Backpacking solo is liberating at first. You are completely free from anyone, anything, or anywhere that knows you. Every time you meet someone you begin at scratch with a clean slate. This is completely alien to normal life.
They know nothing of your past, your mistakes, your mishaps. You present only yourself in your rawest form. All anyone has to go on when forming an opinion about you is your personality and what you choose to tell them. It's like multi-national masquerade ball.
There are no rules. You can be whomever you please. In addition, travelling solo frees you from being restricted by compromise. You can go wherever whenever without having to consult anyone or appease anyone else's preferences. You rule your world around the world, and that can be immensely gratifying and empowering. It can also be confusing. The sacrifice of solo backpacking, however, is that you will most likely have to endure the feeling of being a loner at some point or another. You must brace yourself for those discouraging moments when you are forced to eat yet another meal alone, while the locals wonder who deserted you and other travellers at a table across the room are laughing and carrying on. Should you finish the book you are reading, so help you God. Staring at the coagulated saltshaker is about the loneliest feeling in the world.
It is important to remember that going solo does not necessarily mean going alone. You can travel in Southeast Asia for four months, but probably spend no more than two weeks of it completely by yourself.
Finally, it should not be understated that solo independent backpacking promotes life-changing cultural immersion opportunities and maybe most importantly, something that seems to be lacking from too many people all over the world, a chance to get to know, understand, and appreciate yourself.
Pros:
- You make your own decisions and go where you want
- You can be who you want to be. Nobody knows you!
- Meeting new people will seem easier due to the nature of your position.
Cons:
- Loneliness will be inevitable at some point of the trip
- Can work out more expensive as you have no one to share costs
- Not being able to share moments with someone you know well
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