Want to share my power bar?

One thing I've learned about traveling is that you gain a sense of community very quickly. While at home people tend to have their friends, family and work communities, during extended travel, these aren't around. With that being the case, one finds out quickly that forming bonds with other travelers is both fun and necessary if you don’t want to be alone. The tricky part is finding those who will be a positive addition to your journey.

While there is no specific make up to the people you want around you while traveling (and normally they just pop into your life without you knowing), certain traits are definitely desired. One of the most important traits in a good traveling companion is someone who is thoughtful and perceptive. Backpacking isn't always easy. Depending on where you are traveling, many times you are out of your comfort zone in a place that looks nothing like anywhere you've been before. Having someone there who you can trust makes the journey much less daunting.

A thoughtful travel companion is someone who will help take the load off while on the road. They will share in responsibility, take the lead when you aren't at your fullest and be there to share with you what they have in their pack, while you do the same. They are the type of people that will ask you if you have anything to throw in to wash when they are doing laundry, or bring glasses of water to the entire table instead of just their own. They are the people who will pick up on the importance of the little things and bring a positive attitude that won’t be overlooked.

If you are planning on traveling soon, make sure you surround yourself with people who will look out for you. Whether you are with a friend from home or looking to meet new people, good traveling partners are an essential to any trip. The little things matter more than most people like to admit, and a trip to the unknown is much better with someone who shares their snacks.

Photo courtesy of the Healthy Boy