I’ve Been Everywhere, Man
Some people prefer to hit the road alone. Others need their crew with them. However you choose to travel, each path has its own set of rewards and adventures. Come with us as we journey down both routes!
Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels
1. There’s No Schedule
As nice as itineraries are, sometimes traveling is best without a schedule. There’s no one to wake you up at the crack of dawn or drag you halfway across the city sightseeing every tourist trap. You’re free as a bird to do as little or as much as you’d like.
2. Lots of Self-Discovery
When it’s just you out there, you’ll undoubtedly learn more about yourself. Hang on! We know that sounds scary, but self-discovery helps achieve those eureka moments about who you are and why you’re more capable than you think.
3. You Can Make New Friends
New places are the perfect opportunity for new friends. Whether it’s asking locals for their favorite spots or striking up a conversation on a tour bus, it’s actually quite easy to make new connections.
4. All That Freedom
Now that we’ve tossed schedules out the window, let’s open the shutters nice and wide for all our newfound freedom. Solo travel puts you in the driver set—you can set your own itinerary, eat where you like, or ditch the touristy stuff for experiences off the beaten path.
5. It Boosts Self-Confidence
We don’t give ourselves enough credit. Too often we assume we’re incapable or too socially awkward to handle such feats as solo travel. No longer! Traveling alone gives a much-needed adrenaline boost to our self-confidence.
Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash
6. You Can Learn the Language
Without translators, solo travelers must rely on their own grasp of foreign languages. Sure, your French probably isn’t as polished as you’d like it to be, but it’s sink or swim time. Use the apps, break out the dictionary, or practice with locals.
7. No Annoying Setbacks
We all have a scatter-brained friend who, god love ‘em, slows things down. We also have that friend who thinks their itinerary is the only itinerary. Well, guess what? You don’t have to worry about any of that when you’re on your own.
8. It’s Peaceful
Headphones on the plane, a book in a cafe—solo travel is incredibly peaceful. Much like a day alone in the park, it’s just as relaxing to watch the sunset in Barbados, nothing between you but a cool margarita.
9. Improved Resourcefulness
Solo travel, surprise, means you’re on your own. You’ll need to navigate alone, chat with locals one-on-one, and figure out hotel check-in times. It seems overwhelming, but it’s actually an opportunity to rely on your own resourcefulness!
10. Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you’ve never done it before, hitting the open road is the quickest way out of your comfort zone. From meeting new people to organizing your schedule, lone wolves are left to their own devices. You never know what you’ll learn about yourself!
Though solo travel is a journey all its own, bringing someone along is just as rewarding. Let’s dive into some reasons why you should invite your pals next time.
1. Create New Memories Together
It’s hard to convey all the exciting things you got up to on a solo trip—but with friends by your side, you’ll always have someone to vouch for your adventures! Those memories bring you closer together and make way for all sorts of reminiscing.
2. You’ll Stay Better Organized
Having friends aboard helps you stay organized. You can share the joy (or burden) of planning and keep each other on track. Let’s be honest, at least one of your friends is the Virgo anyway.
3. Group Travel is Fun
Shots at the bar! Nights on the town! Karaoke nights even though none of you can sing! Who knows what memories are just waiting to be made? Even if you’re comfortable with your own company, traveling with friends can make a journey much more fun.
4. Friends Make it Safer
Most solo travelers have their wits about them, but friends are what really keep them safe. Five gut instincts are better than one and sometimes it’s just nice to know you have a support system in place.
5. You Can Split Costs
Say what you will about group travel—at least it’s cheaper! Friends can split everything from hotel rooms to plane tickets, not to mention bar tabs or restaurant bills. At the end of the day, it’s one less thing to worry about.
6. Bye Bye, Boredom
How could you ever get bored with all your friends around? While it’s important to still give each other space, you’ll also always have buds ready for the next tourist spot. If we’re being honest, it’s also nice to have someone you know in the same hotel.
7. It’s Easier to Try New Things
Not everyone can be trusted to coax themselves out of their comfort zone. Sometimes we need a gentle nudge, which is where our friends come in! Whether you need moral support or an arm around your shoulder, your squad has your back.
8. Photos Are a Breeze
It’s always a roll of the dice trusting strangers to take your photo. With friends in the picture, you don’t have to worry about phone theft or awkwardly asking some poor local to wait while you balance the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
9. You Learn More About Each Other
Just like solo travel unravels more about you, group trips delve further into friendships. Late-night talks and hotel room heart-to-hearts will only bring you closer. It’s a magical thing.
10. Angel on Your Shoulder
Admit it—your friends have wrangled you back from silly ideas. The last thing you want is to get too adventurous in a new place; it’s nice to have friends who candidly tell you not to fall for a guy you don’t understand.
