Travelling With Friends - Are You Travel Compatible?

Luxury Travel During China 's Olympics in 2008
Since the announcement that the 2008 Olympic Games would be held in Beijing several years ago, the city, and the whole country in fact, has been readying itself for the massive influx of tourists from all over the world. There has never been a better time to take a luxury holiday in China than during the Olympics, as new 5-star hotels and luxurious facilities pop up all over the country. There is a huge variety of tours available, so you don't even need to be interested in sports to want to go to China during the Olympics.

You'll find a wealth of options for luxury travel in China over the Olympic season, as well as before and after the Games. There are tours that encompass Beijing, as a must-see in all its Olympic splendor, with several different packages available. You can also take advantage of the electric atmosphere of the entire country with a single city tour - Shanghai, Chengdu and Xian have long been known as luxury destinations in China. Multi-city tours are available, if you'd like to take the opportunity of the Olympics to see the entire country, and there are many tours that encompass Tibet as well as China 's traditional borders.

You will find customized tours available for luxury travel in China during the Olympics - if you enter your standard travel arrangements (number of people, room and meal requirements), and your travel dates, you can mix and match tour sights from different cities, different areas of interest (architecture, history, arts, eco-tours, learning Chinese, and adventure holidays), and even have the cost of a personalized tour reduced for you, if others share your interests and timing.

The city has actually spent quite a long time preparing for his Olympic season. Sources report that over one hundred new hotels have been built in China simply in response to the anticipated influx of tourists this year. Chinese enterprise is realizing the demand for luxury facilities in their resorts, hotels and package deals, and have responded to this demand with great fervor. Where you used to be able to count the number of 5-star hotels in China on the fingers of one hand, now they are available all over the country - goods news for travelers.

There are developments like Opposite House in Sanlitun in Beijing, a 99-room boutique hotel. The architect 's design is said to be magnificent, with a green glass exterior and a pool made of stainless steel. It will be open in July, in time for pre-Olympic traffic. Another luxury hotel in the process of being built in China is the PuLi Hotel and Spa in Shanghai. It will have five star facilities, espresso machines in every room, all the latest technological facilities for the business traveler, and views across JingAn park and Shanghai 's skyline are even available while you are in the bath!

Shangri-La is a chain renowned Asia-wide for its luxury facilities and impeccable service standards. They have several developments upcoming in time for the Olympics, and if you would like to see the country in its more natural state, there will also be 10 Shangri-La 's built in the next three years. Beijing, Trader 's Upper East, Ningbo and Wengzhou will be here in time for the Olympics, and you can enjoy the delicious and unique feeling of staying in a room that nobody has ever stayed in before during your Olympic trip at these hotels!

One recommendation is that if you are planning to stay in a luxury resort or hotel in China this Olympic season, look for testimonials and customer reviews of the facilities. The star-rating system in China is government sponsored, and the criteria for ratings is based solely on the rooms and equipment - the standard of service is not a factor. If you want to make sure that your luxury hotel isn't lacking in the service department, despite the 5-star rating and price tag, do a little research before you book.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

Going away with friends or your partner can be stressful at the best of times, but you could be heading for trouble if you're not travel compatible.

Ten million British holiday-makers have lost a good friendship because of not testing their holiday compatibility before setting off on a week or two week break together, according to a new report published by hotel chain Travelodge.

The poll of 3,400 adults reveals that 55 per cent of Brits holidaying with friends have two serious arguments during their stay and an unlucky seven per cent have even returned home within the first few days.

The most common causes of conflict are personality clashes, differing likes and dislikes concerning food and activities, annoying personal habits, money and holiday romances or jealousy.

Anjula Mutanda, Psychologist and Life Coach says:

"It 's a very common issue - friendships breaking up on holiday. The idea of going away with someone you know and trust sounds good in theory but it 's so easy for it to go wrong. Never underestimate just because you're good friends, going away together for a one or two weeks break will be easy. It 's a big risk holidaying with someone for the first time; this is when you will discover what they are really like.

I would suggest, before committing to a friend 's holiday, first go for a trial run such as a weekend break to access your compatibility. This will be beneficial for both parties and will not just save you money and heartache but most importantly your friendship."

Once you've tested the water with a weekend away it 's a good idea to discuss the following travel considerations before booking a longer break, and then you'll have done all you can to ensure you're a good match.

What is your budget? Do you both (or all) have the same amount of cash? What will be your priorities on spending? Would you like to contribute to a kitty or be responsible for all your own spends?

Do you prefer organised tours or would you rather wander round absorbing the atmosphere and discovering places for yourself? Maybe you just want to sunbathe or drink heavily instead.

Do you have any special needs, dietary requirements or personal preferences that will affect your travel companions?

If planning a trip with friends, are you currently in a relationship or having personal problems? What impact could this have on your behaviour and mood during your stay? Are you planning on a lot of bedroom action? If you're travelling with your partner, is it a particularly stressful time or do you have any disputes that are likely to flare up while away?

How many of you are planning to travel together? Be aware of the jealousies, annoyances and conflicts that are often present in a small group of friends.

It is a good idea to agree on a strategy if things don't go smoothly. If you're travelling around the world, would you be happy to split and continue on your own?

When planning a longer trip with friends it 's helpful to agree that you will let each other know if something is bugging you. Conversely, you should agree to show some consideration to your travel mates and try to approach things with humour and flexibility. You can probably put up with some dodgy music but not an ever-growing pile of dirty underwear on the floor.

Paul Anstey, Travelodge Operations Director remarks:

"Around 60 per cent of our customers stay for leisure. A large proportion of these consumers are friends who are travelling or holidaying together. Our findings illustrate you can know someone for many years but it 's only when you share a room together for the first time, that you really get to know that person. This experience can be true test of a friendship."

When you're travelling, whether it 's for two weeks or ten months, at some point you will experience tiredness, boredom and unfamiliar situations. You will need to speak to strangers, deal with new currencies and make quick decisions. Sometimes all you'll want is your own sofa and a nice cup of tea.

At these times you'll need to feel comfortable enough with your travel companion to have a moan, sit in silence or go for a walk on your own without it causing an argument. If you've checked that you're travel compatible then you'll hopefully have a happy holiday and you should be able to cope with whatever the world throws at you.
Max Clarke is a part-time copywriter for holiday services company, Holiday Extras, currently writing about Manchester Hilton Hotel, Manchester Airport Travelodge and Manchester airport hotels