Friendships gain strength with travel

There’s a certain groove you get into with people when traveling as a group. We have it down pat because we have learned each other’s likes and travel habits dislikes over the years.

Our first big trip was to Costa Rica, where we went horseback riding in Arenal, relaxed in the hot springs and enjoyed dinner in an open air restaurant with a spectacular view of lava spewing from the mouth of a volcano.

And while we had a blast, there were a few challenges along that way that helped us to travel better as a group.

Péralte, for instance, rarely carries cash, preferring to use credit cards for everything. But ATMs and credit card readers were not plentiful in the Costa Rican countryside. We were happy to lend, but did worry about our low cash reserves. Péralte still prefers plastic but has learned to carry cash in places where he knows it’s a must.

We also learned that Péralte must be fed — and often. He’s not afraid of venturing out on his own to find a place for breakfast or lunch. Although preferable, it doesn’t always have to be group activity.

Pam is the planner. She meticulously researches each destination. She knows about the food, free events, museums and culture before the plane touches down. She makes a list of what’s needed for the trip.

In Guanacaste, Pam wanted to hit the ground running, while Péralte and I spent so much time in a restaurant that we were on a first-name basis with members of the staff.

I remember the day that Pam tore into the restaurant with activity brochures in hand screaming, "Will you two pleeeeassse stop eating for a minute and let's do something!!!"

Pam and Péralte went zip lining. I stayed by the pool and it worked out well.

They call me the princess of the group. I like staying in nice hotels and zip lining is not my thing. While I like adventure activities, I’m more keen on visiting historic and interesting sites.

I totally panicked while visiting the massive Green Grotto Caves in Jamaica. When Péralte and Pam decided to walk down a pitch black, two-lane road in Costa Rica to get a better photo of an active volcano, I opted to stay at the hotel's pool.

The key to group travel is share your views of what makes a great trip. For us, it’s good food, fun, relaxation and adventure. Oh, and good libations.

Sounds like a no-brainer? Because we know each other’s likes and dislikes when it comes to hitting the road, we can avoid conflicts.

It’s certainly no fun to go to a beach with someone who hates sand. Or to indulge in local cuisine — say, guinea pig in Peru or mofongo in Puerto Rico — while your travel mate craves the chain restaurants from back home.

What do you do if you like to shop and your traveling companion wants to spend the day at the beach or hike? Will any hotel do or will someone require a certain level of accommodation?

There’s no hand-holding with our group, each person is willing to venture out on his own.

We all love taking photographs, so no one complains if someone wants to take a shot of some place special or takes a little extra time documenting the trip.

Sovanna is two years into the group and her presence has been seamless.

She, too, has an adventurous spirit. She will let you know that having survived the Khmer Rouge in her native Cambodia, not much scares her.

Although three of us are non-swimmers, but in Puerto Rico last year, Péralte, Sovanna and I were eager to get into the water and be guided to the beautiful beach on Culebra Island.

Our core group may grow in the future. And, who knows were we will end up for our next trip. We regularly discuss where to go. Péralte favors Haiti, Fiji or Dominica. Pam wants Botswana or Dubai. I’m eyeing Croatia or Vietnam.

Together, we have great friendships and great vacations.