10 Things You CAN’T Do Without a Travel Buddy

As a regular victim of the travel bug, you will inevitably find yourself travelling alone on multiple occasions. Thanks to technology, this doesn’t sound as daunting as it used to. Still, there remain a few things a traveller cannot do without a travel buddy. Until there comes a time that limbs start growing out of our smartphones, here are some basic comforts a solo traveller will have to learn to do without.

Also read: Get Help! 12 Signs You Desperately Need A Travel Buddy

1. Going to the toilet in peace

Having to bring your luggage into a tiny bathroom stall isn’t exactly the most fun way to heed nature’s call. But without a travel buddy to watch over your things, you don’t really have any other choice. Even if you choose to ask a stranger to guard your bags, you’ll still be worried about whether you can really trust him or her.

2. Getting drunk

While it’s exciting to have a YOLO mindset on a trip (you’re on vacation, after all!), you have to be more cautious when drinking without a travel buddy. The only way to escape all dangers of intoxication is to order alcohol over room service and lock yourself inside your hotel room. But where’s the fun in that, right?

3. Taking photos effortlessly

Sure, there are tricks you can do to take good photos while you travel solo, but you have to admit it: Taking photos of yourself can get awkward. Asking a stranger to take a photo of you doesn’t feel all that comfortable, either.

Also read: No (Instagram) Boyfriend, No Problem: 12 Tips for Taking Great Photos When Travelling Solo

4. Leaving your stuff while swimming

It’s a sunny day out, and you’re so ready to get a tan. The problem is that the beach is too far away from your hotel. What do you do with all your stuff? Do you just leave them by the shore? Ask a lifeguard to watch over them? Leave your phone, wallet, and room key at the hotel? Look back obsessively at your stuff while you’re trying to have a good time in the sea? Who knows?!

5. Taking random naps

In life, there are few things that bring you as much joy as does travelling. One of those is taking naps. Without a travel buddy to wake you up, you’re going to have to stay wary during snooze fests — especially if you have the tendency to sleep through stops, or if there’s a chance someone will snatch your belongings while you’re dozing off.

6. Ordering big servings of food

Travel buddies make exploring foreign cuisines more exciting. With them, you can order two different dishes and easily taste two different flavours! Sadly, you don’t have a travel buddy. Not to mention, some restaurants just don’t think of solo travellers like you. In other words: No single servings of pizza.

7. Booking an affordable and comfortable accommodation

Like restaurants, hotels don’t often think of solo travellers either. Usually, bedrooms are good for at least two people. If you’re particular with having a comfortable bedspace, you’re in for a challenging time scouting for a reasonably affordable accommodation.

8. Splurging

Solo travel entails a lot of responsibility — especially financial responsibility. Without a travel buddy to borrow extra cash from, you don’t want to risk spending all your money on shopping — only to learn that the store doesn’t accept card payments.

9. Being indecisive

Solo travel isn’t for someone who struggles with decision-making. When you’re travelling alone, no one else will make your decisions for you. Don’t waste your whole day thinking of what to do. Decision-making can take up a lot of time and brainpower, so either craft your itinerary before your trip, or be extra spontaneous — but make up your mind quickly.

Also read: Travel Itinerary or No Travel Itinerary? That is the Question

10. Reminiscing with someone else

Although the brain is a powerful organ, your memory is still unreliable. As the days go by, memories become blurrier and blurrier. This said, you need a travel buddy if you want an accurate recall of your travel memories. Both of you can help each other make out the details of a certain moment.

Also read: To Travel Solo or With a Companion?

Many times, your travel buddy is your superhero — unless you did a poor job choosing who to travel with. But when the time comes that your travel buddy can’t make it, then you’ll have to accept your fate and prepare well. Good luck!

Also read: Yikes! 10 Signs You’re Travelling with the WRONG Buddy