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'Travel companions more important than destination'

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A man and woman sit on a bench, watching the sunset. The majority of Korean travelers think
A man and woman sit on a bench, watching the sunset. The majority of Korean travelers think "who you travel with" is more important than "where you go," according to a study from global online travel agency Expedia. / Courtesy of Expedia

By Jun Ji-hye

Companions are considered one of the most important factors in planning a trip, as the experience could be either amazing or miserable depending on who you travel with.

With a kindred spirit, travelers can feel happy no matter where they go or what they do, but with someone they do not click with, they may find every moment awkward, even at the most magnificent sites.

A study from global online travel agency Expedia revealed that 63 percent of Korean travelers think "who you travel with" is more important than "where you go."

The Expedia Travel Companions Study surveyed 300 respondents aged between 20 and 39 from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5.

Eighty percent of travelers said their travels were more meaningful with good companions, while 38 percent said they'd experienced cases when traveling with an incompatible partner ruined the trip.

The results of the study showed that companionship is not merely a small aspect of traveling together, but a crucial factor that determines the overall satisfaction of the trip.

To find perfect travel companion

What are the criteria for finding the perfect travel mate?

The top priority was a "close" person. According to the study, 53 percent of travelers preferred to be with those they felt psychologically intimate with, while 48 percent valued common travel tastes.

From deciding on the destination and itinerary to transportation methods and meal options, it was considered important to have consensus on every element of the journey.

Forty-three percent of respondents considered travel styles, such as similar sleeping patterns, in order for plans to go smoothly.

Twelve percent considered having a sense of finance such as paying their own way, while 5.7 percent considered good hygiene of their travel companions to prevent conflict during travel.

Opportunity for new experiences

Nearly 50 percent of travelers believed that they could experience more with a companion than when traveling alone.

They also responded that with a companion, they could do things that would feel uncomfortable or dangerous on their own, such as visiting an amusement park or enjoying the nightlife.

They have visited local shops for souvenirs or groceries (65.3 percent), explored unfamiliar areas (60.7 percent), tried exotic cuisine (51.7 percent) and stayed in new types of accommodation (51.3 percent).

Other things on the list of new experiences included spontaneous parties or meetings to exchange or meet with locals (35 percent), challenging experiences of extreme sports such as skydiving (27.3 percent) and cultural events such as musicals and operas (24.3 percent).

Who is your ideal companion?

When asked who they would like to travel with next year, 75 percent of Korean travelers chose their mother, while 70 percent selected friends they do not get to see often.

Fathers and siblings were ranked third and fourth.

There were other various companions considered as well. Some thought of traveling with coworkers (11 percent) or acquaintances from hobby circles or communities (10.7 percent), while others dreamed of traveling with pets (8.3 percent).

A man and his dog sit in the street and look at each other. The Expedia study shows that 8.3 percent of travelers dreamed of traveling with their pets. / Courtesy of Expedia
A man and his dog sit in the street and look at each other. The Expedia study shows that 8.3 percent of travelers dreamed of traveling with their pets. / Courtesy of Expedia

For some, the companionship itself was a reason to travel. One in three said their goal was to make happy memories for their companions, while 15.7 percent responded that they wanted to give their companions a variety of new experiences such as culture, cuisine and unique events or activities.

Different preparations for different companions

Factors to pay extra attention to when planning or preparing for a trip differ depending on one's travel companion.

Scheduling in extra time for breaks was important for when traveling with parents. Sixty percent considered the cleanliness of the accommodation for a trip with a mother, while 40.6 percent considered special local experiences for a trip with a father.

In the case of traveling with a friend, 56 percent said it was necessary to discuss in advance the things that could potentially cause conflict, such as sharing expenses and planning itineraries.


Jun Ji-hye jjh@koreatimes.co.kr


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