To Travel Solo or With a Companion?

It’s basically a toss-up between, “less is more” and “the more the merrier.”

Travelling has become the most popular choice for a leisure activity, perhaps even more favoured an experience than pigging out and playing sports. Modern technology made it possible to book a flight with just a click of a button. Discovery of new destinations as well as the sustainable development of access to tourist spots also contribute to make it more convenient and affordable as ever. So not anymore that it is a luxury thing to do–to travel is now a lifestyle. Perhaps the only difficult thing about it is to choose whether to go alone or with a group.

Also read: Why Travel is a Good Investment

There are a handful of things to consider before coming up with an answer to that question. First is to identify the purpose of travelling.

On travelling solo

Oftentimes, solo adventure is a refuge of people when they are in distress, be it about career or relationships. Finding solace in nature relaxes body senses and it’s a good exercise to keep the mind sane. The simple view of the sunrise from atop of a mountain peak is a healthy break from the usual sights of the city skyscrapers from an office window. Moreover, many would agree that travelling solo is a way to discover more about oneself. While the point of going to a vacation virtually is to rest, it is a crucial experience that brings out natural emotions and character because stepping out of your comfort zone tests your patience, wit and how you deal with challenges.

Also read: What They Don’t Tell You About Solo Travel

On travelling with companions

However, travelling can always be more of a sentimental an experience when it is shared with important people. Some people will say that it matters more who you go with and not exactly the destination, and it’s nice to have someone to do things with, laugh with and share stories with. Now all those Instagram posts should be extra special because they show that you and your family or friends spent a wonderful time together. Moreover, when travelling, you do not only explore new things about yourself alone. You also learn more about the people around you in very spontaneous ways and it creates a unique and closer bond between you and your travel buddy. So instead of a serious contemplation on life issues while sitting on top of a falls, a thriller moment of jumping off with your closest companions should at least help you get through.

Advantages and disadvantages

While travelling has become more economical than ever before, it is still tied to a few pretty items and services to pay for. There are the lodging fees, meals and transportation rentals and more, unless you get creative and research on how to save up on these things. For the obvious reasons, it is easier to keep up with your budget when you are on your own. You decide where you want to eat or which activities you are going to try and choose where to stay (talk about searching for the cheapest backpackers inn). This entails being able to enjoy the luxury to change your plans whenever you want to and not to things just to fit a group’s agenda. Basically, you plan your trip in a way that benefits you most, without compromising on going to some places you are not very interested in. An independent traveller enjoys the freedom to spend only on what he or she likes, whenever, wherever.

Also read: 9 Things You Have to Deal With When Travelling with a Big Group

Not to be outdone, travelling as a duo or a group has its own great advantages, too. A team of tourists can avail bundle promos and get discounts from the services offered to them, such as everyday scenarios in restaurants and accommodations. Like independent travellers, they can also opt to choose only the activities they like especially when they are friends who share mutual interests or made agreements prior the trip. But perhaps why more people will go with companions is because there is “safety in numbers.” With the buddy system, it feels safer when you have someone to watch your back. In worst case scenarios, you can rely on your peers when you are hurt, sick or in an emergency.

Conclusion

The bottomline is, before going on an adventure, it’s important to think about what kind of an experience you want from your trip. Yes, it is a healthy alternative to try travelling solo once in a while. There are also times that ultimate #travelgoals are with family and friends and create memories together. Whichever your decision will be, travelling should truly be fun and worthwhile.