Backpacking Solo Positives & Negatives
Pros & Cons of Traveling Solo – Backpack Alone or with Friends
Jun 27, 2009
Backpacking with a friend can be a distinctly different experience to that of solo travel; almost as important as deciding where to go is deciding whether to go backpacking solo or with company.
Personality Issues to Consider Regarding Solo Travel or Group Travel
Firstly, your own personality. If possessing a largely independent personality leaning towards freedom and personal space then a solo travel may be a wise option. Conversely, if normally more at ease and more secure in the company of others, sometimes restless when alone, group travel may be a better choice.
Secondly, consider the personality of the friend (or friends) with whom potentially travelling. If they are in the ‘best friend’ category it is a safer option: both having a good understanding and acceptance of each other’s flaws, a tried and tested relationship that is both dependable and well-matched.
This is even more important when considering travelling with a girlfriend or boyfriend; a backpacking trip of 3–6 months or more is a considerable test of any partnership.
If swaying more towards solo travel but still not totally decided then here are a few factors, both positive and negative, to bear in mind:
Positive Aspects of Traveling Alone and Backpacking Solo
- Greater freedom and choice to go where you want, when you want.
- Meet more people: a solo traveler is often more approachable. A traveler backpacking solo is more actively seeking social interactions both with locals and other backpackers, not having a constant companion to rely upon.
- Learn the local language more rapidly: if the chosen destination has a language different from the traveler´s own, he or she is more likely to pick it up quickly traveling solo. This is because the backpacker will be doing all the talking (without relying on a companion to share the load) and won’t be speaking their native tongue continuously with a friend.
- Find a traveling companion on the road: starting off backpacking solo doesn’t mean always staying that way. Other backpackers will be met on the way and will often be heading along the same route. If a bond is formed it is not uncommon to travel together for a while, separating when plans diverge or changing plans to carry on together.
- A more rewarding experience with a greater sense of personal achievement. The feeling, when the trip is over, that you ‘did it alone’ can be a very satisfying one.
The Negatives of Traveling Alone and Backpacking Solo
- No company in those moments of ‘downtime’ when having little to do (in hotel rooms, on buses etc). A long trip, no matter how exotic the location, can be boring at times. Eating alone in restaurants is a particular drawback.
- Practical safety issues: no-one to watch your back, or your bags. An extra pair of eyes can be very valuable, especially in countries with higher instances of crime. It is also handy to have someone reliable nearby who will take your photo without running off with your camera.
- Solo travel can be more expensive. Better prices in hostels and hotels can be negotiated when in a group: a single room will usually be more expensive than the shared price of a double. The same applies when paying for tours and/or guides: more people makes for a lower individual price.
- If the planned trip involves camping, equipment is far more efficiently carried in two backpacks or more.
- No shared experiences: this is especially important when returning home. While experiences will be shared with other backpackers met on the road, sharing them with a life-long friend is a different thing.
These are only a few points to consider when trying to decide on solo travel or group travel. Naturally, much will depend on the backpackers own personality as well as the kind of experience being sought. The most important thing is to pick up that backpack and get going, whether backpacking solo or with a friend.
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