What kind of experience is it to travel alone?
The Joy of Traveling Together
It’s not a good experience, and the simplest example is when you’re on the road with your luggage and suddenly have diarrhea, it can be extremely frustrating… So my wife and I try to travel together as much as possible. It’s a hundred times more convenient and ten times more enjoyable to have each other’s company.
The first time I traveled alone was in November 2008, my first trip to Tibet. Due to well-known reasons, there weren’t many people going to Tibet at that time. In the soft sleeper carriage from Guangzhou to Lhasa, there were only three passengers. But luckily, it was easy for me to take photos. I opened the door and took pictures on the left and right side.
I stayed at the Dongcuo Youth Hostel in Lhasa, chose a single room, and it was so lonely that I was going crazy. But luckily, I could gather at the hostel’s reception and chat with people, and I also made some new friends. In the end, we shared a ride to Mount Everest, so I wasn’t completely alone.
Collective living is great, even when it comes to meals, you can try more dishes. There’s someone to help you take pictures too. It’s so convenient in every way.
Of course, you also have to understand and be considerate of each other, take care of each other. When one of my companions couldn’t sleep due to altitude sickness, we went to Nekaze to buy sleeping pills. Fortunately, we managed to solve the problem by using a combination of white and black pills.
We successfully saw the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest at 8848.86m, and witnessed the breathtaking flag clouds:
After that, I went to Mount Everest five more times, but still haven’t seen its complete appearance…
My travel companion, Xiao Zhao, made a travel guide and said that besides the flag clouds of Everest, the most anticipated sight was the black-necked crane. As a result, we encountered a large group of them, and I was in a hurry to get out of the car and accidentally broke my water cup:
After returning, we all went to a teahouse together, drank tea, and then went our separate ways, leaving behind beautiful memories.
Traveling alone is great because you have freedom and don’t have to accommodate others. But the downsides are that besides not having the freedom to go to the restroom whenever you want, the meals are not as varied, and there is no one to take care of you when you’re feeling unwell. Especially during twilight, it’s easy to trigger homesickness. Taking pictures is also not a good experience without friends to help.
That’s why the two of us now try to travel together as much as possible. Although it’s more expensive and we miss out on some money-making opportunities, being happy is the most important thing in life!
Encounters with the Opposite Sex While Traveling
The Awkwardness of Dining Alone
The Freedom of Solo Travel
When traveling alone in your youth, it is an experience where someone is always willing to help you find a partner.
For example, in the restaurants and bars of Barkhor Street in Lhasa, as long as you don’t look too shabby or greasy and don’t have a rejecting expression on your face, if you sit alone, there will almost always be someone of the opposite sex coming over to strike up a conversation.
Another example is when I went alone to Tashilhunpo Monastery and after visiting, I helped people build houses.
In the Tibetan areas, building houses is mainly done by women. Everyone would hold a stick with a stone fixed at one end, singing and moving in rhythm while striking the roof with the stick.
The singing was incredibly beautiful.
At first, I couldn’t quite catch the rhythm and would step on people’s heels or be stepped on.
This caused a group of Tibetan women to burst into laughter.
During the break, they invited me to have tea and chat together.
I couldn’t help but say, “Wow, the girl pouring the tea is really beautiful!”
It immediately stirred up a commotion. The women instantly exclaimed, “She’s not married yet, what about you?”
I said, “I don’t even have a girlfriend, who would I get married to?”
They turned around and shouted loudly, “Angzhen, Angzhen! He’s also unmarried, do you want him?”
Angzhen didn’t hold back either. She stared at me for a while and smiled, saying, “He’s fine, he’s capable of building houses too!”
After that, we didn’t continue building houses. Everyone switched to the rhythm of playing matchmaker.
Solo travel is a wonderful experience, but eating alone during travel is quite unpleasant.
After all, when eating alone, it feels something like this—
Although no one comes to check if you have a “single permit,” when it comes time to order, sometimes there’s a lot of information conveyed.
As a thrifty backpacker, ordering just one dish during the meal is monotonous.
Ordering two or three dishes is too much, resulting in waste.
But if you order too little, you might inadvertently receive a piercing gaze— even after you finish ordering, they still stand next to you with pen and paper, looking as if they don’t plan on leaving.
Or after you finish ordering, they become cold and indifferent, like you just walked in intending to have a free meal.
And that’s not all— if you go to a restaurant with good business, they must care about how quickly they can turn over tables, yet you’ve only ordered one dish…
At this point, their actions and sounds when serving the food translate to “eat quickly and leave as soon as possible.”
This is really unpleasant.
Once, I shouted at two pretty girls sitting at the table next to me, “Can we eat together and I’ll pay?”
They looked at me as if I were a strange creature.
The implication was probably— you look greasier than the big pork elbow on the table.
For independent backpackers on a self-guided journey, traveling alone is a skill.
It means that you have the ability to take control of every aspect of a trip and handle all sorts of problems that may arise during the journey.
In fact, life is also a solo journey— strictly speaking, whether it’s parents, partners, children, or friends, they are essentially companions to you. You need to face life alone.
That’s why the Buddhist scriptures refer to “this life,” meaning that from birth to death, essentially it is one’s own existence.
You’ve probably met this type of person—they can’t be alone.
Once they’re alone, they will call friends or find a temporary filler to fill their world.
They always have to run towards the crowd, relying on the presence of others to provide feedback on their own existence. The power of life does not originate from their inner selves.
You’ve probably also met this type of person—referred to as “parasites.”
I highly doubt that someone who cannot withstand loneliness can be resilient.
I highly doubt that someone who cannot be independent can lead an exciting life.
For me, the experience of traveling alone is not the expected “loneliness,” but rather like “Sun Wukong sneaking a bite of the ginseng fruit,” every pore on my body radiates joy and happiness.
It is more sensitive and open than when traveling with companions.
It is a feeling of freedom and ease, of having everything at your disposal.
I may stay silent, but my body truly faces the sea, and my heart is truly in a state of blossoming.
A Solo Journey
Amazing.
When traveling in a group, there are many things to discuss and compromise on - where to go, what to do, what to eat.
But when traveling alone, there’s no need to accommodate anyone.
For example, stopping anytime to have a cup of special mango bean curd.
Original photo taken in Guangzhou.
Or stopping anytime to eat street food that you feel like eating.
Original photo taken in Sanjiang, Liuzhou, Guangxi.
Or stopping anytime to stare at the golden wheat field for a while.
Original photo taken at the Fengyu Bridge in Sanjiang.
Or sitting on a bridge for a while, listening to the grand songs of the Dong ethnic group sung by the elderly ladies.
Original photo taken at the Fengyu Bridge.
When tired, just sit down. Watch the wind blowing through the fields of wheat.
Original photo taken in Sanjiang, Liuzhou.
Don’t you think the Dong villages resemble the comic books of Hayao Miyazaki a little? The wooden houses and paths of Spirited Away, they can also be found here.
Original photo taken in Sanjiang, Liuzhou.
Of course, traveling alone is not just about visiting tourist spots. Just sitting on a train or subway, looking out the window, the beautiful scenery passing by for ten miles or a thousand miles is already wonderful enough.
Original photo taken on a speeding train.
When hungry, there’s no need to find fancy restaurants or worry about dietary restrictions of travel companions. You have the freedom to enjoy whatever you want.
For example, in a small shack on a dirty and messy street corner, where it looks like a decade-old shop, having a bowl of snail noodle soup that is both smelly and delicious.
And don’t forget to add a fried egg soaked in soup!
Original photo taken in Liuzhou.
During a solo trip, you can spend your evenings lying in bed reading a book, lounging on the couch scrolling through Douyin (a Chinese social media platform), wandering the streets, or going to see a local performance.
Of course, it’s important to manage your expectations and not have too high of expectations. This way, your experiences will be easier to satisfy and enjoy.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?
Original photo taken in Chongzuo, Guangxi.
This is the fire ritual of the Yi ethnic group. I have no idea what the high priest is saying, but when the firelight reflects on the faces of the tourists and people of all ages start singing, dancing, and clapping, I suddenly feel that every moment spent here is absolutely worthwhile.
You will see the beauty that is not easily perceived in everyday life.
Original photo taken in Guangzhou.
Playful children, it turns out that the bubbles they blow are truly colorful.
Original photo taken in Guangzhou, October.
In the Guangzhou Botanical Garden, in October, a lotus is still standing tall in the center of the water.
Original photo taken in Sanjiang, Guangxi.
You can enjoy a well-appointed guesthouse or a hotel room all to yourself. And in the evening, you can sit by the bed or by the window and simply watch the sunset, without doing anything else.
Those casual moments and the wonders of the world seem to pour out from the gaps between leaves.
You can enjoy your time alone, just like when you used to watch ants moving houses for a long time.
Original photo taken in Guangxi.
And destiny may come when you are focused on your own affairs, focused on your passion, when you seek help, or even when you are just silently daydreaming.
Original photo taken in Guangzhou.
Don’t easily give up on traveling alone.
The unknown and the beauty are all on the road.
I am Jia, from Hangzhou. Dawa is currently not working and happily embarking on a solo journey. Enjoy! ♥
Solo Travel Experience for Cycling Enthusiasts
I am a cycling enthusiast, and traveling alone by bike is a way of life that I enjoy! I believe this lifestyle is not only a search for true self, but also a precious experience of forgetting oneself and immersing in nature!
I used to be very enthusiastic about group travel, but as I grew older and gained more experience, it became increasingly difficult to find people with similar aspirations and pursuits to travel with, so I started to love solo travel even more!
Of course, I still participate in group travel from time to time, although I prefer traveling alone. Although group travel brings a lot of joy and happiness, the truth is that I always have some regrets every time I participate in group travel.
Because everyone is different and their choices should be respected, I cannot force others to accept my aspirations and pursuits. In order to have fun, compromises have to be made with conflicting choices. Just like the recent mountain climbing trip with a friend, I wanted to appreciate the scenery at the mountaintop with my friend. However, the result was that I was the only one who reached the summit, as my friend didn’t want to endure the difficulty of climbing anymore and chose to wait for me halfway up the mountain!
I’ve gone off-topic a bit, let’s get back to the experience of solo travel! My most recent solo trip was starting from Shunyi, Beijing, passing through Miyun Reservoir, Huairou Changshaoying, and finally arriving in Fengning, Hebei!
In the morning, I had my favorite wonton soup and donkey meat pie at a nearby shop that I frequently visit. Normally, I wouldn’t be able to find these dishes when I go out with cycling friends! Because even during holidays, many people have various commitments, and I often encounter situations where someone has to leave the group hastily to deal with a phone call. So, we usually depart early, focusing on getting there and getting back as quickly as possible. But this shop I like to eat at opens quite late!
After that, I started cycling. I rode at a relatively leisurely pace because I wasn’t going very far, and riding too fast would cause me to miss many beautiful things!
For example, the scenery here at Chaohong River, the upper reaches of Chaohe River, is usually overlooked because I used to be in a rush and never noticed how beautiful it is!
Just like the wildflowers in the mountains, they are easily missed by people who pass by quickly.
In fact, Fengning was not my original destination. Initially, I wanted to go to Bailong Pool near Miyun Reservoir to relax. But before I reached there, I received a call from a friend, and that’s when I came up with the idea of going to Fengning in Chengde to meet him. So, I turned around and headed towards Fengning! Fortunately, he called at that time, otherwise, I would have missed the new discoveries later on! Like the view from the dam at Miyun Reservoir, it felt like riding on clouds like a fairy!
While replenishing energy in front of a small shop, I found a card in a packet of instant noodles with a picture of a little raccoon. It brought back childhood memories, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable picking it up if there were other people around, after all, I’m not so young anymore!
After some struggle, I finally arrived at the top of the first slope. Many people say that they feel lonely when traveling alone, but I believe most cycling friends wouldn’t have such thoughts. Because every effort in pedaling echoes with their own breath, a breath that comes from the mountains and rivers!
Near another slope, I took a photo that I always wanted to take but never had the chance to. PS: It would be great if the person coming towards me was also a cyclist, but that’s not very practical, it may never happen! After all, I came alone, unlike group cycling where you can set up a shot!
When passing by here, I saw it in the sewer. I had already ridden a considerable distance when suddenly I remembered what a fellow cyclist had once said to me: Some fruits you may only get to taste once in your life, so try not to miss them when you come across them. Immediately, I turned back and captured this expression pack material from secretly observing it!
At a point where I could see a village below the mountain that I was about to pass, I decisively crossed the guardrail and changed my perspective to have a preview!
In a nearby store, I found a drink that I liked, a type of yogurt that is rarely sold. Although I was well aware that drinking it might give me diarrhea and affect the journey, I still bought it and drank it! I instantly felt a sense of happiness!
At a checkpoint, this time I took a slightly longer route nearby and finally found a new photo spot.
A place that other cyclists usually don’t stop at, but I stopped as usual, because this is the junction from summer to autumn!
The building has a nostalgic feel, just like the shops near my home when I was young! My hometown doesn’t have such buildings anymore, but they still exist here as “relics”.
From here, you can see the Great Wall in the distance. I originally wanted to go and take a look, but after exploring, I couldn’t find a suitable route for cycling, so I had to give up!
A castle easily overlooked, I originally thought it was in a remote corner of the village, but in fact, it was less than 20 meters away from the main road. After carefully reading the introduction on the stone tablet, I learned that this inconspicuous checkpoint was once an important ancient border fortress. As a history enthusiast, I spent quite some time around here, experiencing the feeling of leaving the border!
I found this road beautiful the last time I was here, but I didn’t take many photos. This time, I kept taking photos until I was satisfied!
Two “generals” not far apart, if I don’t mention it, you probably wouldn’t have noticed the “general” standing on the mountain. I prefer to believe that the “general” on the mountain is the real one!
It’s another long climb, and before this, my energy was already almost drained. I don’t know if I can reach my friend’s house before it gets dark!
My friend, who had been waiting for me at the top of this slope for a long time, suddenly appeared and gave me a double surprise.
The above is just a small part of my solo travel experience, with more hidden in the remaining 200+ photos and in my mind! I didn’t appear in these photos, but the mountains and rivers along this journey must have left some impression on me!
Memories of Graduation Trip
The most special memory should be the graduation trip. As a poor student, I relied on the support and assistance of my classmates and spent less than 2000 yuan to complete nearly a month-long trip to Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Now when I think back, I am moved to tears. Let me share a few particularly memorable moments.
Shanghai
At that time, I was studying in Ningbo, and my first destination was Shanghai.
My first impression of Shanghai was that it was really huge.
At that time, there weren’t as many social networking apps. We were still using QQ and personal blogs. We spent a long time figuring out how to use public transportation.
At that time, Wu Kang Road was not yet a popular tourist attraction, and Xiaoyang Shengjian was really delicious. The Bund was not so crowded either.
Even though I couldn’t afford to go up the Oriental Pearl Tower, I didn’t have many regrets. Just like my lack of attachment to this bustling city.
I was just a passerby, hurrying through.
Years later, it is still the same.
These are all old photos from years ago, so just bear with them.
Suzhou
Compared to Shanghai, I really loved Suzhou.
Just like the soft spoken dialect of Wu, everything in Suzhou was slow.
I couldn’t afford Songhelou, but the noodles from the roadside stalls were extremely delicious. I could even finish all the scallion pancakes!
At that time, the Suzhou Museum was not as popular as it is now. We strolled around leisurely and relaxedly.
When I first visited the Humble Administrator’s Garden, I truly felt like I had stumbled into the Great Garden of the Grand View. Everything looked good and beautiful.
The beauty of Suzhou’s classical gardens must be deeply embraced and experienced in order to truly grasp it.
Even after a long time, I still miss the leisurely walks in the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
Oh, and the soup dumplings in Suzhou were also incredibly delicious!!!
Hangzhou
Although I later worked in Hangzhou for several years, I no longer felt the joy of my first arrival during the graduation trip.
I haven’t been to the overcrowded West Lake many times.
The always crowded Wulin Square is definitely on my blacklist.
I love the tranquility of Hangzhou.
Since I was young, I’ve watched “The Legend of White Snake.” In my impression, Hangzhou should be quiet and gentle, not noisy all day long.
When I first arrived in Hangzhou, I rode on my classmate’s bicycle, explored all eighteen views of West Lake, and wandered outside the Academy of Fine Arts countless times. It was a dreamy place that I once ignorantly yearned for.
The roasted flatbreads shop on Wenshan Road was still there, as well as the bustling market filled with delicious food. I often had a roasted flatbread, a deep-fried dough stick, and soy milk as my brunch.
The home-cooked dishes at my grandmother’s house were also delicious, and I loved the candied lotus root from Zhiweiguan.
After I started working, many things changed.
I could afford to eat at the West Lake Hotel, but it no longer amazed me.
Only the breeze blowing from the golden glow of the setting sun on the shores of West Lake can still make me slightly intoxicated.
As the saying goes:
To buy osmanthus flowers and share wine together, But this cannot compare to the thrill of a youthful journey.
Huzhou
I went to Nanxun and Huzhou.
In Nanxun, I stayed at a classmate’s house. Her father was very hospitable and cooked a table full of food for me, including Zhejiang-style stinky tofu and hairy crabs.
It was my first time trying Zhejiang-style stinky tofu, and it was different from the spicy ones in Hunan. The stinky tofu in Zhejiang, which seemed to be from Shaoxing, had a stronger smell and a sour taste in my mouth. (It’s also possible that it just didn’t suit my taste, in any case, it was really hard to swallow).
Anyway, under the enthusiastic recommendation of my classmate’s father, who spoke Zhejiang’s dialect of Mandarin (no derogatory meaning, I felt very close to it), I picked up a piece and put it into my mouth. However, as soon as it touched my tongue, I immediately felt the strong odor. I couldn’t help but spit it back into the bowl!
At that moment, I felt so embarrassed. Before I could explain, my classmate’s father kindly rescued the situation and said, “Maybe you’re not used to it? Try some hairy crab!”
Looking at the hairy crab immediately handed to me, I could only accept it gratefully.
That was my first time eating hairy crab, and I couldn’t even tell the difference between male and female. But even now, when I think back, it still tastes incredibly delicious.
And the small wontons in Huzhou and the chicken feet from Zhoushengsheng were really, really, really good!
Nanxun Ancient Town at that time was truly nostalgic, just like it was portrayed in TV dramas, filled with the atmosphere of an ancient town.
I would stroll around town alone all day, play with the cats, drink tea in tea houses, take a boat ride alone, and watch the small bridges and flowing water pass by the slowly moving tile-roofed houses. It was truly a feeling of pure happiness and contentment!
～～/(ㄒoㄒ)/~~
Actually, there’s not much to do in downtown Huzhou, but at that time, a classmate was interning there at a university, so I dropped by to see her.
The two of us squeezed into her small dorm room, staying up late chatting. I don’t know where we got the energy from.
Never did I expect that after this meeting, we would find it difficult to see each other again.
She went to a distant foreign country, got married and had children, and our contact was completely lost.
The former friendship is just like a kite with a broken string, unable to be found again.
Whenever I think about it, I can’t help but sigh.
Jiaxing
I went to downtown Jiaxing, Xitang, and Wuzhen.
My closest college friend is from Jiaxing.
Therefore, for the final stop, I chose Jiaxing.
Strictly speaking, this stop isn’t considered solo travel because I was mostly with my best friend.
She took me to Xitang and Wuzhen.
Walking on the stone paths of the water towns in the Jiangnan region once again, I felt the gentleness of the water towns. I was still deeply immersed and moved for a long time.
At that time, Xitang and Wuzhen were not yet popular tourist attractions, and there were not many tourists when we went. We walked leisurely, taking our time to see things. When we got tired, we found a tea house by a narrow, meandering river and chatted endlessly.
We talked about our favorite band, Mayday, her boyfriend, and gossip about a classmate.
She took me to the Moon River and another famous scenic spot.
At that time, light and shadow magic was popular…
We made a promise that we would see each other again.
Unfortunately, more than a decade has passed, and we haven’t seen each other again.
Fortunately, we can still communicate through the internet, and it seems like we haven’t drifted apart.
She cried to me about her breakup.
I complained to her about setbacks in my career and love life.
However, it is still a pity that when she got married, I was suddenly sent on a business trip thousands of miles away.
When I got married, she was pregnant.
After having children, we couldn’t find time for each other anymore.
Life is so mysterious. Even though the physical distance is short, it’s difficult to meet again.
Back then, I promised my classmates, “When you all come to Fujian, I’ll take care of your food and accommodation!”
Unfortunately, none of them came…
So, I feel really emotional. When it’s good times, when it’s time to see the world, we must go and see the world more!
Later, when I finished working in Zhejiang and was preparing to return home, I sat alone at the train station with my suitcases, watching people coming and going, hearing the buzz of voices, and suddenly felt a wave of sadness.
There were changes at home, my father’s life and death were unknown, and I lost both my job and love life.
I sat alone, not knowing if it was because of the pressure or because my youth had come to an end, and cried bitterly. It was a really heartbreaking scene.
People nearby looked at me with odd glances, silently handing me tissues and asking about my well-being, but no one could stop my tears.
At that time, I truly felt like the sky had collapsed.
Looking back now, aside from feeling a bit bitter, I’m in the same state of mind as usual.
It’s like now, at this age, when I watch the movie “To Live,” I suddenly no longer disdain Fu Gui and don’t think he brought it upon himself. Instead, I feel a little empathy and seem to have a better understanding of his determination to keep living.
With this article, I commemorate my lost youth.
Let’s encourage each other.
Solo Travel: The Perfect Combination of Myself and the World
My favorite thing is solo travel, and I stick to it completely - as long as the security allows, I never travel with companions.
The experience is this: every encounter impacts me 100% in my own heart. I maximize the enjoyment of positive experiences and feel extremely fulfilled; as for negative experiences, I can handle them on my own, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I feel very empowered!
Moreover, planning, experiencing, controlling, and accepting everything by myself is particularly worth savoring.
The result is that I truly feel like the dynamic protagonist in a massive MMORPG, free to roam the world; I can handle the good and the bad.
For example, I recommend that everyone (especially girls) go solo to popular domestic scenic spots, the five Nordic countries, most Western European countries, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc. (there are others, but I won’t say anything if I haven’t been there).
These places I have been to all have “acceptable” security. This is the only “hard restriction” that solo travelers need to pay attention to; everything else can be prepared on your own.
The only downside is that no one helps me take photos. Bringing a drone is enough!
The last time I traveled solo was in Iceland and Norway, two places I really liked. Later, I met up with friends in southern Europe - of course, there are benefits to traveling with friends, such as “communicating with others” and “sharing joy”.
But my flaw is that once I have a travel companion, I become “super dependent” on them for itinerary research (I become lazy!). That’s why I try to avoid traveling with others as much as possible.
I particularly enjoy the feeling of being responsible for myself.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Dettifoss waterfall in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Iceland
The view from a drone over the entrance of Oslo University in Norway is very beautiful
This is a group photo taken while diving, everyone in the picture except me is from the UK and Germany. I’m in the center stealing the limelight.
Eating alone is not a problem at all, a nutritionist can still eat healthily and abundantly.
Loneliness? It doesn’t exist. When I’m alone, I especially feel like every inch of scenery is in dialogue with me.
In summary, as long as you ensure that the security of the places you go is at an “acceptable level,” and you are fully prepared (physically and mentally) and have the resilience to deal with various situations (such as losing things, missing flights, being given fewer tickets, etc.).
Then: solo travel is definitely the best way for you to completely experience the world, no doubt about it; because reading books and traveling a thousand miles both require you to truly experience them yourself.
The feeling of being completely responsible for oneself anywhere is the greatest sense of security in the world.
The Journey of Solo Travel
Traveling alone, I feel free and carefree, like a lonely swordsman.
When I go out on a trip, my main focus is spontaneity. I go when I feel like it and stop when I want to. I arrange my own itinerary according to my own desires.
I don’t usually make travel plans or have much interest in those popular tourist spots. I don’t want to take those “I miss you at XX” kind of photos, as I find them meaningless.
I don’t enjoy exploring cities, shopping, or admiring night views. I just want to see the natural landscapes of mountains and waters.
It seems like my thoughts are always different from others, and it’s hard for me to get along with them. Therefore, I can’t find a travel companion who shares the same interests, and can only travel alone.
As a freelancer and someone who doesn’t work for long periods of time, I choose to travel during non-holidays and weekdays. I don’t like being in crowded places with a sea of people.
With few friends to begin with, and unwilling to go out during holidays when there are crowds, I naturally have to travel alone, experiencing the ultimate freedom and solitude.
When traveling alone, I don’t bring a suitcase, at most just a travel bag. Inside, I pack clothes, socks, books, a razor, a phone charger, tissue paper, and other items. I wander the world with ease, carrying my belongings wherever I go. Taking trains and finding accommodation is convenient.
Traveling alone also has its inconveniences. There’s no one to share the hotel expenses, so the cost of traveling is quite high. I used to be able to stay in hostels, but now I have higher requirements for the accommodation environment and prefer quiet surroundings, so I can only choose hotels. For meals, I usually just grab some fast food. When traveling with two or three people, we can go to restaurants and order a few dishes to try the local specialties.
When traveling alone, if I’m not feeling well, I often feel helpless. Once I ate something unclean and had stomach pain and diarrhea in the middle of the night, and I felt so uncomfortable that I wanted to cry.
Some people enjoy crowds, while others enjoy peace and quiet. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to traveling. I personally enjoy the feeling of solitude and freedom when traveling alone.
The experience of traveling alone is not having to accommodate anyone else. Until I meet a travel companion who is compatible, I will continue to choose to travel alone.