chepar

>Just because you're traveling with someone, you don't have to be with them all the time. Instead of waiting outside on a bench while someone is doing something that you have no interest in, tell them you're going off to do something else for a couple of hours. Agree on a meeting place for lunch or dinner at a set time to get back together.<

Boy, I sure wish one of my travel companions had thought that way during our trip! Even though we discussed the itinerary before we left and made perfectly clear that she could go off an do other things if she wanted - it didn't happen.

Instead, I was stuck with someone who made it perfectly clear she was unhappy with what we were seeing and doing - but refused to take responsibility for her own good time and do something that pleased her more. Instead she would say "No, it's ok" and sullenly trail us everywhere we went. A direct approach did not work, either - "No, it's ok" was her response to every suggestion that we split and meet later. Aargh!

Try that kind of passive/aggressive crap for 3 weeks.

P_M

I have been to Europe and other parts of the world many times, and I usually enjoy taking friends on their first trip overseas. However, a few years ago I took trip w/a friend I will call E. Although I am a seasoned traveller and E had never been anywhere outside N. America, she refused to listen to my advice on how things work. For example: I told her beforehand that US dollars are generally not accepted in Europe, but she refused to believe this because everyone in Mexico takes them. For the entire trip, she constantly went around asking people if they would accept US$. It was so embarassing, you'd think after several refusals she would get the idea. But no, the denial continued throughout the trip. She also would not believe me that the Gatwick Express is a much faster and easier way to get to the airport than a cab. At that time they offered check-in at Victoria Station, which made the process even more convenient. I tried to explain all this to her, but she insisted on a cab. I put my foot down and told her if she wants to take a cab, she will go alone. She finally relented, but this was a major blow-out. I still love E like a sister, but for these and a few other reasons, I have vowed never to travel abroad w/E again.

Vorkuta

I once travelled in Germany with a young woman from Norway who wanted to spend every day in the hotel room, drinking the contents of the mini-bar. She explained that booze is very expensive in Norway. The thing is, I was paying our hotel bill and she never offered to contribute towards the price of all the booze she was knocking back. I often wonder what became of her...