Solo or Group ?

[daveuprite]

Interesting article:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018 ... dan-africa

I can see the benefits of both ways. I travelled around Africa alone, and enjoyed the independence a lot, but it was always great to meet other overlanders and share stories when the chance arose. And getting drunk on Primus every night alone in Kinshasa while waiting 2 weeks for the Congo riverboat to arrive was pretty miserable on reflection.

What do the explorers on ABR think?

[diggermanbob]

I must admit I quite fancy a solo trip but also enjoy going with a couple of mates , it also gives a bit of added security / safety if you riding with others , that's one of the reasons for running a 250 so if I do go solo I know I can pick it up or push it if I have to , but the last two trips have been a hoot with my English /French buddies.

[ricks2018]

I feel going solo is better than a group. It gives you chances to meet yourself, explore yourself and meet new people.

[pauljohnson]

I think there's nothing like going solo, you can meet new people and make new friends.

[mark vb]

I've never travelled alone although do, I have to say, very much enjoy my own company. Growing up in a John Brown Schooldays type of boarding school has I think has made me pretty self-reliant and resilient so solo travelling would, I think, hold no problem for me. I've been on more motorbike trips than I care to remember, in the early days with a single buddy who had their own bike, and then with my g/friend (now wife). Said wife then got her own bike and the travels continued with two bikes. Our last trip was for 5 months using a sidecar outfit. If ever there's an ice-breaker, it has to be an outfit.
At one stage, last decade, we made several trips with a small group of good friends; it was great as we all got on and rode well together. But....good friends often move away and getting together even infrequently requires real effort.
So, travel has mostly been as a twosome and I cannot imagine doing it without my wife whilst we both remain healthy and adventurous, as I would undoubtedly miss her for all manner of reasons.

[Brenhden]

I always travel solo these days hence, like Bob, I ride a bike light enough to pick up a few times. It also means I make an effort to meet locals, read a book, and can spend ages looking round castles and churches without annoying anyone.

[vRSG60]

I've done all my trips either 2 of us or 3 of us. Pros & Cons to travelling alone or in a group I guess. Just the same as - do I pre-book accommodation or find somewhere each evening it.
I do like the thought of doing a solo trip though.

[chunky butt]

Fancy a solo trip, but going with a couple buddies is great fun, plus you've got the added security if you get in a muddle

[Tonibe63]

It depends on the 'planned' trip. If it's a voyage of discovery to new places then we prefer to make it up as we go along and for that we 'travel' as a couple (me and her on separate bikes) but if it's a uk weekender then with a group of friends is more fun.

[Bryn]

Good question! Personally, I think I'd rather share the trip with someone else. Years gone by I would have said travelling alone was better, but that's mostly down to the fantasies of travelling that play out in my head (nothing dirty, I promise)! In reality, I love being able to share the experiences, the views, and the roads with someone else.