Holidaying with a friend should always be fun. Here’s how it’s done
By Matt Ford
The opportunity to travel the world with my best mate Jack, experiencing different cultures and having all sorts of adventures and fun, is a dream come true. It’s the kind of thing we used to talk about, and now we’ve pretty much been on the road together non-stop for 12 years. We’ve done the whole $10-a-day thing, shared meals, been totally broke – and somehow, we’ve managed not to drive each other crazy. Travelling with someone really shows you who they are; for us, it just works.
Matt Ford (left) and Jack Steele from The Inspired Unemployed.
One of our absolute favourite things in the world, the reason we became The Inspired Unemployed, is making people laugh. It still blows our minds that this is actually our job: we get to go on adventures and have the time of our lives, and somehow that counts as work. Wild. It’s definitely a “pinch yourself” moment.
Travelling with your best mate is easy, and it’s good having someone to share experiences with. We tackled some pretty wild challenges while filming our new travel show, The List, and doing that kind of stuff solo would’ve been way tougher. It definitely helps to have someone there to hype you up and laugh through it all with you. This is how we always make sure we’re having fun.
Push your boundaries
We’re big believers in getting out of your comfort zone and not following the herd or travelling to places that are trending. You’ll never regret taking the leap and going somewhere you can immerse yourself in the unknown and get uncomfortable; you’ll learn a lot about yourself.
Keep it chill
Travelling can have its downsides. I mean, it would be nice to not be riddled with food poisoning while trying to film a TV show. As for us, we barely argue, which is a miracle considering how much time we spend together, including our work. If we do get a bit snappy, it’s usually just the jet lag talking, or the fact we haven’t slept properly in days. Usually, if we give it a minute, we’re quickly back to laughing at nothing.
Don’t get “hangry”
We are big lovers of food and look forward to exploring the place we’re in on our hunt for the next great meal. There’s something so fun about wandering through a new area and scoping out hidden gems. Google reviews are always a handy tip – we’ve definitely had our share of hits (and a few misses), but that’s all part of the fun. After a good feed, you’re always bound to be in a better mood.
Keep an open mind
Neither Jack nor I finished high school or went to uni, but we’ve learnt so much just by being out in the world. When you travel, you’re constantly learning – about people, different cultures, how things work in places that are different from where you live. You’re thrown into situations that challenge you, surprise you, and open your mind in ways you never expected. Nothing beats that kind of real-life education.
The List airs Tuesdays at 9.40pm on 10, or stream the entire series on Paramount+.
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.