Travelling is one of life’s greatest experiences. The chance to immerse yourself in a world different to yours is amazing and something nobody should miss. I’ve been lucky enough to travel Europe, America, the Caribbean’s, Mexico, New Zealand and Thailand. I’ve seen a lot of places and been part of many things and everywhere I’ve been has taught me something ill never forget. Deciding who to travel with can make or break your trip and there’s always a question of who and how many people to travel with. Some people prefer to go it alone and others like to travel in groups. I’ve been lucky enough to do both, and I loved every second of being alone and being with friends.
I went to New York, Mexico and Cuba by myself for 5 weeks. I saw friends along the way but generally was alone. And it was great! I loved every second of every minute. I could do what I wanted, when I wanted which is the best part. I was under 21 so couldn’t go out anyway but I went for walks through Times Square, strolled through Central Park, along madison ave and past MANY monuments. I saw everything I wanted to see and really learned to rely on myself. Your forced to depend on yourself for everything, become your own rock and you become more sure of yourself and who you are. It strengths your sense of self and with no-one else to occupy your attention you learn to be okay in your own company, learning to appreciate yourself.
Travelling by yourself gives you a sense of freedom that you don’t experience anywhere else. You have to put yourself out there and make friends which is totally different when you’re already travelling with friends. I went to Europe with 2 other friends, both who are quite different to me which made for some interesting times, both good at bad.
Travelling with friends has it perks, you always have company, someone to talk to, to hang out with, and one of the best parts is having someone to share experiences with, solidifying and linking your friendship forever. Not to mention someone to talk to on the long flights, train and bus rides.
The way you travel changes, you need to accommodate your friends wants as well, some days you have to forgo seeing that monument or trying that new food because your friends don’t want to or don’t like it. And not only do you have to give things up but you have to participate in stuff you don’t even care about. You have to put up with short tempers, tantrums from lack of sleep and the general frustration and annoyance that comes with spending 24hrs 7 days a week with the same person. You never get a break or a moment to yourself.
Yet in saying that, that constant attention is also kind of nice. We made countless and unforgettable memories, had experiences that we couldn’t of had if alone. Our friendships were tested, many times, and at points we were all short-tempered and unreasonable. (kinda happens when your living off 5-7 hrs a sleep while trekking through countries) If I had of been alone I would of missed these tantrums and fights, sharp words and bad looks yet somehow we all held it together. We kept it together enough that it never turned into a big fight, and we were all mature enough to let things go and have fun. With the fights come the good times, the long nights spent with a bottle of wine and talking about everything and anything. Discussing your hopes, dreams, fears and of course boys… Talking about the cool sights you’ve seen and the people you’ve met. The nights spent dancing in the clubs, wandering through the cobbled streets of Europe, swimming in the Greek islands or sharing a baguette in France.
I’ve done both and I loved both. I want to go back to Europe next year and then America the year after that. Maybe even do Asia (if I can ever afford it…) and I’ve been thinking a lot, will I do it alone or go with friends???
And to be honest, I’m not sure..
I want to go for 6-8 months and while happy to do some of it alone, I know at some point ill crave a friendship. The easy laughter and enjoyment that comes from being with people your comfortable with. So maybe ill do both. Go alone and meet up with friends and family along the way. Maybe ill get the best of both worlds.
Bali is a popular destination for Australians looking for a quick, cheap and fun holiday. The young, the old, couples and families flock to its crowded streets, cheap markets and peaceful beaches to get away and relax.
madeleinecurby 