Why go it alone?

As a mostly lone traveler, I’m used to being asked, “why are you traveling by yourself?” I imagine some of you readers question my decision to go solo as well. Isn’t it lonely? Isn’t it intimidating? Isn’t it boring? Sometimes yes, mostly no.

I’m traveling “stag” for several reasons. The primary and admittedly very selfish reason: I like being able to do whatever I want wherever I want whenever I want. I figure this is probably the only time in my life that I can be totally self-indulgent with minimal responsibilities. I won’t deny that there are days when I think, “ugh, I wish someone else could make decisions and do the planning,” but for the most part, I like doing it myself. In fact, I’ve gotten so used to planning my day totally around me that when I do meet other travelers and spend the day or days together, I usually cannot wait to go back to traveling alone again. I’ve met other solo travelers with similar sentiments. One girl, despite being incredibly social and outgoing, told me she loves traveling by herself so much that she doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to travel with people again. What?? Even I haven’t converted that much. I’ll definitely still be able to traverse the globe with family or friends down the road.

Another reason for going it alone is the increased opportunity for cultural immersion. That sounds very college essay-esque. Really, though, I think it's easier to get to know a culture when you're by yourself versus with one or more your "own kind." When I'm with other Westerners, I find myself falling prey to the Western safety bubble. Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy, and sometimes need, a bit of time with folks who can speak advanced English, groan at the sight of white rice, and don't think it's the least bit odd to leave home for a while to see other places. Ultimately, though, I tend not to get as good a feel for the country I'm visiting when I'm with fellow Westernites. Locals approach me far more when I'm "table for one" status. They LOVE to strike up conversation, if for no other reason than to figure out why a young, white female is traveling alone.

Lastly, traveling companionless allows for a lot of personal reflection, growth, etc. (gag, sounds sooo cliché!) I’m still fairly clueless as to what I want to do in “real life” (not this alternate reality land), but I’m convinced that this time away will eventually lend insight into what really excites me, drives me, and interests me most. And I really am learning more about myself – the good and the bad. I’ve discovered that sometimes it’s not until you are put in uncomfortable situations that your true colors are revealed. And sometimes those colors aren’t always what you want them to be. Ok, I’m beginning to babble.

Anyway, those are a few of the many reasons I’m choosing to travel mostly independently. One of the few downsides of going solo, however, is the lack of pictures with people on my camera. I’m all for scenic snapshots, but doesn’t everyone agree that a photo album with ONLY landscapes and monuments gets a little dull? Maybe I can crop some heads in or something to spice ‘em up a little. Either that, or just be prepared to yawn your way through hundreds of uninteresting pictures.

P.S. I just read through this entry and I think it comes off a little pretentious or something. Don't worry, I promise I won't come back one of those young, 20-somethings who thinks (s)he has life figured out after just a few short months living abroad. I've met my fair share of them along the trail. One guy actually used the word "wisdom" when referring to himself. And he was maybe 24. What.