By Eva Fydrych
Who to Avoid, Who to Love, and Who to Run From
Photo: Canva
You booked your flight. You started chatting about the trip for the first time.
Rewind. You went on your own. You met someone along the way.
Rewind. You've been traveling for a while with someone you thought you knew.
Rewind. You're currently cycling the Death Road outside La Paz, wondering why you trusted the person who said "it'll be fun."
Whatever your current or future travel situation may be, this article may open your eyes — but leave you gasping for air, because you were already cycling the Death Road outside La Paz.
Hang tight and get prepared.
Because here's the thing about travel: it's unpredictable. People are imperfect. Laugh at the chaos — because it's the only way to survive it.
The Backpacker Ecosystem: A Survival Guide
Traveling is not just about the places you go. It's about the people you go with — and the ones you meet along the way. Choose poorly, and you'll spend three weeks listening to someone explain why they don't eat gluten while you're trying to enjoy a street empanada. Choose well, and you'll have a friend for life.
Here's how to spot the main species in the wild.
1. The Over-Planner
How to spot them: They have a colour-coded spreadsheet. They know the exact time the train leaves, the exact time the bus arrives, and the exact time they will be eating lunch. They have booked every hostel, every tour, and every backup hostel in case the first one burns down.
The red flag: They will panic if you suggest taking a spontaneous detour to a waterfall. They will not enjoy the waterfall. They will be calculating how long it will take to get back on schedule.
Why you might end up with them: They seem organised. They make you feel safe. You think they will handle everything. And they will — but they will also make you feel like you are on a military operation, not a holiday.
The survival tip: Travel with them for a maximum of 48 hours. Learn from their organisational skills. Then politely part ways before they schedule your bathroom breaks.
2. The "I Don't Have a Plan" Traveller
How to spot them: They have no idea where they are going. They haven't booked anything. They arrived in Bolivia without a map, a phone charger, or a clear understanding of which country they are in.
The red flag: They will suggest things like "let's just see what happens" when you are standing in a bus station at midnight with no accommodation. They will be calm. You will not.
Why you might end up with them: They seem free-spirited. They seem adventurous. You think they will help you let go of control. And they will — but you will also end up sleeping on a bench in a bus station at midnight.
The survival tip: Travel with them for one day. It will be exhilarating. On day two, you will start to miss having a plan. On day three, you will miss having a bed. Say goodbye before you both end up in a ditch.
3. The "I Did It Better" Traveller
How to spot them: Every time you mention something you did, they did it better. They climbed a higher mountain. They ate a spicier pepper. They bargained harder. They hiked longer. They are the protagonist of their own movie, and you are a supporting character.
The red flag: They will never ask you about your experiences. They will only talk about theirs. They will make you feel like your trip is less valid than theirs.
Why you might end up with them: They seem experienced. They seem impressive. They have great stories. And they do — but they will also make you feel like you are doing everything wrong.
The survival tip: Travel with them for a day. Learn some good stories. Then find someone who wants to listen to yours.
Photo: Canva
4. The "I Know a Guy" Traveller
How to spot them: They know a guy everywhere. A guy who runs a hostel. A guy who does tours. A guy who knows the best restaurant. They are never lost. They are never confused. They are always connected.
The red flag: The guy they know is almost always their ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend/ex-something. Or someone who owes them money. Or someone they met once in a bar in 2019.
Why you might end up with them: They seem connected. They seem safe. They have access to things you don't. And they do — but the situation will inevitably become complicated. Somehow, you will end up mediating a conversation between them and the guy who owes them money.
The survival tip: Take the recommendation. Do not get involved in the backstory.
5. The "This Is My Spiritual Journey" Traveller
How to spot them: They are wearing white linen. They have a mala bracelet. They have not washed their hair in three weeks because "water is a construct." They are constantly talking about energy, vibrations, and the universe.
The red flag: They will try to convince you that your travel anxiety is just "blocked chakras." They will suggest a cacao ceremony instead of a bus ticket. They will ask you to "hold space" for them when they are having a moment.
Why you might end up with them: They seem peaceful. They seem wise. You think you might learn something. And you might — but you will also end up in a yurt with no wifi, drinking tea made from a root you can't pronounce.
The survival tip: Attend one ceremony. Take one piece of wisdom. Then politely decline the rest.
6. The "Death Road Cyclist" Traveller
How to spot them: They have a story about the Death Road. They are telling it right now. They are convinced it was the best decision they ever made. They are also convinced that everyone else should do it. They will not ask you if you are comfortable. They will not ask you if you have ever been on a bike. They will just assume you're ready.
The red flag: They will plan activities without checking the difficulty level. They will describe the Death Road as "a bit dusty" and "totally manageable."
Why you might end up with them: They are fun. They are confident. They make things happen. And they do — but you will also end up cycling down a 3,000-metre drop with a rusty bike and a broken brake.
The survival tip: If you survive the Death Road, keep them as a friend for life. If you don't survive, you won't need to worry about it.
Why Who You Travel With Matters
Traveling alone is a gift. But traveling with the right person — or the wrong person — is a whole other story.
The person you travel with becomes the person you remember. If you travel with someone who makes you feel small, your memories will be small. If you travel with someone who makes you feel seen, your memories will be big.
You do not need to travel with someone who is perfect. You just need to travel with someone who is willing to be present — who laughs when things go wrong, who lets you sleep when you're tired, who says "we'll figure it out" instead of "I told you so."
The Flip Side: You Are Also One of These People
Let's be honest — you have been at least one of these people. Maybe you over-planned. Maybe you had no plan. Maybe you told the Death Road story one too many times. Maybe you sat in a yurt and talked about chakras.
The point is not to judge. The point is to see the humour in it. To laugh at yourself. To recognise that everyone is just trying to figure out their own weird way through the world.
Photo: Canva
The Unofficial Backpacker Code
| Rule | Why It Matters |
1. Share your snacks | Food is love. |
2. Don't yuck someone else's yum | They can eat the weird street food. You don't have to. |
3. Laugh at the chaos | The bus broke down. That's the story. |
4. Let people sleep | A well-rested traveller is a less annoying traveller. |
5. Listen more than you talk | Everyone has a story. Ask them about theirs. |
6. Don't be the Death Road guy | Unless you really are the Death Road guy. Then just be honest about it. |
The Most Important Thing
Travel is unpredictable. It is messy. It is uncomfortable. It is full of strangers, strange beds, and strange food.
But it is also full of moments that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why you ever thought you needed a plan.
The people you travel with will shape those moments. So choose them wisely — and when you find someone good, hold on to them.
And if you find yourself cycling the Death Road with someone who said "it'll be fine," just remember: it's only 64 kilometres. You'll be fine.
Probably.
---
A Note to Keep in Your Pocket
A wise man once told me: travel is not about the places you go. It's about the people you go with — and the ones you meet along the way. Choose them well, laugh at the chaos, and remember that the best stories come from the moments that didn't go as planned. Keep this in your pocket. It will help you survive any storm — in life and in travel.
_______________________________________________________________
Read more:
A Practical (and Slightly Brutal) Guide for Your Next Backpacking Trip
No comments:
Post a Comment