Travel has a unique way of revealing how differently people operate under pressure. Even the closest friend groups quickly learn that not everyone vacations the same way. Understanding the most common types of traveling partners can help explain why group trips feel chaotic and why they are still worth it.

The Type-A Tour Guide

Their Compass: Thrives on Structure and
Control; has The Trip planned out hour by hour

Their Vibe: Loves the Notes app and having backup plans

Most Likely To: Wake you up three hours early “just in case”

The Tagalong

Their Compass: Down for anything; Prefers discovery over a schedule

Their Vibe: Spontaneous, low effort but high commitment

Most Likely To: Be ready on time, but wait for someone else to lead the way

The Group Therapist

Their Compass: Emotionally present for everyone, but personally depleted

Their Vibe: Notices mood shifts; willing to compromise; forgets their own boundaries

Most Likely To: Make sure everyone’s okay and never mention when they aren’t

The Night Life Novice

Their Compass: Happy to be there but unsure how long they’ll last

Their Vibe: The life of the group; high confidence until the second location; trusts that everything will work out

Most Likely To: Say “The night just got started” when everyone else is feeling the jetlag

The Aesthetic Director

Their Compass: Curates the vibe; has backup outfits for every plan

Their Vibe: “Pics or it didn’t happen;” orders the prettiest drink and takes one sip

Most Likely To: Choose a restaurant based on photo potential

The best trips are not defined by where you go, but by who survives the journey with you.

words&design_leah bahamonde. photo_jackie d’altrui, julianna nicora & leah bahamond.

This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2026 print issue.

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