Rooming With a Rando: All of Your Friends Were Strangers Once

You’ve booked your dream trip with EF Ultimate Break, packed your best, new-but-vintage outfits, and quadruple-confirmed that your passport is, in fact, in your carryon. You’re ready. But then it hits you: You’re rooming with a complete stranger. Cue the spiral. Cue the social anxiety.

What if they’re messy? What if they snore? What if they don’t like sneaking away for a little treat? Deep breath. Sharing a room with someone you’ve never met can feel awkward at first, but here’s the truth: it usually works out way better than you’d expect and sometimes leads to a friendship that lasts way after the trip’s over. So, whether you're a lifelong extrovert who can’t wait to room with a stranger or a proud introvert who needs “do not disturb” time throughout the day, here’s your guide to turning the stress of stranger rooming into a surprisingly great part of your trip.

The “Hey, I’m your roommate” moment

Awkward? Maybe. But also, everyone’s in the same boat. You’re not the only one hoping things won’t get weird. Start with a simple intro like, “What made you book this trip?” Or, take some advice from Marissa Meizz, founder of No More Lonely Friends, who told us on the Airplane Mode podcast that the best pick-up line for making new friends is to “compliment them on literally anything.” Which she called the “life hackiest way” to start a conversation (and friendship) in a positive way. You don’t need to overshare your life story on night one. Just break the ice and see where the convo goes.

Setting boundaries without it getting weird

You don’t need to print out a roommate contract, but having a casual conversation up front can save you both from miscommunications later. Try something like:

• “Hey, I usually shower at night—is that cool with you?”
• “I’m kind of a night owl. Let me know if you want lights out earlier.”
• “I’m going to play some music while I get ready, let me know if it’s bothering you.”

See? Easy. Honest. Respectful. The goal isn’t to micromanage—it’s just to keep things clear. You might not need to have these conversations, but if something comes up mid-trip, having already opened the door to communication makes it way easier to speak up.

When your roommate’s vibe doesn’t match yours

Sometimes personalities clash. Maybe they’re messy and you’re a neat freak. Maybe they want to go out every night and you have early-morning plans. Maybe their social battery is always at 100, when you need a couple charges a day.

Don’t panic. It doesn’t mean your trip is ruined—it just means you’ll need a little extra communication. Here’s how to handle the most common clashes:

• Messy vs. tidy: Try dividing the room into “your side/my side” zones. If clutter’s driving you nuts, mention it kindly (“Hey, would you mind keeping your stuff over on that side so I don’t trip on it?”).
• Different schedules: If they’re up late and you’re ready for bed, ask if they can use the bathroom light instead of the overhead. If you’re the night owl, keep headphones handy and dim your screen.
• Noise habits: Snoring, sleep talking, loud alarm tones. Bring earplugs and a sleep mask just in case, and don’t be afraid to talk about it if it’s really affecting your sleep.

The key here: don’t let one little quirk spiral into a week-long grudge. Talk it out, stay kind, and remember why you’re here—to explore a new part of the world, not silently judge someone’s sock pile.

The unspoken rules of shared rooms

Look, no one wants to be that roommate. So if you’re new to room-sharing, here are a few ground rules that’ll make things smoother for everyone:

• Don’t hog the bathroom. Especially in the morning when everyone’s trying to get ready. Keep it short and sweet, or shower the night before.
• Keep your stuff (mostly) organized. You don’t need military precision, just don’t let your suitcase explode all over the floor.
• Be respectful about bringing people back. If you're thinking of inviting someone back to the room (👀), clear it with your roommate first. If it’s a no, it’s a no. It’s their space, too.
• Use headphones. Whether it’s TikToks, playlists, or voice notes from your home friends, keep the sound to yourself.

If it does get awkward

Maybe they’re cranky. Maybe they FaceTime their sister on speaker every night. Maybe they treat the room like a frat house. If you’re genuinely uncomfortable and can’t resolve it with a conversation, talk to your Tour Director. They’ve seen it all and can help you troubleshoot—or even find a different rooming arrangement if needed. But before it gets to that, try to talk it out first. Most “bad roommate” situations come down to habits, not personality. And habits can be adjusted. (Usually.)

When it works out (and it usually does)

Here’s the part no one tells you before your trip—some of the best travel memories don’t happen under the Eiffel Tower or on a boat in Phuket, they happen back at the hotel rehashing the day or debriefing on a night out. Or venting about the 5am wake-up call. Or laughing about how you both forgot to pack a toothbrush. Sharing a space with someone, especially in a totally new place, can fast-track connection. It forces you to let your guard down a little. To be yourself. To make space for someone else. And that’s kinda the whole point. We’ve seen total strangers become inseparable, even after the trip ends. Travel has a way of turning random into meant to be.

TL;DR: All of your friends were strangers at one point

Sharing a room with a stranger on a group trip might sound like a gamble, but more often than not, it’s a win. You’ll learn a lot (about yourself and other people), collect some hilarious stories, and maybe even leave with a new travel friend. So unpack your suitcase, set your boundaries, and embrace the chaos. Your roommate situation might not be perfect, but it could be one of the most unexpectedly amazing parts of your trip.