stick to well-established platforms such as Couchsurfing, Meetup, and TripTogether. Read user reviews and testimonials to gauge the reliability of the platform. Also, remember to exercise caution when messaging and meeting potential travel buddies, and verify their identities before planning a trip together.

To find a travel partner with similar interests, use platforms that allow you to filter search results based on hobbies, travel style, and destinations. Join online forums and social media groups related to your interests, where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Be open and honest about your preferences and expectations, and communicate these with potential travel mates.

For group trips, platforms such as G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in organizing small-group tours with like-minded travelers. Meetup also offers an array of travel-focused groups where you can join group trips or plan your own with new travel buddies. Additionally, connecting with friends of friends or networking through social media travel groups can lead you to prospective group trip partners.

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• How do I find a travel buddy at JoinMyTrip? You can find a travel buddy by joining trips hosted by passionate travel buddies, whom we call TripLeaders. The trips are carefully handpicked and curated, offering you the best experience you can't find anywhere else. The TripLeaders will be in charge of these trips, from designing the itinerary to leading the way. Furthermore, TripLeaders will accept travelers, whom we call TripMates, on their trips and travel together. So, by joining our trips, you can connect with other amazing travelers from all over the world.
• How does JoinMyTrip verify Travel Buddies? Nothing is more important than your safety when traveling with us! Every TripLeader and every TripMate who wants to join one of our trips has to verify their identity with us. Provide us with your ID or passport and phone number to verify you.
• The more, the merrier. Gain lots of amazing moments as you share them with your travel buddy, a.k.a. TripMates.
• Save money by sharing costs with your travel friends.
• You do not need to spend a lot of time creating an itinerary as it is provided by our TripLeaders.
• As you know, there is safety in numbers. Traveling together with your travel buddies can ensure you this!
• You get to know every travel buddy who will be traveling with you before you go on a trip. You can see the profile of your TripLeader and TripMates beforehand. Besides that, your TripLeader will create a group so you can get closer to your travel buddies.
• How safe is it to find a travel buddy at JoinMyTrip? Your Safety is our top priority. We verify every travel buddy on the platform. A TripLeader has to verify their phone number and identity with us by uploading an ID or passport. We also keep in touch with our TripLeaders before, during, and after the trip. Most importantly, our community protects you. If there is a problem, we will definitely intervene remotely. If you still have any doubts, please get in touch with us !

Explore the World with WanderMate

Use the WanderMate app to find travel mates who want to go on a trip, make travel groups easily with similar interests, read travel blogs, chat with travelers, and explore unfamiliar destinations worldwide.

Welcome at WanderMate

Welcome to WanderMate, your ultimate application for finding a travel companion and planning memorable journeys together. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for companionship or a group seeking new adventure buddies, we’ve got you covered.

The WanderMate app revolutionises how you travel by providing a comprehensive platform that connects you with compatible travel companions, ensuring you never have to explore alone or miss out on incredible experiences.

By using WanderlMate, you’ll not only gain a travel companion but also expand your social circle and forge new friendships from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with diverse individuals, share unique places, and create lifelong memories together on your journeys.

Benefits of WanderMate

Find Travel Companions

Connect with WanderMate users and share your travel interests or experiences. Browse through profiles, read reviews, and chat with potential travel mates to ensure a perfect match.

Enhance Safety and Security

Traveling with a buddy provides an extra layer of safety and security. Share your itinerary, split costs, and have someone to watch your back throughout your journey.

Save Money, Split Expenses

Traveling with a travel mate can be easier on your budget since you get to share the costs of many things like accommodation or hire a car or campervan.

Create Lifelong Memories

Experiencing new destinations with a travel buddy amplifies the joy of discovery. Share laughter, adventure, and create lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

Create your profile

Create a comprehensive profile on WanderMate app by providing accurate details such as travel dates, preferred destinations, group size, age range, specific gender preferences, trip types, and budget.

This will facilitate easy matching with compatible travel mates, ensuring you find the perfect companions for your trips based on your specific preferences and requirements.

Add your trip

With the WanderMate app, you can effortlessly create your trips and patiently await fellow adventurers to join you.

Creating a trip on the WanderMate app opens the door to exciting opportunities, allowing you to connect with similar individuals eager to share the journey and create unforgettable memories together.

Find your interest

Discover a world of enchanting travel experiences with the WanderMate app, where you can connect and explore existing trips created by other travelers.

Take the opportunity to reach out and connect with them, opening the door to a sensational journey together, making every moment an unforgettable adventure.

Share your experience

At WanderMate, we believe that sharing travel experiences, places, and programs with others is essential to creating an energetic and helpful community.

We encourage our members to contribute and inspire fellow travelers by sharing their unique insights, recommendations, and memories. Join WanderMate today and find your ideal travel mate to embark on extraordinary adventures together!

Stay connected

Stay connected and engaged with the WanderMate app by effortlessly sharing your travel experiences through posting photos, writing comments, and providing ratings or reviews.

Plus, with Wander Mate’s built-in calling and texting options, you can conveniently interact directly with fellow travelers, fostering connections and enhancing your journey every step of the way.

About WanderMate

Our mission is to build a medium to connect different people with the same interests who want to travel together. We envision a platform that provides a wonderful opportunity for travelers globally to connect with people of similar interests. Wandermate’s primary aim is to create a travelers community to perform globalization efforts and bring positive changes across international borders.

Meeting new people with similar interests is the best part of traveling, and Wandermate makes it happen. As a traveler, you must desire to connect with like-minded people with whom you can share ideas and travel around. So, we are presenting you with an online solution in the form of Wandermate that connects you with other travelers.

Wandermate is an online mobile application that connects travelers before they hit the road. We have made an effort to connect travelers around the world who want to travel in groups. It’s an incredible opportunity for travelers of similar interests to connect and make their journey exciting. The platform allows you to search by destination, helping you quickly narrow pertinent matches.

Wandermate is an online app connecting travelers through Android or IOS mobile phones. Users registered on the platform upload their interests, hobbies, travel plans, etc. Based on their profile, they will be matched with other individuals with the same interests. Users will be provided with a dashboard to manage their accounts, newsroom notifications, promotions, and chatroom tabs.

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Our WanderMaters said

“I have used several travel mate apps, but WanderMate stands out. This app found me the most compatible travel partner who exactly my interests and travel style. We had an incredible trip together, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience!”

– Peter –

“WanderMate made solo travel so much more enjoyable for me. I connected with like-minded travelers in the destinations I visited, and we explored together, creating unforgettable memories. The app’s features, such as real-time chat and location sharing, made it easy to coordinate plans and stay connected throughout the trip.”

– Nathalie –

“I highly recommend WanderMate to anyone looking for a travel companion. The app’s verification process ensured that I connected with trustworthy and reliable individuals, making me feel safe and secure during my travels. It’s a fantastic platform to meet new people, share adventures, and create lifelong friendships.”

– Azad –

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You’ll Know You’ve Found Your Ideal Travel Companion if They Have These 4 Qualities

It's key to pinpoint the qualities of an ideal travel companion because the same aspects of travel that make it worthwhile and memorable—unexpected adventures and misadventures, exposure to different cultures and people, and extended time with friends and loved ones—can also lead to friction and tension in the wrong company. Knowing your travel soul mate, though, can make the experience fun and memorable.

• Alexandra Cromer, LPC , outpatient therapist at Thriveworks
• Oneika Raymond
• Sahara Rose De Vore

Why a lot of your friends might not be the ideal travel companion

Finding someone you enjoy traveling with is much like dating because it's all about compatibility, says counselor Alexandra Cromer, LPC. But, your ideal travel companion doesn't need to be someone you're close with in your daily life. In fact, many friendships won't lend themselves to travel companionship.

Taking a trip with an ill-matched travel buddy opens you up to the risk of shifting your own expectations to accommodate theirs, which can detract from your own experience.

Think about it: Going on a vacation stands to bring up all sorts of scenarios that aren't present during, say, a lunch date or a catch-up phone call. So even if you get along great with a friend in day-to-day life, it may not translate well to a trip. Having  sustained contact with a travel companion for the duration of your trip exposes you to more of their habits and foibles, which creates more opportunity for disagreements. And taking a trip with an ill-matched travel buddy opens you up to the risk of shifting your own expectations to accommodate theirs, which can detract from your own experience.

For example, you may not have an issue with a friend who is not great at adjusting to unexpected circumstances at home (you may not even know this about them!). But this quality could stir up problems when dealing with all the curveballs traveling, in particular, throws. "It might be convenient to travel with your best friend," says Cromer. "But the reality is that some people [are just incompatible]." she says.

What to look for in a could-be travel buddy

It may sound counterintuitive, but Cromer says people with whom you aren't close, in particular, can be a great travel companions. You can evaluate this person without extra pressures and expectations you might place on a close friend, and also, someone with whom you're not that close may be better able to communicate directly about what they want you and also respect your boundaries.

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So where do you find these people, if not in your immediate friend group? Cromer suggests looking at social media to see if any acquaintances seem to enjoy traveling and doing the same things you like to do, and also turning to local interest groups.

For example, Cromer says some of her clients in Richmond, Virginia, who met through a walking group have started taking local day trips to Washington, D.C. to explore their shared interest of checking out new coffee shops. Tapping your community beyond your immediate friend group can surface people who have the same interests you do, which could help uncover your ideal travel buddy.

You don't need to share the same habits or have identical interests, but rather mutual grounding principles and general outlooks will help ensure everyone has a great time. Read on for four qualities of an ideal travel companion.

4 qualities of an ideal travel companion

1. they’re flexible and willing to compromise.

Flexibility is a key quality for a good travel buddy. Someone who can rebound from setbacks—like bad weather leading to a canceled activity—and adjust to unexpected circumstances will make the headaches that come with traveling easier to navigate.

“If you are traveling with someone who is flexible, that supersedes whether or not they're a planner or whether or not they like to sleep in because that means they’re going to be respectful of your needs and your goals on this trip,” Oneika Raymond , a TV host and travel content creator, says.

Raymond says she and her husband, who is her ideal travel companion, have different travel styles (he's a planner while she likes to go with the flow; she sleeps in and he's an early riser), but they've successfully traveled to more than 80 countries together by adjusting to each other's habits and making sure each of them has something to look forward to on the itinerary.

2. You agree on the financials

Your ideal travel companion doesn’t have to have the exact same financial situation or budget as you do, but they will have a clear understanding of their individual financial expectations for the trip. To make sure nobody is chasing down payments or footing the bill unexpectedly, have an “open and honest dialogue” about all financial aspects of the trip in the planning stages.

Someone who is upfront about what they can and can't do financially and wants to figure out these details in advance to prevent drama and chaos on the trip itself is worth holding onto as a travel companion. Before you travel with someone, especially someone you may not know well, confirm that you're aligned on the financial details and expectations of the trip.

Get into the details beyond how flights, activities, and accommodations will be paid for; Raymond suggests talking through different scenarios that might pop up, like how bills will be split while dining out, what will happen if someone spends more money during an excursion or during a meal, and how to proceed if someone’s credit card doesn’t work. Use their answers to evaluate if this travel pairing will work.

3. They have the same goals for the trip as you

Another sign you've found an ideal travel companion is that you want the same thing out of your trip. It’s going to be tough for everyone on a trip to get what they want out of it if their goals diverge wildly. Someone who wants to spend all their time in a city center, exploring museums and shops, may not be satisfied with the ideal itinerary of someone who wants to do every rustic outdoor activity and never spend time in the city. A traveler who is set on going out every night and hitting every club may not gel with someone who would rather do anything but.

Some introspection beforehand can shed light on this. Sahara Rose De Vore , founder of the Travel Coach Network, helps clients maximize their trips by encouraging them to pinpoint what they want to gain from the experience. “Everyone’s personality and different quirks and expectations come [on the trip], but if they share a common ground, they’re going to be able to make the trip work together as partners,” she says.

Some of the questions De Vore asks to gauge whether folks have similar goals include include how the person wants to feel after the trip, what the trip means to them, and how they want it to affect their relationship. “It’s really identifying what you are looking to get out of it," she says. "Do you want to enrich [the relationship], build your bond, understand each other, create lifelong memories, or all of the above?” Being on the same page as your travel partner about the overall goals will help smooth over bumps and is a good indication you'll get along.

4. They’re independent

Factoring in some alone time to decompress and recharge is key, and an ideal travel companion understands and respects that. “Traveling with someone doesn’t mean that you have to do everything in lockstep, because that’s a really unhealthy way to travel, and it’s going to cause friction at some point” Raymond says. Someone who can be happy and confident entertaining themselves and spending time alone also helps ensure everyone on the trip is reaching their goals.

A great travel partner won’t mind if you leave them alone for a bit, or if you change your mind about an activity. At the same time, they won't muscle you into only doing what they want to do. "'My way or the highway' is a trip killer,” Raymond adds.

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Best travel apps in 2021

Beat the traffic, avoid flight delays and find a place to stay on your next trip

The best travel apps are the ones that take all the stress out of a trip, freeing you up to enjoy the journey. And fortunately, you've got a lot of choices when it comes to finding apps that can help you plan your next getaway. 

You'll find everything from trip planners and itinerary generators to online marketplaces for flights and hotels in both the Play Store and Apple's store for apps. Combine one of the best travel apps with some great travel tech , and your chances for a smooth trip will increase dramatically.

• These are the best Android apps overall
• Get better trip photos with the best Android camera apps

Not sure where to look first? We've found a list of the best travel apps for when you're ready to hit the road again after sticking close to home for more than a year.

1. MyTSA (Free: Android; iOS)

Before you hit the road, make sure you've got MyTSA on your smartphone. The official app of the Transportation Security Administration isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it will let you check wait times at security checkpoints at major airpots. And that can help you plan on how much travel time you need to allow.

The app includes historical wait-time data while also giving you the option of checking crowd-sourced reports of how long security lines are at that moment. The ability to search what you can bring on a plane, get live assistance and find out info on the TSA PreCheck program make this a good app for travelers to keep handy on their smartphone.

Download MyTSA: Android , iOS

2. Expedia (Android, iOS: Free)

If you're a frequent traveller, you need a good all-in-one travel app, and Expedia is a tried-and-true option. You can book every aspect of your trip through Expedia, including hotels, flights and rental cars. The app also lets you bundle deals on travel and lodging, look for cruises, and research things to do when you arrive at your destination. 

If you're looking to stretch your travel budget even farther, Expedia promises exclusive deals for mobile users, with members of Expedia's rewards program enjoying additional perks. 

Download Expedia: Android , iOS

3. Flighty (iOS: Free)

There are flight trackers, and then there's Flighty, an iOS app for people who really want to know the location and arrival time of their plane. The free version of the app gives you basic flight-tracking tools, but pay up for a subscription ($8.99 a month or $49.99 per year), and you get access to more sophisticated features such as push notifications, syncing with TripIt or with calendars, and an assistant to help with your flight connections. 

Flighty also claims to be able to predict flight delays by monitoring inbound planes for 25 hours and monitoring FAA-mandated delays. You can check out the portions of the paid app for free during a 14-day trial.

Download Flighty: iOS

4. Hopper (Android, iOS: Free)

Another app bringing big data and predictive algorithms to the world of air travel is Hopper It uses a massive database of airline prices and historical trends to predict when prices to a destination are likely to be lowest, when they're likely to change, and the best time to buy a ticket for a particular date and destination. 

You can watch flights on specific dates or destinations, and the app will advise you whether it's worth it to buy now or to wait, tell you the dates when it's likely cheapest to fly, estimate changes in price, and notify you of price drops or rises. You can also save your payment details within the app for quick booking.

Download Hopper: Android , iOS

5. iExit (Android, iOS: Free)

If your travel plans involve a lot of driving, iExit works as a handy freeway exit guide, listing nearby highway exits, as well as the kind of businesses and amenities there are nearby. Need to gas up or find some good food or a place to stay for the night? iExit’s search tools come to the rescue, showing you nearby gas stations (with price data powered by GasBuddy), motels, and even deals and discounts from nearby businesses.

Download iExit: Android , iOS

6. Waze (Android; iOS)

Nothing gets a vacation off on the wrong foot like getting stuck in traffic. Waze can't eliminate the traffic, but it can help you get around any jams, especially if you're in an unfamiliar city. 

The navigation app feeds your smartphone real-time traffic information, based on reports from other Waze users. That data includes accidents, speed traps and other hazards that might keep you from getting to your destination in a timely fashion. 

Other features sure to impress travelers include automatic rerouting, cheap gas alerts and the ability to send your ETA to anyone waiting at your final stop.

Download Waze: Android , iOS

7. Skiplagged (Android, iOS: Free)

If you're traveling light and looking to save a few bucks, check out Skiplagged. It's a neat app that can keep your travel costs down by taking advantage of "hidden city flights", where flyers get off at a layover, instead of at the final destination. 

Enter your origin and destination, and Skiplagged will show you the cost of a direct flight, as well as any cheaper "hidden city" flights that have your intended destination as a layover. The caveat? Stick to carry-on luggage, as any checked-in bags will go all the way to the flight's final destination. 

Skiplagged also allows you to book hotels, including last-minute deals and special offers.

Download Skiplagged: Android , iOS

8. Flio (Android, iOS: Free)

Flio aims to be the all-in-one companion app for harried travelers making their way through airports worldwide. An official partner of 300 airports, Flio also has info on thousands more. That lets the app feature terminal maps, a boarding pass scanner, a flight tracker and directions to shuttle buses and booking options for everything from parking to lounge access. 

The app's sheer variety of services and features make it a great addition to the app toolkit of frequent fliers and vacationers alike.

Download Flio: Android , iOS

9. AtYourGate (Android, iOS: Free)

AtYourGate is another helpful airport companion that focuses more about retail opportunities while you're killing time waiting at the airport. If you need food, supplies (like say a phone charger to replace the one you forgot to pack), or last-minute gifts, you can browse the AtYourGate app for nearby shops and restaurants instead of having to wander around the airport. 

AtYourGate users can order food or other items, pay through the app, and even arrange for the item to be delivered to them right at their gate, lounge, or other location. AtYourGate currently operates in a select number of major airports, including JFK, La Guardia, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Portland, San Diego, and Newark.

Download AtYourGate: Android , iOS

10. Mobile Passport (Android, iOS: Free)

Mobile Passport is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection-approved app that helps speed you through lengthy immigration lines. It allows anyone with U.S. or Canadian passports to submit their passport control and customs declarations through the app, replacing paper forms and providing faster processing in a number of major US airports where the Mobile Passport service is supported. 

The app will save you a good amount of time in line, but it’s no reason to leave your physical passport at home. Mobile Passport is a companion app, not a replacement.

Download Mobile Passport: Android , iOS

11. TripIt (Android, iOS: Free)

TripIt promises to cut back on the travel hassle by consolidating your travel plans into a simple, convenient itinerary. Viewable online and synced to your cell phone, you can also share itineraries with your contacts. 

You just link your email account to TripIt, and the service will automatically dig through your inbox for reservation confirmations and other forms. Using that data, TripIt builds an organized itinerary of your flight boarding times, hotel check-ins and more. While TripIt is a free download, a $48.99 annual subscription gets you features like real-time flight alerts and updates on how long airport lines are.

Download TripIt: Android , iOS

12. App In The Air (Android, iOS: Free)

App In The Air is designed to help you through the entire process of your airplane flight, serving as a booking assistant that reminds you of your gate, ETA, check-in requirements, baggage tips, and more. 

The app condenses all of this important information so that it's easy to refer to at a glance, while also providing handy extras. You can view a summary of your airline's baggage rules (or even have an augmented reality overlay that you can use to measure your baggage to see if it will fit for carry-on or overhead guidelines). 

Travelers can integrate the app with TripIt, track loyalty rewards, view airplane amenities and even forward their details to their Apple Watch or Android Wear device. A premium subscription ($29.99 per year) includes real-time flight status updates, automated check-ins, and more.

Download App In The Air: Android , iOS

13. GasBuddy (Android, iOS: Free)

If road trips are more your thing, consider GasBuddy, a mobile app that helps users track down the cheapest gas in their region. Users can tap into their GPS location through their phone, or search by address or zip code to find the nearby gas prices.

As many of the prices are based on user reports, GasBuddy rewards users with points for reporting and updating a station's prices, with points making you eligible for regular raffles of prizes like free gas.

Download GasBuddy: Android , iOS

14. Roadtrippers (Android, iOS: Free)

Another handy travel companion when you hit the road is the aptly named Roadtrippers, a trip planning and itinerary app that lets you plot your next road trip, and helps you discover destinations, attractions, and useful stops along the way. 

With Roadtrippers, you can share your route and schedule with friends and family. The app helps users find everything from diners and dives to hotels, restaurants, national parks, roadside attractions and other scenic points of interest. 

If doing that research on a small phone screen stresses you out, you can plan trips in the Roadtrippers web portal if you prefer, saving locations and stops into a trip plan which you can sync across multiple devices for easy reference.

Download Roadtrippers: Android , iOS

15. PackPoint (Android, iOS: Free)

PackPoint is a travel packing wizard that provides a checklist of travel essentials that you'll need to pack, depending on the nature of your trip. 

Simply create a trip profile with your destination, length of stay and purpose of travel. PackPoint then creates a customized packing and luggage checklist that takes into account whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the type and amount of clothing to pack based on the weather forecast and other factors. 

The app also comes with a variety of premium features, such as TripIt integration for automatic packing list creation.

Download PackPoint: Android , iOS

16. TripAdvisor (Android, iOS: Free)

TripAdvisor is your crowd-sourced guide to hotels, restaurants and attractions worldwide. The app allows you to browse through plenty of reviews, images and videos featuring various establishments worldwide to get a better idea of what awaits you at your destination. 

You can also access contact details; search for nearby establishments; explore restaurants by food type, price range or rating; check out air fares; and even add to the knowledge base by posting your own reviews, images and entries for the places you visit. There are even some handy "Near Me Now" features to alert you of nearby points of interest once you're on the scene.

Download TripAdvisor: Android , iOS

17. Airbnb (Android, iOS: Free)

Airbnb is a marketplace app that allows users to search for and find unique accommodations across the world, from mom-and-pop B&Bs for a night, to a small apartment for a week, or even a castle for a month. There's no shortage of quirky and unique establishments. Airbnb covers a range of prices in more than 34,000 cities across almost 200 countries, which means the adventurous or flexible traveler has some interesting choices for accommodations on their next trip.

Download Airbnb: Android , iOS

18. Vrbo (Android, iOS: Free)

Vrbo's mobile app is another option for finding places to stay on your next trip. At Vrbo, the emphasis is on vacation rentals, and with 2 million unique places to stay in 190-plus countries, you've got plenty of options. 

Use the Vrbo app to search for vacation homes, plan your trip and book your lodging. The app also gives you access to key booking details — what is the Wi-Fi password at your rental property, anyway? — and lets you share your itinerary with friends and family.

Download Vrbo: Android , iOS

19. Hotel Tonight (Android, iOS: Free)

If you unexpectedly need to look for last minute hotel rooms, check out  HotelTonight. It offers last-minute discounts on vacancies and same-night accommodations from top-rated hotels. Users can search by category and quality such as Basic, Hip or Luxe; view information on nearby hotels; and quickly book accommodations from within the app.

Download HotelTonight: Android , iOS

20. GlobeTips (iOS: Free)

How much should you tip? GlobeTips is a handy app that can tell you how much gratuity is customary wherever you are in the world. In addition to global tipping guides, GlobeTips includes a calculator for automatically calculating the tip, splitting the bill, and handling sales tax.

Download GlobeTips: iOS

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Choosing the Best Travel Companion: Solo, Couple or Group?

Among the many topics of conversation that backpackers have on the road, this is by far one of the most interestingly debated. What’s the secret to choosing the best travel companion? Traveling by yourself, traveling with your partner or traveling with friends? Each brings their own advantages and flaws to the discussion, but ultimately it comes down to what you want to get out of your trip, and a lot of personal preference. We take a look at some of the highlights and lowlights for each, and let you be the judge.

Traveling Solo

If you’ve recently read Christine’s take on traveling solo you’ll know that when you travel alone you’re never really alone if you don’t want to be. I mean, if you want, you can definitely find your own space, but there are so many people backpacking solo that you’re always bound to make new friends. One of the best things about hitting the road on your own is that you’re open to the possibility of chance and opportunity. You choose your own destiny and you take the path that you want to explore.

“When you travel alone you can do what you want, when you want”

I know this sounds selfish, but when you travel alone you can do what you want, when you want and how you want to do it. It’s a very liberating feeling to be in a foreign place, where nobody knows you and you can just be who you want to be. That being said, traveling alone can also get lonely when you’re in a foreign place, feeling homesick or unwell, and there’s no one that just gets you . You know the times when you can just pop over and visit a friend, spill out all your problems, and they can make you feel better in a second? This can be hard to come by on the road alone.

Traveling As a Couple

So you’ve got a partner, and you don’t have the liberty of just packing your bags and hitting the open road alone for a few months solo. Not to worry, traveling with your significant other has a number of awesome perks that traveling alone doesn’t. For one, wouldn’t it be nice to share all those amazing traveling experiences and memories with someone you also want to share you life with? Traveling alone and meeting person after person, making friends for only a couple of days, and then having to do it all over again, can be very tiresome.

“They put up with you at home, so hopefully they can also while traveling”

The beauty of traveling with your partner is that you’ll always have a solid constant companion with you. And they put up with you at home, so hopefully they can also while traveling. And hey, you’ll still meet people. You’ll also start to meet other couples, which you might not have had the opportunity to do when traveling alone. The only negative is that if you guys find out you’re not super compatible travel partners, you could find yourselves fighting over more things than usual. No relationship needs these extras stresses!

Traveling with a Group Friends

Last but not least, traveling with a group of mates. This category can really go either way. On the one hand they’re your best mates, you’ve got heaps in common and they’d be ripper traveling companions. On the other hand, you’ve never lived in such testing conditions for an extended period of time and slowly you notice things about them that you previously hadn’t. Back home they would be the first person you’d call for a night out, but that doesn’t always mean they’d make compatible traveling buddies.

“Slowly you start to notice things about them that you previously hadn’t”

Luckily I haven’t had any negative experiences like this, but I’ve definitely heard my fair share of broken friendship stories over the years. When picking friends to go traveling with choose the ones that have similar interests as you. If you’re all about experiencing the culture, meeting the locals and having an authentic trip, don’t invite that friend who just wants to rage every night and hang out in the crowded hostels. And vise-versa. There’s nothing wrong with a trip to blow off some steam, so don’t choose the shy friend who wants to keep to themselves and just do their own thing.

Final decision

Too hard to split (although I probably should say traveling with a partner or I might find myself alone again next trip). I know that’s not very helpful as a conclusive thought, but it really comes down to your personal preference and what you want to get out of your travels. I think the easiest way to decide is to try all three! Having experienced all three types of travel I would definitely say that each has its own pros and cons, and I’m glad I could sample a little of each. Variety is the spice of life, so mix it up and see what works best for you!

How have you gone about choosing the best travel companion? What worked for you?  Drop us a comment or message us on Facebook  and Twitt er !

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18 thoughts on “choosing the best travel companion: solo, couple or group”.

I normally travel by myself, but this summer I travelled with a partner on a road trip. Initially I thought the main benefit would be one of practical convenience, but it soon brought great emotional benefit too, as the experience made our relationship even stronger. I wrote about the benefits of both solo and companion travel here:

(I’ve shared a link to this piece at the bottom)

Traveling with a companion is definitely an emotional benefit. Its really nice to have someone for comfort when things go wrong and just to share experiences with!

I quite enjoy traveling solo, its such a good way to meet people. In saying that I like traveling with someone as well, its great for those times when you can’t decide what to do or where to go… given that the person is a good travel companion.

Yea, traveling with someone is useful if you’re indecisive like myself! But traveling solo is great because you don’t have anyone to persuade you, you can do exactly what you want!

Im a Solo traveler and I love the freefom it gives and meeting amazing people on the way 🙂

Yeah that freedom to just float around at your own pace is pretty awesome. Have you ever traveled with friends along the way?

There is a saying that you never really know a person until you travel with them and it’s true. As you said you discover things about them that only travels can show you. It’s a great way to sort out friends and find out once and for all if your girl/boy friend is there to stay or not.

Couldn’t agree more with that saying! Can be dangerous traveling with a partner for that very reason haha. But like you said, at least you’ll find out quickly if you want to stay with them. Fair to say Christine and I are gonna be together for a while 🙂

great review of travel options! In my experience, all ways of travel are great, it just depends on your mood and the trip! 😉

Absolutely! Certain trips call for different companions. Glad you enjoyed 🙂

I think it really depends on the destination and the type of journey you want to do. All ways of travel are great. That said, my favourite is as a couple, even though it potentiates the little fights for small stuff!

Thats true, the destination does affect how you might want to travel. We enjoy traveling as a couple too 🙂

Have you missed out travelling with family or does that fit into the group category. I guess they all have the good and bad points but I guess if you are more aligned with what everyone wants out of the trip then plenty of fun can be had by all 🙂

Very good point, Bianca! Having your goals for the trip aligned with the rest of your group should make for smooth sailing!

Ive been traveling solo for the last 1 1/2 year and I absolutely love it, I have found only positive things while traveling solo, especially because I love having “me” times and spontaneous days without needing to discuss what others want to do. But it has happened often when Im visiting a place I really like that I want my boyfriend to be there with me. Hopefully in the future I can start traveling with my partner and eventually with my own family, but that doesn’t mean that Im not traveling solo again, because if one thing has helped my relationship grow is our independence and time apart from each other dedicated to grow individually.

Very well put Alejandra! Jules and I traveled solo but that was before we where in a relationship. We haven’t really done it since but try to have “solo” days where we explore on our own. Its refreshing, gives us a little space from each other, and reminds us that traveling solo has its perks! I hope you can travel with your partner as well someday, though, its very fun!

It would be interesting if more people who considered marriage would travel on the road together beforehand, and I mean by backpacking! Unusual and unforeseen circumstances and situations can shed light into a person’s personality, you or they may react or respond in a manner neither one of you would have anticipated. Backpacking and sharing accommodation with others is likely to reveal personal characteristics with an emphasis, for better or worse. I have just recently met a young woman who would like to be a traveling companion, but she brings so little to the table, while at the same time exaggerating her delicacy; and at the same time she can toss out undermining remarks. I believe it is called, “hostile dependency.” Basically, she is looking for someone to look after her, and she is selfish and a bit hostile in her manner. No one I want as a traveling companion, even for a short while; because her intention would be to wear away at my self esteem, while building up her own.

Hey Dirk, sounds like perhaps this is the sort of girl you’d want to be with on the road… or back home. But, if you want to test it out, take her traveling with you. You’ll certainly learn quick enough 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

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Never Travel Alone, Explore the World Together!

TripGiraffe is the place to go if you are in a need of finding a travel companion.

Sometimes you find yourself in a situation that you want to go on a tour but have no one to go with. Your friends are either busy, or they are just not as adventurous as you are. At TripGiraffe you can find a travel companion who will accompany you on your journeys. Whether you are going to explore the wilderness or are planning a beach holiday, you will find like-minded travelers who will be happy to join you on your trip.

Traveling is full of experiences and funny moments so be sure to share those memorable moments with someone! Invite people to your trip or join an existing one and go explore together.

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Travel companions and their plans.

Uk (Scotland/England) and Europe

I have already visited some of these places but it would be…

Looking for: Female

Type of journey: City break

Split costs: Yes

Budget: $1000 - $1500

Malaysia + sri lanka

Not planned yet - Start in Sri lanka, then fly to malaysia.

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Type of journey: Backpacking, Beach

Split costs: No

Budget: $500 - $1000

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the more the merrier

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Open to ideas, just looking to relax

Type of journey: Beach

Budget: $2000 +

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Ready for an adventure? Your backpack is packed and tickets bought? Now is the time to find yourself a travel companion!

TripGiraffe is a platform full of passionate travelers just like you. Finding the perfect travel buddy for your journey is very important. Traveling with someone who doesn't share the same interests as you can ruin the whole tour. Therefore, choose your travel companion carefully!

There are thousands of like-minded people who share a passion for traveling so you should not have any problems finding someone for your adventure no matter where you are planning to go. Send people you like a message or invite them to your trip and start planning together. We make connecting travelers fast and simple!

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You want to travel. Maybe you already know where, but you have no one to go with? Join today, meet people and experience adventures together! The best way to find a travel companion is by creating a trip. TripGiraffe makes it easy to create a detailed description of your trip so travelers who browse your trip can see how much you are willing to spend, what are the most important things you want to see and other information.

If you don’t have any specific plans yet and just want to travel, you can always browse other traveler’s tours and join the ones you like. People from more than 100 countries are going to more than 70 different destinations each year so you will have a lot to choose from.

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Travel Companions for Seniors – How to Find the Best Travel Partner for You

Many women over 60 love to travel, but don’t want to travel alone. If you’re looking for alternatives to traveling solo, perhaps you would do well to find a good travel partner.

Traveling can be a bit of a stress-test for a friendship – being in new surroundings with a different schedule, different food, and even different customs and languages can present challenges to your friendship if you’re not prepared. Some otherwise wonderful friends are not always the most ideal travel companions.

Before you embark on a long journey, it’s best to think ahead and talk in advance to make sure you and your travel partner are well suited to travel together.

Here are a few tips for how to communicate and plan to find the perfect travel partner:

Discuss Your Goals for the Trip

What do you most want to experience on this trip? Are you hoping for a relaxing visit to the beach, or a bustling sightseeing tour with an action-packed itinerary? Do you want to spend time alone, or stay together most of the time? Do you want to meet new people, or get to know each other better? Do you want to experience serenity or stimulation – do you want to retreat from civilization, or get caught up in the excitement of an urban center?

It’s best to have a sense of what kind of vacation experience you want to get, prior to embarking on the journey. Talk with your travel partner about your hopes and expectations. Even if you don’t agree on absolutely every aspect of the trip, make sure you have enough common ground and can support each other in finding your ideal vacation experiences along the way.

Choose a Good “Roommate”

It’s wonderful to have a travel partner to share the adventure with – but make sure you are compatible. Is your travel partner easy to get along with in close quarters, or do they have a lot of particular needs that make it difficult to share space together? Do you enjoy each other’s company? Can you have fun talking to each other for hours – and more importantly, perhaps, can you enjoy the silence together and share space without constantly having to entertain each other?

Talk About Your Budget

Traveling with a friend is a great way to save money on accommodation and meal expenses, but make sure that you both have the same idea of what you want this vacation to cost.

Will you be splitting the costs of the trip (hotels, restaurant meals, tours, etc.) or each paying your own way separately? Does one of you have more expensive needs than the other – will you both be happy in a no-frills hotel, or do you need a more deluxe set of accommodations?

Talking about these issues in advance can avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings once you are on vacation.

Take a Short Trip Together First

It’s often best to take a test run with your new travel partner, to make sure you can be a good team on the road. Before you book a round-trip ticket to the far side of the world, consider taking a short weekend trip to stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.

Choosing the right travel partner can make your vacations even more enjoyable and often affordable. Just make sure to discuss some expectations upfront to make sure you both can get the vacation experience you were hoping for – without any misunderstandings or disappointments along the way.

Have you ever traveled with a friend? What did you learn from the experience that you can share with the rest of the community? Do you have any other senior travel tips to share? Please join the conversation.

Learn more about traveling and exploring new cultures. Watch my interview with the fabulous and inspirational Evelyn Hannon.

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I am looking for a female travel buddy for Europe.

I am looking for someone who want to travel china or japan

Tags Travel Tips and Plans

Margaret Manning

Margaret Manning is the founder of Sixty and Me. She is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Margaret is passionate about building dynamic and engaged communities that improve lives and change perceptions. Margaret can be contacted at [email protected]

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How to be a good travel companion: everything you need to know

14 January 2017 by Jo

Hi Frugalistas! When reader CW contacted me suggesting a post on how to be a good travel companion, I knew it was a post that needed to be written.  I also knew it was a post that I knew I needed some help with.  Regular readers will know most of my travelling is solo, or with my family.  When we travel as a family I do most of the organisation and planning, so I don’t really feel that I really get to experience and develop my skills in how to be a good travel companion.  So, I did what anyone would do – I asked a friend.  My travel blogger colleagues are back and this time they are sharing their best ideas on how to be a good travelling companion:

How to be a good travel companion:  pick the person you can’t imagine travelling without

Claudia from  My Adventures Across the World  says there’s nothing better than travelling with her sister, and always has her best experiences when they travel together:

In a world where it is glamorous to profess oneself as a “solo traveler,” I admit that, for as much as I enjoy exploring the world by myself, I feel as my trips are not complete unless my sister is with me. She’s by far my favorite travel companion. Our first big trip together was in 2011, when we went on a road trip to Mexico. We had such a good time, that since then we have a “ritual” of taking at least a trip together each year. What I love about traveling with her is that we know each other so well that we hardly need to talk to communicate – a look is generally enough to understand. And we have very similar tastes and interests, so there’s no real need to compromise. One thing we love doing on each trip, is zip lining. We even did it last March, when we were visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Needless to say, we had a blast.

Claudia and her sister ziplining in Angkor Wat and not saying a word to each other…….

How to be a good travel companion:  choose a companion who travels your way

I love this advice from Katherine of Tara Lets Anywhere .  Just because you are friends with someone doesn’t mean you can travel successfully together.  The best travel companions are those who want to travel your way, not necessarily those you know the best:

I often travel with a group of strangers. The reason is, here in the Philippines, renting a boat for island hopping is expensive when shouldered alone. One thing that I learned on my travels is it’s important to find a companion that travels the same way that you do. Everything else then falls into place.

For instance, I’m a budget backpacker who prefers nature trips. I’ve had experience traveling with other people who prefer city tours instead of exploring the nature and who want to be babysat during trekking in the mountains. I had traveled with “backpackers” who spent most of their times taking photos for Facebook and drinking, limiting our time for exploration. Once I’d stuck to my tribe, I didn’t have any problems about being “a good companion” because we’re naturally on the same page, and rapport — even friendship — just happens.

Katherine finding her tribe – and loving it

How to be a good travel companion:  what to look for

Barbara from Jet-Settera  knows exactly what to look for in choosing the wrong travel companion, and also exactly who she is looking to travel with:

One of the best traveling companions I ever had was a Korean classmate of mine from university. She was quiet and pleasant most of the time. She was well prepared about the destination. She reserved the hotels in advance. She was smart. She always knew her way around the city and she could guide me around without a map. At the same time she was flexible, drama-free, easy going and kind. I think it is important to travel with someone who equally contributes into making the trip a success. Somebody, who is not just looking for a tour guide but also takes part in the trip planning and also well-prepared about the destination and an experienced traveler. Some people especially women can be high-maintenance, dramatic and they often over pack. I knew a girl, who showed up in Paris with a giant luggage and 4 inch heels and she was waiting for guys to carry her luggage around the town. She did not want to take taxis, so she would stand around the metro station and wait for guys to help her carry down her massive luggage. These are the kind of people I would prefer not go on a trip with.

Barbara and her travel companion – a high heel free zone

How to be a good travel companion:  learn the art of compromise

Jules from the team at Don’t Forget to Move reminds us of one the most basic qualities to have as a travel companion – the ability to compromise, even if it is just your choice of pizza topping:

As a long term traveling couple , the most important quality in a traveling companion is the ability to compromise.  When you travel on your own you have the ability to make your own decisions whenever you want.  However, with a traveling companion or partner there are going to be times when both of you want to do something different.

Compromise and flexibility are essentials skills to have when traveling with someone else.

It might be as simple as choosing which pizza to order, or as complex as sitting down and planning a trip together that accounts for both your interests.  And if you really can’t decide on what to do, it’s not the end of the world if you decide to separate for the day to do your own activity.  You’ll probably find that a bit of personal space for the day will give you a fresh insight into your traveling companion and leave you more invigorated for the next adventure!

Sometimes even your pizza topping is a compromise

How to be a good travel companion:  the best way to avoid arguments

Meg and Mike Jerrard of Mapping Megan and Waking Up Wild realise that not everyone is happy all the time and have some very wise advice on how to avoid an argument with your travel companion:

The biggest thing that can ruin a trip is fighting, and many fights are simply caused by the stresses of travel itself.  A good travel companion will go into every trip with an open mind and realise that most of your best laid plans will probably not go perfectly.  Be ready for that Plan B, and don’t buy into the blame game.

If you are getting angry ask yourself if it’s because you’re tired, hungry or both.

It’s inevitable that one of you will screw up at some point along the way, it’s bound to happen, so focus on dealing with the issue instead of making each other feel bad.

How to be a good travel companion:  let love and respect rule

You won’t agree all the time, but Silke from Happiness and Things knows exactly how to handle those awkward moments:

A road trip in Scotland. We are two middle aged women, travel bloggers. My friend is originally from France but now lives in the UK, I am originally from Germany and now live in Australia. We have known each other for almost 20 years but of course distance is what defines our friendship. Last summer we changed the scenario: 6 days on the road in Scotland, just me and her, spending time together 24/7.

Halfway into our trip, my friend turned around and looked at me – you could see that something was bothering her. “How come we haven’t fought yet? I fight with my other friend all the time when we are in the car together. We can end up pretty cross with each other.” I just looked at her and said: “It’s quite easy. You have your ideas and opinions and I have my ideas and opinions. I listen to what you have to say. You know you are pretty opinionated. But I won’t spend my time and energy on changing your mind on something. It’s just not worth it. We love and respect each other, we have a special bond. But we are different people. And I just leave it at that.” She accepted that, no questions asked, and it works.

Love and respect lead to peace and serenity when you travel

How to be a good travel companion:  honour your own interests

Hannah and Adam from Getting Stamped learned an important lesson – it’s no fun doing things just to please another person, even if the other person is your spouse:

My husband and I have been traveling the world nonstop for the last 3.5 years, that’s right we are together 24/7. Traveling as a couple can be tough and being a good travel companion is a must. We have learned the hard way on a few things, like don’t make the other one do/try something they don’t want to do. For example: I really dislike snorkeling/diving and the thought of wetsuits at all. After 3 failed attempts of diving in some of the best places in the world: Belize,  Bali , and the Maldives. We’ve learned it’s good to each have your own hobbies it gives you time apart and let’s you do what you really want to do. So when he is off diving I am relaxing on the beach.

Adam and Hannah learned that to travel as a couple, they needed to have the chance to enjoy their own interests

How to be a good travel companion:  don’t be afraid to do your own thing

Craig and Gemma from Two Scots Abroad are fans of hobbies, and spent 17 months together without killing each other as a result:

Craig and I travelled together for 17 months without killing each other.  The secret?  Hobbies!  During our career breaks to travel the Americas and Europe, I created our travel blog, Two Scots Abroad and Craig began making electronic music.  This time apart was vital for our sanity and also the challenge of these pastimes stopped our brains from turning to mush.  So whether it’s knitting or writing a novel, take inspiration from the road and make full use of that free time – your marriage and friendships will thank you for it!

Spending time apart = more fun together for Gemma and Craig

How to be a good travel companion:  making two couple travel work

Travelling with your spouse can be stressful enough, but imagine travelling with another couple?  Jim and Corinne of  ReflectionsEnroute have not only got travelling as a couple sorted, but they double the fun, by finding the perfect way to travel with another couple:

The most important characteristic for being a great traveling companion is being able to be on your own sometimes. After traveling to over 25 countries with one couple, Jim and I really value the openness that we have with them.  If either of us don’t want to do something, we just say so, and plan when to meet up later. We’ve had amazing travels all over the world with this couple, and it works because we are not trying to be polite and do something we just don’t want to do.

Jim and Corinne, from ReflectionsEnroute, have found the perfect travelling companions.  They are pictured here visiting their 25th country together, Croatia.

How to be a good travel companion:  take advantage of your differences

Travelling with someone very different to yourself doesn’t have to end in tears as Alex from Lost With Purpose  so beautifully shows us:

Fact: getting along doesn’t mean being compatible in every way. When you’re on the road with someone 24/7 you both need to be adaptable, or risk a foul ending to your trip.

I travel with my boyfriend. He enjoys sleeping in where possible, while I’m a frequent early bird. I used to get irritated while waiting for him to wake up—so much time, wasted!—but then I realized it only made things unpleasant for both of us.

Instead, I adapted. Early mornings are now for sunrise walks, quiet reading, and catching up on my blogging to-do list. The boy gets to sleep in, I get to have some quality time for myself, everyone wins!

Alex making the most of her boyfriend’s sleep in

How to be a good travel companion:  agree how to manage your money

Ah, yes, money.  The cause of so many arguments.  Fortunately Jo from Wander With Jo has got some great suggestions on how to agree on money when you are travelling with a companion:

Have a shared view about money and share great experiences

How to be a good travel companion:  divide up the work

Yes, there is work to be done when you are travelling.  Inma and Jose run A World to Travel , a blog that focuses on unique experiences around the world and they’ve worked out that sharing the responsibilities of organising things works best for them:

Finally, it is important to give the other room to fulfill his expectations and needs along the way. Even if it is catching up his soccer team’s matches on the other side of the world when we should be sleeping or partying!

Share the planning, then have fun together like Inma and Jose

How to be a good travel companion:  prepare to share

Carole from Berkeley and Beyond learned a valuable lesson about sharing, generosity and having a great time with your travel companions:

Besides just plain being considerate, a good traveling companion can share.  I had this delightful experience just recently, during a grueling 9-hour bus ride into the hinterlands of Sichuan Provence in China.  Several of my companions on that trip shared food items they purchased at various stops.  One shared pecans that were cracked and deliciously spiced before purchase.  My goodness they were good.  Another shared some fresh figs, and another shared a loaf of local bread.

Next time, I plan to be the one that buys extra and shares the goods.

Sharing is caring, especially when you are travelling with others

How to be a good travel companion:  work to your strengths

As well as sharing the work, Frank from Roar Loud made the great point about identifying who was good at what and working to your strengths for a successful trip:

I find that my perfect travel companion is one that is strong in the areas where I am weak.  Rather than feeding into each others worries or concerns, I think a partner in travel should strengthen you.  When I struggles to organise, they things under control.  Whey they worry about all the little details, I reassure them that we will be fine.

Together we are much better travelers than we could ever be alone.

This partnership can offer the best travel experience possible, allow for the possibility to be a little more adventurous in your travel.  There have been so many things that I would never have dreamed doing if not for the encouragement of my perfect travel companion.

Together we are much better travelers than we could ever be alone

How to be a good travel companion:  pull your own weight

When you travel with someone else it’s easy to just sit back and let them do all the work.  Laura from Savored Journeys always remembers to be a good contributor to the travel experience:

These days I travel almost solely with my husband. We are currently on a 6-week trip in Spain where we’re spending pretty much every hour of every day together. In that amount of time, or even on a shorter trip, it it’s really important to be mindful of how you’re holding your own weight on the trip. What I mean by that is that if one person is doing all the work to make the plans, keep the schedule, find the directions, do the navigating and attempting to negotiate language barriers, the other person is not carrying their share of the weight. In order to keep the balance, and the peace, while traveling with a companion, you really need to share equal parts of the work associated with travel. That might require you to work out each person’s role before you leave.

Laura and her husband working out who’s doing what – and enjoying the view no doubt

How to be a good travel companion:  stay patient and positive

Lyn and Steve from A Hole In My Shoe remind us all that you have chosen to travel with that person for a reason, so when things get tough, find a way to keep things positive:

For us, travelling with each other is a very rewarding experience.  The way we react and respond to things that happen on the road can have very different outcomes.  Often actions speak far louder than words and can make or break stressful moments.

On a boring train ride, instead of getting niggly, get silly.

Patience and a few deep breathes go a long way if your companion is trying to figure out directions via the GPS.  And rather than tapping your foot disapprovingly if your partner is struggling with the foregin currency, just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Content and happy travellers are the ones who don’t react to negativity and who notice positive acts of love.

Lyn and Steve acting like sensible, mature grown ups on a boring train trip……

How to be a good travel companion:  learn to laugh (because you will need to)

Megan from Bobo and Chichi reminded me that things will definitely go wrong.  And there’s only one thing to do when it happens – remember to laugh……

Everything going right for Megan……

How to be a good travel companion:  don’t be a spoilsport

Sid from Sid the Wanderer knows the best way to have fun while travelling is to be open to new experiences:

Don’t be a spoilsport! When traveling with friends or people you love, sometimes it’s absolutely alright to let go of your own preferences and join others to have some fun together. It will not allow your travel companion to enjoy more, the good karma will also come back to you soon or later. Travel is all about opening up the world around me, and looking at it from the eyes of others only broadens our own perspective, so be open and be even more accommodating. However, this does not mean you have to compromise on your ethics and principles – for example if you are a vegetarian, there is no need to add meat to your plate, but be open to visit a park that your friend wants to go to or a bar he/ she wants to check out.

Sid building good karma

How to be a good travel companion:  don’t forget to talk

Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel  never forget the importance of communication:

After almost 3 years of traveling the world together, we’ve collected a lot of tips for those traveling as a couple. But if there is one piece of advice we always stress it is the importance of communication, before and during your trip. Talking about your plans, your personal wants, and expectations during the planning process is necessary to set expectations and build a great foundation for your holiday together. Discuss what you each want to get out of the trip, share your likes and dislikes when it comes to travel, and try to align on the key do and don’ts.

And don’t let the talking stop when you are on the trip. While you may want to avoid conflict and bottle up any small annoyances that come up along the way, we find it to be much more effective to discuss issues (no matter how small) as they come up.

Talk it through, then get onto the fun!

I think my travel blogger colleagues have come up with some fantastic ways to be a good travel companion.  Remember, being a good travel companion is in YOUR hands.  Also remember the only person whose behaviour and attitude you can control is your OWN.  Be a good travel companion by being the best possible version of yourself that you know.

What are your favorite tips for being a good travel companion?

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Sharing is caring!

15 January 2017 at 2:11 pm

Love these tips, thanks for including us in this!

15 January 2017 at 3:17 pm

Great collaboration Jo. Its good to read the styles other travellers use to work out a successful trip with a companion. A good companion can make or break a trip, but how you react is in your hands. Thanks for including our contribution.

16 January 2017 at 8:59 am

Some fabulous tips here, thankyou for compiling the post Jo! I’ve always said that traveling together has the capacity to either make or break a relationship, whether or not that’s a friendship or a romantic connection. Hopefully through implementing these tips there will be more “make” and less “break”! 🙂

18 January 2017 at 8:08 am

Thank you for the article, so many different points of view! For my upcoming trip, I think that patience and compromise will be the key things that I need to do. And also not to stress out if we get lost or something. On my first overseas trip, I was stressed for the first few days, mostly trying to make sure that the kids had what they needed with them and didn’t fall onto a train line. This time, travelling alone on the planes to and from Paris, and staying with very experienced travellers, hopefully I will be able to relax and enjoy it. I also mean to take on board the living to one’s one body clock and having some time alone, by getting up early for a walk or going out late afternoon whilst my parents are resting. Now that it’s 2017, I can start getting excited! (leaving mid-April). Thank you again for all of the different inputs to the article.

19 January 2017 at 6:15 am

Hi Cathi, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I think your idea of going out and doing your own thing while your parents are resting is a great idea. Have a wonderful trip!

19 January 2017 at 6:24 am

Thanks Meg, I think everyone has been so generous in their advice and come up with some fabulous ideas for staying “connected”

19 January 2017 at 6:27 am

You’re welcome Lyn and thank you for your contribution

19 January 2017 at 6:29 am

You’re welcome Cathy and thanks for such a fab contribution, including the feature photo

19 January 2017 at 9:04 pm

Thanks for including us and there are even some tips in here we could use.

27 January 2017 at 8:21 am

My pleasure Hannah, and yes, I learned a few things too!

27 January 2017 at 11:07 pm

Some great tips. I especially think it’s important to spend time alone, but it’s always difficult to do that without offending your partner (I find!).

28 January 2017 at 12:21 pm

Yes, Jo, I’m not sure that my husband would like being sent off alone either……….but then I often leave him and my daughter home and just do the whole trip by myself!

1 February 2017 at 6:24 am

Great post! I could learn from this 🙂 I always travel alone…Why is that? 😉

17 February 2017 at 2:22 am

So many great tips. Definitely compromise and having the courage to do your own thing (you don’t have to be together 24/7) are tops on my list.

18 February 2017 at 1:25 pm

Thanks very much Lee – yes, people have been very generous with their ideas!

18 February 2017 at 1:34 pm

Ha, ha, I do too Jacomijn – personally I think I’m a bit too bossy to be a good companion….

20 August 2017 at 12:17 am

Great article! I’ve pinned for my followers too, because so many people don’t realize this is critical! Choosing (and being) a good travel companion can make or break a trip. I love traveling solo but since I’m pretty introverted I also realize that having people with me to push me a little is good for me. So finding a companion where we’re on the same page about the basics (pace, types of activities, morning or evening) and willing to go off alone at times is the most important thing for trip harmony, in my experience! Thanks for the post!

26 August 2017 at 1:16 pm

Thanks Jessica – I love your approach to being a good companion

[…] How to be a good travel companion: everything you need to know. – So many great tips. Definitely, compromise and having the courage to do your own thing (you don’t have to be together 24/7) are tops on my list. […]

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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

British airways visa signature® card, delta skymiles® platinum american express card, delta skymiles® reserve american express card, aadvantage® aviator® red world elite mastercard®, miles & more® world elite mastercard®, other cards that might help you.

There’s nothing wrong with traveling solo. But sometimes, adventures are more fun with a co-pilot.

Of course, that usually means double the airfare — unless you have an airline credit card that can help cover the cost for your family member, buddy or significant other.

It’s not an easy benefit to find, but here are some cards that can help you score a companion ticket.

Our pick for: Overall value

The benefit: Companion Fare

How you get it: By spending more than $6,000 on eligible purchases in the previous cardmember anniversary year. (You can also earn the benefit before your first anniversary if you meet the sign-up bonus criteria. See below.). The card’s annual fee is $95 .

Details: The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is a Nerdy favorite, and for good reason. For starters, it offers a generous sign-up bonus: Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

But in addition to that upfront bonus, you'll also qualify for a Companion Fare on your cardmember anniversary date when you make $6,000 in eligible purchases during the prior cardmember year. You must book the flight through alaskaair.com, and you’ll have to redeem within 12 months from the date the Companion Fare is issued. (If you've held the card since before January 2023, the $6,000 spending requirement might not apply. See here for more .)

MORE: Full review of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Our pick for: Big spenders

The benefit: Travel Together Ticket

How you get it: By spending more than $30,000 in purchases in a calendar year. The card’s annual fee is $95 .

Details: You’ll have to be a big spender to snag the British Airways Visa Signature® Card ’s Travel Together Ticket. But with it, you’ll get a seat for a companion on your British Airways flight — regardless of what cabin you’re in — when you book an award flight that originates from and returns to the U.S.

The Travel Together Ticket is valid for two years. But be aware that you’ll owe taxes and fees on it, and that British Airways has notoriously high carrier surcharges .

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card offers a sign-up bonus, phrased this way: Limited time offer! Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

» MORE: Full review of the British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Delta devotees

The benefit: Companion certificate

How you get it: Annually, once you renew your card. Terms apply. The card's annual fee is $350 .

Details: With this card, you’ll score a companion certificate for main cabin domestic, Caribbean or Central American round-trip flights to select destinations each year (less taxes and fees of no more than $80 for domestic flights, and $250 for international flights). Terms apply ( see rates and fees ).

You’ll have to book and complete travel by the date that’s listed on the front of the certificate.

» MORE: Full review of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Our pick for: Flying in luxury

How you get it: Annually, once you renew your card. Terms apply. The card's annual fee is $650 .

Details: Unlike some other companion certificates, the one that comes with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is not limited to coach tickets. It's good for one round-trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American flight (to select destinations) in first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin for your travel companion (minus taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights, or $250 for international flights). However, you and the person using the certificate must be flying in the same fare class. Terms apply ( see rates and fees ).

» MORE: Full review of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Our pick for: Avid American Airlines flyers

The benefit: Companion Certificate

How you get it: Every anniversary year you hold the card, but only after you spend $20,000 on purchases in that year. (You can also earn the benefit before your first anniversary if you meet the introductory bonus criteria. See below.) The card's annual fee is $99 .

Details: This Companion Certificate is good for one round-trip qualifying domestic economy fare ticket for a guest at a cost of $99 plus taxes and fees, which range between $21.60 and $43.20, per the card's terms and conditions.

This card occasionally offers its pass both as an introductory perk, as well as one that you can earn each year after that. The introductory version, when available, is easier to attain because it requires only that you make your first purchase (any amount) in the first 90 days and also pay the $99 annual fee. But the anniversary certificate, in successive years, requires that you put $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card during the card membership year.

The certificate is good for one year from when it's issued. Other restrictions apply.

» MORE: Review of the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: traveling to ireland.

The benefit: Companion ticket

How you get it: Each calendar year that you make purchases of $30,000 on your card. The card's annual fee is $95 .

Details: When you reach the required spending threshold with the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card , you'll receive an economy companion ticket good for 12 months. The ticket is valid for Aer Lingus-operated flights only, but unlike many other companion tickets, you will not pay any taxes or fees on it.

» MORE: Full review of the Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Lufthansa loyalists

How you get it: After your first use of the card for a purchase, and then on your cardmember anniversary each year thereafter. The card's annual fee is $89 .

Details: With the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® , you'll be eligible for an economy-class companion ticket upon your first use of the card and every year following, as long as the account stays open and in good standing. Be aware that you must book by phone, and also that the companion ticket is subject to restrictions, plus taxes and fees . In addition, you may also face a weekend surcharge of around $60 round trip.

» MORE: Full review of the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®

Our pick for: Fans of Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card , along with the airline's other co-branded cards, can give you a head start on earning a coveted Southwest Companion Pass thanks to their sign-up bonuses. Periodically, those bonuses will include access to a Companion Pass. The current offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

All three co-branded Southwest consumer cards offer the same sign-up bonus, but the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee among them, at $69 . Unless it's part of your sign-up bonus, you’ll need 135,000 points total in a calendar year to secure a Companion Pass, which lets you choose one traveler to fly for free with you (minus taxes and fees) each time you purchase or redeem points for a Southwest flight. A Companion Pass is good from the date it’s earned through the next full calendar year.

» MORE: Which Southwest Airlines credit card should I get?

Our pick for: Spirit superfans

The Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® doesn't offer an outright companion pass or ticket, but it does feature a way to snag a discount for your flight buddy, thanks to its Companion Flight Voucher, worth $100. Currently, you can score the voucher as part of the card's introductory sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 Bonus Points + $100 Flight Voucher after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. But you can also earn a $100 Companion Flight Voucher every anniversary of your card ownership after you make at least $5,000 in purchases on the card within the previous year. The guest must be traveling on the same itinerary, and your flights need to be booked at the same time via Spirit.com, using the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® . You have 12 months to use the voucher from the date it's issued.

» MORE: Full review of the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®

Our pick for: Traveling to Spain

The Iberia Visa Signature® Card does not offer a companion pass or companion ticket per se. But for each year you make purchases of $30,000 on your card, you will earn a potentially valuable discount voucher of $1,000 to use toward two tickets on the same flight. There are several restrictions — most notably, you must be purchasing two tickets for the same flight in the same class of travel. But assuming you can meet the terms, that's a sizable discount on a vacation to Spain. The card's annual fee is $95 .

» MORE: Full review of the Iberia Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Traveling to Hawaii

You won't get a companion ticket outright with the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® . But what you will get is a one-time 50% discount off round-trip coach airfare between Hawaii and North America for a companion in the first 13 months that you have the card. And once you hit your first anniversary as a cardholder, you'll also snag a $100 discount on a companion ticket annually, also good for round-trip travel between Hawaii and North America. The card charges a $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $99 after that.

» MORE: Review of the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

Our pick for: Maximum flexibility

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card doesn’t come with a companion pass, but it does come with a $300 annual travel credit and a broad range of categories toward which that credit can be used, including airfare. That can go a long way toward offsetting the cost of a travel companion’s ticket when you book it with your card. Of course, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® also comes with a hefty annual fee of $550 , so keep that mind when considering whether the card is right for you.

» MORE: Full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

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• Smart Living

From Apple AirTags to Pillows, These Are the Travel Accessories Our Editors Swear By

No great vacation is complete without the perfect travel accessories to make sure your journey goes smoothly (well, as smoothly as possible). And luckily, PS editors are constantly searching for the latest and greatest travel products to put to the test, whether on a plane, train, or automobile. As a result, we have recommendations that'll make you want to book your next getaway, stat — from carry-on luggage sets and weekender bags to wireless headphones that'll help you tune out even the loudest passengers.

Our favorite travel accessories prioritize practicality. For example, one of our former editors fell in love with Cadence's leak-proof magnetic containers because they're chic and provide a more organized way to travel with personal-care products. Another that's earned praise far and wide is the Apple AirTag, which conveniently tracks down your luggage when TSA says it's gone MIA. And, of course, there's the famous Béis Weekender bag , which one of our editors attests is worth all the hype it's garnered on social media.

Whether you're anticipating a busy season of travel, are attempting to simplify the hassle of flying with a few new travel gadgets, or simply want to tap into the best of the best in travel gear today, we've rounded up the best travel accessories on the market — according to our team of shopping experts, of course. Keep scrolling to learn about the aforementioned picks, with quotes straight from the editors who love them.

— Additional reporting by Marisa Petrarca

Best Travel Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter ($20, originally $25)

This universal travel adapter has you covered in more than 150 (!) countries. It's super convenient to have if you're a frequent international traveler and want an easy way to simultaneously charge multiple items at once. For more info, read our review of the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter .

Editor Quote : "The adapter itself is fairly compact; it fits in the palm of my hand, so it's really easy to throw in a carry-on bag. It has one standard plug, with the addition of four USB ports and one USBC port. This means that you can charge up to six devices at once, and it actually works. Every night, I could charge my computer, phone, AirPods, and Oura ring without any issue." — India Yaffe, former associate editor, Commerce

Best Luggage Tags

Apple AirTag ($24, originally $29)

Apple AirTags are a must have travel essential if you want to track your checked baggage from afar. It'll instantly connect with your iPhone or iPad to help you track its exact whereabouts in seconds. For more, read our review of the Apple AirTag .

Editor Quote: "I thought these little devices were brilliant. They're tiny; all four fit in the palm of my hand, as shown above. They took about 30 seconds to set up; all you need is your iPhone close by, and they pair automatically." — India Yaffe, former associate editor, Commerce

Best Packing Cubes

Away The Insider Packing Cubes ($45)

If you struggle to keep things organized while you're traveling, consider investing in a set of packing cubes — just like this bundle from Away. Part of the brand's new colorway collection , this packing cube set features four separate, nylon cubes which are compressive and designed to store even the bulkiest of items — from sweaters to socks and more.

Best Travel Tote Bag

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote ($275)

For a large everyday tote bag that you can carry on your daily commute to the office, back and forth between sleepovers, and yes, even on your next flight, you can't go wrong with this MZ Wallace Metro Tote. The cool carry-on fits seamlessly under an airplane seat or in the overhead bin, plus it features 11 interior pockets that'll help keep you organized when you're on the go. Learn more about the bestselling travel tote in our review of the MZ Wallace Metro Tote .

Editor Quote: "Despite its medium-size frame, the tote's carrying capabilities are that of a comically large bag. It's Mary Poppins-esque — so much so that my friends have joked that I look like I'm performing some kind of magic trick every time I rummage through it, since there's seemingly no end to the number of products I can pull out from it. A full-size Hydro Flask? Easy fit. A travel pillow? No problem. A full bag of flight-specific skin-care essentials on top of my other full-size toiletry bag? I'll admit it's extra, but it doesn't feel like it with this MZ Wallace tote." - Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Compression Socks

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks ($28)

Compression socks can help to promote better blood circulation in calves, which is especially important on longer flights where you're often limited on movement and battling intense air pressure changes. These cozy socks from Bombas can help to reduce swelling and ensure you stay comfortable, regardless of where your travels take you. Plus, new customers can enjoy 20 percent off your first Bombas purchase with code POPSUGAR20.

Best Travel Camera

Polaroid Sport Action Camera ($27)

This travel camera is the most affordable sports camera we've come across. You can easily sync it to your phone via an accompanying app to download videos and photos in seconds. Read more about it via our review of the Polaroid Sport Action Camera .

Editor Quote: "I was pleased to find that connecting the camera to my iPhone was super easy. First, I downloaded the Polaroid Wave app, and then selected the WiFi name displayed on the action camera's back screen. From there, my content atomically populated in the app, where I was able to download it and sync it to my camera roll in minutes (maybe seconds, even?)." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

Best Travel Earplugs

Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs ($40, originally $42)

The next time you find yourself on a flight with a screaming baby or disruptive passenger (hey, you're bound to run into a few), just pull out these Eargasm Earplugs to help you tune out any unwanted noise. One PS editor says they're so effective, she even wears them to concerts. Read more about why these earplugs are worth the hype in our review of the Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs .

Editor Quote: "As someone who now has multiple pairs of Eargasm earplugs (one for home, one for travel), allow me to explain why they're worth the price. For one thing, these earplugs are designed to lower sound volume, not muffle it completely, which makes them ideal for concerts and festivals as well as many other situations, like loud workplaces. They're meant to 'filter, rather than block out, sound to a manageable level,' Eargasm says on its website; you want to hear what's going on, just not as loud as it really is." - Maggie Ryan, former assistant editor, Wellness

Best Travel Sleeping Mask

Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask ($50)

This silky eye mask will seriously help to elevate your next flight or roadtrip with its soft composition, light-blocking capabilities, and seamless fit. Unlike other travel eye masks, this version is made from a luxurious silk material that's designed to feel delicate and lightweight against your eyelids. Learn more about why this mask is worth the splurge in our review of the Slip Silk Eye Mask .

Editor Quote : "The silky fabric feels soft to the touch and it is thick enough to stop any light from piercing through. We've both been using ours for a couple weeks now, and have been enjoying uninterrupted sleep. We also have large windows (and no blackout curtains), so on sunny days, our apartment is filled with so much light. This used to instantly wake us up, but not anymore thanks to the sleep mask. It's a simple solution, yet a total game-changer." - Shelcy Joseph, former assistant editor, Fashion

Best Travel Pillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow ($69)

Just the very thought of traveling gives us a stiff neck, but this comfortable travel pillow helps prevent those dreaded kinks. The product's 360-degree ergonomic design ensures total neck support and helps you maintain good spinal posture, so you're not experiencing aches and pains by the end of your journey. Read our full review of the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow .

Editor Quote: "This neck pillow is so easy to pack and not bulky, making it the perfect travel accessory. The product includes a protective bag to store my neck pillow when I am not using it, which is ideal and helps keep it clean. The softness of the neck pillow's outer sleeve is so cozy, and the memory foam makes me feel like I'm laying my head on one of the pillows that I sleep with daily." — Indira Diaz, former social strategy coordinator

Best Affordable Carry-On

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20 Inch Carry-On Luggage ($78)

This hard-side luggage is practically famous at Walmart, with more than 30,000 rave ratings. It's ultra lightweight with multidirectional wheels, multiple packing compartments, and an expansion zipper. Learn more about the product by reading our review of the iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20 Inch Carry-On Luggage .

Editor Quote: "It's as functional as more pricey carry-ons I've tried. When I opened it up, I was surprised to see that the full lining was scarlet red, which gave it a luxe feel. Also, I was quick to spot the large zip mesh compartment and a small one, as well as tie-down straps to keep your clothes in place. Oh, and if you find that it's *very* full (like, to the point where it's difficult to shut), you can utilize its expansion zipper to add two inches of packing space." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce

Best Travel Case For Liquids

Cadence Bestseller Set ($152)

Love staying organized while you travel? You need these Cadence Organizers, if you don't own them already. How it works is you customize each capsule with the name of what you intend to put inside, be it vitamins, cleanser, medication — you name it. They're magnetic, so all of the capsules stick together, plus they're leakproof so you don't have to worry about messes. Check out our review of the Cadence Build Your 6 Bundle .

Editor Quote: "The smart capsule system is obviously cute and eye-catching, but the design has made my life so much easier. Each one is the perfect size to fit all my must-have products that range from cleanser to serum to shampoo and conditioner." — Krista Jones, former editor, Commerce

Best Weekender Bag

Open Story Weekender Bag ($80)

This popular weekender bag has a nearly perfect rating at Target. Shoppers love how it's small enough to fit underneath the seat on most flights and that it can count as a personal item. It features a spacious main compartment, an interior zip compartment, a padded laptop compartment, side slip pockets, and an exterior zip pocket for little things like sunglasses and keys. For more details, check out our review of the Open Story Weekender Bag .

Editor Quote: "If you're in the market for a personal-item carry-on bag that prioritizes organization, this is the bag for you. It has plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep your necessities in specific zones, so you can easily access and see where your things are." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Stylish Carry-On Luggage

Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage ($270, originally $321)

If we had to describe this hardside luggage in a single word, it would be "quality." The stylish carry-on bag features a durable, 100 percent polycarbonate shell and sophisticated faux-leather trim. Some standout details are its multidirectional wheels, TSA-approved combination lock, and braking system. Plus, it comes in a handful of different colors. Read our review of the Delsey Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage .

Editor Quote: "I love how spacious this carry-on feels, despite the fact that it's — well, a carry-on. So much of this has to do with the smart design of the piece. The interior of the luggage is fitted with two lined compartments that are deep and easy to fit a variety of different styles in at once — including everything from bulky seasonal coats and sweaters to thick jeans and even a couple pairs of boots." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Travel Blanket

E Marie Travel Blanket and Eye Mask ($98)

This plush travel blanket from E Marie has earned the praises of Oprah and PS editors alike — so you know it's good. The accessory made it onto Oprah's 2019 Favorite Things List, and one PS editor gushed that it was so versatile, it's like a "Swiss Army knife." Read our review of the E Marie Travel Blanket for the full product details.

Editor Quote : "The soft brushed knit is super lightweight, thanks to a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex. It's also large enough to keep even the tallest among us warm at 85 inches x 36 inches. Best of all, it's both machine washable and dryable, so you won't have to bother with dry cleaning after using it on a not-so-clean airplane." - Amber Katz, former contributor

Best Small Travel Bag

Béis Mini Weekender ($98)

The Béis Mini Weekender is a more compact version of its bestselling predecessor. It's best for those headed on an overnight trip or even for minimalist packers. Just like the original, it features a main compartment, a built-in padded laptop sleeve, and a separate bottom compartment. For more, read our review of the Béis Convertible Mini Weekender .

Editor Quote: "The Béis Mini Weekender Bag has the two main features I loved from the original version: the double-zip shoe compartment and the pass-through trolley sleeve. Plus, this bag has a padded, built-in laptop sleeve; two exterior zip pockets; a large zip pocket on the inside; as well as two small slip pockets. It even has a key-ring strap where you can attach pouches, keys, or your wallet for easy access." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Hardside Carry-On

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus ($319, originally $425)

It's no secret that our editors are Paravel fans. The Aviator Carry-on Plus is yet another one of the brand's luggage options to consider. It's designed to hold enough stuff for a week's worth of adventures and features multidirectional wheels, a textured finish that conceals scuffing, and a removable laundry bag. We also love how it's crafted from sustainable materials, just like the aforementioned weekender bag. Read our review of the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus .

Editor Quote: "This bag is lightweight and contains a compression pad with clips that helped push down and compact my clothes, and as someone who's into aesthetics, it made my overstuffed suitcase look tidy and clean. It also contains a netted compartment that's great for storing small items like chargers and underwear, and it has wheels that spin 360 degrees, as well as a TSA-approved lock." — Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, Commerce

Best Wireless Headphones

Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds ($80, originally $150)

These noise-cancelling headphones feature two listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block all external noise and Transparency Mode, if you need (or want) to hear your surroundings. They provide up to eight hours of listening time and have high-tech on-device controls that allow you to switch between listening modes, control the volume, and more. Check out our complete review of the Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds to learn more.

Editor Quote: "I love how comfortable these earbuds feel. They come with three silicone ear-tip sizes so you can choose your best fit. I prefer the default or medium-size ones. Each earbud fits perfectly in my ear, almost like it was a missing puzzle piece. Plus, you can twist it up or down to get an even more secure and comfortable fit." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Personal Carry-On Item

Béis Weekender Bag ($108)

This personal carry-on bag is TikTok famous for several reasons — one being that it's super chic and functional. Another big draw is that it has two main compartments: a spacious one for clothes and a bottom one to keep your shoes and toiletries separate. Read why our editors love it so much in this review of the Béis Weekender Bag .

Editor Quote: "According to the website, the Béis Weekender Bag was designed to take the hassle out of packing for the weekend, and this bag definitely did so. It fit everything we could need for the weekend and then some. In the top tote section of the Weekender Bag, I was able to fit my clothes, my dad's clothes, two thin towels, my iPad, and a small pouch holding my tech accessories." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce

Best Travel Crate For Pets

Revol Dog Crate ($375-$675)

Love to travel with Fido? Check out this travel dog crate, a collapsible crate that's super easy to set up, transport, and store. It comes equipped with a carrying handle and wheels, making it a great option for bringing pets with you on family holidays or car trips. One of our staff members put it to the test with their pup; read their review of the Revol Dog Crate .

Editor Quote: "Its sleek, rounded design blends in with most any aesthetic, and it comes in four neutral, complementary colorways. As for safety, the Revol's diamond-shaped wire pattern on the side panels (which, I should stress, don't need to be handled to transport the crate) help defend against stuck paws or teeth." — Bryan Brandom, senior copy editor

Best Lightweight Carry-on Suitcase

July Carry On ($251, originally $295)

This lightweight carry-on suitcase features a built-in charger that low-battery girlies will appreciate. Not only that, but its curved shape, aluminum bumpers, and 100 percent aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell are designed to withstand the elements. Read more via our comprehensive review of the July Carry On .

Editor Quote: "Beyond being incredibly light (so important to me!), the suitcase has a couple special features that really impress me. First, by the handle of the carry-on, there's an ejectable battery that charges both your phone and your laptop — so convenient! If you don't want to travel with the charger, you simply pop it out and leave it at home. The other feature I love is the 360-degree spinner wheels — they are so smooth and can glide across any surface no problem. I could quickly move through the airport and my hotel without struggling to pull my bag along." — Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Commerce

Paravel Weekender Bag

Paravel Weekender Bag ($295)

The Paravel Weekender Bag is designed for — you guessed it — weekend use. The chic design is crafted from 12 upcycled plastic bottles and recycled vegan leather details, making it a great option for sustainably minded folks. You can even get it personalized with a hand-painted monogram to make it your own. For more, read our complete review of the Paravel Weekender Bag .

Editor Quote: "Even though the bag itself appears compact, it actually has a ton of space inside. I can fit electronics, multiple cosmetic bags, and any other extras I want readily available with plenty of space to spare. I also constantly use the side straps that slip over the trolley of your carry-on, so the bag can sit securely on top of my suitcase. It makes rushing through the airport a total breeze." — Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Commerce

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping, where she reviews trending products, monitors commerce trends, develops thoughtful affiliate strategies, and relies on her unique expertise to compile helpful shopping guides for consumers that span a number of verticals — including fashion, home, beauty, and wellness. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.

• Summer Travel
• Travel Inspiration

Protect Your Trip »

The 13 best beach chairs of 2024.

Find your ideal relaxation companion to unwind by the sea, lake or pool.

The Best Beach Chairs

Courtesy of Tommy Bahama

Beach chairs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and styles – from recliners and loungers to low-sling or backpack-style options with features like cup holders, footrests and wheels. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find the right beach chair to add to your beach packing list for a relaxing day of seaside fun in the sun.

Taking into consideration the needs of different types of travelers as well as consumer reviews, U.S. News compiled this list of the best beach chairs.

• Best Overall: Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best With Umbrella: SUNFLOW Beach Chair with Sun Shade and Drink Holder

• Best Lounge: Business & Pleasure The Tommy Chair
• Best Reclining: STRONGBACK Low G Recliner
• Best Folding: KingCamp Folding Backpack Beach Chair
• Best Sling: Kijaro Beach Sling Chair
• Best Kids: Homevative Kids Folding Backpack Beach Chair
• Best Wheels: Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair
• Best With Footrest: Sport-Brella Beach Chair with UPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella

Best With Face Hole: Ostrich 3N1 Lightweight Outdoor Beach Lounge Chair With Footrest

Best with cup holder: lowtides sandbar low beach chair, best plus-size: yeti trailhead camp chair, best swivel: tcek upgraded swivel portable chair.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Best Overall: Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair

What sets this chair apart: Thanks to its ease of transport and convenient features, the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair continues to be the beach chair of choice for many travelers. Its top features include straps to carry it like a backpack, a built-in headrest, a drink holder, a small storage pouch and a lay-flat towel bar. With two zippered pockets on the back – including one for keeping things cold – you can pack your snacks, drinks, reading material and sunscreen inside the chair itself and leave your cooler and/or beach bag at home. The Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair is available in a few different patterns, such as the sunny blossom style .

Beachgoers appreciate: Owners of this backpack beach chair say the extra features – such as the reclining positions and multiple pockets – make it worth the price. They also like that the grab-and-go chair is easy to fold and sling on your back.

Price: $89.50 or less

Courtesy of SUNFLOW

What sets this chair apart: The comfortable and compact SUNFLOW chair is available in nearly a dozen colors and is made with a rust-resistant aluminum frame. This chair also features a sunshade with UPF 50+, an adjustable and collapsible drink holder, a dry bag, and a beach towel that attaches to the chair.

Beachgoers appreciate: Customers appreciate that they don't have to carry a beach umbrella or beach tent with them.

Price: $225 or less

Best Lounge: Business & Pleasure The Tommy Chair

Courtesy of Business & Pleasure Co.

What sets this chair apart: Durable and available in 10 colors, the Business & Pleasure chairs are made with umbrella canvas that's resistant to UV, mold and water. The premium hardwood frame is also weather-resistant, which will keep it looking good despite being exposed to the elements. Each chair has stainless steel trim, backpack straps and a large zippered back pocket to store your essentials. It has five reclining positions as well. You can even find matching umbrellas, beach towels and cooler bags from this brand for a stylish set that is Instagram-ready.

Beachgoers appreciate: Recent purchasers rave about the quality and style of the lounge beach chair, with many mentioning they get compliments all the time.

Price: $299 or less

Best Reclining: STRONGBACK Low G Recliner

Courtesy of STRONGBACK

What sets this chair apart: This patented ergonomic design lets you recline comfortably while protecting your back. The chair provides lumbar support to ease tension and is made with a reinforced, powder-coated steel frame for stability. Its 20-inch seat is constructed with heavy-duty polyester, a wear-resistant fabric. The chair has extra-wide feet to offer stability on a variety of surfaces. This beach chair sits 4 inches from the ground, which makes it ideal for dipping your toes in the sand while comfortably sitting in your chair. What's more, the lightweight design pairs with a convenient backpack-style carrying bag for ease of transport.

Beachgoers appreciate: Senior citizens say that the chair is supportive, comfortable, sturdy and stable, and they appreciate that it is easy to get in and out of this beach chair.

Price: $99.95 or less

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Best Folding: KingCamp Folding Backpack Beach Chair

Courtesy of KingCamp

What sets this chair apart: This folding beach chair has a high back and pillow headrest for comfort. It's made with a breathable mesh material to keep you cool at the beach. The steel frame is durable and features an attached cup holder and zippered pocket for belongings, making it ideal for beaches or tailgates. The chair comes in a carry bag with a shoulder strap.

Beachgoers appreciate: Customers love how easily this chair collapses and fits into a carry bag, which makes it convenient for taking to and from the beach.

Price: $69.99 or less

Best Sling: Kijaro Beach Sling Chair

Courtesy of Kijaro

What sets this chair apart: This sling chair has a mesh back, a soft headrest and comfortable polyester armrests with built-in cup holders. There is a storage pocket in one armrest, and the other has a small cooler pocket to keep your drinks cold. What's more, the chair has a convenient carry strap attached to make it easier to haul to and from the beach, game or campsite.

Beachgoers appreciate: Recent buyers say the headrest and cup holders are favorite features, noting that the chair is a great option for the beach or athletic events.

Price: $65 or less

Best Kids: Homevative Kids Folding Backpack Beach Chair

Courtesy of Homevative

What sets this chair apart: This colorful compact beach chair comes with lots of attached storage, including a mesh cup holder, a phone pocket with closure, and a large zippered storage pouch that is perfect for snacks and beach toys. The lightweight aluminum frame provides pinch-resistant reclining, and the height of the pillow headrest is adjustable. The chair folds easily and has padded backpack straps and a handle for carrying.

Beachgoers appreciate: This chair has parents praising the small size and sturdiness; many said their kids were proud to be able to carry their own chair.

Price: $49.99 or less

Best With Wheels: Mac Sports Beach Day Lounger with Wheels

Courtesy of Mac Sports

What sets this chair apart: This design from Mac Sports combines the best of both worlds: a lounge chair and a wheeled beach cart . You can haul your stuff to the beach and then use it to unwind in the sunshine. The chair adjusts to four comfortable sitting positions (but note it does not have a cup holder). The cart features a large mesh basket that can hold up to 100 pounds, and the two all-terrain wheels and telescoping handle make it easy to maneuver in the sand.

Beachgoers appreciate: Recent purchasers love how much stuff this wheeled beach chair can hold and how easy it is to haul your items from the car to the beach. Some customers said they had difficulty with the foot rest not staying up, however.

Price: $167 or less

Best With Footrest: Sport-Brella Beach Chair with UPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella

What sets this chair apart:  This Sport-Brella recliner beach chair has all the features you need for a relaxing day at the beach, soccer field or campground. It boasts three reclining positions, a detachable footrest, and a UPF 50+ umbrella with a three-way swivel to keep the sun out of your eyes. What's more, there's an insulated pocket that can hold up to four beverages, a zippered storage pocket with a built-in bottle opener, and a cup holder. The steel frame is lightweight yet sturdy, and the chair packs into a storage bag for easy carrying.

Beachgoers appreciate: The detachable footrest is one of the most well-loved perks mentioned by recent buyers, along with the umbrella and additional storage features. However, some reviewers warn that the umbrella doesn't hold up in strong wind.

Price: $80 or less

Courtesy of Ostrich

What sets this chair apart: If you want to tan your back or lay on your stomach to read a book or check your phone, this Ostrich beach chair is the perfect option due to its face and arm holes. This chair allows you to recline completely flat to lay face down, 12 inches off the sand, and includes a padded face hole for comfort. When sitting upright, the chair has a five-point system to adjust the amount of recline, as well as a footrest with three adjustable positions. It is made with an aluminum frame that is rustproof, and the chair has a cup holder and carry strap.

Beachgoers appreciate: People who bought this product loved that they have a comfortable way to evenly tan, though some buyers noted that it can be tricky to get up from the front lying position.

Price: $135 or less

Courtesy of LowTides

What sets this chair apart: This modern beach chair has extra-large cup holders built into the armrests, so your drink will stay put – unlike with cloth holders that hang off the side on other beach chairs. One of the cup holders can also be used to hold your smart phone due to a special slot, and there is a handy bottle opener hidden on the underside of one armrest. Additionally, this LowTides chair features five reclining positions, a rear elastic pouch, backpack straps and an adjustable headrest. It is available in a dozen different colors and patterns.

Beachgoers appreciate: Recent travelers appreciate that it sits a bit higher off the sand than most beach chairs (8.5 inches), so it's easier to get up out of it.

Price:  $149.99 or less

Courtesy of YETI

What sets this chair apart: While many beach chairs have a weight capacity of 300 pounds or less, the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair – which can be used for everything from beach trips to travel baseball games – is built to hold up to 500 pounds and withstand the sun's rays. It also features breathable Flexgrid fabric, a cup holder and a storage case so you can either carry the chair on your shoulder or wear it as a backpack.

Beachgoers appreciate: Reviewers of various height and size note how sturdy and comfortable this chair is.

Price: $300 or less

What sets this chair apart: This portable and compact chair swivels 360 degrees and can be set up in a matter of seconds. It collapses to 13.4 inches, making it convenient to toss in your beach bag. The sturdy frame is made from rustproof aircraft-grade aluminum, and the seat is constructed with waterproof, tear-resistant nylon. Kids will love spinning around in this packable chair.

Beachgoers appreciate: Reviewers praise the easy setup, lightweight design and how high off the ground it sits.

Price: $109.99 or less

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to beach chairs, having lived in Hawaii for many years and currently living in coastal Orange County, California. She spent countless days at the beach trying a variety of beach chairs, with her favorites being the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair and Business & Pleasure's The Tommy Chair . To curate this list of the best beach chairs, she used her own experience with beach chairs as well as her research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Beach Hats
• The Best Beach Blankets
• The Best Beaches in the U.S.
• The Best East Coast Beaches
• The Best Gulf Coast Beaches

The 26 Best Beach Resorts in the World

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear , Beach Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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3 Reasons Your Credit Card Is Your Best Summer Travel Companion

T here are a lot of good reasons to use a credit card to book your summer travel. For one thing, credit cards offer more protections than using a debit card, including against fraud. You also have more options if you have a problem with a booking or purchase.

Beyond security, good travel credit cards can actually make your travel easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable. Here's how.

Featured offer: save money while you pay off debt with one of these top-rated balance transfer credit cards

1. Rewards make anything possible

Some cards I have for perks, some for benefits -- but many I have just for the travel rewards . Because those rewards help me travel for free. Indeed, they even help me travel in business or first class and stay in 4- and 5-star hotels.

The best way to earn lots of rewards in a relatively short period of time is through welcome bonuses. These are bonuses you can earn as a new cardholder by hitting a set spending requirement. The requirements vary by card.

For example, you might earn 100,000 points by spending $5,000 in the first three months of opening your account. Depending on the rewards, that could be enough to pay for a big chunk of your vacation in one go.

2. Perks give you status and upgrades

Your card's ability to make your vacation better doesn't stop at booking -- at least, not when you have a perk-heavy travel card with lots of benefits. Here are just a few of my current favorite travel benefits:

• Hotel elite status: Higher status with hotel brands can mean everything from room upgrades to breakfast credits.
• Airport lounge access: Spending time in airport lounges is so much better than the gate that I've paid cash for the privilege when my cards didn't get me in.
• Priority boarding: Being one of the first people on the plane makes it easier to secure overhead bin space for my bag and avoid gate checking it.

Some of the very best travel cards also pack in lots of credits to help you save money. For example, a lot of hotel cards offer free night certificates. You may also get airline fee credits, credits to use towards a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, property credits, or even general travel credits that can be used toward any kind of travel.

3. Travel protections offer peace of mind

Rewards and perks are flashy and full of easy appeal. But don't underestimate the potential value of good travel protections.

Top travel cards offer various travel insurances and coverages that can be worth a lot of money should something go wrong on your trip. For example, if your flight is delayed overnight, your card's coverage could help reimburse you for related expenses, like a surprise hotel stay.

Or, worse, what if you need to cancel a trip, either last minute or while already traveling, due to a medical emergency? Trip interruption and cancellation protection could help cover the cost of any nonrefundable travel expenses paid for with your card.

Start your summer off right

There is still plenty of time before summer vacation to pick up some new travel rewards cards and collect a few good welcome bonuses. Earning just one or two bonuses can be enough to cover the cost of a fun trip -- if they're the right bonuses.

Decide where you'd like to travel. Then, do a little research into which airlines or hotels you'd like to use. This will give you an idea of which rewards you need to collect. For example, if you know you're going to stay in a Hyatt property, you need to collect Hyatt rewards points.

Once you know which rewards you need, just pick the cards with the most useful welcome bonuses. Cobranded cards will earn airline miles or hotel points directly. Flexible travel rewards cards earn points that can be turned into miles or hotel rewards through partner transfers. Both types can play a role in getting you on your dream vacation.

Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Hyatt Hotels. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

From international business class to domestic travel: 6 of the best Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be one of the most valuable transferable currencies you can earn.

With 11 airline and three hotel transfer partners to choose from, many people start with an Ultimate Rewards-earning card when they first get into points and miles. That's also due to Chase's 5/24 rule and its restrictions on credit card applications.

With valuable beginner-friendly cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the benefit-packed Chase Sapphire Reserve® currently offering elevated welcome bonuses of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account, now is a great time to apply for a Chase Sapphire card and learn how you can maximize the rewards.

If you're new to Ultimate Rewards, here are simple ways to use your points without any transferring required.

However, if you are looking for something more advanced, this guide will look at some of the best Chase sweet spots to help you maximize your next redemption.

Luxury Hyatt hotel stays

Chase's relationship with World of Hyatt is great news for anyone collecting Ultimate Rewards points.

The World of Hyatt award chart is very generous compared to some competitors. With Ultimate Rewards points transferring at a 1:1 ratio, booking Hyatt's top-tier properties at reasonable rates is easy.

Though Hyatt has introduced peak and off-peak pricing , you can still find great value at many properties — especially if you can travel outside holiday periods and spring break.

Even better, you can book some of the fanciest Park Hyatt properties in the entire portfolio, including the Park Hyatt New York and Park Hyatt Sydney , which can be booked for 35,000 points per night during off-peak dates. TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, so 35,000 points are worth just over $700. That's a great deal for hotels that sell for close to $1,000 per night, even when demand is low.

There's also great value at the lower end of the Hyatt award chart. Category 1 hotels range from 3,500 to 6,500 points per night.

Related: Why my favorite use of Hyatt points is a Category 1 airport hotel

Iberia flights to Madrid

Most people associate the Avios currency with British Airways . However, its sister airline Iberia also uses Avios and can represent a better value for some flights to Europe. Since Iberia's award chart is also distance-based, you may pay more when taking longer routes or connecting flights. Still, you can score a great deal on nonstop flights to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) operated by Iberia.

Round-trip flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Madrid only set you back 34,000 Avios in economy, 51,000 in premium economy or 68,000 in business on off-peak dates. Considering that most airlines charge at least 60,000 miles for a one-way business-class award to Europe, you're essentially getting a 50% discount.

This deal is so good that it might be worth paying for a positioning flight to one of these cities.

Even if you're flying from Miami International Airport (MIA) , you can still get a terrific deal, with round-trip awards costing the following amounts:

• Economy: 42,500 Avios
• Premium economy: 63,500 Avios
• Business: 85,000 Avios

You'll need to fly during off-peak dates to get the lowest prices for each route. Look at the calendar and see if any dates work for you and have award space. Dates in red are peak, and all others are off-peak.

Flights to Hawaii with Alaska and American

You can find an incredible deal for flights to Hawaii by transferring your Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club at a 1:1 rate.

You can book awards with Oneworld partners American Airlines and Alaska Airlines . As long as your nonstop flight distance is under 3,000 miles each way, you can leverage British Airways' distance-based award chart to fly from any of the following West Coast gateways to Hawaii for only 32,000 Avios round-trip:

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

You can fly from these airports to Hawaii's most popular destinations, including Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. You can book both American and Alaska award tickets on British Airways' website.

Between these two airlines, you have well over 30 daily nonstop flights from the West Coast to Hawaii.

Related: Airlines you can book using Avios: How to maximize your points

ANA flights with Virgin Atlantic

If you're looking to fly to Japan in some of the world's best business- and first-class products, you need to know about Virgin Atlantic , another transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards.

The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club award chart for traveling on Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways is one of the best sweet spots out there:

For just 145,000 miles, you can fly round-trip in first class between the West Coast and Tokyo. Flights from other U.S. gateways only cost an extra 25,000 miles (170,000 miles round-trip).

Flights in business class are a steal, costing 90,000-95,000 miles round-trip, depending on your U.S. departure airport. If possible, you'll want to route through New York (JFK) and fly ANA's industry-leading "The Room" business class , which is only available on select routes.

You can also book these flights one-way for half the round-trip prices.

Availability is strictly limited, so you'll have the best chance at snagging one of these flights either 12 months in advance when they are first loaded or within 14 days of departure when unsold seats are converted to awards.

Or, transfer to Virgin Atlantic to book Delta One to Europe

You can also transfer your Chase points to Virgin Atlantic and book Delta One business-class seats to Europe for just 50,000 points one-way with minimal taxes and fees. This pricing is valid on all of Delta's U.S.-to-Europe routes outside of the U.K., but you'll pay more points for connecting tickets since the program charges per leg for Delta flights.

Related: When and how to book Delta awards with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Thus, you should fly on nonstop routes whenever possible to get the best value.

You can book these flights on Virgin Atlantic's website. Note that the search tool can be a bit wonky, so you may need to call to book your flight. You can verify award space using a handy tool like Seats.aero .

Here's a sample flight from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to New York for 50,000 miles in business class:

This is far less than what Delta SkyMiles charges for many similar routes. Delta requires 280,000 SkyMiles plus the same fees and taxes one-way for the same flight on the same date.

Short-haul flights to Canada

Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program stuck to an award chart for partner redemptions but added dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights.

As a result, you can often find cheap short-haul tickets from the U.S. to Canada. For example, a flight from New York to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) can be booked for under 7,000 Aeroplan points one-way on many dates. This is far cheaper than the 15,000 miles United charges for the same flight.

How to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card currently offers 75,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, as well as:

• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining , including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
• 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
• 3 points per dollar spent on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Sapphire Preferred has no foreign transaction fees and has many travel perks , including delayed baggage insurance, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and primary car rental insurance .

Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® currently offers 75,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, and also earns:

• 10 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through March 2025)
• 10 points per dollar spent on Chase Dining booked through Ultimate Rewards
• 10 points per dollar spent on hotel and car rental purchases through Chase Travel
• 5 points per dollar spent on airline travel booked through Chase Travel
• 3 points per dollar spent on travel not booked through Chase
• 3 points per dollar spent on other dining purchases
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

Additional card perks include an easy-to-use annual travel credit worth $300, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100 once every four years) and Priority Pass Select lounge access, as well as entry to the growing list of Sapphire lounges . Cardholders also get primary car rental coverage, trip interruption/cancellation insurance and other protections .

Bottom line

The myriad ways you can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points make them one of the most valuable and versatile transferable points currencies. Whether you're looking to travel domestically or indulge in international luxury, a transfer partner can help you get and (possibly) stay there.

If you're looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Chase has many unique activities on its travel portal.

While these redemptions are some of the best options available, they're just the tip of the iceberg. If you play your cards right (pun intended), there are many other ways to get great value out of your Ultimate Rewards points.