Whilst traveling solo is usually so much enjoyable per-se, it could be a pain some other times, and here’s why;

NO ONE TO CARRY YOUR BAGS IN CASE YOU WANT TO USE THE TOILET

The problem of all problems, it’s whether you’ll keep looking for the right stranger who you will feel comfy about leaving your stuff with until you’re done, or you are going to have to take your belongings with you.

WHENEVER YOU ARE DYING TO HAVE THIS PERFECT PHOTO YOU HAVE NO ONE TO TAKE IT FOR YOU OR WITH YOU

I hate it when I really want to take a photo however there is no one to take it for me, or someone takes it but it just sucks and I cannot complain, or ask them to re-take it, or tell them how bad the photo is as I usually do with friends & family (LOL). And it gets worse if you don’t like to take solo-pictures “story of my life”. Selfie-stick, mmm doesnt’ always do the job!

WHEN A TYPHOON HITS THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ONE TO CRY TO

Another true story, I was just traveling solo in the Philippines, and the country has been hit by 3 typhoons in only 5 days -one of which was the strongest to hit Manila in years- which totally freaked me out, the first night I couldn’t sleep from the sound of shower rains, wind, and thunderstorm, the second I almost cried, and the third I felt like I want to go home right away!

NO ONE TO SHARE A “TO-SHARE” DISH WITH

Oh these menus that offer devouring “to-share” dishes without offering the exact same dish for one person..Oh how you make me feel lonely! And it gets worse if you are full, however you still have room to share dessert with someone.

IF YOU WANT THE PRIVACY OF A HOTEL/ HOSTEL ROOM YOU HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE OF A SINGLE ROOM

Or a double room without sharing the cost..Awful!

YOU CANNOT SPLIT THE PRICE OF ANYTHING

Unless you made friends on the road, or using shared services you will always be the poor girl/guy who pays the full price of everything.

IN CASE YOU GOT LOST YOU CAN FREAK OUT

Well it all depends on where & when did you get lost, but believe me if you have no sense of directions just like me, you might get very uncomfortable, and freak out -well I got used to it, so no more flipping out for me.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A WINDOW SEAT YOU ARE DOOMED

Imagine a 9,10, even 11 hours direct flight sitting at a no window seat, maybe stuck between two strangers, or an aisle seat -well good for your legs but a pain for your neck- without a comfortable neck pillow..Hell isn’t it? But if you have a companion you will always have someone to lean on.

YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO DECIDE FOR YOURSELF

That could be fun for some, irritating & overwhelming for some others, as you have to take all your decisions without anyone to discuss with, and whether right or wrong you’ll have to  bare the consequences all by yourself, kind of; should I jump off that cliff or I might get my legs broken? Should I spend my very last 100$ on activities or only 75$ and leave the rest for emergencies? Should I ride a scooter though a typhoon might hit or better stay put somewhere else? Well I found it liberating, honestly if there is no risk, there is no fun!

SOME THINGS YOU CAN’T TRY ALONE BECAUSE IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG YOUR TRIP WILL GO WRONG

Sometimes you really need that someone to take the risk with, or at least have your back covered after you take it; so for instance if you try that street-food you were skeptic about you have someone to manage the aftermath, if you decide to go mountain-biking  and you accidentally broken your leg you have someone to take you to hospital, if you got robbed you have support, and the list goes on!

As a matter of fact, none of the above was persuasive enough to not let me, or let you travel alone, don’t you think?!!..

Viva solo-travel with its pros & cons, I will never give up on you :).

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.