I have done my fair share of solo travel for years now, interstate, international and of all sorts from backpacking in hostels, staying in luxury hotels and unique Airbnb’s, so I think I have a very understandable perspective on it which I hope will help you see and understand, and maybe even consider your own solo travel if you never have.
The pro’s
Don’t get me wrong, I love good company and someone to share my good moments with but there are a lot of perks to travelling solo that you just don’t get with another person or in a group.
Firstly, you can pick the pace. I’m pretty easy going anyway and am happy to go with the flow but there is a nice enjoyment of at least not having to ask or collaborate with your company, you can literally just go where your senses take you. Taking your time at each destination, picking food and staying or leaving somewhere as you please.
HEADPHONES! This is a biggy for me. Sometimes when you’re exploring, you’ll not always be accompanied by the tranquil sounds of nature but that of the hustle and bustle of traffic if you’re in a city, or the chit chat of other tourists, screaming kids and a constant buzz of “okay one, two, three, cheese”. Chuck on some headphones and now i’m in my own world. Now I have a soundtrack to my adventure. That, or even just listening to a podcast or stand up, quite literally anything sounds better than the sounds of tourists. Usually this is drowned out by a conversation with who you’re with but sometimes you may just want to completely immerse in the environment. But I will definitely opt for sounds of nature over anything else, sometimes you just don’t have that option.
You can be a pig. Let’s face it, as tidy and organised as I am, if I am by myself, you bet your ass I am pouring the contents of my luggage everywhere if I’m staying for more than a night or two. I like to make myself feel at home everywhere I go. Plus living out of a suitcase isn’t fun so I try to minimise that as much as possible. If I am with someone, I will still make myself at home but I will take the time to make it neat and tidy and not seem so much like a crazy person… plus I can walk around like I would at home alone, if you know what I mean.
Also, especially in a tourist type setting, you meet some cool people. Sure you can and do still meet people when you’re with someone else or in a group but when you’re alone, its more likely that you end up unexpectedly hijacking some other group’s trip OR you meet another solo traveler and end up having great unexpected company, usually from a country on the complete opposite side of the world to you and a connection and memory you will never forget. And a bonus – which anyone who has travelled solo agree’s on – a contact in another country for when you plan a trip there in the future.
The no’s
Sure, the obvious is good company and if you are privy to feeling lonely, the elimination of that feeling. But the real logistical positive to travelling with someone is splitting fares. If you stay in a hotel, you are always paying a price for two. Back in the day when Airbnb was still popping, I could at least message the host before my trip and let them know I was travelling solo and ask if they could possibly do a special deal for me. This surprisingly worked majority of the time. My thoughts behind it were “the worst they could say is no” – no harm in asking right? These day’s Airbnb has shot themselves in the foot by making their prices the same as a hotel. I used to love the idea of a cozy and unique stay everywhere I went, for a fraction of the price. Now, it seems silly to pay the same price as somewhere I can get a guaranteed clean room, clean sheets, provided toiletries and most importantly, safety knowing there are camera’s in the halls, a reception and no one with a key that may enter at any time.
Safety. Hey, if you’re a big strong male and don’t have to look over your shoulder when walking down dark alleyways then hey, don’t think twice. But for a young female such as myself, I have had to learn how to navigate around certain situations. Luckily I have never been in a dangerous predicament but I usually adjust my environment before it leads to that. And sometimes, unfortunately that does mean having to opt out of a much cheaper situation but hey, viewing through a bigger perspective, safety is always more important that savings. What’s the point in saving money if it means you’ll never want to go out and use that money again anyway.
What no one seems to talk about
In summary, travelling solo sometimes is also just the only option. Not everyone can take time off, not everyone will want to go to your destination, not everyone has the funds to go on holiday, etc, etc. And I am not someone who is going to miss out on an opportunity because it means I’ll have to go on my own. I have one life here and the world is just sitting there waiting for me to explore it so, i’m going.
So if you’re someone who wants to go on an adventure but waiting for someone and missing your chance, GO! Or you may never… and besides the reality is, in this day and age, you never really feel alone. I am constantly sharing my journey with my family, texting them updates and an occasional Facetime from a hotel room. Now is the safest and easiest time to travel solo so do it.