Traveling With Friends

There's an article on Matador Travel that got me thinking:

How to Deal With Friends While Traveling

I left a comment, but there's one more piece of advice I'd like to offer.

If you and your friends reach a point in your travels where you just can't stand each other, duke it out. I'm serious. Find a nice, open area and have at it. FIGHT.

I'm not saying beat your friends up till they're a bloody mess. I'm just saying both of you need to let some aggression out. So there's nothing wrong with putting your backpacking buddy in a headlock. Just don't break any bones.

A wide open area works well for a fight. St. Mark's Square works well. The Inca Trail does not. Outdoors would be preferable, although if you're in an English pub, you could get away with it. You might get help from the patrons.

Consider your surroundings when you grapple. You don't want to fight in high altitudes, since you'll get tired easily. Again, the Sacred Valley is No Fighting Zone. Is there a fountain close to where you're fighting? That's even better. First one to get completely soaked loses. This works best on a hot day. Oh that reminds me, make sure you're hydrated. All that slap-fighting and such can take a lot out of you.

If there is more than one person in your traveling party that you have a beef with, consider a Battle Royal. Last man (or woman) standing is the winner. Or, if you'd like to foster team dynamics, a tag team battle works well here.

If you decide to follow my advice, it's best to pack accordingly. Make sure to bring three very long pieces of nylon rope; Enough rope to from a wrestling ring. You can be creative with your surrounding and use trees, stop signs or statues as ring posts. To be inclusive, convince a local to officiate your bout. And if your new-found referee declares you the winner, buy him a drink.

Some people might find this advice barbaric. Whatever. This isn't about them. This is about you and your friends hashing out your differences the way men and women have done for years. By senseless physical horseplay.

It'll work. Trust me.