10 Reasons Why Traveling Solo Is Overrated, and Why You Should Never Do It
Traveling solo may seem like a dream come true: total freedom, no compromise, just you against the world, but solo travel isn’t always as glamorous as you would think. You might find yourself wishing you took a buddy along.
Yes, there are moments of peace and self-discovery, but there are many downsides to traveling solo than you think. Here are some good reasons why traveling alone might not be the adventure you think it is.
Loneliness Is Real
Even if you’re not a people person, there will be moments, when traveling alone feels lonely. You might not be able to help but wish someone was there to share the stunning sunset with you or laugh about the day’s adventures. A video call with friends or family back home isn’t quite the same.
Safety Concerns
Traveling solo often means you’re always on high alert. You’re the only one watching out for your stuff, keeping yourself safe, and keeping the world around you safe. It’s exhausting having your guard always out, worrying about shady areas or your valuables at night, constantly.
The Cost Factor
Solo travel is cheap because you are paying for yourself. Traveling alone really can be a more expensive reality. Many costs are based on double occupancy from hotel rooms to tour packages. If you’re splitting the bill with a friend or partner you can save a lot, but when you’re alone, it’s all on you.
Decision Fatigue
When you travel solo, every decision is on you: Where to eat, what museum to visit. Freedom sounds good, but so many choices can become preposterous. Sometimes you want someone else to pick what’s for dinner so you can chill and take in the moment.
No One to Share the Fun
It’s wonderful to experience new places, but even more so when you can turn to someone next to you and say, “Did you see that?” Travel is always more fun when you share it, whether it’s revelling in the excitement of eating street food for the first time, or marveling at a famous landmark up close. Those moments can be a bit empty alone.
Overplanning Becomes a Must
If something goes wrong, there’s no one to fall back on when you’re alone. You have to be the navigator, the planner, and the one reading the map. It often means overthinking and overplanning everything to feel a little more secure. which can wipe out the fun of the adventure.
It’s Hard to Take Photos
Let’s be honest: Taking great photos alone is notoriously difficult. A selfie stick only goes so far, and depending on where you are, no one might help take your picture. Proof that you were there isn’t the only goal of pictures, travel photos are a way to remember the moments. Without a travel buddy, you might miss out on capturing memories.
Eating Alone Isn’t Always Fun
Eating out is one of the best things about traveling, but dining alone in a restaurant is awkward. Some people like their own company, others are not comfortable being at a table for one with couples and groups having a good time. Often, solo dining can be awkward and you may end up making your order to go.
The Risk of Getting Sick
It sucks if you get sick when traveling, but even worse if you’re alone. No one to go to the pharmacy for you, bring you soup, or even just sit with you while you recover. It’s a pretty miserable experience being left to fend for yourself in an unfamiliar place.
It’s Not Guaranteed That You Will Make Friends
Contrary to what you might have seen in the movies, meeting new people doesn’t always seem so easy when traveling solo. Starting conversations with strangers is hard work, especially when you’re in a place where you don’t know the language or the social customs. You might find yourself feeling isolated and out of place.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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