10 Disadvantages of Traveling Solo

10 Disadvantages of Traveling Solo

We are not the only ones in the world who are alone or who do things alone.

Taking a solo step out of the house, venturing out alone on foot.

From a different perspective, one day we will understand something.

From living alone, I know there are still people who walk alone.

There are people who eat alone and live alone.

Wandering alone, surrounded by a multitude.

We acknowledge that there are some drawbacks, or what many people see as another perspective that could be a disadvantage for those who enjoy traveling alone.

However, what others may perceive as disadvantages can be seen as advantages from the perspective of a solo traveler.

While the potential drawbacks may seem daunting, they could ultimately serve as a powerful motivator for many individuals to embark on solo travel adventures.

While there may be drawbacks, if we can turn them into advantages without causing harm to others, it might be worth exploring.

We have previously written about the advantages of solo travel, but we also acknowledge that it can have drawbacks in the eyes of others. Based on our extensive experience traveling alone, we have compiled a list of minor annoyances or disadvantages associated with solo travel. If you have any additional insights, please feel free to share them.

1. Impatience

Many people who have traveled solo have been nagged by friends or family members about their impatience. They are often asked why they don't wait for others, why they don't invite them along, why they have to rush off on their own, why they can't wait to go together, and why they insist on traveling solo on every trip. They are told that if they just wait a little longer, they can all go together.

However, we sometimes have our own reasons. Because of the phrase "wait a little longer," countless trips have been canceled. What do I gain by waiting? Is it too much to ask me to wait? Perhaps our impatience, dislike of waiting for others, and unwillingness to wait for others' impatience have become the driving force behind our unexpected decisions, such as booking tickets, rooms, and people on our own. Once booked, it is difficult to cancel, so booking alone makes us more confident that we will not easily cancel if we go alone. If we book with others, we are sometimes unsure whether they will cancel halfway through.

At that moment, it seemed like everything was planned out in my head. Perhaps I was getting impatient.

Irritability and Introversion: The Impact of Solo Travel

Solo travel can have a profound impact on one's personality, particularly in terms of irritability and introversion. Frequent solo excursions can lead to an increased sensitivity to crowded environments, making individuals more prone to frustration and a desire for solitude. This heightened sensitivity can manifest in various ways, including:

• Impatience: Individuals may become easily annoyed by crowds, long queues, and the general hustle and bustle associated with popular destinations.
• Withdrawal: A strong desire to escape crowded areas and seek seclusion may become apparent.
• Pickiness: Difficulty in agreeing on activities or destinations, particularly those involving large crowds or extended waiting periods.

It is important to note that the extent to which solo travel affects individuals varies greatly. While some may experience a significant increase in introversion and irritability, others may adapt more readily and maintain a balance between social interaction and solitude.

Furthermore, individual preferences and personality traits play a crucial role in shaping these experiences. Those who already possess introverted tendencies may find solo travel reinforces their desire for privacy and quietude. Conversely, individuals who thrive on social interaction may find prolonged solo travel challenging and yearn for more human connection.

Ultimately, the impact of solo travel on irritability and introversion is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. While some individuals may experience heightened sensitivity and a desire for solitude, others may find it a liberating and empowering experience that fosters self-reliance and personal growth.

However, we sometimes have our own reasons. Well, we simply dislike this place, especially those who enjoy traveling alone and value personal time. We dislike crowded places. The simple reason is that we just don't want to encounter large crowds, which would irritate us. This implies that the locations we desire to visit do not align with the preferences of the person accompanying us. We simply want to do things our way. Sometimes, when we visit the beach, we just want to lie down and listen to the tranquil sound of the waves while sipping a cold beer. We don't want to eat seafood at a crowded restaurant and wait in long lines. Checking in at popular tourist spots is not a necessity.

3. Self-centered

Everyone says I'm self-centered, picky about travel, accommodation, food, and tourist attractions. What do you want? Why are you so self-centered? You've already chosen and brought me here, but you're not happy.

However, sometimes we have our own reasons, which sometimes make us seem selfish. Deep down, we just want to go alone. Being selfish in this context means waiting for things that we like more, that suit our tastes in terms of accommodation, food, and attractions. We like it this way, but the chemistry of the people we go with doesn't always match. We choose and then argue all the time. Sometimes we just want to avoid arguing in a subtle way.

4. Easily annoyed

Traveling alone often means doing everything alone all the time. We can choose when to do what until we get stuck doing everything alone because it's convenient, but everyone often says that we are easily annoyed. We can't stay with anyone for long.

However, we may have our own reasons.

It is understandable that someone might desire solitude. Crowded environments can be overwhelming, and the freedom to pursue one's own interests without external constraints is appealing. The flexibility to adjust schedules and routines, such as waking up at different times or changing sleeping locations, can also be desirable. Ultimately, the desire for solitude reflects a yearning for autonomy and control over one's own life.

However, we sometimes have our own reasons. Sometimes we just want to go where we want to go. In fact, solo travelers are diligent people, haha! But they are only diligent in going to the places they want to go. They will be enthusiastic about what they want to do and what they have done, and it is something they choose themselves. If they are asked to be diligent in going to places they don't want to go, they would probably prefer to stay lazy and quiet.

6. Inability to Apologize:

The inability to apologize is often cited as a key characteristic of people who prefer to travel solo. They may not be willing to reach out and make amends, even after multiple instances of canceling plans. For example, someone might not apologize for canceling a trip with friends four or five times. While this is a hypothetical scenario, it reflects a common experience for some individuals who have repeatedly faced canceled plans. The frustration of dealing with canceled trips can lead to a reluctance to initiate future plans, especially after just one instance of disappointment.

Sometimes we have our own reasons.
Sometimes, not knowing how to coax someone back pushes us to pull ourselves up, take care of ourselves, do things on our own, and travel alone to this day. Now, as soon as we plan our next trip, we just go. We don't need anyone anymore. If we coax them, they might not want to go on the trip with us anyway.

7. Uncompromising

Why are you so uncompromising? He has already apologized and is willing to do anything you want, even letting you manage the trip yourself. It really depends on the case. Some people can give in again and again, while others have been hurt so many times that they feel they can't give in anymore. They think, "He'll just be selfish again," so they decide not to give in this time.

However, we sometimes have our own reasons.

Before you tell me to give in, I want you to know that there is a limit to how many times a person can give in. Not only will I not beg you, but I will also not want to give in anymore. Many people have to go through a lot of giving in before they reach the point where they can go out on their own. They have to give in to the trip planning, the sightseeing, the eating, and so on. The trip organizer often cancels the trip themselves. Well, what about the person who is giving in and waiting eagerly to go with them? Of course, the day will come when they will have to travel alone. I will have to do something about it. I can't give in to anyone anymore. From now on, I will have to manage the trip and go out on my own for once.

For those who disapprove of solo travel, there are countless restrictions and prohibitions in place.

However, we may have our own reasons.

The restriction of freedom of thought, such as the prohibition of traveling alone, should not be imposed simply because of social norms. It is time to change the mindset of many people, as traveling alone is no longer considered strange. We should adopt a new perspective and allow individuals to explore their desires without causing harm to others. Encourage them to find answers and experiences on their own. The opinions of others should not outweigh the voice of one's own heart. Follow your heart's desires, and if it doesn't work out, you will learn from the experience and discover whether traveling alone is truly suitable for you.

9. Trust your heart more than others.

People often say that those who enjoy traveling alone or making solo trips are overly confident, sometimes to the point of being told they are a certain type of person, even though they may not know us well enough. For example, when we first started traveling alone and backpacking on a budget, there were a lot of voices from people who didn't understand this style of travel, asking why we would put ourselves through such hardship. We weren't suffering; we were comfortable. Wait! I mean, we were traveling comfortably and conveniently in our own way.

However, we may have our own reasons.

As mentioned, if everyone did the same, why would the world create everyone to be born from different parents and be completely different? There are still many differences in the world, both in appearance and in thought. If we go out and explore on our own journey, we can prove to ourselves that we don't have to follow the mold that society has set for us so much. It's good to let go sometimes; it's heavy! Believe in what you are doing and that you are not doing anything useless. Make yourself happy and have value that you create yourself, not from the voices of others and the mold that others want you to be.

10. Independent information gathering: Avoid relying solely on others for information.

"I'll just ask this person instead. They'll probably give me better information. I should trust them more, but I'll have to wait a bit. They might not be available to answer right away." "Hey, this page admin is reliable. I should trust them more. But I asked them three days ago and they haven't responded yet."

However, we sometimes have our own reasons.

While seeking information from diverse sources is beneficial, relying solely on Google and hotlines may not be the most efficient approach for independent travelers. The abundance of information available online can be overwhelming, and waiting for responses from various sources can be time-consuming. Moreover, relying solely on external resources may hinder the development of essential skills for solo travel, such as self-reliance and problem-solving. By taking ownership of the research process, individuals can gain valuable insights and develop a deeper understanding of their destination. This proactive approach fosters independence and empowers travelers to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing their travel experience.

It is no longer uncommon for individuals to pursue solitary activities.

People who do things alone are often asked:

"Can I watch a movie alone?"

"Can you eat alone at a restaurant?"

"Can I travel alone?"

However, those who travel alone often do not have the opportunity to ask questions in return.

"Can't I watch a movie alone?"

"Can't you eat at a restaurant alone?"

"Can't I go alone?"

This is because our society labels people and dictates how they should behave and live their daily lives.

In a society where conformity is often the norm, individuals who dare to break the mold and pursue unconventional paths are often met with surprise and even disapproval.

In reality, people who do things alone and go places alone exist all over the world.

For the most part, he is not someone who lacks family or friends, nor is he lonely.

He may only be comfortable with this for a short period of his life when he has the opportunity to do so.

The times have changed, and it's time to adjust our thinking and perspectives.

Without judging personal preferences, respecting diverse actions.

Especially for those who don't know him, and he hasn't caused any trouble to anyone.

In summary,

Traveling solo offers the advantage of strengthening both your physical and mental resilience.

Plan your own trip, manage your own expenses, be mindful, and be able to solve problems on the spot.

The journey will be challenging, so staying healthy is crucial. Since you'll be alone, patience is key. Be prepared to wait for transportation and for the venue to be ready.

However, the disadvantage is that "I'm not good at waiting for people." Who is "people" in this context? It refers to the people who will be going on the trip with the speaker.

Should I go? If not, I can go alone. No problem. My ability to wait for someone to travel with is decreasing, but in other situations, such as work or important matters, I can still wait as usual. Except for travel, that is.

Fortunately, we can now turn the disadvantage of being impatient into an advantage. We no longer dwell on the question of "why people don't go out when invited, are not ready, or have many conditions before going out."

And I discovered that sometimes it's not always about the money. Sometimes, with just a hundred or two hundred baht, we can take a bus or train to go sightseeing, take photos, and then come back. That's all... Or sometimes, the places we go to, it's just because our chemistry doesn't match (probably).

However, if we wait for that day, we may not have the opportunity to visit all the places on our list, as we do today.

Gratitude for one's own courage in making decisions, rather than wasting time waiting for others. Time is precious, and every day brings us closer to the end of our lives.

Life is getting shorter, and there are many things I want to do and places I want to visit. I hope I will have the chance to do them, but sometimes, some people make us wait too long.

Follow the fun stories (or not, or just me having fun, haha) on the "Traveling Alone" page.

Note: This is a solo trip in the truest sense. Every photo here was taken by me, even the ones where I had to set up the camera myself. I rarely ask others to take photos for me because they don't know my angles. When others take photos of me, I look fat. Oh, I forgot, I'm already fat. Haha.

I haven't had much time to edit yet, I'm feeling sleepy. I'll come back and edit it again later.