Welcome back to Talk Sh#t with Darlene, where we dive into the real talk of life, activism, and everything in between. In this episode, Darlene takes us on a different kind of journey—literally! As a seasoned traveler, she explores what makes the perfect travel companion, how to navigate different travel styles, and why some friendships don’t always translate well into travel partnerships.

Whether you love solo travel, enjoy meeting up with friends in new cities, or are considering a long-term travel buddy, this episode is packed with practical insights and hilarious travel stories that will have you rethinking your next trip.

🌍 Travel Compatibility 101 – Why knowing someone’s travel style can make or break the trip.
💸 Budget Talk Before You Board – How money matters in travel partnerships and why discussing expectations is crucial.
🤝 Personal Space & Boundaries – Why alone time isn’t selfish, even when you’re traveling together.
🤣 Sense of Humor & Conflict Resolution – How laughter can save a trip and how different personalities handle stress.
📅 Trip Planning & Decision-Making – Are you a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer? And how does that mix with your travel buddy?
🏡 The Roommate Factor – Sharing accommodations vs. separate rooms—why it’s not personal, it’s practical.
🗺 Solo Travel vs. Group Travel – How to balance independence with companionship when meeting people along the way.

Darlene shares her personal experiences—both the good and the never again—about traveling with others. From waking up early for work calls while her friend snoozed, to understanding the importance of political alignment and values when choosing travel companions, this episode covers it all.

She also touches on how emotional intelligence, adaptability, and aligned risk tolerance can turn a trip from stressful to seamless. And if you’re someone who loves traveling solo but still enjoys meeting up with people along the way, Darlene has some tips on how to make the most of short-term travel meetups.

✔️ Not everyone you love makes a great travel companion—and that’s okay!
✔️ Budget expectations should be discussed upfront—awkward but necessary.
✔️ Understanding personal space needs makes a trip more enjoyable for everyone.
✔️ Knowing your own travel style helps you find the right travel buddy (or decide to go solo!).
✔️ Like-minded values and perspectives can make or break a travel dynamic.

💭 What’s the best (or worst) travel experience you’ve had with a companion? Share your thoughts and let’s talk sh#t!

Until next time—pack wisely, set boundaries, and travel smart! ✈️🌍