Planning a summer trip across the globe is one thing, but picking the right travel buddy can get a bit tricky. The process is sort of similar to finding a roommate, except that instead of seeing each other for a few hours each day, you will be spending every waking moment together.  To get the most out of your trip, take these factors into consideration before inviting someone to join you on your jaunt around the world.  No matter who you travel with, remember to reserve at least an hour each day to yourself.

Compare Schedules: Unless you are a teacher or a student, chances are you will have a small window of overlapping vacation days.  Think about which friends or coworkers might be interested in taking a week or two off from work to join you on your trip.  There’s always the option to start or end your trip with a friend and spend the rest of the time traveling solo, meeting other solo travelers along the way.

Consider Finances: If you are planning a budget trip, make sure you tell your travel buddy that you are not ready to spend the big bucks on a five-star hotel.  If your friend or coworker refuses to stay at hostels or eat cheap meals each day, they are probably not the right travel partner for you. The last thing you want is to feel like you have to pay more than you are comfortable paying just to satisfy your friend.

Morning vs. Night Person: Are you a night owl or do you like to wake up at the crack of dawn each morning? This is an important factor to consider, especially if your travel buddy is the exact opposite.  We all know people can get cranky if they miss out on sleep, so make sure that the person you travel with has a similar sleep pattern as you.

Single vs. Unavailable: If you are single and want to party each night, it’s probably a good idea to go with another single friend who feels the same. If you do travel with a friend who has a boyfriend/girlfriend, make sure you find out if they feel comfortable going to bars and clubs.  It’s not smart to go out at night solo, plus you want to party with someone who actually wants to be there. If you are in a serious relationship, consider whether or not you feel comfortable traveling with your single friends.

Determine Travel Goals: If you are an outdoor adventurous type, steer clear of friends who consider vacations as a time to lounge around reading and tanning in the sun. Having different travel expectations can create tension during a trip because you will both have to sacrifice what you want to get out of your trip.  It’s better to go people who share your same travel goals and expectations.

Image via maveric2003‘s flickr stream

Like Bohemian Trails on Facebook and Tweet me at @BohemianTrails