No, you should not go.

He's looking for more than a driving companion. Someday that might be just fine, but not right now. You are already uncomfortable just talking about it, so you know in your heart-of-hearts that you shouldn't. My vote is 'no'.

Love and Hugs,
Martha

I would give it serious thought. A four day trip would be fine as you know him better. I don't think I would go at this time.. A road trip to Colorado is something I really enjoyed . It's a beautiful state.
Get to know him, then decide. Hugs, Dolores

I don't want you to get hurt. Why is your friend/co-worker only offering it now? I don't know if your friend is married. Wouldn't this make his wife very uncomfortable too? He's on a work trip, and you want to go there for sight-seeing, wouldn't he be bad company for you? Most training sessions I know are at of least 6 hour events. Free time after work during daytime is usually limited.

I'm sure Scottie will have some good advice for you on this subject :)

Lisa,
I agree with Regwin. Wait until you know him better before agreeing to spend 4 days with him.
I think what you posted says it all:
"When I think about companionship, I think about coffee or a dinner at the local restaurant. Not going several hours from home."
Trust your instincts. Being with him one-on-one is better in a low stress, low risk environment,

Virtual hugs from Ellen

I had an invite to go a thousand miles to a family reunion from an old (neighbor) friend. I knew exactly what he was thinking. I didn't care to get to know him better and politely turned him down.
You don't want to get into a situation where there is no escape plan. Hugs, Dolores

Lisa
I’m fairly new here, only being a widow for 2 months. I have to chime in on this conversation.
Ask yourself these questions:
1.What are his expectations of you on this trip?
2. What are you expecting? Friends or a relationship.
3. Is this the kind of road trip you want?

If you do decide to go, please be prepared to find a way home if it’s not what you wanted.
Hugs from a new widow. Judy

My 2cents is NO! From your post it sounds like you are unsure. If you are unsure than the answer should be no. Start with something small, dinner or something like that. If he cares about you he will understand.

My two cents: Why don't you invite this friend for coffee or to dinner? He might be a wonderful companion but better to find out without the stress of spending four days together. That sounds better than a trip which could turn awkward fast. The stress of even worrying about how to try and find your own way home or being uncomfortable (hello meltdown!) would be too much in my thoughts. BUT the traveling part sounds wonderful. Could you find a girlfriend or a family member to go with you? You sound ready for some adventure! Maybe you can have the best of both worlds...a new fun companion to have coffee/dinner with and a bucket list trip with a trusted friend.

Sunrise12: jinx on the two cents lol. We must have been typing nearly the same thoughts at the same time.

Deb30: great minds think alike!!! Hopefully Lisa will take our advise. After all, it was very difficult to respond simultaneously!!!.

It sounds really fun but you really, really, really need to get to know him first!!! I like the others advice about having dinner a few times or coffee. Yes, you know him from work but many times people are different on the “outside.”
You need to feel comfortable with him before anything. Remember, you’ll be with him in a car for hours plus there’s always arrangements for overnight stays which could be awkward if you’re not really good friends and get things out in the open. You know... “the rules the road” if you will! Your rules anyway!!!
Good luck and use your head!
Warm hugs!
Darcie

Thank you all so much. Its one of those things where.... You have a million thoughts run through your head and none are a clear answer. My gut really wasn't telling me much. Its so nice to have input.
I definitely had not thought of some of this. I am usually a pessimist when it comes to the intentions of a "new Friend" to be honest, and I have been with my husband since age 17 and boy have things changed!!! I'm trying to have a more open mind and take a chance or two.... (so not me at all)
I have no definition of what I may want or not want but I know that I'm unsure of a lot of things most days. I might consider myself vulnerable and possibly a bit naive. Friendship sounds good to me. The questions Judy put up were a great mind bender. What if? What does he expect? The only one of those questions I could answer would be I do want experience new things. and Darcie- Hours in a car with someone I know as a co-worker in a work setting. I would want "rules" for sure. I hadn't thought about how I would feel if he didn't respect them.
The word companion can mean many different things to people but to me its someone who is your friend, maybe dinner, movie or just conversation. Colorado does sound amazing..... Maybe later.... I will be talking to him tomorrow, He's suppose to call to talk more about the trip, Coffee sounds like my best option. That will also tell me if he's sincere. I will keep you guys updated on the conversation. HUGE HUGS to all!! thank you Thank you

Lisa

I would get to know him also, going for coffee a few times or out to eat and conversation to get to know him better first, and at a public place. Shortly after my boyfriend passed away, I felt so lonely that I thought I could maybe start a friendship with an old boyfriend from about 30 years ago. I remembered him as being sweet, but I was very naive also when younger. I guess he had went through a divorce 2 years earlier. So, I invited him over to my parents house, where I am living now, which he visited when dating years ago. What a mistake!! I was hurt and shocked when he tried to make a move on me. And said we can be " friends with benefits!!" I told him later that how dare he disrespect my boyfriend and me like that. My brother said said his divorce might have damaged him and if you invite a guy over, they take it wrong. I was shocked and told him to go pay for it. He needed to be put in his place, sorry!! After that I wanted my boyfriend back even more badly. I dread having to ever date, he left me here in this jungle!! Just be careful like these nice people said, you never know what is on a guys mind, have a way home like they said,sorry Scott, no disrespect, as you are of male species, ha, sorry!! Blessings!!

Pretty risky emotionally as you already know. Problem is you wouldn't have an easy exit plan to get home if for any reason you decide it's not working out.

Hi Lisa. Honestly, I don't think this trip is a good idea for you right now. Such a trip might work if you had a trusted friend or family member come along, and if the man promised both of you that he would turn around if you asked. Beyond that, spend time with the guy doing things to really get to know each other. I know of 2 really good ways to find out about who a person really is. The first is taking a trip, and a 4 day trip is a very long time if things turn south. The 2nd way is to go camping together. I've had bad experiences on both counts simply because I didn't know either woman very well at all. Take your time getting to know this fellow first. Colorado isn't going to go away, and you have lots of time to do that in the future with him or someone else. The biggest problem I see with this trip is that you have no escape plan. He's got a conference, so he's not going to be amicable to turning around and taking you home, for example, you get anxiety or worse. Scott