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Exploring the Joys of Traveling with a Companion
While solo travel has its own unique allure, embarking on journeys with a special companion offers an enriching experience that builds cherished memories. Traveling as a duo enables you to create a trove of shared experiences and personal jokes, fostering a connection that transcends ordinary friendship with phrases like, “Remember that tango class in Buenos Aires?” or “There’s nobody I’d rather ride a Vespa with.” Additionally, a travel companion enhances practicality; sharing a cramped plane seat or taking turns keeping watch over luggage becomes manageable when you have someone by your side. The simple act of informing them that you’ll be stepping away for a moment can signify trust and intimacy—an expression of “I trust you” or even “I love you.”
However, travel is not always a smooth experience. Common tales abound regarding travel mishaps, like the missed flight that led to a breakup or a sudden hunger-induced quarrel. The journey often becomes a mirror, reflecting both our strengths and weaknesses while we navigate through ups and downs with our travel partners. The ideal companion is one who complements your travel style—whether it’s someone comfortable with last-minute airport arrivals or a person who enjoys diving into a city’s culinary offerings through its renowned restaurants. The figures we travel with, be they family, friends, mentors, or even pets, may not always align with our romantic lives, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Interestingly, many aspects of travel appear to cater predominantly to romantic couples, from honeymoon suites to anniversary cruises. Although there’s no rule against sharing a special dinner with a friend or enjoying a getaway with them, the societal labeling can sometimes feel restrictive. Instances arise when friends find themselves clarifying to hotel staff that they are not married partners, but rather close friends. This reveals a wider theme of companionship in travel, which deserves recognition. A travel rewards credit card offering “companion fare” can be a game-changer, allowing travelers to bring a second person along at a significantly reduced fare, fostering shared exploration and adventure.
In light of the various forms of companionship in travel, we introduce Companion Fare, a collection of personal narratives highlighting the intersections of travel and love beyond conventional romance. This series showcases various journeys, including a family pilgrimage to Greece, spontaneous weekends with friends in Maine, escapades with beloved pets in the Pacific Northwest, a rejuvenating girls’ trip to Tasmania, and a memorable “friendmoon” in the picturesque setting of Italy’s Lake Como.
The motivations behind these trips may differ, yet each story reflects travel’s profound ability to celebrate connections and transform relationships. We encourage you to consider inviting a companion on your next adventure. Embrace sharing the armrest on a flight and waiting in lines together. Return home closer than ever, enriched with inside jokes that evoke envy among other friends and loved ones, and—most importantly—ensure that your companion watches over both your belongings and you with care and affection.
—Charlie Hobbs and Matt Ortile
Source
www.cntraveler.com