The Ways We Hobby

I was talking to a couple of very well traveled friends recently. One was preparing for a solo trip and one was about to leave for vacation with a group of friends, both heading to new-to-them countries.

The former friend does a lot of solo travel. My friends who love solo travel espouse the benefits of being on your own schedule, being able to do exactly what you want to do, and being challenged through new experiences, building their confidence and sometimes stepping out of their comfort zones.

My friend who was heading on the group trip doesn’t like solo travel. Folks who fall into this category often talk about how they like to travel with a loved one because they want to experience the joys of travel with someone else. They want to share the beautiful landmark they just saw or enjoy a delicious meal together. 

There are many ways to do the same activity. There is no right or wrong way to travel and the fact that so many people in my life approach it so differently makes me think about my own goals, priorities, and experiences with travel and otherwise. 

May this serve as a reminder that just because everyone around you is experiencing a hobby, activity, or journey in a certain way, you do not have to experience it like that. You are allowed to find your own joy in the thing. And you are allowed to feel confident in that. 

There are a million ways to move through the world. Trust in yours.