Kiwis picky when it comes to the perfect travel partners

Only 3% of Kiwis say they would travel with every one of their Facebook friends

Auckland, 22 September, 2011: Every day, Kiwis share their latest news, personal opinions and photos with their Facebook ‘friends’, however when it comes to packing their bags and sharing a travel experience, Kiwis are much more selective.

To coincide with the launch of its FriendTrips Facebook competition, Expedia.co.nz asked New Zealand Facebook users*, who have an average of 130 friends**, how many of their Facebook ‘friends’ they would travel with. Almost half (49 per cent) said that they would only travel with between one and 10 per cent of their friends, which on average, is up to 13 friends.

Perhaps indicating that Kiwis are too quick to accept those friend requests from second cousins and work colleagues, only three per cent of Kiwis on Facebook said they would be willing to travel with every one of their ‘friends’ on the social network.

“The great thing about social networks, like Facebook, is that you can connect with friends who have similar interests from all over the globe and always have someone to travel with no matter where you are going,” said Dacey Nicoletti, Online Brand Marketing Manager, Expedia.co.nz.

“Not only that, your social network is also a great research tool. Asking your friends or a travel-specific group on Facebook for their advice is a great way of finding those hidden gems and unique travel experiences, as well as sharing those experiences, stories and photos when you return,” she said.

The top travel companion check-list
When it comes to picking someone to travel with, trying the local cuisine, activities and experiencing the local culture and having similar interests are top of the wish-list. However, more than one in ten (14 per cent) males want someone who is adventurous, compared with only eight per cent of females. Travelling with someone who is adventurous is a priority for almost one in five (16 per cent) Kiwis aged between 18 and 24.

Most appealing traveller traits according to the sexes:
Men Women
1 Willing to experience local culture and cuisine Willing to experience local culture and cuisine
2 Easygoing and agreeable Similar interests
3 Similar interests Easygoing and agreeable
4 Adventurous Similar personality
5 Similar personality Adventurous

Kiwis steer clear of high maintenance travellers, those not interested in seeing the main attractions and experiencing the local culture and those not willing to share expenses. Women were far less tolerant of nervous/anxious travellers than men, with 14 per cent saying it is a bad travel trait compared to just over one in ten men (11 per cent).

Travelling with family members rated poorly compared with partners and friends, except among 18-24 year olds where one in 10 listed either their mother or father as their favourite travel companion. Ms Nicoletti said perhaps the fact that the parents would end up paying for most things on the holiday was a determining factor.

Overall, the same amount of people would rather travel with a complete stranger than their dad or brother (one per cent).

“These findings show that being a ‘friend’ on Facebook does not necessarily put you in box seat to be considered a travel-worthy friend. Kiwis have high standards when it comes to selecting a travel companion as they cherish their holiday time,” Ms Nicoletti said.

Expedia.co.nz’s tips for travelling with friends:
• Chat openly and honestly about what you like and dislike to avoid disagreements
• Share ideas on locations, flights, hotels and activities to ensure you both get what you want out of the holiday
• Check with your travel companion before making any big decisions
• Learn to compromise - a little give and take can go a long way to a happy holiday
• Set a budget that both of you are comfortable and stick to it.

The survey coincides with the launch of Expediaco.nz’s FriendTrips competition on Facebook, which asks Kiwis to select five of their Facebook ’Friends’ to join them on a virtual plane for the chance to win one of six dream holidays. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/expedia.co.nz

ENDS

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