I love to travel. Whether it’s near or far, a place I’ve been to countless times before or some place new, I just want to go. Lately I have been seeing people write about how solo travel is good for the soul and that it can teach you a lot about yourself. While that may be true for some travelers, it is not true for me. Except for maybe a relaxing night away at a nice hotel, the thought of traveling by myself does not appeal to me at all and I’ll tell you why.

Time for Connections

For me, the most fulfilling and rewarding part of traveling is getting to spend time with the people you are traveling with. When I am on vacation with my family, my focus is on them. The distractions of everyday life (work, chores, school, soccer practice, homework, more chores, etc.) are gone and we can just focus on having fun as a family. It is a chance to reconnect and spend quality time together. I would miss out on all those moments if I were traveling without them.

Seeing the World Through My Children’s Eyes

I love to see the joy and excitement on my children’s faces on Christmas morning. Seeing their reactions to something new is a gift that no amount of money can buy. It is the same feeling I get when I travel with my family. Watching my children experience and interact with new places, food, cultures, and activities brings me that same kind of happiness. They may see things in a totally different way than I do, and that childlike sense of wonder is so refreshing and appreciated.

I Would Get Bored!

I am an introvert and I like to have my alone time, but not when I travel. Whether it’s a quick weekend get away or a weeklong vacation, I want to have someone with me who I can talk to. Friends, family, my children – anyone who I can have a good chat with counts here. I do not like to strike up conversations with random strangers, but I do like to talk with the people I know well. In our busy, go, go, go lives, we don’t always make the time to talk with the people who matter most to us. But when we travel, time seems to slow down a bit, and we get to share those funny stories, tell the corny jokes, make each other laugh, reminisce about the past, and talk about the future. I would look a little foolish saying all those things by (and to) myself!

I know that many people love the idea of getting out there and exploring the world on their own, but it is not for me. For them, solo travel brings peace, excitement, happiness, and fulfillment. For me, traveling with the people I care about does the same things.