by Shannon Bradford

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: June 12, 2009

The decision to travel alone is sometimes a hard one, dependent upon not only the destination of choice, but also what the traveler wants to glean from their voyages. Let's look at some pros and cons of solo travel before you decide if your upcoming trip will involve a 1-passenger plane ticket or a group discount:

Pro #1: Ultimate Independence. There is no better way to stake your claim on independence than by forging ahead into the wide world by yourself. Some people's greatest fears (and, ironically enough, greatest desires) include traveling alone: some people can't even eat lunch by themselves! If you find yourself to be someone who has always wanted to take the leap and go somewhere by yourself, or you're just looking to expand your experience as an adept solo traveler, going someplace by yourself gives you an independence you just cant acquire anywhere else.

Pro #2: Better Travel (and Life) Skills. When you travel alone, you don't have anyone else to rely on. You have you, yourself and you! Researching the best flights, finding hotels and accommodations, deciding the best or most efficient routes between countries or sights, navigating cultures, meeting new people and learning languages: all of these travel tasks guarantee your growth and strength as a traveler, and you can't ignore the effects these experiences have on your normal life. If you have someone else to lean on, you may lean too much. Once you've had to find your way out of a tense, strange, scary, or absurd situation in a new place all by yourself, it tends to make you more prepared for anything else that could come your way in life.

Pro #3: Freedom of Choice. Unlike tour packages, where your schedule is 95% pre-determined, flying solo affords you the opportunity to go and see whatever the heck you want! Feel like lazing three extra days in Rome? Go for it! Wanna opt out on that huge tourist site because, let's face it, there's just too many people inside? No problem! You make the rules, because nobody is dictating your path and you don't have a travel partner to consult. This makes your trip ultimately yours. It's like writing a novel- you choose the beginning, the middle and the end, just how you want it.

Pro #4: Sociability and Introspection. Traveling alone will allow you immense opportunities to meet new people AND withdraw entirely. The scale is up to you. The fact is, you will meet a lot of new people, and traveling unaccompanied will force you to be more open and receptive

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