Is Travelling Alone Overrated?

Travelling alone is all the rage right now. Bloggers and experts recommend it. However, is it really that good?

Does it make you learn more about yourself? Does it help you find your path?

Here are some pros and cons:

Why is Traveling Alone Awesome?

There are, in fact, many reasons why travelling alone rocks. The experience is unique and enlightens you in its own way. Truly, everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime. It’s purifying.

You get to do what you want to do

Honestly, this is one of the best things about the solo trip. You know how when you travel with someone you have to compromise? Go to the club when you feel like sleeping? Going to the beach in the afternoon when you like mornings?Well, there is none of that when you are alone. You do what you want and when you want it. It’s much simpler without the compromise.

You get to spend some alone time

“Alone time is precious. Some say it can get kind of boring and it’s true - but it’s very insightful. When there is no one to talk to, you actually get some thinking and decision making done, you get to reflect on important things and so on,” says Angel Meadows, a manager at Writinity and Researchpapersuk.

It might not be the most interesting thing ever to some people, but it’s refreshing, especially if you spend your regular life surrounded by people.

You get to meet new people

Now, this may seem a bit counterintuitive - after all, aren’t you supposed to travel solo? - but it’s amazing. Because you don’t really know any of those people, you can be whoever you want to be, or you can be yourself or you can be a whole bunch of versions of yourself.

You get to learn more and understand yourself better than you otherwise would. 

Why it Sucks?

So, we’ve been over the pros - but what about the cons? What makes travelling alone so bad? Well, many things, especially if you don’t do it right.

You are alone

Contrary to popular opinion, traveling solo doesn’t mean that you have to be alone all the time. Here’s the deal - travelling solo gives you the freedom to be alone when you feel like it without any guilt, but it also gives you the opportunity to be with others when you want to.

“Being alone can get uncomfortable. Some people literally trap themselves in their loneliness because they feel it’s the right thing to do. But they forget that travel is supposed to be fun. When being with others makes you happy, do it. You can be even more enlightened when you meet others,” says Marina Welch, a specialist at Draftbeyond and Last Minute Writing.

Boredom

Yes, boredom is a real issue. But just like loneliness, it can easily be handled when you meet someone.

If you really want to commit yourself to be alone, Netflix, books and local entertainment are your best friends.

No sharing excitement

When you travel with someone, you get to talk with them about all of the amazing things you’ve experienced during and after the trip. Alone, you don’t get that. Maybe you can find a travel friend on your trip and talk with them. It’s not the same but it’s not that bad either.

Travelling solo is definitely not overrated - if you do it properly. In fact, you could have more time alone, but if you are willing to meet new people. Remember, people are a part of the experience. 

Bio

Martina Sanchez is a an entrepreneur and content marketing specialist at Lucky Assignments and Gum Essays. She loves exploring new countries and writing about her experiences travelling.