The joy of Traveling Alone
Posted by on March 19, 2007
It has always been in our culture as Filipinos that traveling is always declared as a group activity. Most or shall I say, many of us would often go out of town together with friends or family members.
But, how many has actually traveled alone? I doubt if anyone will raise hands here.
Unknown to many, traveling solo has its perks too. It was through journeying alone that I was able to develop my skills in communicating with the strangers. I get to know a lot of people. I was able to appreciate local history more.
Traveling alone is a very liberating experience for me. Imagine, I don’t have to wait for friends at the airport for an extra minute before queuing at the check in counter. I dont have to worry extra budget in case my friends would ask to dine in an upscale restaurant, or take a taxi instead of the usual jeepney ride. I can go to any place that I want. What if my friends love to go to the park, while I want to visit a local museum? Hard, isn’t it? Traveling with friends always limit your choices of itinerary. Not to mention limiting the foods that your going to binge in. I love seafoods, but my friend is allergic to crustaceans. While my other friend is a vegetarian???
The pace of your traveling activity is not a problem when you are alone. You can set your pace if you want to tour quick, or walk slowly, just like in the park.
I myself love traveling alone. It gives me the freedom to explore a city without the need to tow friends who are not interested in what I’m doing. I really enjoyed my self so much when I traveled all alone last July 2006, from Manila to Baguio, Baguio to Vigan, and Vigan to Manila. December 2006, I saw my self flying alone to the Asia’s Latin City of Zamboanga, then swim at the white sand beaches of Basilan. I also traveled alone for the Dinagyang Festival 2006 in Iloilo City.
So if I were to choose between traveling with a group or traveling alone, I’d still prefer the latter. The adventures are limitless. Who knows what happens next.
hi there,
nice article!
mind if i ask some tips on ur adventures? (bein an independnt travelr)
like do you have something like around the Phil in 7days?!
Godspeed
depende po sa kung saan kayo pupunta. please send me email at enrico.dee – at- byahilo.com kung san kayo pupunta so that i can suggest activities, and foods to try.
i really wanted to try that but whom shall i share the excitements of the travel with if i am alone? hmnn…
Gusto ko rin mag travel mag isa… kaso ang prob eh wala ako budget.. wakokokok….
Convergys ako. Pero lapit na ko magresign after some weeks. Maybe another career line.
I’ve traveled alone! *raises hand*
I went to Sagada. Worst thing about it? Ang daming aso! lolololol
ahaha pansin ko rin yan basta dyan sa cordillera region.. dun sa house tinirhan namin sa atok, benguet ang laki din ng aso… sa banaue dami din.
ahahahahah
I agree, traveling alone has a lot of advantages !
hi there.
chanced on your blog viewing the list of nominees for the Phil Blog Awards.
I travel alone, in the Philippines when I was there and abroad as well. I also know a lot of (Filipino) friends who do. But I think most travel in groups.
baka wala kang friends/ or a loser, that’s why no choice but to travel ALONE!
i enjoy travelling and backpacking..i havent tried travelling alone but i share the same sentiments when it comes to travelling with a group.. recently, ive organized different trips for my family and friends and its kinda difficult to set an itenerary that everyone would love..but as i learned along the various trip i planned as long as the invited persons have the same interests okay lang..thus, i always try to invite only those persons who likes the idea of backpacking as well and who are into trying different things..
–edit–
raising my hand as a lone traveler. As a rider I do most of my travel alone. I do agree to the thought that you have shared.
“adventure”
I enjoy traveling alone too especially if i need to rethink things over..
aba, anong adventure itey?!?!