Base Camp: The Case For NOT Traveling Alone

Photo by Dirtbag Darling

"Traveling alone is enlighting. It's empowering. It's explorative. People think you're amazing after telling them a story about a place you traveled to on your own."

So begins an article by Kat Lapelosa called "Why You Should Start Traveling Alone." I happened upon it this morning—it's written in response to the recently published article "Why You Should Stop Traveling Alone," and—not that anyone asked me to—but I feel like chiming in here. Because I think traveling alone is the single biggest mistake you can make.

Sure, I get the allure of "finding oneself" among the evergreens and whatnot (yeah, I read Into the Wild, too). I understand the draw of complete solidarity in nature, of learning to fend for yourself and the feeling of accomplishment one finds in not getting lost at the airport. Other people can be irritating, indecisive and impatient. Especially tourists.

But connecting with other human beings is such a driving life-force—ESPECIALLY in a new place. You'd think reaching a mountain peak alone would be a moment of clarity, but in reality, it's just lonely. There's no one to appreciate the scenery with, to bond with over the trials of getting to that point and to that moment with. There's no one to take your picture (don't try and tell me your don't want that...you're lying).

For all of you longing to trek off into the wilderness a la Christopher McCandless, don't go forgetting the single most important insight from Jack Krakauer:

"Happiness is only real when shared."

Especially over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, back at camp, with someone you love.