My first solo trip dates back to when I was 22 years old, in 2017, when I decided to head to Cuba with my backpack and no knowledge of Spanish (big mistake, learn Spanish!). While the experience was stressful at first (I was definitely not confident on the plane, believe me), it is now a memorable experience and everything went very well!
Traveling alone is a liberating and, without a doubt, transformative experience. One of the main reasons I chose to go backpacking solo was that I no longer wanted to wait on others and wanted to step out of my comfort zone. By planning and living my trip on my own terms, I discovered a new form of freedom and satisfaction.
In this article, I will share with you the reasons why you shouldn't wait on others to travel!
Simplified Planning
Organizing a group trip can be complicated and time-consuming. Everyone has their own availability, financial constraints, and preferences, making it difficult to agree on dates, destinations, and activities. Traveling alone allows for easy and quick planning, based solely on your desires and constraints. This means you can decide on a whim to visit a new place or extend your stay somewhere you love without needing to negotiate or compromise with others.
Adaptability and Flexibility
When you travel alone, you can easily adjust your itinerary according to your whims. If you fall in love with a place and want to stay longer, you can do so without consulting anyone. Conversely, if a place doesn’t appeal to you, you can leave immediately. This flexibility extends to daily plans as well—you can wake up one morning and decide to take a spontaneous day trip or switch up your activities based on your mood or weather conditions.
Personal Priorities
When traveling alone, your priorities are the only ones that matter. Whether you prefer spending hours exploring a museum, going on a hike, or simply relaxing on a beach, you can do so without compromise. You can focus entirely on what you want to do and see, ensuring that your travel experience is exactly what you hoped for. This also means you can indulge in your own interests and passions, perhaps exploring niche attractions or activities that might not interest a travel companion.
Time Efficiency
Waiting for others to make decisions, get ready, or arrive can consume a significant portion of your travel time. When you’re solo, you manage your time as you see fit, optimizing each day of your trip. This means no waiting around for others in the morning, no lengthy discussions about what to do next, and no delays due to differing speeds or energy levels. You can move at your own pace, ensuring that you make the most of every moment.
Fewer Conflicts
Traveling with others can sometimes lead to conflicts, whether minor or major, on subjects like restaurant choices, daily activities, or even sleeping habits. Traveling alone avoids these potential sources of stress and disagreement. You won't have to negotiate or make compromises that might detract from your own enjoyment. Instead, you can create a harmonious and stress-free travel experience tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.
Lionel Notari
I started solo backpacking in 2017 and became passionate about photography throughout my adventures. Have a look at all my photos, available for printing, here: lionelnotari photography