Many first-time backpackers opt to travel in a group, feeling safe in the familiar company of their friends from home. And although there are certainly some advantages to group travel worth considering, these are generally outweighed by the benefits of going it alone. Here's why.
Building Independence
Exploring the world in a group is akin to traveling inside a safe cocoon, a place from which timid travelers needn't take responsibility or venture too far out of their comfort zone. This may indeed make the experience less scary, but it also denies the chance to build independence, an essential characteristic that is fundamental to success in life.
Being Flexible
Fancy hanging out in your new favorite city for another day? Keen to meet up with that special someone you met at the bar last night? These situations can be difficult to negotiate in a group, but for the solo traveler, it's just a matter of deciding what you want to do and going for it. Backpacking alone means plans are totally flexible, allowing you to do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Making New Friends
It's easy to rely on your group or travel buddy while out exploring the world, safe in the familiar presence of the people you know best. Yet one of the most rewarding aspects of backpacking are the friendships forged along the way, something much more difficult to achieve when confined to a group. Solo travelers are forced to be proactive in introducing themselves to fellow backpackers, typically resulting in a new network of like-minded friends from around the globe.
Holding on to Existing Relationships
Let's face it, even your best friend gets pretty annoying at times, and nobody wants to be stuck with the same person 24/7 for months on end. Travel can bring out the worst in people and can be seriously testing on existing friendships, even when things are running smoothly. So, keep your current relationships intact and head out to explore the world on your own instead.
Connect with fellow travel lovers online ✈ You can visit and connect to the ART TO WEAR Collection on our social networks - we would love to meet you! There are plenty of travel tips and photos from around the world. Travel and "Check-in" online with #MyArtTravels
For more travel tips, visit and connect to us via social media at:
facebook: www.facebook.com/fineartbyhollyajones
Instagram: instagram.com/elegantartista/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/elegantartista
Website: www.hollyajones.com
Comments