I am a solo backpacker at heart. But for 9 months this year, I traveled with a partner.

Was it better? Can I even compare it objectively?

I will try.

Decision making and freedom

When you travel alone, you make all the decisions. It's exhilarating - the complete freedom to do or go anywhere. You don't need to compromise with anyone else. It's awesome.

I recommend everyone to try traveling solo at least once in their lifetime.

When you're a couple, there will always be a certain level of adjustment. Where to stay, what to eat, where to go - these are all decisions you need to make together, talk about, or at least consider each other's preferences.

This applies to long-term partners and married couples as well. Just because you've reached a certain level of comfort with one another doesn't mean you're not compromising for the benefit of the other. This is, of course, lovely in its own way, but also the highway to a breakup. Been there, done that.

Costs

Travel costs for a couple are NOT the travel cost for 1 person, times 2!

Many savings come from sharing. Transport, accommodation, toiletries, even food. My estimates are that traveling as a couple is around 150-175% of the costs of solo travel.

Socializing

Couples tend to isolate themselves. Yeah, you can still socialize in hostels and on tours but it's very easy to cut off because you have each other.

When solo you're much more likely to meet others.

The opposite is also possible - these fleeting interactions and short-lived friendships on the road can be very exhausting and you can always just decide to spend the day/night together.

Sharing time

I believe this is the biggest benefit of traveling as a couple - the shared memories.

Solo experiences are awesome but internalized: kept for you and your own personal memory. Others can hardly relate to them.

Shared experiences, on the other hand, are cherished by both. They are what really bonds people in life.

So, which one do I prefer? I honestly can tell. I think I have grown to love traveling as a couple but thinking back to my solo adventures I remember cool moments that wouldn't have happened had I not been alone.

If you have someone to share everything with and reach unheard-of levels of understanding and compromise, then go with your soulmate.

But do a solo trip at least once, if you haven't yet, to feel that unprecedented freedom.

My top travel resources:

• I book hotels through Booking.com and Agoda...
• ...and amazing hostels via Hostelworld.
• I seldom go on tours, but when I do, it's through Get Your Guide.
• Transport in Asia is easy with 12Go.
• eSIMs are usually more expensive than local SIMs but quite convenient. Use Airalo for a reliable and affordable eSIM.

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​Backpack Moments​

A blog about long-term backpacking and budget travel