Advantages of Backpacking Solo
Everyone likes to travel. But some of us, love to travel. Most of the times, we end up look for companionship while traveling as one may fear boredom and a sense of security. But with time, I realizes that my travel plans with friends and dear ones started to fail. Busy schedules, leaves not being approved at work and people getting engrossed in their daily lives, different priorties, blah blah blah.
What does one do then they yearn to travel and don’t have any company? I started to travel solo when I was 23 mainly because I was tired of waiting for my friends to join me on trips. I had a long list of places I wanted to visit but no company. So gathered up courage and started traveling solo. Since then it has been a blissful journey backpacking solo.
There are plenty of advantages when backpacking solo. I love the freedom that solo travel offers. You don’t need to make a decision according to someone else’s choices. You’re a king of your own time. Specially the blueprint/itinerary depends on your likes and dislikes. When traveling in a group, one has to adhere and adjust to common liking of the group and be shepherded around.
When you are alone, it becomes easy to meet more like minded people and interact with locals. On one of my trips to Darjeeling, I built up a good rapport with a Nepali family and ended staying with them in their tea garden for the next few days. I helped them with their daily chores and in return got food and accomodation. They were a lovely bunch of people. That would have been difficult if I was in a group.
Also, you need not wait for others. Waiting for someone whether they are getting ready or finishing their meal can sometimes be really boring. When one backpacks solo, you’re on your own and can spend your time accordingly. You can sit at the river or sea and gaze at the sky for as long as you want. Without being disrupted about the group going another place.
Once one starts to backpack solo, they will realize that is is extremely peaceful. Although you needs to be vigilant. You start to be become more observant, leading to knowing oneself better. So gather up some courage, pack your bags and take that solo trip you have been dreaming of.




