Now that's solo. Taking a picture of yourself.

Trying to get time and money to set off on an adventure for a few months to a year is a fair amount of work and commitment. Timing is also important. Do you want to go in peak season and pay peak prices? Do you want to avoid a rainy season or a blazing hot summer season? Are you going on a round the world tour with many of these factors and more? Where do you want to go and what do you want to see?

Now add a friend or two into the mix. They have to get time and money together. They want to see things and go to places on their bucket list. They might be shoppers. They might be partiers. They might prefer the beach over historic sights. They might have less time. They might have more money. They also might (my personal hair puller) be very slow to get ready and you will find that half your trip is waiting for them.

Enter the idea to set off solo. Sure it can be a scary thought but if you want to get out there and see the world at your pace then I would urge you to just do it. Your time, your intinerary, your budget, your magical mystery tour.

You will not be alone unless you want it that way. Hostels are a great way to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Even if they are a step down from your budget I still urge you to give them a try. Many hostels are now catering to wealthier travelers and offer very nice private rooms along side their bunks. Alternatively, many hotels are offering bunks and opening up comunal common areas to cash in on the fast growing backpacker market.

These types of accomodation always provide fantastic value and a very social vibe. In many cases they offer the best value on tours, rentals, meals and drinks. It would surely be impossible to not hook up with some new travel mates that share a language and next destination.  You will be learning about their culture while sharing all the new experiences of your current destination.

It always amazes me how a few days on the road with new travel mates can feel like you have known each other for a month. I find it just as rewarding sharing a monumental site, new city or fantastic natural wonder with a new friend as much as an old friend from back home.

I also enjoy being able to wake up, have my coffee and set off when I want, how I want and where I want. No strings, just take it as it comes. I can usually get a good seat on a bus. I can score a cherry spot on the deck of a boat. I can grab something to eat and just go. I can see something I want to do, and do it, right now with no drama or discussion. If you travel solo you will also meet many more locals. You are much more approachable and usually open to dialogue as a one man band.

Flying solo will force you out of your shell. You will be challenged and it will be rewarding. I have seen many groups of travelers that pretty much socialize amongst them selves. These travel posses miss out on meeting many locals and fellow travelers from different countries. You can usually count on bickering and frustration as a group after being on the road for a while.

It is a big decision to head off alone but the rewards are plenty. You will make new friends, go your separate ways, meet more new friends and most likely run into your old friends. You will share photo’s and keep in touch on Facebook. You will make plans to meet up again either in another country or later on in each others country. Some times this happens but most of the time the relationship fades away as you jump back into your life and career back home. That’s ok. That is what travel is all about. You will always have those memories and nobody can take them away from you.

There you go, no more excusses. Buy that plane ticket today!