I would say that on 90% of my trips, I’m travelling alone. Why? Because most of my friends are tied down on their schedule and I book my trips way far in advance. I’ve been travelling alone for the past 5 years. That 10% when I’m travelling with someone (who isn’t into the miles & points game), I just want to thank them or strangle them. I’m trying to be a better companion when travelling with others. I’ll list the pros and cons of traveling alone in the miles and points world.
Pros:
– Taking the taxi can be much cheaper than public transportation when fares are split.
– You get to keep all the points and stay/night credit when splitting the hotel costs with your friends.
– You can sell your 40k off-peak award to your friend for $800 cash and they think they’ll be getting a bargain in coach to Europe.
– There’s always someone to talk to.
– You can sample more local food if you’re ordering a lot of small plates to share.
– You have no regrets about sitting at the bar area to eat and it’s often no wait.
Cons:
– Your friends don’t get the concept of hotel hopping. They complain why you’re constantly changing hotels on a nightly basis and they’re sick of it.
– Hard to get a consensus of where to go for lunch or dinner. Not everyone is on the same budget level and your friend can get in the way of you trying a new restaurant or cuisine.
– Your friend likes to sleep in, but you don’t (and you don’t want to split up).
– Sharing showers can be gross if you’re in the same room.
– Your lounge access only provides you with a +1 and if you’re travelling with 3 people (including yourself), things can get conflicted if 1 person is constantly left behind.
– Your room is booked for 2 people, but you’re travelling with a 3rd or 4th person and you’re trying to “sneak them in” in your suite. When checking in, the other person has to stay behind and try to be low key in order for you to avoid the extra persons charge.
– When travelling with more than 1, it’s tough to share the breakfast benefit (if it’s in the restaurant) with everyone in your room. This could create conflict if someone else has to buy breakfast outside.
– In some places, it’s hard to get a reservation for 2 or more people.
Do you have any pros and cons to add to the list?