Last year I had the pleasure of going on a group tour to Asia. I loved the experience, and made fast friends with some fellow travelers. We’ve already got our next adventure booked!
Not everyone, however, has had the same good fortune. My friend and her husband just embarked on a cruise around the Mediterranean for their anniversary. Everything was lovely, but they kept getting partnered with another couple. Both the wife and husband seemed miserable, and very demanding. They were rude to the staff, were constantly complaining about the weather and the food, and treated my friends like they were lucky to be in their presence. During group activities, they insisted on having things their way, and sulked when the group didn’t follow. My friend said she and her husband made polite excuses to spend time on their own. The couple’s behavior left them anxious and embarrassed. They didn’t want that negative attitude to reflect on them.
I find that many people are high-maintenance, but don’t realize it. They are unable to go with the flow, or expect everyone to cater to them. That’s fine for them, but I try to steer clear of those folks. The last thing I want on my hard-earned vacation is to spend time with people who simply can’t enjoy themselves.
So, what’s the answer? Try keeping a journal when you travel. Write down the things you are enjoying. Focus on those things and not on whether or not your room is small, or if the hotel doesn’t offer your favorite brand of coffee. Notice how people respond to you. If you are being rude or acting superior, you can probably tell by others’ reactions. If so, take a moment to compose yourself, take a more polite tact with the group, and say something positive. It’s not merely about keeping the group happy; it’s also about pulling you out of a miserable mood. Life is simply too short!