That could have turned into a nightmare as well but you must be blessed so I'd rather you be careful. Trust me I've seen things because of the things I tend to watch on TV due to my research purpose, so always better be safe than sorry. Do not ever hitchhike.
I was actually going to ask you next that if you always go with the guided tour or sometimes you go on your own, but your last post answered my question. See, I wouldn't want to go on bus trips either simply because of the reasons you've stated. I'd like to stop and look, enjoy the beauty rather than be on someone else' time and get off and do what we are told. That would take away my real reasons for traveling, so I can totally relate.
And totally agree about having the ideal travel-mate. I like enjoying life and I enjoy food, so I won't mind at all spending money on such things especially while traveling, otherwise i just don't see the point of it.
Traveling alone has got to be the most adventurous and exciting but I've noticed that I tend to draw trouble so that's always a worrisome factor for me.