So now that we’ve awkwardly acknowledged the types of people you should avoid traveling with from the last post, time to appreciate and shout out the type of people who will take a normal trip and make it an experience of a lifetime. Most people know I’m a solo-traveler first, but it’s nice to switch things up a bit and go on some adventures with friends, and I’ve had some amazing experiences with the pictures of the people you’ll see below!
#5 // THE RESOURCEFUL PERSON
Before you’ve even arrived, this person will have downloaded the top 5 apps that will not only navigate you through the most confusing and remote parts of town, but you’ll be able to translate every foreign word with the flash of a screen, and be going to local events that they found through an online network of travelers. That person for me is Kristin, currently the Dean of Students at Harlaxton College, she is one of the most well-traveled people I know, and as traveling is somewhat of a sport, she is definitely at the top of her game. With over 30 countries under her belt, she’s done more living than the average American and I will forever keep her as my go-to gal if I’m ever planning world domination a great escape!
#4 // THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
This person is great to bring along especially if you consider yourself an introvert and the idea of having to put on pants and deal with people irritates you. Having the opposite type of energy around you to bring out the awesomeness you know you already possess, will be golden. The best part about a social butterfly is they can strike up a conversation with just about anyone and has a charming way of bringing everyone together. I met Christine last year at an Instameet in London and we immediately hit it off. She’s the kind of gal who lights up a room with her style, poise, and incredible fashion sense. Social butterflies make your social life just a tad bit more awesome and they are super photogenic on the inside and out!
#3 // THE PHOTOGRAPHER
If I can go ahead and state the obvious, a trip isn’t a trip unless you’ve got the pics to prove it. You can tell me you jumped out of a plane and landed 100 ft from an active volcano, but unless I see your Instagrammable 5 x 5 dimension pic, I’m not sure I’m buying your story. It’s 2015 and with the rise of better technology and photo-based social media, it’s easier than ever to share kodak moments of fun events in your life. But when you have someone who’s already got the eye for a good shot, you can guarantee a new default profile picture in store. Pictures truly do speak a thousand words, and if you’ve got a friend whose companionship comes with this awesome talent, you’ve hit the jackpot. Some of my best travel photos have been the lucky chance where I meet another professional photographer on the road, or when I travel with a fellow photographer who has that keen eye for a good capture. You could be looking at the same thing, but the photographer will see and capture an angle that the average person would never think of. It’s amazing and I love being around that type of creative energy. My friend Derio here is from Argentina but lived in Barcelona for a few months and I loved exploring the city with him, because the pictures and laughs along the way were priceless. Photographers know how to turn moments into golden memories with the single shutter of a button. It’s like magic. And it’s awesome.
#2 // THE RISK-TAKER OR DAREDEVIL
When it comes to the amazing world of travel, sure it’s preferable to do everything the safe way. But the way I see it, just be smart enough to have a plan, but dumb enough to have some stories. Because the best travel memories come from those “brilliant” ideas to trespass through unmarked territory or sneaking into the most popular club in town and foregoing the $50 cover fee because, well... peasantry. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a “rule-breaker” per se, and yes, I quoted that, because I bend rules every now and then, but never to the point of breakage because I’m a BOSS like that, but anyway, I think it makes for amazing adventures when you have a person with that “screw it” mentality. The risks I take are always calculated to make sure the potential consequence would never outweigh the reward. Daredevils, historically, are winners. Nobody gets ahead always playing by the rules ain’t that right New England Patriots?. And you have more fun when you don’t go by the book. The stories my friend Greg has of all the times he’s cut corners while traveling will have you laughing so hard literally dying to the point of can’t even’ing. Not to mention the fun we had in the skyscraper buildings in London all the way to the beaches of Barcelona, I know if I want to be in for a thrill, I’m calling my Canadian buddy Greg. Every. Single. Time.
#1 // THE GLASS HALF FULL (OF WINE) PERSON
In case you didn’t already know this, and I hate to be the one to break it to you... but something will go terribly wrong on your trip. Like, I promise you. The chances of this are just upwards of 99.9999%. But don’t fret! No pasa nada (as I’ve learned to say in Spain), because it’s more than likely an issue that’s completely unforeseen and out of your control. A flight delay, a missed connection, lost luggage, a pickpocket disaster, death by hangover, etc. When and if any of the former happen, the glass half full person will help rid you of any worry and anxiety. Negative Nancies and Pessimistic Peters are the WORST and have no room in my circle and certainly not on my trip. Everyone loves a person who can see the light in any dark situation, or more relatively speaking, the wine glass is always half full to them. Stress has no room for you inside your carry-on, so don’t let these unwarranted emotions ruin a trip! The picture is what I call a Hannah Sandwich as these two gals from Baker were in England for a couple weeks, and we had the funnest time ever. Between the inside jokes and the mischief we got ourselves into, there wasn’t one negative or stressful moment because they kept me laughing through it all. There’s something about people like this who make your life 10x better and your trips all the more worth it!
I’m a lucky gal to know 5 of these types already!
Next post, some of the top questions foreigners love to ask Americans! Submitted by YOU guys! If you’ve got questions from your travels, hit me up at any of the following links. Also, are you a non-American that has a question for an American? Send me that too! More fun to come! Stay tuned :)
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