Colleagues go on work trip, employee falters when coworker demands to join them on 1 week solo trip afterwards: ‘I don’t see why I should spend my free time with them’

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Sep 2, 2026 2:30 PM EDT

Is it fair to expect to spend quality time with a coworker once the work part of a work trip is over?

Everybody has slightly different opinions on the relationships that they have with their colleagues. Some like to see them as an extension of their social circle, people they can rely on to do the occasional favor and hang out with outside of the office now and then. Others prefer to keep it strictly professional, as they are wary of the complications that can come from being too close to their coworkers. Also, it's not like most employees have much of a say in who they work with. They might just not like them very much.

An awkward situation that is not uncommon in the workplace is when two coworkers have different ideas of what their relationship means to them. One wants to take it further, whereas the other prefers to have boundaries to stop them from getting too close. Neither of them is necessarily in the wrong, but it can create friction if it isn't addressed before it turns into a big problem. Those who don't want to be friends need to make it obvious that they aren't there to socialize.

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  • A woman smiles as she works with her laptop on her lap.
    via A. C. (Unsplash+)

    A woman smiles as she works with her laptop on her lap. Stock photography for depiction only.

  • Redditor u/Odd_Respond_4227 was going on a work trip with a coworker and staying an extra week afterwards for a vacation. They intended to do this alone, but their colleague seemed interested in joining them after the work ended. They didn't want this, and they weren't sure how to properly approach it with her.

  • Co-worker wants to come on holidays with me (and I don't want that)

    I am going on a work trip and since it's a place I wouldn't be able to visit otherwise, I am staying solo 1 extra week on holidays. A co-worker is also coming on the work trip (fine) and they hinted at wanting to tag along for the holiday part of the trip, asking me for my itinerary etc.

  • A woman sitting on a couch speaks to a colleague, who is shown by the back of her head.
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    A woman sitting on a couch speaks to a colleague, who is shown by the back of her head. Featured likenesses do not identify those mentioned.


     

  • Now, I don't particularly like the co-worker and we are not friends outside of work. I am obviously fine with having them on the work trip but I don't see why I should spend my free time with them. Trips can be taxing even with close friends, let alone a co-worker that you don't particularly like! I know I would just end up hating my time there if they come with me - and what's the purpose of a holiday then? I think there should definitely be some workplace boundaries here.

    On the other hand I need to keep good relations with them because we work together quite a bit - is there any polite way to decline their proposal to join me, in case they ask directly? Like saying that I prefer travelling solo or something (which is also sort of true)? So far I've been pretty vague about my plans so that she doesn't have any openings, so I am hoping she never asks, but who knows.

    Any advice welcome!

  • The skyline of a city as seen over water.
    via Sam Wermut

    The skyline of a city as seen over water. Image depicted solely for explanatory purposes.
     

  • Oh I planned for a solo trip but I hope you enjoy your holiday!

    javel2

    Gush and gush about how you’ve always wanted to do a solo trip and how you’ve said “no” to a close, dear family member that asked to join you. Say this next time you’re with this co-worker before they get a chance to bring it up again. Preferably in front of other people
    Good luck!

    dankaela

    Why are people so afraid of honesty.
    "If you want to spend an extra week that's up to you, but I was planning this as alone time for me, hope you understand"

    Number-2-Sis

    Just be upfront. You’re using the holiday day time to recharge from work solo.

    thebiggestgouda

    If they’ve only hinted? Ignore them.
     

    VFTM

  • A woman smiles while sitting on the couch, her coworker blurred in the background, looking away and smiling.
    via A. C. (Unsplash+)

    A woman smiles while sitting on the couch, her coworker blurred in the background, looking away and smiling. Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.
     

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work stories entitled coworker work trip vacation
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