Finding Perfect Travel Friends: The Criteria I Never Had**

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Travel Buddies: Because Not Everyone Deserves a Seat Next to You on a 10-Hour Flight

Let’s be honest — we’ve all taken a trip with that person. The one who packs 17 pairs of shoes for a beach weekend. Or worse… the one who “forgets” their wallet every time the check comes. I used to think anyone willing to hop on a plane was travel friend material. Spoiler alert: they’re not.

After a few questionable trips (including one where my so-called friend fell in love with a street magician in Lisbon and disappeared for 3 days), I’ve unofficially created a list of travel buddy criteria… that I definitely never used before.

The Perfect Travel Friend Checklist (You Know You Need This)

1. They Can Book Their Own Ride

I’m not your travel agent, babe. Real travel friends know how to book a cab from the airport. Use [KiwiTaxi](https://kiwitaxi.tp.st/cI2Zkn9s) or [GetTransfer](https://gettransfer.tp.st/7ugUWF39) — it’s not 1998.

2. They’ll Actually Buy Travel Insurance

Because nothing kills a vibe faster than hospital paperwork abroad. I swear by [VisitorsCoverage](https://visitorscoverage.tp.st/YjSIozxi) for no-BS coverage.

3. They Pack Snacks, Not Drama

If you show up empty-handed on a road trip, we’re not friends. Also — rent your own wheels on [EconomyBookings](https://economybookings.tp.st/bRR16EhB) or [Qeeq](https://qeeq.tp.st/fZzvdFjb) so you’re not arguing over playlists.

4. They Can Handle a Wrong Turn

If a detour makes them whine, ditch 'em. Book spontaneous adventures on [Tiqets](https://tiqets.tp.st/h8P2EGQI) or hop on a scooter via [BikesBooking](https://bikesbooking.tp.st/lzXnwZrC) and vibe out.

5. They Don’t Ghost You Abroad

Looking at you, street magician groupie. Real friends drop a pin using [Airalo](https://airalo.tp.st/YSJ1DHLl) or [Drimsim](https://drimsim.tp.st/Y3raNHJt) so you know they're alive.

Bonus Travel Hacks You’ll Thank Me For

* **Snag deals & cashback:** [WayAway](https://wayaway.tp.st/a3ky7N3D)

* **Leave bags & wander free:** [RadicalStorage](https://radicalstorage.tp.st/tIES5ra9)

* **Book last-minute fun:** [WeGoTrip](https://wegotrip.tp.st/YVL5ihrF)

* **Catch flights for less:** [Aviasales](https://aviasales.tp.st/1OvJR03a)

* **Upgrade your boat life:** [Searadar](https://searadar.tp.st/r6KgoTXH)

* **Protect your trip funds:** [Compensair](https://compensair.tp.st/hmqeYcEY)

And if you meet your soulmate abroad (or just wanna try), check out [MillionaireMatch](https://www.millionairematch.com/millionaire-dating.html?tid=af100006542-pr). No judgment.

The Truth? Sometimes Solo is Better

But when you do find that ride-or-die, who packs snacks, rolls with spontaneous karaoke bars, and never complains about detours — hold onto them tight. Or at least until the trip’s over.

* [When Your GPS Lies: Adventures in Wrong Turns](https://beyondmybudgetvacations.com/gps-lies)

* [Travel Regrets: Things I Wish I’d Done Differently](https://beyondmybudgetvacations.com/travel-regrets)

* [Travel Relationships – Keeping Romance Alive on the Road](https://beyondmybudgetvacations.com/romance-travel-tips)

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