Roommate Etiquette 

International travel is not just about learning about new places, it is also about people.

 

Having a roommate on a group tour with someone you don’t know can be an enriching part of the travel experience, offering benefits that go beyond cost considerations.While savings may not be the driving factor in this situation, the opportunity to build camaraderie is priceless.

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Sharing a room fosters a sense of community within the group. As you spend time with your roommate, you may naturally feel more connected to the larger group as well. Even if your personalities or habits differ, sharing is a chance to step outside your comfort zone and see things differently.  Learning to adapt and collaborate can be a rewarding part of the adventure, broadening your perspective and enhancing your international experience.

Although the room setup might initially seem like an adjustment, many women find that sharing a space on our tours becomes one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of their journey.

 

Roommate etiquette is key to ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all. Roommates may have different routines, habits, or preferences.  Setting some ground rules and practicing mutual respect can go a long way in making the shared experience pleasant.

 

Here is our essential etiquette list to keep in mind:

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1. Take the time to introduce yourselves and get to know each other a bit before the trip begins. This can help break the ice and establish a comfortable atmosphere.

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2. Communication is key. Start by introducing yourself warmly and taking time to discuss preferences and routines early on. Share any preferences, like sleeping after a certain hour.  Throughout the trip, check in occasionally to ensure your roommate is comfortable and address any small issues before they grow into bigger concerns.

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3. No exploding suitcases, LOL  Keep your belongings organized and your side of the room tidy.  A clean and tidy space contributes to a pleasant environment.

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4. Be mindful of your roommate's need for peace, especially during sleeping hours. Late night TV watchers, please bring headphones and a tablet  to minimize disturbances. TV light is still light.   If you are super sensitive to light and /or noise, bring a good  eye mask and ear plugs.

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5. Avoid overloading conversations. Give each other space to relax without constant interaction. A balance of socializing and quiet time is important

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6. If you need to do laundry or air-dry items, avoid spreading them across shared areas.   The best time to hang laundry is right before lights out or everyone leaving for the day.Avoid leaving laundry hanging for extended periods. Collect and pack items away as soon as they’re dry  No one want to spend their vacation looking at hanging laundry, especially someone else's underwear.

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7. Practice bathroom etiquette. Please clean up after yourself, ensuring the sink is wiped, counter clear of clutter,  used towels tossed in a pile under the sink, and shower is ready for your roommate’s use.  She will do the same for you.    

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8. Do not hog the bathroom.  In the mornings or before evening activities, we suggest that both parties shower first and then leave the bathroom open to share the mirror for hair and make-up.  Bringing an extension cord for sharing an electrical outlet can be a time saver.

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9. Loud phone conversations.  Your family and friends back home many want hear your late night catch-up, but not your roommate especially if she is tired.  If need, step outside the room or on the balcony for late night conversations.

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10. If both you and your roommate agree to allow visitors other than those on tour, it's important to establish clear guidelines to ensure everyone's comfort. Visitors should only be present during agreed-upon hours, avoiding times that might disrupt rest or personal routines, such as late at night or early in the morning.

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Be flexible and adaptable. Travel often involves surprises, so patience and flexibility are essential. If your roommate’s habits or preferences differ from yours, approach the differences with an open mind and willingness to compromise.

By practicing good roommate etiquette, you can create a comfortable and respectful environment that allows both you and your roommate to focus on enjoying the tour. Sharing a room doesn’t have to be a challenge—it can be an enriching part of your journey, where mutual understanding and courtesy lead to a great travel experience and new lasting friendship.

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