Traveling, among many other things, is my passion. But my love for traveling only sprung up on an epic scale when I met the love of my life. Unfortunately, my travel budget is not directly proportional to my passion. Otherwise, I would have been writing this blog post while enjoying a souvlaki on a boat as it tours around Santorini right now.
I'm not exactly a big traveler nor would I consider myself well-traveled. I'm not the one who could just quit a day job, pack, and never be seen again. I have my priorities and non-negotiables too. But I travel with every chance I get. Long weekends, holidays, vacation leaves, name it.
I've traveled to more than 20 provinces in the Philippines just within the past 3 years and most of the time, I shared it with Jan. Solo travel you say? Did it few times. Didn't die. But I would not say it's something I want to do again.
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| Wish Jan was here because I know he'd be creeped out by these dead mangroves that look like thorns. Haha *evil grin* |
1. I prefer traveling with someone to whom I can share my adventures with.
I've traveled as far as 900 miles away from Davao without anyone close to me. It was great! No doubt. The thing is, every awesome experience, every delicious food I eat, and every beautiful thing I see would just leave me mumbling, "Damn, I wish Jan was here. He would definitely love this."
2. Traveling brings us closer together.
And by us, I mean me and my friends, my family, or Jan.
Most especially with Jan. I have never been so grateful for having him as my constant travel buddy (partly because it's good to have someone carry some of my bags. Haha). I swear I am not needy. I can handle myself very well. I do crave for me-times. It's just that I find it better when we do things together. Traveling is significant to both of us since a big part of our relationship is built on shared experiences. Sure, we have our quiet times. Sure, we have our share of misadventures. Sure, we have our little dramas. Sure, we've seen each other's worse. It isn't always perfect but we enjoy every minute creating memories, strengthening our relationship in new places together.
Traveling with someone will either make you or break you. In my case, I have not yet traveled with anyone I do not like. And honestly, it's more fun being with a company you already know - giving me more reasons why I'd rather not travel solo.
3. Traveling solo makes you confident, helps you conquer your fears, makes you know yourself more, and it gains you new friends.
So does traveling with someone.
The only striking difference I see is, solo travel is more expensive. And I must admit bitterly, I do not have the luxury to do that.
4. Traveling solo can be lonely.
It can be fun, yes. But it can also be lonely. For someone like me who is not accustomed to be alone, I can get lonely pretty quickly once I return to my hotel room on my own.
Traveling solo creates memories. But it does not leave you with memories that you can share for the rest of your life with the same people you created them with. It does not leave you that warm fuzzy feeling when traveling with someone you love. And I would not trade it for anything in the world, not even a solo travel to Paris.
Yes, traveling solo is great, fulfilling, and liberating. I might even do it again. But right now, I choose to share my adventures with the people I love because someday, I would love to relive and laugh about those memories with the significant people I have shared it with.
15 Comments
If I would go on a travel, I also want to bring a buddy or two, or my family. That will be more fun :)
ReplyDeleteHomed: Life in Sugar & Spice
Of course solo traveling isn’t for everyone but I better to choose going alone :)
ReplyDeleteSame here. I don't want travelling alone but sometimes I have no choice especially if it's for work. I hope we can travel as a family to create good memories while my son is still young and still with us.
ReplyDeleteI have actually never traveled alone. I love me-times but only when I spend it within the city, not when I have to go out-of-town. Now that I'm a mom, I will also feel guilty leaving my family to travel alone. I'd much rather bring my kids and husband, or even just my husband, with me.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't think of traveling alone, too. I love to go places with my family, it's more fun and less scary (especially if you're in an unfamiliar place).
ReplyDeleteYes, it is not only lonely but dull and boring for you have nothing to talk to, nothing to exchange pleasantries. But sometimes you are compelled to travel alone for no one of your friend is available or a family member to go with you. Well, there is nothing to worry about it actually. Going out alone requires your ability to befriend with others and it is possible.
ReplyDeleteI just tried traveling solo once and although I enjoyed it because I met new friends. I don't want to do it again because like you, I find it more fun to travel with companion. I love to travel with my husband, he's great with organizing our travel escapade. I also love to travel with my family especially with my parents because they always treat us a meal or two. Hehe..
ReplyDeletewww.mayenscorner.com
I just tried traveling solo once and although I enjoyed it because I met new friends. I don't want to do it again because like you, I find it more fun to travel with companion. I love to travel with my husband, he's great with organizing our travel escapade. I also love to travel with my family especially with my parents because they always treat us a meal or two. Hehe..
ReplyDeletewww.mayenscorner.com
Although I haven't really traveled a lot, back when I was a teenager, I was able to travel alone and I think it was fun as well. I got to meet new people, I have all the time I want to reflect, etc. Pero now that I'm a wife and a mom, like you, I don't think I will ever be able to enjoy traveling solo anymore.
ReplyDeleteI can travel alone but I agree that doing this with someone else is better.
ReplyDeletei don't like traveling alone too, nakakabagot nakakayamot.
ReplyDeleteI have a love hate relationship with traveling alone. It give me some much needed alone time but at the same time i miss having someone to share the adventure with! Love you blog and keep bloggin!
ReplyDeletehttps://milkbunn.blogspot.com/
I prefer to travel with family and friends kasi its more fun and exciting. I agree, it bring you closer to one another. Thanks for this post Sis :) na inspire ako
ReplyDeletewww.sweetcuisinera.com
This is a freestanding style tent for 10 people. Its total height is 6.7 ft which allow you to freely walk inside the tent when required
ReplyDeleteI love traveling solo I've been to Bali,Dubai and Maldives. Plan on going to Santorini-Greece with my hardside luggage
ReplyDelete