The Joy of Travelling Alone

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.

by: erid001