Traveling without an entourage is one of the most popular ways to see the world these days. Here are five reasons why you should consider going it alone.
One may be the loneliest number, but when it comes to myriad social experiences in today’s society – globetrotting among them – a party of one often makes sense. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, introverted or extroverted, here are six good reasons to go self-guided on your next vacation.
Scheduling is Infinitely Easier
Quite possibly the biggest incentive for forgoing traveling with companions, having the freedom to choose exactly when, where, and how you prefer to get to and explore a destination is considerably less complicated when there’s just one person’s schedule and interests to consider.
Last-Minute is Often Less of an Issue
Snagging a single ticket for a tour, flight, room or bus ticket is often easier – and more affordable – when there’s just you to think about. Not only are you more likely to be flexible on schedule dates and times, tickets/tours/accommodations providers are also more likely to have single tickets/tours/rooms available to suit. Pure Adventures self guided trips are available to start on just about any date in most cases! Avoiding peak seasons is almost always easy to get your dates.
You Can Change Plans Without Issue
In many situations when traveling with a group, a change of plans can be rife with potential for financial, interpersonal or other related concerns. Conversely, when experiencing a new destination on your own, making a decision to change your day/trip is as simple as making it and moving on.
You Can Better Live in the Moment
By definition, traveling with others is distracting: You’re listening to them, watching them, and thinking about them. When visiting a destination without companions, you’re better able to authentically experience and focus on your surroundings, taking in the sights, sounds, smells you may not have noticed otherwise. The upside to going solo is meeting so many new people where you visit. On a solo self-guided trip you will meet locals of all types and rely on your own wishes, skills, and intuition as you go along. Choose the kind of food you want, the pace at which you want to move, and the locals you wish to engage or need to engage for information.
Another benefit to self-guided travel? More than ever before, tour providers are offering focused, budget friendly trips that hone in on your specific interests, planning itineraries that perfectly suit your needs while offering travelers freedom, flexibility, support and independence. Case in point: Our Self-Guided Cycling Tours, which features high quality lodging, pre- and post-trip planning, a meticulously planned route, access to 24-hour support and emergency services. Is there a downside to solo travel – guided or self guided? You will pay a little more. Single and solo supplements are common, so you will have to bare a few more costs when you are sharing space and services with others; but the freedom you gain could be so worth it! The Pure Adventures way is more service and support oriented than other self guided offers. While you still would be solo, you have a safety net in the form of local help and you begin by meeting on your first day. We are always a phone call away.
You’ll Feel an Incredible Sense of Achievement
Whether you’re a newbie traveler or an experienced jetsetter, knowing that you’re able to not only customize each step of your trip, but also ensure that you’re where you need to be – and are also able to deal with and overcome inevitable hiccups that arise throughout most trips – provides an amazing sense of accomplishment.
It Gives You the Opportunity to Reflect
Venturing out into the world on your own means, at some point, you’re likely going to look inward and dig deep regarding where your priorities lie, what brought you to this point in your life, and how you want to spend your time now and in the future. Take the opportunity to listen to your thoughts, enjoy the destination, and embrace a bit of this little-felt introspection!