Guidebooks 101 feature useful travel information. Whether you like Frommer, Steves or Lonely Planet, they thoroughly cover where to go, when to be there, what to see, how to get around.
What's missing is WHO to go with.
New editions should include a compatibility test to make sure your travelling companion is indeed companionable. Friends who chat well over coffee or share your book group thoughts on "House of Mirth" might not hold up for an entire week on the road.
Many couples sign pre-nuptial agreements. Why not a pre-travel contract? Here are a few things I would include in mine:
- I understand that I am going to a foreign country (if applicable) and that the customs, food, laws of the road and language will undoubtedly be, well, foreign. This doesn't give me license to criticize it just because it's different "than America".
- I agree to not actively seek out American companions. We are abroad to experience a different culture. If we wanted to spend two weeks with Americans, we would have gone to Philadelphia.
- I am aware that most people in this country are not hearing impaired. If I am not understood, raising my voice to a level only dogs can hear will not improve the conversation.
- I understand that of course I will bring back souvenirs but I will not spend hours shopping for them and if, indeed, I buy these aforementioned souvenirs I and I alone am responsible for schlepping them.
Sign here, please.
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