Travel Alone or with Friends?
Deciding whether to travel alone or with friends is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will have to make before planning your trip. Both ways can be very fun but also exhausting at the same time, so think about it carefully. Hopefully, the following pro’s and con’s will help you make that decision.
Travelling with Friends
It might be a good idea to travel with your best friend, your girlfriend or boyfriend, but could also end up in a disaster. Here are some things you should definitely keep in mind.
Pro’s
The biggest advantage is that you always have a friend to whom you can talk to. Of course, grabbing a drink or going for lunch or diner makes more fun if you have company. This way, you will never have to feel alone when you are in a foreign country. You can also split the costs for food, taxis or even beds. Therefore, it is way cheaper to travel with friends. Also, imagine getting sick. Be it the foreign climate or the different food, eventually at some point of your journey you will not feel good. Knowing to have a friend who has got your back is a huge mental help. Furthermore, it is a lot safer to travel in company.
Con’s
Despite the numerous advantages of traveling with a friend, there are some disadvantages as well. Fights are predestined when being with each other 24/7. Even if it’s the best friend or the most caring lover. Maybe you want to eat somewhere else, want to go to a different bar or a nightclub. Keep in mind, that different people have different views. So, if you are not on the same page it could be hard to make compromises in the long-term. Additionally, you are less approachable in a group which means, that you are less likely to meet new people. On the one hand, other people could get intimidated by a larger group of people. On the other hand, there is also the danger that you isolate yourself from the local culture. Simply put, you don’t have to approach other people since you have your best friend with you.
Travelling Alone
Travelling alone for a longer period of time is something, that everyone should do at least once in their life. It is a big opportunity to test yourself and to grow beyond your own limits. The following section emphasizes the pro’s and con’s of solo adventures.
Pro’s
Obviously, having total freedom is one of its greatest perks. You are able to do what you want, where you want and whenever you want to. Therefore, there will be no nerve-racking fights and argues about where to spend the day or where to go next. On the same time, travelling solo forces you to become more independent. Moreover, this will build your character since you will have to step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis. It will also raise your confidence when travelling through a foreign country, engaging new people and figuring out the solution for problems that will occur. Of course, you will get to know yourself better than ever before. Travelling alone is ideal for reflection, since you are not surrounded by any of the problems that you have at home.
Con’s
However, travelling alone brings a couple of drawbacks as well. For example, loneliness could be a big problem while your travel. Certainly, you will find yourself at a point, where you simply miss the human connection. Also, some activities are just more fun with friends. Going somewhere without being able to talk about it and to share the experience could make things feel underwhelming. Solo travel is also less safe then travelling with people. So taking the necessary precautions before starting your solo adventure is a must. For example, you should research dangerous neighborhoods before you arrive or get not too drunk when you are out with people you newly met.