Are you thinking of going solo on your adventure trip this weekend but are too afraid to go alone? Do you also want to challenge yourself, but the idea of having no one to rely on makes you just want to spend the weekend binge-watching Netflix series? Asking the question āshould you go on an adventure trip by yourself, pros and consā is actually asking whether you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone and conquer the obstacles of life all by yourself.
Traveling Solo Was Actually One of 2020ās Top Trendsā¦and it Continues.
This trend continued in 2021, with the pandemic encouraging solo activities. The tourism industry expects this trend to continue in the next few years. In fact, they have already adjusted to accommodate solo travelers. Overseas Adventure Travel reports that 47% of travelers are registered as āsoloā and, surprisingly, 85% of them are women. Bedsonline says that 30% of solo travelers prefer adventure travel, while only 23% choose urban trips.
So, should you hop on this trend? If youāre still undecided, let me help you. Letās take on a virtual adventure trip and see the pros and cons of solo travel as we navigate our journey. Ready?
The Pros of Solo Adventure Trips
From self-discovery to experiencing new things, you benefit the most from a solo adventure trip. This is the main reason why people want to go solo: because disconnecting from people would mean connecting to oneself. But thereās more to solo adventure trips than this. Here are just some of the pros of traveling solo.
Self Discovery
As you explore new attractions in Arizona by mustering up the courage to take less-traveled routes, you get to know more about yourself. Not only do you get to discover hidden campsites under the stars, as in Kaibab National Forest, but you also get to discover self-traits and capabilities you didnāt know you possessed.
The fact that you actually went on a solo trip despite your fear is already one of your self-discoveries. The courage to go on a solo adventure trip is one trait you didnāt know was there, but the moment you said āyesā to the trip, it was already brave of you. Going on a solo adventure trip is the only way to get to know more about you because your focus is only on yourself. As compared to going on group travel, where your attention is divided among your travel buddies.
Fully In Charge
Going solo means you have complete freedom: freedom to do whatever you want, freedom to spend your money however you want, and freedom to begin your day whenever you want. You get to decide on what to include in your itinerary, and you can easily change it in times of sudden mood swings. When you donāt feel like kayaking on the beach in Marina Del Rey, Southern California, you can easily change it to visiting the Farmerās Market instead. No one will say ānoā to you, and that is one major perk of going on a solo trip.
Solitude
Oftentimes, we crave peace of mind, so we seek faraway lands like Fairbanks, Alaska to dance with the bright lights of the Aurora Borealis in the North. Solitude is different from loneliness and is the ultimate form of happiness. Enjoying every moment you spend with yourself is a form of self-love. You wonāt be able to get solitude on your adventure trip if youāre surrounded by people who demand your full attention. You cannot get peace of mind when you consistently engage in conversations with your buddies. You go on a trip to relax, but in the end, you just end up being drained by your restless companies.
Meeting New People
Although we are content with the company we provide ourselves, we occasionally crave the company of others. This is the best part of going on a solo adventure trip. You get to meet new people and hear their stories. Youāll meet other solo travelers as you explore Yosemite National Park, and together youāll discover the stunning waterfalls that surround you. You only talk to people when your mood permits it, and for introverts, this is the best part of going solo.
Recharging for the Next Episode of Your Life
Solo adventure trips are your kind of weekend getaway from the busy and noisy city or place you live in. Donāt you get tired and bored doing daily routines like work, home, work, and home? Donāt you think you need some unwinding? Itās not healthy, physically and mentally, to confine yourself to the four corners of your office, sitting for eight hours straight. You need to relax and rest your mind. At some point, youāll reach job burnout. A solo adventure trip offers an escape from this stressful life. Even your favorite series on TV gets a commercial break. You deserve a break too! Recharge by going on a solo adventure trip to prepare yourself for the next episode of your life.
Sense of Achievement
If you can conquer the 3,000-foot Dawn Wall of El Capitan at Yosemite National Park, trust me, you can ace that job interview, you can get that deal! Youāve conquered the most extreme adventure on your bucket list, and that achievement is enough to prove yourself. Challenges look scary at first, but when you conquer them, theyāll just be as easy as your daily routine. This sense of achievement is a bragging right that can improve how you see yourself. In short, you gain confidence.
You are Braver When Alone
When faced with extreme adventures, individuals on a solo trip tend to be braver than those on group trips. Why? Itās because they have stronger survival instincts knowing they have no one but themselves to rely on. As compared to those who travel in groups and have someone to back them up when things go wrong. Solo individuals get stronger and more confident when faced with obstacles. After conquering these obstacles, they are always surprised at how capable they truly are.
The Cons of Solo Adventure Trips
Despite all these perks of solo adventure trips, many people are still discouraged from embarking on this unique journey. Safety is the number one reason why they want travel buddies because adventure involves lots of risks. Here are the downsides of solo travel.
Loneliness
Isolation can lead to loneliness, and this is all psychological, meaning itās all in your head. The feeling of sadness is a product of negative thoughts wandering inside your head while youāre alone. An article about being alone published in Psychalive says that when we are alone, we are most vulnerable to self-critiques and painful loneliness. Having no one to talk with, eat with, cuddle with, walk with, laugh with, and get scared with is a curse. This lack of warmth can all lead to feelings of loneliness, especially if you havenāt mastered the art of self-love yet.
Safety
Going on adventure travel is already risky. What more if you go on one all by yourself? In times of threats or unwanted accidents, you have no one to turn to for help. When you are alone in remote places, you are also more vulnerable to pickpocketing, fraud, and theft. This is the reason why first-time travelers donāt want to go solo because they donāt know yet the hows of traveling. But you can minimize the risk of solo adventure trips by using a travel planning app that can tell you which places are safe and which are not. TRIPIT has features like COVID-19 Travel Guidance, Neighborhood Safety Scores, and Nearby Places for hospitals and clinics to ensure safety on your solo adventure trip.
No One To Share Experiences With
Have you noticed that whenever we experience something extreme, thereās this need to communicate it with other people? After watching a great series, you have this need to share it with your friends. This is the saddest part of going on an adventure trip all by yourself. One cannot contain extreme emotions, such as nervousness and adrenaline rush. We always seek outlets. This is why most overlanders travel with their journals or diaries to share their experiences with.
Expensive
When you ask travelers about the downside of traveling alone, they will immediately tell you that itās expensive. Expect solo adventure trips to be expensive because you have no one to share travel costs with. You shoulder all the expenses, and most of the facilities on adventure trips are really costly.
Should You Go On An Adventure Trip By Yourself?
When weāre talking about solo adventure trips, there are more pros than cons. The fact that it greatly benefits you should already be enough to plan your next adventure trip all alone. There are ways you can take to lessen the risks of adventure travel, ones that do not involve the need for the company of a human being. Take an app like TRIPIT, for example.
For travelers who have already traveled but are always in groups, a solo adventure trip should be the next goal. For people who havenāt gone on travel and plan to do a solo adventure trip, conquering your fear will change your life. You should go on an adventure trip by yourself because an opportunity for self-discovery is always a must-try.
