You may not always be noticed—but your absence changes everything.

No, I’m not quoting a self-help book for introverts. I’m talking about salt. The humble mineral that makes food taste like something and not… defeat.

And weirdly enough, salt is the perfect metaphor for being a good travel buddy.

You don’t need to be the loudest, the funniest, or the one doing backflips off the boat. You just need to add flavour to the trip without overpowering the dish. Or worse—ruining it.

So, whether you’re planning your next adventure with friends, strangers, or someone you’ve just swiped right on, here’s your guide to being the kind of travel buddy who gets invited again… and not quietly unfollowed when the trip ends.

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1. Don’t Be the Human Snooze Button

If you say you’re getting up for the sunrise hike, get up. Don’t set seven alarms, wake the entire dorm, and then roll over like a dramatic croissant. It’s a hike, not a hostage situation.

And if you’re not a morning person? Just say so. We’d rather plan around your need for sleep than carry your moaning carcass up a volcano.

2. Don’t Explode Your Belongings Like a Confetti Bomb

If you’re sharing a room, it’s a room, not your personal dressing room on tour with Beyoncé. Keep your stuff contained. No one wants to trip over your tangled underwear trying to get to the toilet at 3am.

Also: using someone else’s hairbrush without asking? That’s not travel bonding. That’s DNA theft. Boundaries, people.

3. If You Snore (or Fart Like a Foghorn), Say So. In Advance.

We get it. Snoring happens. So does flatulence. But don’t spring it on your roommate like it’s a surprise party.

If you snore, tell the organiser so they can pair you with another snorer—or someone with noise-cancelling headphones and the patience of a monk. And bring earplugs for your roommate. That’s basic travel courtesy.

And if you fart in your sleep? Maybe bring a sense of humour. Or a cork. Your call.

4. Don’t Be the Round-Dodger

If drinks are being bought in rounds, you either join in or bow out gracefully. You do not accept free drinks all night, disappear when it’s your turn, and then reappear at the bar like you’ve done everyone a favour.

This isn’t a corporate networking event. Contribute.

5. Don’t Take All the Hot Water (Seriously.)

If you’re sharing a bathroom, remember—it’s not your spa day. Other people need to shower too. Especially if there’s limited hot water. Be quick, be efficient, and don’t take the only towel that isn’t damp and sad.

Also: If you’re hogging the toilet every morning for your 45-minute scroll session, just know your travel buddy is probably plotting your downfall while pretending to meditate.

6. Don’t Keep People Waiting

“Five more minutes” is a lie. We all know it. If you’re always the last one out the door, consider setting your clock 20 minutes ahead… or just accepting the fact that you might get left behind one day and nobody will feel bad.

7. Be a Salt, Not a Debbie Downer

Stuff goes wrong when you travel. That’s the point. You’re meant to come back with a story about missing the bus and getting rescued by a goat farmer.

So when things go sideways, don’t be the one sighing, complaining, or listing all the ways the day wasn’t Instagram-perfect. Laugh it off. Eat the weird snack. Take the blurry photo. Make it a story worth telling.

8. Don’t Take Offence to Everything

You’re going to meet people from all over the world, with different perspectives, humour, and food opinions. If someone casually mentions that corn syrup is terrible, it’s not a personal attack on your national identity. It’s just a fact. (Sorry, but also… not sorry.)

Travel is about expanding your worldview, not defending it at every opportunity.

9. Don’t Pretend to Be Something You’re Not

Trying to be cool, spiritual, chill, or whatever-else-you-think-people-want is exhausting. For you and for us.

Be yourself. If you like spreadsheets, admit it. If you’re scared of snakes, just say it. If you’re here for the wine, not the temples, we’ll toast with you at the bar while others go find enlightenment. No judgment.

Authenticity is travel gold.

10. Share the Emotional Load (and the Snacks)

It’s not your buddy’s job to do everything. Be part of the planning. Help carry the bags. At the very least, be the one who brings snacks when morale dips.

Also, know when to speak and when to shut up. Sometimes the best thing you can say is “here’s a biscuit” and a hug.

Final Thoughts: Be Like Salt

You don’t need to be the group leader, the wild one, or the walking Google Maps. You just need to show up, contribute where you can, and not make it harder for everyone else.

The best travel buddies are like salt—quiet, essential, and very much missed when they’re gone.

So ask yourself before your next trip: am I adding flavour… or just making everything taste off?

Fancy testing your travel buddy skills in the wild?

Join me on a group trip where realness is appreciated, laughter is guaranteed, and we pack earplugs just in case.

Come be the salt.