Are you someone who is not at ease with travelling with someone? Do you like to do things your way when it comes to organizing trips? If yes, then being travelling alone might be your best recourse. But what do you get from taking a solo trip? Here we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being a solo traveller.
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Pros
1. The most obvious advantage is that you get complete independence. You are not bound by any schedules such as that of group tours and you get to do things that you like. No one will force you to go backpacking or hiking when all you want to do is another activity. By travelling alone, no one will wake you up at 6 am because you are in a group tour that follows a certain schedule and itinerary. Doing it alone can give you an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone.
2. Solo travel can also provide opportunities for making new friends. It is less intimidating to approach someone and start a conversation when you are alone rather than two of you. You can start by asking for directions especially if you are in an unfamiliar territory. Who knows? It could be the start of more conversations on a different day or place, exchange of contact numbers or email addresses, and all sorts of stuff.
3. Being a solo traveller also creates opportunities for self-discovery. Without thinking of anyone else or any other stressors, you can have the time to be alone with yourself, reflect or develop a better understanding of yourself.
Cons
While it has its advantages, travelling alone also has its disadvantages.
1. With solo travel, you do not have someone with whom to share your experience with. You may have been able to reach the peak of a high mountain or get to ski but you may not be able to fully understand or appreciate the experience because you do not have any companion to share it with. Yes, you may tell the story to a friend but still the experience will never be the same.
2. Traveling alone can also make you feel vulnerable. At some point in time during your trip, you may feel alone, lonely, weak, or develop self-doubt. Without any companion, you have no recourse but to confront these feelings on your own.
3. Culture shock can set in especially if you are travelling to a new country. You may not feel more comfortable without a companion than having one. You may have to overcome culture shock by yourself. The good thing about this is that it can make you stronger the next time around.
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of being a solo traveller, it will be easier to plan your next travel whether you will go solo or take along a friend.
