Rules to Abide By When Vacationing With People

Rule Number 1:

Go BIG or STAY home. 

Meaning, be willing to spend some cash. Penny pinchers I'm warning you; you think you are clever by inviting semi-strangers to save some money under the false pretense, "The more the merrier." FYI you aren't clever, you are dumb! Yes you will save money, but you are met with extra drama that you didn't bargin for. Most of my horrific drama-filled vacations have involved random acquaintances. Who I will gladly say, I never spoke to after those lousy trips. And No, we aren't even "FaceBook Friends" anymore. I'm that cruel! Why didn't I realize that semi-annoyance would equal annoyance on steroids?  Don't think I am only referring to cheap college trips; nope, I have experienced these so-called vacas as an adult. 

Note: If an acquaintance asks you to go on a marvelous trip ... don't go, you are their plus one, who will help cut down on cost. It will be miserable!  And, you might have to sleep on the floor, and they won't care; they got a bed.

Rule Number 2:

You have to LOVE your travel companions.

In the words of my favorite red-head, "You really have to love the people you travel with." Meaning, you have to over look their flaws. As Hannah Montana would say, "Nobody's perfect." (Yes, I just quoted Hannah Montana.) Reverting back to Rule Number 1, if we are just acquaintances, I don't know you well enough to excuse your bad behavior, so I won't! And don't be offended! Love = Compromise. You don't have to worry about selfishness because everyone will find a way to do everything everyone wants to do.

Rule Number 3:

Decide on your agenda before leaving.

I failed my husband on the streets of NYC. His one request was to see the Statue of Liberty. "What? We are kinda close ... it's just across the bay. He could see it from the Empire State Building, so technically I didn't fail him." But in reality, I did. He patiently waited while I shopped and shopped and shopped some more. We were in a fashion/shopping mecca! To this day, I still feel bad, and that is why I decided that you can shop, sit at a bar, and eat at chain restaurants at home. My New Motto: If they have it at home, skip it out of town! You need to experience your destination to the fullest. I like to spend a day or two doing the "touristy" stuff, and then spend  time being cultured, going native. I also recommend getting a travel agent (they are free), and ALWAYS using a tour group (Globus) when possible. Most are legit and extremely educational. They offer various pace travel trips at various prices. Most won't screw you out of money or leave you sleeping on the floor like your so-called friends from Rule Number 1. In fact, you usually get more bang for your buck with tour groups because they have connections that you don't! I also recommend traveling with complete strangers in tour groups because they are always on their best behavior! So you don't have to worry about Rule Number 2. 

PS - You don't always have to stay with the group ... do your own thing! It's easier than getting annoyed by a lack of compromise.

Rule Number 4:

Have fun! You are on Holiday!

The key to a successful vacation is a positive attitude, sunscreen, and good walking shoes. If you are blistered, it doesn't matter who the hell you are traveling with, you are miserable, and we'll have to excuse your bad behavior ... maybe!