Being in charge of a trip is always more work than going on a trip.  It is similar to going to a party or giving a party.  Once you are the person in charge, you have to make decisions and you have to be concerned about how your guests are going to respond to your efforts.  If you go solo you don't have be concerned about anyone's feeling.  Puckster your problem is that you need someone to plan the trip so you can be a guest.  It's a small example, but when my son my younger I was in the back of the canoe.  Now I am in the front of the canoe and all I have to do is fish and paddle.  If you are willing to give up control, the experience becomes more enjoyable.  In essence, you become the guest.