Should I Travel Alone or With Other People?

TRAVEL STYLE – SOLO/PARTNER/GROUP?

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This is a question that I have often pondered myself. Should I go by myself, take a partner/friend or go as a group. There are numerous pro’s and con’s to each one and at the end of the day its up to your individual preference.

SOLO TRAVELLING

If this is your first time travelling then it can be incredibly daunting and frightening. But seriously…go solo! It has numerous benefits which will build you as a person and develop your character. You will decide what you want to do, where you want to go, what you like, dislike, how short or long you may stay and when you leave.

You will have more time to take photos, write in your notebook or blog, read, contemplate life, observe and reflect. It is an enpowering feeling to know that you have made it this far and can survive on your own without much influence from others. It gives you plenty of opportunity to meet other travellers and open yourself up to meeting the locals and embracing the rich culture of their country.

For those introverted types this may be the turning point where you transform into the new extroverted you. Travelling solo may sound intimidating at first, but if you overcome the initial hesitation to go solo, the reward will be tenfold.

TRAVEL PARTNERS

If your partner is platonic (although this doesnt matter if he/she isnt) you must really think about the relationship you have with that person and whether it will withstand the added pressures of travelling. Fuses can be short when you are both exhausted and tired and you need to know that your relationship can withstand this kind of pressure.

You will need to think about how well you communicate with eachother and solve problems? Are they independent enough to let you have some alone time? Do they have their own sufficient funds? Are they an experienced traveller? Have you spent prolonged periods of time in close quarters with them before? Are they really motivated like you to travel? Do they snore? Can they be relied upon?

If they tick all of those boxes then thats great they will probably be a great companion to go travelling with. However if they dont tick those boxes then it may be wise to find someone else.

TRAVELLING IN GROUPS

You have great friends, so why not have a great time with them all together travelling around the world? Additionally, travelling as a group might come with the benefits of group rates and split costs.

However these points should always be considered:

– People smell. One more smell other than your own can be passable, but when there are five or more smells adding to that its not fun anymore.

– People bitch. Its human nature. Its perfect when everyone wants to do the same thing, at the same time, for the same price for the same duration. But sadly this is never the case as much as it would be perfect. There is no way everyone will agree on everything and this will lead to bickering, fights, nonissues and stupid miscommunications.

– People get sick. Some people are proper pussys when they get sick and you will have to deal with that and have them drag you down until they are better.

– People are late. When one person is late, everyone is held up. So enjoying your group rate will be impossible if you miss the flight.

– The bigger the group the more issues you will have to deal with.

However, with all those bad points aside, its not impossible to have a great time as a group, but there will have to be a lot of compromise and your own idea of a perfect trip will be considereably altered to fit around everyones else.

So there you have it! See which one suits you and roll with. Just remember to have fun!