Traveling alone, whether domestic or international, can be scary yet fulfilling simultaneously, a wholesome experience and an accomplishment by itself. Nothing beats knowing that you can pay for and take a trip halfway across the world on a minimal budget with little to no understanding of the language and trusting yourself to figure things out and take care of yourself. As you come out of the other side, you’ll be wiser, sharper, a little more self-confident, plus you’ll learn some pretty amazing life skills such as budgeting or even a new language.
Traveling alone also pretty much allows you to do whatever you want when you want to. The freedom and being able to move at your own pace are priceless. You might also lack the ideal travel partner with who you can agree on things such as destinations, budgets, and eating-out schedules.
On the flip side, many travel enthusiasts who have made the trip alone often end up with the feeling that a little company on their rendezvous would have been nice. Whether alone or with the company, you need to make time on your busy schedule to be able to travel, especially as a student. Read a MasterPapers Review to find out which essay writing companies are best placed to deliver exceptional academic papers that can help you free up some time to travel.
Before traveling alone, keep these 10 considerations in mind:
- Solo Travel Can Get Very Lonely
While traveling alone offers some kind of unbridled freedom, there is always a great disadvantage when loneliness sets in. Who will you share those special moments with? Are strangers always willing to hold your camera or selfie stick for you? Loneliness sucks the life out of some vacation stops and activities, not all of them. Solo travel also means that you will enjoy fewer group activities, for example, beach sports.
- Your Chances of Getting Lost Are Higher
Solo travel does improve one’s confidence. However, with no friend who can speak and ask questions on your behalf, especially for the shy ones, it just makes it all the easier to get lost and end up in some unknown place.
- You Won’t Have Someone Challenging You or Pushing Your Limits
Again, some activities such as kayaking, bungee jumping, or even riding on a camel may only remain a pipe dream if you are a fearful or shy solo traveler. A friend can provide the impetus and motivation to do something well out of your comfort zone.
- It Might Be Fairly More Expensive
Traveling with someone or with a group allows you to save a few extra dollars on room and board, eating out, and tours. This entirely depends on the type of trip you intend on making, as most trips may pan out equally expensive regardless of whether you travel solo or not.
- Has A Higher Number of Security Risks
Yes, this might be true in some parts of the world, such as conflict areas and parts that have been red-flagged as dangerous. It is also mostly true for solo female travelers who have little understanding of the language, culture, and norms of the places they travel to. Walking in twos or groups always has its benefits. That, plus your partner, can be an easy point of reference if anything unfortunate, say an accident, were to happen to you.
- You Might Not Have a Backup Plan
What happens if you travel solo and just happen to lose your wallet or get scammed out of your valuables? It’s much harder to pick up the pieces alone than with someone. A friend can bail you out, or they can even share what they have much easier than strangers who you’ve just barely met would.
- It’s Much Easier to Get Lethargic
Independence and freedom are all perks of traveling solo. However, sleeping in and turning into a couch potato even while on holiday is much more of a possibility when you travel alone than with someone.
- Less Confidence in Meeting New People and Asking Questions
When you are with the company, it’s much easier to meet new people and engage in spontaneous conversations with strangers who could be fellow travelers like yourself. On your own, you could easily turn neurotic or have anxiety attacks.
Solo Or with Friends- Which Should You Choose?
Traveling solo is most of all important for getting us out of our comfort zone and churning independence within us. On the other hand, traveling with a partner or as part of a group can also be fun and fulfilling.
Try each alternative out to find what works for you before embarking on your trip. TopEssayBrands is one way to move along your travel plans as a student by finding expert writers online who can tackle all those difficult assignments that take up too much of your time.
