I love solo travel, but...


Selfie - Weymouth, UK 2013

I love traveling alone. It is exhilarating, empowering and enlightening. I wouldn't change it for anything.  However, there are a few downsides to solo travel which I have accepted but don't always like. I mean, sometimes you just want someone to watch your stuff while you pee.



1. You have no one to hold/watch your bag or luggage if you need to run to the bathroom. You will have to truck everything with you wherever you go. This is particularly a bummer at places like customs, bus stations, train stations etc.

2. Some days you will just be too tired to plan and there is no one else to do it for you or help you out with it. You will have to make your peace with the fact that you were too tired and are now in the wind.

3. You will not be able to see everything in every place. You will find out later that there is something you "missed." If there are more than one of you, you might be able to cover more ground but still you will never see it all. Two or more heads means double the research capabilities. Related to #2, sometimes you are just too tired. to do it all.

4. There is no one to watch your back (or your drink). This is all encompassing, emotionally, physically, etc.

5. Sometimes you just want a hug from someone you know.

6. If you run out of TP, no one is there to hand you their mini packet of tissues.

7. You can't reminisce with anyone over shared experiences because you were alone.

8. Safety, a revolving door issue. Sometimes you are safer alone, sometimes you are not. Having another person's safety radar is one of those "two is better than one" things.

9. You are always in the lead and always have to be "on." This can be wonderful but also exhausting. Also related to #2.

10. Lots of self-ies. Double edged sword.


With all this said, you always meet people on the road and if you are lucky you really click with some of them. If you end up traveling together a lot of these disappear, but for the day to day solo traveler this is some of what I have found over the years.


Sawrah

1 comment:

  1. My mamma heart wants to give you a hug and and cup of cocoa. As you travel, your incredible spirt amazes those of us who sit and watch. There is always someone around to yell to for an extra roll! As you travel solo, we pray to the Almighty Spirt to keep you safe and fill your heart with Joy and the wisdom to rest. The mamma in me just won't be quiet! Have fun!

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