I’m into solo traveling — go on a lot of cruises and other getaways (like scrapbooking weekends, BlogHer conferences and visits to friends) alone and really enjoy it.
While there are lots of advantages to vacationing alone, there are also a few disadvantages.
Pleasures
1) You vacation where, when and how you want.
2) You come and go, sleep and eat on your own schedule.
3) You do whatever you feel like — all the time (except for the first hour on cruises when every passenger must participate in the mandatory, dreaded life jacket drill).
4) You can enjoy and savor peace and quiet. No annoying TV or music unless you picked it and you want to hear it.
5) Time alone lets you rest, recharge your batteries, and get revitalized and rejuvenated.
Perils
1) It’s all up to you. You make your own fun.
2) If you take a road trip and don’t feel like driving any more, there’s no “alternate driver.”
3) If you lock your hotel card in the room, nobody’s gonna let you in. You may have to dash down the hall to find a housekeeping employee or go to the lobby in your pjs. (Don’t ask how I know that.)
4) If you get lost wandering around, you don’t have a second person who remembers how you got there and can lead you back where you started. (Of course, you can always ask for help!)
5) If you’re going to be sunbathing, you may need to buy and bring a long brush that fills with sunscreen to coat the far reaches of your back (because you really can’t go up to a stranger and ask him or her to rub lotion on your back…)
6) You may miss talking to people and find yourself thrilled to converse with the front desk clerk … or chat with clerks in stores …
All in all, though, solo travel is great — and the pros greatly outweigh the cons. (Pretty hard to beat doing whatever you want all the time!!)
It gives you a real sense of accomplishment when you travel to a place you’ve always wanted to go and do something you’ve always wanted to do — knowing you’re courageous enough to get out and enjoy life on your own.
If you don’t have a traveling companion, hit the road and have an adventure anyway!
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Related blog posts:
Cruisin’ Solo and Lovin’ It: My First Guest Blog Post
Traveling Solo: Why I Love Princess Cruise Lines
Regal Princess Review: Top 20 Amenities
9 Things People Hate about Cruises
The #1 Packing Tip You Need to Know
Super Thrifty — But These are the Things I’m Willing to Splurge On
ANYTHING but the Middle Seat of an Airplane
What to Pack When You Evacuate
Great points you made for sure. I guess if you love traveling it’s worth it to go it alone. As long as you are prepared…you are good to go!
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