Tips for Traveling with Other Couples

Are they going to break in their new RV first and learn its pros and cons? I wouldn't want to spend the whole trip explaining how everything works...

Just the kind of insight I was looking for. We have traveled 13-15 weeks at a stretch--but always just us. We tend to be pretty independent.

Our friends have never owned any type of RV. They did take their grand kids to Black Hills, using a small tent and back of SUV, for about a week.

I agree, separate spaces will be a must with perhaps even a few times when we go separate ways for a few days and then meet back up and share experiences and photos.

There are some things that we can whole heartedly say---"Don't miss out on this or that"--but it doesn't mean we want to do it a second or third time. On the other hand, we can be a good resource as to what is available to do and see in any given area. We would be more than happy to make suggestions and recommendations---as we can always discover something else new to do on our "free" time.

We look forward to sharing some of our favorite spots, but we want each couple to feel free to say "No" to going out to eat, sharing a meal, or visiting a specific attraction with no explanations needed and no hurt feelings. To each their own.

More than anything else, I want to be sure we are still friends when we get home.

Thanks for your tips and keep sending other thoughts or experiences our way,.

I can travel with my immediate family but very few other people. My daughters know that my wife and I get up early, have breakfast, and break camp by 8:00. We travelled for for two weeks together on a trip to the Rockies. One daughter could not wait to get home, the other one wants to go with us again. Even people that KNOW each other may not travel well together.

Few years ago we spent a weeks stay at a state park with the wife's parents who had their own travel trailer. We had campsites beside each other. Sad to say, my wife's mother ruled the roost! Everything had to go her way. The first couple days was nice. We went along with the flow. But by day 3, we were sick and tired of doing everything she wanted and tried to venture out on our own. Remember, the travel trailers were parked for a week.

Well, she started throwing hissey fits and became belligerent and nasty. As the week went on, and it was quite obvious we were no longer interested in sharing in the day trips with them, we needed to do our own "thing", he attitude worsened and worsened making life a living hell for everyone.

At the end of the week we parted way as we each drove back to our respective homes on our own routes and it was months before we had communication with her again.

If both parties in the arrangement understand it's OK to go your separate ways at any time, and even come back together again, then you'll probably do just fine. But if anyone is territorial and wants everything to go their way ... look out ... you'll all be unhappy. Set the ground rules right now, not after trip planning has started or after you've actually hit the road. Set the expectations right now, and your friends may just want to venture out on their own instead.

Did an Alaska trip with good friends. Kept it loose. Set a time for next day departure but if one wanted to leave early no big deal. They broke down a couple of times. We went ahead & they caught up days later. It is not a caravan. Keep it independent & don't sacrifice what you want to see & do.

CA Traveler wrote:
Don't travel together every day, go to the same CG every day and the same places. ie Meet up and share along the way. They should do their own research and you may be interested in what they find.

Friends have different interests. Discuss what happens with say a more extended repair or other delay - I'd suggest staying in touch and meeting down the road.

This is what I was going to say. There's bound to be enough difference of interests for each of you to take side trips and generally meet up to do the things together that you want to do. Talking about it in detail up front cant hurt at all.

Don't travel together every day, go to the same CG every day and the same places. ie Meet up and share along the way. They should do their own research and you may be interested in what they find.

Friends have different interests. Discuss what happens with say a more extended repair or other delay - I'd suggest staying in touch and meeting down the road.

We haven't gone on a long trip with friends but we do go camping for 3-4 days at a time with them 5 or 6 times each summer. The trick is to make sure each day you and your spouse do your own thing for a few hours. Even if it's just eating breakfast by yourselves, taking a nap, watching TV, going for a hike etc. Spending every waking minute with anyone puts a strain on the relationship. Your friends will want to do the same thing once they get a feel for things. Also, remember that it's better to bite your tongue than to say something that will hurt your friendship because when the trip is over, what irritated you on the trip will be forgotten quickly but what's said while irritated will be hard to forget. Life's too short. Enjoy each other and have a great time!

This is a big topic. If you have your own rigs you have a good chance. Have you been on over night trips with these people before? Have you camped with them? Have you been together for several days together?

I have friends I see at a party or for an evening. I have friends I spend the day with. Friends I go camping with. Only certain friends are compatible for say a week long river trip or a long RV trip. People get exposed for who they are when they are tired, hungry or stressed. Go camping with these people before you sign up for a long trip. Make sure you have similar traveling styles. Good luck. Could be a great trip or a disaster.

Take a couple of shorts trips with your friends. See how it goes. They can rent an RV.