SOS: My Travel Buddy's Making Me Wanna Hit 'Block'!

[Marion Barrows]

Ah, this just gets me so angry! I'll tell you about my misfortunes during my recent trip to Beijing.

• I have a friend who comes from a wealthy background. She travels quite frequently. This time, I had some free time and decided I wanted to go to Beijing (the capital of China with a long history and numerous scenic spots!), hoping she could join me. All the others were working so the only one available was her.
• I showed her the travel plan I made (often referred to as "strategy"). She said it was fine and expressed that booking hotels and deciding financial budgets would be up to me. It made me happy at that time to think that we were great friends!
• But everything went awry when I arrived in Beijing!
  • With accommodation issues: She began complaining that our options did not meet her level of class, as she generally stayed at four-star, five-star hotels when traveling.
    • To some degree, I understand this, considering she has better economic prospects.
    • I then suggested "you can stay elsewhere if you want. You don't have to suffer because of me."
  • About public transportation: Since I rode the Metro (which is convenient with many connections reaching almost everywhere in Beijing but jam-packed with people during rush hours), she complained it would have been more appropriate to take a taxi instead.
    • While taxis may be more comfortable, taking them all the time would be too expensive due to Beijing's large size.
  • When shopping at sites, which can often be overpriced in tourism hotspots, I prefer saving money where I can. However, my friend would complain right next to me: "Why do you have to be so frugal?"
  • Now for what got me angriest - she kept recalling fun times in past travels with other folks and how she enjoyed their company with so-and-so. This directly implied that my company and the experience I provided were inadequate.
• Honestly speaking, I almost deleted her phone number in those days due to it getting on my nerves!

️ Important Reminder and Caution to Travelers:

• Regarding long distance travel buddies, especially when dealing with drastically different financial habits:

  • What can be done to avoid disagreements? Before heading out, sit down and clearly lay out budget, accommodation expectations, and daily expense allowances! It's no good making vague promises of "okay." Detailed discussions are necessary.

• Be clear about riding the Metro which is convenient, but highly crowded regardless:

  • What is the best way to not get squeezed on the Metro? Try to avoid rush hours. If that's not a possibility, discuss taxi ride budgets with your travel buddy in advance.

• Tickets to see certain attractions and items inside these attractions are usually significantly expensive in China:

  • How can I minimize spending? Many food and drink items can be bought at cheaper prices from supermarkets and convenience stores outside of the attraction and carried inside. In addition, opting for affordable local restaurants and cafes around the site, rather than eating at the pricey hotels within the scenic area, will save you a lot.

I truly experienced firsthand how travel tests friendship. Some so-called friends ultimately turn out to be less tolerable than facing things alone! #Tears over Frugality while Traveling #The Pitfalls of Spending Time With Riches #When Friendship Hits Rough Waters

[Guadalupe Barton]

To all my besties, the travel guide I send to friends is Gooh Travel Notes. I use it myself because it's so convenient and easy to use!

[Lorraine Rau]

Don't even get me started! Who doesn't have that one loaded friend?

[Kathryn Hermiston]

But my friend is super down-to-earth.

[Steve Beatty]

My friend is an amazing person, and I love hanging out with her. But she's not as well-off financially, so I usually cover all our expenses except for her own travel and attraction tickets. Sometimes, I'll even pay for her tickets. I'm just terrified of losing such a great friend over money.

[Carmen Willms]

You got this, sweetie! I'm sure you two will be just fine!

[Stacey Kulas]

People on different financial levels shouldn't travel together. Otherwise, either everyone ends up miserable, or one person has to silently put up with it.

[Robyn Reilly]

So true.