In the previous article I described the pros and cons of traveling with a company, now let’s discuss the same things but with a solo travel.
Drawbacks
It costs more
Yeah, when you travel on your own you cannot split your check so you have to pick places where food costs less if you want to try as much as possible.
In fact, lots of times cheaper food is tastier because it was cooked by the locals. You can really get to know traditional dishes and save some money as well.
You can become bored
No matter how much freedom you have when you are traveling by yourself, you have to consider the fact that you can become bored. It’s not a pleasant feeling but I’m sure you can manage it.
There is always a way to go to some bar or couchserfing event and meet somebody new. Have fun while you still can.
Easier to be homesick
When you have your friend right next to you, you don’t even have to think about home because you carry a piece of it with you.
But that’s not the case when you are in your own. That’s weird but you do feel homesick if you travel for a long period of time. I haven’t been in such situation before but I read hundreds of stories that proved that.
You may not get help in the right time
Traveling is amazing but when you have troubles, it’s not. You can be hurt by some stranger or you can be bitten by some rare insect, in such case you need some help. When you are alone, you have nobody to call an emergency.
So my advice to you don’t go to wild places without a guide, I mean a person. And you’ll be okay. In other places usually people are going to help you, even if they do not know you.
Benefits
Ultimate freedom
Yeah, this is a paradise for your heart. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want. No constraints, no limitations, nothing like that. I love it.
This is the biggest benefit of traveling by yourself.
Besides, recently I found that odd video that I made once when I was in Chernivtsi, I had brackets that time, it looks so hilarious.
Ability to get to know local people
Based on the fact that you have infinite amount of choices to pick from, you can strike up a conversation with strangers and get to know people in the area where you’re staying at the moment.
This can be an exceptional life experience and the level of emotional intensity will be huge. So why not to try it?
What are the odds that you will be in the same exact area 5 years from now? Use the moment that you have in a smart way.
You can learn about yourself
Travel is a place where lots of people go to look for some answers, to chase their dreams or even to find their dreams. It is absolutely perfect activity to learn who you are, and what you really need in this life.
There is no better way to test yourself, to challenge your capabilities and destroy the limiting beliefs that you currently have. It will enhance you as a person, and you may get back already changed.
Anyways, your choice is up to you. I would only recommend to consider your goals. If you value freedom, want to push yourself and know what you are capable of, then go by yourself. If you prefer being around already familiar people, and need more security and certainty that everything will be okay, then go with your friends for sure.
You can take amazing shots
Photography is my hobby but when I travel alone, I can do as much photos of what I do find meaningful, as I want. I found this activity as a great way to express yourself somehow. I hope you can relate to that in some extent.
Make sure to check out the first part of this post, if you haven't yet :)
All of the images above are original, kind of epic and uploaded to SteemIMG.com