I solo because I like it. For me, there is no substitute for getting out of town, away from everyone, and traveling at my own pace. Most of my outings have been solo, and I have found that I can live comfortably with myself without the company of people, music, television, or anything else.
I think everyone should experience a few days completely by themselves. It is very, very good to me anyway. When there is nobody there but me and the mountains, I can shed the daily routines and really sort myself out down to base level.
The experience of a solo trip is completely different from the experience with a group. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. There is always a short transition period as I move from one reality to another.
Usually, I find myself feeling a little lonely and out of place on the first night of a solo trip, but by the second night I do not mind it at all. After three days or so, my mind quiets down and I tend to act without a lot of self-talk.
How often does one get to spend a few hours, much less a few weeks, responsible only for oneself? Perhaps most people cannot believe one can treasure one's own company the most. This may be a social reflex, bred into us both culturally and genetically.
The three words solo, lonely, and bored have no inherent relationship. I have yet to take a solo trip and not meet some of the most interesting people. Had I been traveling with someone, I probably would never have spoken to them.
I want to warn people before they set out alone: if you want to stay safe, stay home. If you have never gone out alone, try a two- or three-day trip after you already have experience hiking and camping in that area.
Solo travelers should leave an approximate itinerary and contact information with at least two responsible people who can call out the dogs if you do not show up when you are supposed to.
Expect to have at least a day's transition time when you return to the real world. The displacement effect works in both directions.