I did a little walk today from Dawnstar to Winterhold. It was a lovely day and just outside Dawnstar I fell in with a band of four Kajeets. I think they were looking out for bandits whom they seemed not to like very much. I walked along with them for a long time and they were extremely pleasant and friendly, and very alert to danger. I love the way they suddenly freeze and test the air when they sense danger, just like real cats.
It's the safest way to travel if you can find one of these groups going your way.
Is this what it's like when you have followers?
I'd like to hear of pleasant encounters others may have had.

I cast Calm on Bandits. When I cannot find friendly people, I MAKE friendly people.

I have traveled with a group of Thalmor before.

Ah, just today I walked into the Bannered Mare when Uthgerd the Unbroken attacks me, it was fun, dodging her atttacks. I left the BM, and she followed me. I dual casted Fury and she was killed by Whiterun Guards and Alikr Warriors. Her fault.

The one time I didnt killa Skooma Dealer, and I stole all the goods!
Did I mention Skooma Dealers, are Khajiit and Travel in groups of 3-4?