These days, it’s fairly common to see articles touting the benefits of independent adventure and travel, and rightfully so. I even wrote my own {slightly different} version of the single gal’s ode to solo travel, so I’m not knocking it. I think everyone should have a handful of adventures on their own if only to strengthen their character and discover who they are when not relying on someone else.
But these days, I have an adventure buddy. And you know what? I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world! I did my time solo adventuring and now I’m basking in the companionship of partner adventures. Why am I loving it so much?
Memories Are Best When Shared
Remember that time when a monkey attacked me in Bali? Or that time when a seemingly-sweet older woman approached me in Paris, trying to sell jewelry {and as we later learned, attempted to steal my purse?}
PC: Will Rochfort
I vividly remember all of these events, but it’s so much more fun to recount them with Will who was there for both of them. He remembers details that I’ve forgotten; I add dramatic flair when describing the psychotic monkey. And it works. Sure, these stories are funny and entertaining when you tell others, but no one will truly understand what happened other than Will and me. And we can relive that adventure over and over again once no one else wants to hear it!
Balance the Personalities
I’ll own it: I’m impetuous and sometimes I do stupid stuff. On the other hand, Will is logical and rational, and analyzes every situation for flaws. More often than not, his judgement is sound whereas mine revolves around the best adventure I can find. On the flipside, my impulsivity sometimes pushes us into the best possible experience.
My point is this: we balance each other nicely. Without me, I like to think his life would be boring. And without him, I’m sure I would end up backpacking in the Grand Canyon without snacks….or something. But when you combine the two of us, we compute to the best possible solution for adventure.
You Have Someone To Push You
For me, this one is huge. I have a rather stubborn inner drive and some may say that I’m as tenacious as a pitbull {for example!} But this doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle through harsh weather, tough climbs or hectic travel days. Sometimes, the juice doesn’t seem to be worth the squeeze and I question whether the adventure should happen at all.
But then, I think of the other half of this partnership. Maybe I don’t feel like hiking my ass to the top of that mountain before dawn? Too bad, because Will has his heart set on it and would be disappointed to turn around. Or perhaps, a sunset ski sounds miserably cold and dark, leaving me desperate to stay inside my nice, warm house? Will is beyond psyched to catch those sunset photos and would be disheartened if he missed the sun’s last glorious rays.
I’m not trying to say that you should always do what your adventure buddy wants. However, considering the wishes of someone else has been critical in pushing me forward during wishy-washy moments. And without a doubt, I never regret it!
Two Heads Are Better Than One
Albert Einstein once said, “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” Sometimes it just takes a partner to encourage the absurdity to continue the adventures. If one person can come up with some ridiculously awesome escapades, imagine what two heads conjure up?!
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What would you add to the list?