Travel often requires compromising. That’s especially true when you travel with other people and you need to agree on an accommodation, an itinerary, or where to go eat next. But it’s also true for solo travel. So let’s look at some of the compromises you need to make when travelling.
The two areas where this is by far required most often are time and money. Both are usually restricted, forcing you to make the most of the resources you have.
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Compromising on time
This is quite obvious really. There’s only so many hours in the day, and you can’t possibly do everything at once. So you have to prioritize which activities you want to do, and on which you pass (or postpone them till your next visit). It’s also a question of preference. Some people like packing their days full to the brim, to make the most of their time. Others prefer taking it slow and really soak up their new environment.
When travelling solo you have the advantage of not needing to take anybody else’s wishes into account. You can simply do whatever you feel like, whenever you feel like it. You can decide if you want to pack your day with things, or just spend an afternoon sitting in a park and reading a book. It’s all up to you.
Sailing the Whitsunday Islands
Compromising on money
The question of money can be a bit more complicated. While the internet is full of articles on how to travel on little money – and I agree that a small budget does not have to be the end of your travel plans – it does force you to make compromises. You will be limited in your choice of accommodation by what you can afford, and you probably can’t go to a fancy restaurant for every meal either.
Personally, I don’t mind making compromises with the accommodation if it means I can spend the money on activities instead. I’ll happily sleep in a tent to be able to afford the trip through the Australian outback. I’ll stay in a dorm room with strangers if it’s the only way I can stay longer in an expensive city, despite the fact that as an introvert dorm rooms can be a huge challenge (more on that here).
Camping in Karijini NP, Western Australia
However, I know people for whom sleeping in a dorm or sharing a bathroom is unimaginable. I’m not even going into the question of sleeping in tents in remote areas with sometimes only poor sanitary installations. This is why compromising is hugely dependent on your priorities. If you insist on having a more expensive accommodation, it means having less to spend on activities. Or needing to make your stay shorter, as the situation may be.
The good news: it’s all up to you
Of course there’s nothing wrong with wanting to spend your well-earned holiday in comfort. We all have different priorities, and if you’re the type who enjoys some luxury, then that’s fine. The important thing is, that you enjoy yourself. Figure out what’s most important to you, and then get out there and have a great time.
Kalbarri NP, Western Australia
What type of traveller are you? The luxury-seeker or more the adventurer who sleeps in a sleeping bag under the stars if necessary? Do you prefer comfort or adventure? Tell me in the comments!
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