Why Traveling Solo Can Be A Better Choice For Singles?
Ever heard the expression, "A one-headed beast is better than a two-headed monster" ? When it comes to traveling, easy decision-making is sometimes vital to an enjoyable trip. Having no one to challenge some, if not all, the choices you make can certainly give you a peace of mind that is desirable during your expeditions. Imagine one family member wanting the group to spend the day at a theme park, for instance, while another wanting the group to go shopping together at a nearby mall. An argument breaks out because no one seems to be on the same page or is unwilling to compromise. Children, no matter how cute they are and are naturally excited and full of energy, surround you with a noise level unpleasant and sometimes unbearable to the ear. What about when your married parents and/or older siblings want you on some nights to baby-sit your nieces and nephews while they spend couples' night out in the city? It doesn't do you any justice to be excluded from activities for couples all because you don't have a spouse to take with you. These are just some examples of what singles, like myself, have experienced over the years when traveling. I, for one, couldn't stand the times when my married family members or travel partners were in conflict with what I'd like to do or found my desired activities boring altogether. They even had the audacity to request that I serve as the baby-sitter to my little, cute but rascals of nieces and nephews who worn me out with their constant screaming around the hotel. "Never again!," I humorously thought.
Those past experiences propelled me to find it my mission and focus to travel solo a lot. For one, I have the ability to make my own decisions without any contest and can easily do what I desire. I remember travel agents, who were planning for me, having a ball giving me all types of insight as to how my solo trips can be full of pleasantries along the way. Even for travelers that are introvert, going solo can be the best route to ensure amount of times alone where you gain most of your energy. All in all and based on my previous experiences in solo travel, below are some tips to keep in mind when you are about to go on adventures alone:
1) First and foremost, be okay and confident with traveling solo and never feel regretful of such. I find it rewarding at times when I can imagine my family members, whom I love so so dearly (LOL)
, are not with me as I experience some peaceful, quiet moments. My favorite alone times are when I am hiking, meditating, or looking over the endless ocean with the golden sun rising or setting in the distance. It would be a huge misfortune for my loved ones to come along and interfere with those special moments. But while regret definitely will at times try to creep in like an invasive monster ready to attack, stay grounded with confidence that this is the best choice you've made.
2) While traveling solo has its own rewards, remember that your travels are unpredictable and so it behooves you to always provide someone you trust with all of your important information. That includes a copy of or details of your personal identifications, details of your entire trip itinerary (including flight and hotel information) and other relevant information you deem important for them to know. Never leave town without anyone having the ability to contact you in the event of an emergency.
3) Sometimes, you may feel lonely during your travels and desire companionship. Thankfully, some trips, such as cruises, now provide special activities for solo travelers and can bring you all together as a way to enjoy each other at certain times each day. Some individuals would even offer more activities, like breakfast club for solos where you have the options to join as much as you like. On my previous cruise to Alaska, although I traveled solo from home, it was great having to connect with other solo travelers and do fun activities throughout the duration of the cruise. Don't get me wrong though, because I certainly spent time alone as much as I so desired.
4) Since you sometimes will travel alone and may go to areas or places that are not fully inhabitable, it's important to keep your electronic communication devices charged and readily available for use. It is also important to have situational awareness at all times. You never want to be in a position to let your guard down and become vulnerable to any potential threat nearby. Certainly remember to please be cautious at all times and take with you important emergency contact information.