Travelling alone

[Lauffray]

I was speaking to a friend and I excitedly mentioned my upcoming travel plans. At one point he asked "Going alone?" and gave me a slightly surprised look when I said yes.

It obviously depends on the trip, but personally I like travelling by myself, especially when the goal of the trip is primarily photographic. But I could definitely do without the justifying every time and the semi-pitying looks.

Is it me or is there some sort of stigma associated with travelling solo ?

 

[eliev]

Unfortunately I think there is a stigma associated with travelling alone. Same with going to a restaurant alone. Despite having a wonderful girlfriend and being relatively outgoing, I enjoy both. Enjoy your trip!

 

[jsrockit]

Some people are weird about doing anything alone. Same thing goes for the movies, a bar, or going to a restaurant alone for some. When I first came to NYC, I didn't know anyone... I did everything alone except for the occasional date. I think people feel like losers alone because they worry about what others think too much. That's their issue, not yours. Enjoy yourself Jerome! Do what works for you.

Unless you have someone who is into photo as much as you, it makes sense to go alone on a photo intensive trip.

 

[kbg32]

As what John says. People have their hangups. Don't let them become yours. Relish the time you have whether alone, with friends, or with someone you care about. Once you get married and have kids, it's hard to find alone time with the responsibilities of family. It all becomes a memory!

 

[Rodchenko]

I don't mind travelling alone, but the people who seem to get most out of it tend to be much more outgoing than me. I like travelling in company with my partner. But that's just a personal choice. I have friends (male and female) who have cycled to India and beyond on their own, and very much enjoyed the experience.

 

[valdas]

When the goal of the trip is photography I would strongly prefer to travel alone. Well, even when it is not photography, I enjoy travelling alone (as well as with my family). And I hate to travel with bigger groups...

 

[jarski]

did several long backpacking trips, and was asked this question also few times. seems some people cannot think of traveling alone, and make friends while on road.

agree that photography can benefit from traveling solo, as there is nobody to get bored while waiting "the photographer" getting his/her perfect shot, or venture into side streets "just in case theres something" 🙂

 

[goamules]

Only the weak need someone with them at all times when traveling, going to restaurants, having hobbies. If they cannot enjoy life by themselves, they've got something wrong. Enjoy your trip, you'll actually meet and talk to more people if along, ironically.

 

[taemo]

I was speaking to a friend and I excitedly mentioned my upcoming travel plans. At one point he asked "Going alone?" and gave me a slightly surprised look when I said yes.

It obviously depends on the trip, but personally I like travelling by myself, especially when the goal of the trip is primarily photographic. But I could definitely do without the justifying every time and the semi-pitiful looks.

Is it me or is there some sort of stigma associated with travelling solo ?

I've traveled by myself in the past and my job also forces me to travel alone all the time and I enjoy it.
I love the freedom of being able to do things my own way and time, not having to wait for anyone.
Plus when alone, it encourages you to socialize and immerse on the places culture unless you like being a hermit.

 

[edge100]

I was speaking to a friend and I excitedly mentioned my upcoming travel plans. At one point he asked "Going alone?" and gave me a slightly surprised look when I said yes.

It obviously depends on the trip, but personally I like travelling by myself, especially when the goal of the trip is primarily photographic. But I could definitely do without the justifying every time and the semi-pitiful looks.

Is it me or is there some sort of stigma associated with travelling solo ?

I travel solo about 6-7 times per year, generally for work (but always with additional non-work time).

As much as it can be lonely at times, I find that the results I get (photographically) are far better when I'm left to my own devices. I don't feel the pull (real or imagined) of placating to someone else's needs/wants; I can go where I please and do what I please.

All that said, all of this is possible because I have a terrific family to come home to, and who support my work and photographic endeavours.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Solo travel can be lonely, but if your primary purpose is photography, then it's essential. I logged 35,000 solo miles by car to make the photographs for the Rock City Barns book in my sig. Likewise, most of the miles for the Georgia Backroads book and the other book projects I'm still working on.

 

[Spavinaw]

Dave, I've always thought how neat it would be if someone started a development along the coast named Sea Rock City, Georgia. 😀

 

[bonatto]

You're never alone when you travel...

If I'm carrying a camera, I prefer not to bother others with my sudden stops, random walks, or early mornings.

 

[zauhar]

If your aim is photography, you are much better off by yourself. I have had some really bad experiences getting separated from my family when I was concentrating on taking photos.

Randy

 

[anjoca76]

Whenever I travel, I always find time to go off by myself with my camera. My favorite times in most of my travels has been when I've woken up early in the morning and photographed and wandered around alone. My wife and kids are still asleep, the streets are quiet, and it's the golden hour.

I still carry a camera and shoot here and there the rest of the day, but it's just not the same.

 

[whited3]

I fantasize about traveling alone a lot. Not business trip + some extra time sort of travel. Like, East asian jungle travel. I've got a young family that just doesn't go well with adventure.

Ah well, I'm sure I'll have the chance once my nest empties.

 

[Roger Hicks]

There's some nasty judgemental stuff going on here.

Whenever I can, I travel with my wife. When I can't, I miss her. To say that this makes me "weak" sounds like a dim insult from an unhappy person. As for photography: well, she's a photographer too. I suppose if you have the sort of wife/girlfriend whose life is bounded by shoes and shopping, she'd be a ball and chain. But my wife isn't. Indeed, she'll often suggest we go places (and take pictures) that I wouldn't have thought of.

Cheers,

R.

 

[jsrockit]

There's some nasty judgemental stuff going on here.

Whenever I can, I travel with my wife. When I can't, I miss her. To say that this makes me "weak" sounds like a dim insult from an unhappy person. As for photography: well, she's a photographer too. I suppose if you have the sort of wife/girlfriend whose life is bounded by shoes and shopping, she'd be a ball and chain. But my wife isn't. Indeed, she'll often suggest we go places (and take pictures) that I wouldn't have thought of.

Cheers,

R.

Roger, I think you took that comment wrong. I think what was meant is that if one cannot do something alone (they HAVE to have someone, anyone, with them at all times), it may be indicative of other issues. I doubt he meant that anyone who misses their partner in life is weak.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

You are fortunate, Roger. My wife isn't a photographer (although she has an excellent eye-- also beautiful, as you can see) and she's very tolerant of my stops, starts, and side-trips. But still, when one travels with someone else, one is to some extent restricted by a decent respect for one's partner's needs and wishes.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Roger, I think you took that comment wrong. I think was meant is that if one cannot do something alone (they HAVE to have someone, anyone, with them at all times), it may be indicative of other issues. I doubt he meant that anyone who misses their partner in life is weak.

I sincerely hope so, and if so, I apologize profoundly. But "have to" and "very much prefer" are close enough that I sometimes conflate them.

Cheers,

R.