Why I Hate To Travel Alone

Why I Hate To Travel Alone


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I know it’s a strong statement, but before you make that face, know that this is a companion piece to my other post: Why I Love To Travel Alone. A lot of travelers will tell you need to travel alone at least once in your life. I’m no different. It builds character, it’s easier logistically, and you’ll meet some amazing people out there. But for every good reason to travel solo, there are times when it just sucks. Here’s the other side of that picture before you take that leap.

Wow! Did You See That?

I’ve seen the sun rise and set on 6 of the 7 continents and I can only begin to describe how beautiful some of have been. I’ve hiked through the night and waited on the top of Mount Sinai for the light to arrive and sweep over the valley below. I’ve chanced riding through the jungle on a motorbike in the dark to watch a gorgeous sunset off an island in Indonesia. As amazing as they were, it was a little bittersweet when I realized I was alone at the time and didn’t have anyone to share and remember that moment with.

I couldn’t turn to my right and let out a Wow! Did you see you that? If and when my memory of that moment fades, there will be no one I know that can remind me of those instances.

It Costs How Much For That Taxi?

The same cab ride will cost a quarter as much if you are sharing it with 3 other people. The math is simple enough. Single rooms cost more than doubles. Hiring a private guide will probably cost just as much if he’s leading 2 people versus just you alone. While you don’t have to worry about anyone else when it comes to logistics, it means you have to bear all the costs by yourself.

Table For One At A Tapas Bar

When NOT To Travel Alone

Big cities: I tend to meet people easier in small or remote locations. You’ll generally find like-minded people if you’ve got out of the way to get to Timbuktu or Palau. In places like Barcelona, Havana, or Paris I prefer to arrive with friends.

Places that are expensive: Places like New Zealand and Iceland are notorious for being expensive. It’s much easier on my wallet if I know I can split major expenses like car or Airbnb rentals with multiple people.

Romantic destinations:  Can you picture yourself in Santorini alone? I can’t. These are places best saved for traveling with your significant others.

Note: I’m not saying you can’t go to these places alone. You can. Your mileage may just vary.

I feel like there should be a law against eating tapas alone in Spain. These small dishes are meant to be shared. I don’t mind eating on my own, but it just didn’t feel right in a lively restaurant with a beer and plate full of fried anchovies by myself. With friends, you can try a bit of many dishes. This goes beyond just tapas. Call me a bore, but sometimes I just don’t feel like heading to a club by myself.

Safety In Numbers

If you walk around at night in a dodgy area acting like a drunk tourist, you’ll probably be robbed whether you are with friends or alone, but there is definitely safety in numbers. Personally, I don’t like doing any kind of trek or backcountry camping alone. If something happened to me, it would be pretty hard to get help. It’s just nice to have another person watch your back.

I Get Lonely Too

I’ve sat on a 12 hour bus next to a guy that might have pissed himself and slept through it and on another overnight bus from Amsterdam to London that was stopped 5 times for random drug searches. They weren’t fun and I found myself wishing I had a friend by my side. I’ve strolled down some romantic alleys in Rome, Paris and Prague and being a bit jealous at the couples laughing and enjoying each other’s company. These moments are rare, but they do happen.

I’m even feeling down writing this. This is by no means meant to discourage you from traveling alone. It’s just to let you know that it’s not all parties and serendipitous moments when you’re on the road traveling alone. Sometimes, it sucks. But not often.

Don’t forget to read Why I Love To Travel Alone.

Updated on September 19, 2020

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2 Comments

  • […] travel alone, there are just as many reasons why I hate it. Check out my companion  to this piece: Why I Hate To Travel Alone. Just don’t click it yet. Scroll back up later. Didn’t your mom teach you to see things […]

  • 9 years ago

    I think Fiji is one of those places I’d rather go with someone else rather than alone, unless I’m trying to get away from it all. Who wouldn’t want to have your significant other or best friend with you while you sip umbrella drinks?

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