Travel philosophy
Primary vision
I feel most rewarded by independent self-guided travel, particularly focused on birding. Downsides are that it requires intense amounts of planning, flexibility, language barriers, and risk, and does not maximize on birds, and access to some locations. But finding and identifying birds on my own, at locations and routes I have researched and traveled to on my own, and navigating these places, languages, and cultures on my own, is so immensely satisfying, that it is unquestionably worthwhile to me. Beyond the birding itself, planning/logistics/judgement appear to be personal strengths of mine, and I should lean into having that skillset.
Addendums
I prefer to explore off the beaten path, especially with long and demanding hikes, and visit places and see birds that are not intensely known by the international birding culture. Partly because I feel I can contribute more valuable data/observations this way. And partly because I remain physically fit and adventurous, and want to take advantage of that while I can. Not to dunk on these places, as their lofty reputations are fully deserved and much beloved, but my interest in staying in luxury ecolodges in places like Costa Rica, northern Ecuador, parts of Colombia, and southern Peru is not particularly high at this moment. Hopefully they will still be there as I age into requiring easier travel.
Related to this, I would prefer not to be sequestered in comfortable luxury ecolodges, away from the local culture. But then again, cultural immersion is not necessarily my primary objective either, though it is an interesting one. My current working balance is to travel as if I were a domestic tourist, visiting local hotels and restaurants.
I am not interested in chasing every single possible bird, in pursuit of a maximum and complete list. I am not going to see every bird in the world, it is not possible in a lifetime. I would rather focus my time and energy on fewer high-quality field experiences. See Robby's maxim below.
Traveling with others
Many of past trips have been solo, but I am open to partnering with other like-minded birders, who enjoy the rewards and challenges of going off the beaten path, have good judgment surrounding risks and flexibility, and have an agreeable and collaborative disposition. Of course having a travel partner(s) also helps with saving costs, and brings the joy of sharing experiences. It can help with decision-making and risk assessment in pivotal moments as well.
For me, based on past experiences, hiring guides removes the joy of finding and identifying the birds (and are not even a guarantee for that), and large groups do that too plus limiting options and flexibility. Of course, in some places these make sense for overcoming significant logistical hurdles, so I will consider them only if the destination's appeal overcomes that.
Robby's maxim
Minimize time spent in transport, maximize time in the field. Transport is not what you are there for, and shouldn't take too much of a trip's time. A new site must be worth the transport time. Spend more time in fewer places. There is always something interesting to find.