Sharing a room with someone on tour means getting to dodge any single traveller fees, but for 71-year-old trailblazer, Rosina Higham, finding a travel buddy is worth more than any money she saves. We chatted with Rosina about using social media to find the right companion…
What trip did you do?
Last year, I went on the Baltic Explorer trip to Russia. We saw quite a bit. Talon and Estonia and then St Petersburg. We were quite impressed.
What made you want to find a travel buddy?
I could afford to go by myself, but I prefer having some company. You know, it was 18 days and you don’t want to be sitting by yourself. If there’s no one else you connect with in the group then you’re on your own the whole time.
How did you go about choosing your travel buddy?
I went to the TripADeal Travel Buddy page. I wrote who I was, how old I was, and what I wanted to do. Then this lady from Sydney said she wanted to do the same thing and perhaps we could hook up.
Did you talk much before leaving on your trip?
No, we didn’t actually talk on the phone, we just chatted back and forth on Messenger. I told her how old I was, what I did, who I was; those kinds of things.
We met at the Brisbane airport and it was like we’d known each other. It was so easy and nice
How long before your departure did you find your travel buddy?
About six months. We ended up swapping one or two messages a week throughout that time, then as it got closer and the tickets started arriving, we started chatting a bit more.
When did you finally meet up?
We met at the Brisbane airport and it was like we’d known each other. It was so easy and nice. We sat together on the plane and we ended up doing all our optional extra trips together.
Did you have any prerequisites in mind, like a specific age, or if your travel buddy had to be a non-smoker?
No. Well, non-smoker and non-snorer, but that’s about it. Other than that, I didn’t mind. It’s not important how old you are, age is just in your mind.
Some people might think it’s a bit strange going on holidays with a complete stranger.
Well, I’ve done it my whole life. Since I started touring in the ’80s. Back then, when you booked a trip, most companies would find a person for you. They don’t do that anymore, which is okay because you can do it yourself on Facebook.
Why do you travel solo?
My second husband passed away five years ago and my first husband didn’t want to go to all the places I wanted to go, so we’d have separate holidays and holidays together.
Have you stayed in touch with your travel buddy?
Yeah, we have. We got along really well and we’ve chatted since coming home. We might go to Tassie together next May.
What’s one advantage to holidaying with a travel buddy instead of a friend or family member?
I think it’s interesting to meet other people from other backgrounds. It adds to the holiday.
What would you say to someone thinking of finding a travel buddy but who’s a little hesitant?
Just chat. Chat on the phone or online. You don’t have to meet someone in person to get a feel for them. I’ve never had a hassle.
Looking for a travel buddy? Click here to join the TripADeal Travel Buddy group on Facebook.
