Is traveling alone better than traveling as a couple?

Traveling alone? It's great: freedom, independence, personal development, no arguments... The reasons to travel solo are plentiful: traveling alone offers advantages that couples simply cannot understand.

But what is the reality? So, I will reopen the debate: traveling alone versus traveling as a couple!

Deliberately provocative, I will respond point by point to all the preconceived ideas I have heard or read... during my travels.

The floor is open!

The solo traveler places significant importance on their independence as well as their interactions: for traveling alone does not mean being lonely. Traveling solo helps foster spontaneous encounters, as being alone makes it easier for others to approach you.

False. It often depends on the person who initiates the conversation, and on the travelers involved. For some people, approaching a couple may seem more reassuring than a scruffy lone traveler!

Thus, being in a couple also facilitates encounters, perhaps with different types of individuals.

True... But not only when traveling solo! Through Couchsurfing, potential hosts indicate whether they are willing to host one or several people, and it is just as easy to meet people whether alone or as a couple. I have fond memories of our first Couchsurfing experience in Latin America, in Paraguay, where my partner and I were welcomed by a Brazilian-Paraguayan couple.

False. Quick question: what is a traveler and what is a couple of travelers? I will cheat and give you my answer: a traveler is someone eager to discover new countries, cultures, and people... A curious and open person (well, this corresponds to my ideal traveler).

And what is a couple of travelers? 1 traveler + 1 traveler = 2 travelers! Of course, this is simplistic since a special relationship unites these two travelers, and their couple dynamic will influence each other as well. But when does a traveler, if they become a couple, lose their curiosity and openness to the world? Long-term travel is not a honeymoon.

False. I would say it depends here on the traveler. Some solo travelers I encountered on the road were not learning the language of the country and only mingling with other foreigners. Again, it all depends on the travel approach and philosophy.

While it is true that a couple might more easily maintain a connection to their home country (through language, notably), it does not mean that a couple will be less inclined to immerse themselves in the culture of the country they visit. For example, during our travels in Latin America, speaking Spanish was important for us to establish authentic contact with the local population.

True... But just because we are in a couple does not mean that the only person we wish to talk to during months of travel is our partner! We are all, as human beings, social creatures. And I believe this trait is enhanced by travel, whether alone or not.

Every traveler quickly loses their bearings while traveling, and through that, they question their prejudices. It is this dynamic that allows for > and also highlights one's way of life, putting things into perspective... This is one of travel's priceless lessons.

I distinguish between two things here: traveling as a couple is not at all the same as traveling in a group!

False: for traveling as a couple One's partner is someone we've (well) chosen, and we have learned to live with them. While this initially required adjustments from both sides, partners learn to live together in a certain harmony. If their relationship reflects who they are, there won't be (too many) frictions in their daily lives on the road.

True: for group travel Traveling in a group is very different, especially if we do not know the people accompanying us well. The traveler may discover different facets of these people with whom they get along so well at home. And if their travel aspirations differ too much, it can lead to real tensions. I have already addressed this partner choice issue in this article.

And about the disputes: yes, it takes two to argue. So far, so good!

Disputes often stem from many misunderstandings and the accumulation of small details. I explain in other articles how to prevent them during the preparation phase and during traveling as a couple. In my opinion, traveling as a couple without arguing (more than at home) is possible! (More information on arguing while traveling can be found here: >).

And simply put, the argument of disputes is not, in my eyes, sufficient to decide that one > should travel alone. Are we going to stop children from playing together to prevent disputes? Or conversely, do we consider it part of life's lessons and their development?

True, but... These moments of introspection and reflection are, for me, one of the treasures of travel. And being in a couple does not prevent me from accessing this, fortunately! Of course, we do not always share these desires or needs at the same time. But nothing stops one from pausing while the other continues their exploration of the area.

For instance, sharing these moments while admiring a sunset in a companionable silence provides a deep sense of personal well-being and fulfillment in the relationship.

False. I completely agree with these comments in essence: for me, travel is an incredible means of personal growth. In addition to fulfilling my passion, it allows me to grow and strive for a >.

But being in a couple does not hinder this development. It makes the path to achieving it somewhat different and adds different avenues for growth: being with the other person, the balance of the couple...

I have responded point by point to the arguments of the >. For the vast majority of the arguments, my answer is << true, but... << .

Traveling as a couple allows access to all these benefits of travel, but perhaps in a slightly different way. And sometimes, I believe, traveling as a couple brings other advantages and riches.

Of course, this is neither a competition nor a war! Everyone has their own point of view, and both have their advantages and challenges! These ways of traveling are related to a situation and a life journey that belong solely to us. And one's stance on this debate also depends on age, with perspectives changing through experiences...

Where I particularly resonate with the > is regarding group travel: traveling in a group is a unique type of journey, requiring adjustments and compromises... But also bringing its own set of advantages.

And you, do you know other preconceived notions about traveling as a couple? What do you think of this debate?

To go deeper:

The encyclopedia of traveling as a couple: the three-step waltz Traveling as a couple or the art of balancing The 12 benefits of traveling as a couple Traveling as a couple? From dream to nightmare: the 9 pitfalls

And reserved for subscribers to the Newsletter:

How to travel as a couple How to prepare for a trip as a couple: from dream to reality