Ultimate Travel Partner Compatibility Needs

"Welcome to my home", said the queen.

Ah, maman, the joy and bane of my existence. I partially knew what I was getting into, when it was decided that she would be along for my dream European tour. Yet, there were still things I was going to discover along this trip that I had not foreseen.

There are a few things I have learned in my travels that traveling partners must share for the most optimal journeying experience. One, all partners should have similar spending habits, and spending habits on similar things. Two, expectations should be shared, and voiced previous to the outset, even planning stages, of the trip. Three, planning styles should coincide: minute-by-minute planning, completely spontaneous, or a mix.

You would think, that as family members it would be a given that my mom, sister, and I would be compatible at least moderately in all of these areas; that is what I thought too. Unfortunately, not only was this not the case, I discovered a few more items to add to my "Ultimate Travel Partner Compatibility Needs" list.

First, all travelers should have similar energy levels (which indirectly corresponds to similar sleeping and waking times). Second, spending time away from each other along the trip is not only helpful, but I am increasingly coming to believe that it is necessary. Third, though complaining is not welcomed or appreciated, all voices in the group should be held with regard and respect.

Traveling with my mom was not easy. I might go so far as to say that my "Dream European Vacation" was not so much a dream because of her, carrying the burden of catering to her energy levels and needs all along the way. However, I must be appreciative to her financial and emotional support throughout the trip, and her diligence in keeping complaints and criticisms to a minimum (which was probably the most difficult part of the trip for her).

Je t'aime maman... even though at times she can turn a dream into a living nightmare.