Solo Travelling is more than a vacation!

I often hear people talking about their desire for going on a solo trip while sitting at coffee shops, casual gatherings, weddings or at university lounges.

'Solo- travelling' is a perfect conversation starter.Everyone will have something to add to the conversation, share their insane experiences or just get inspired to put it on their bucket list!

I had a Japanese friend at my university who was such a sport that once we were having a game night and the loser was supposed to get on a surprise flight (that he paid for) to an unknown destination which the winner decided. My friend lost! He took the flight! He landed in Ethiopia. He explored!

People are brave. They are courageous and they are ready to take the leap of faith to get lost to only find themselves. But do they have the correct idea behind the whole ‘solo travel’ craze? Who knows they unknowingly might already be on one.

With independence comes excitement and nervousness which often brings along sagacity, wit, mellowness and a sense of responsibility without any extra cost. The purpose is more than just taking some Instagram worthy pictures and flaunting expensive experiences amongst ones social circle.

In my experience, Solo Travel is not bound to be considered true just in a ‘ vacation' sort of way. I believe that the day you step out of your home either to study, for work or to find yourself and chase your purpose, your journey as a solo traveler begins. That’s why I said some people are ‘unknowingly’ already doing it. The society has just glorified the actual meaning into just a checkbox task on a bucket list.

Crossing out the biggest myth about travelling alone is - you do not need to travel to a fancy destination, no extravagant pre planned itineraries are required or anything that may defy your purpose to learn and grow along the journey.

There are many if’s and buts that are considered by most, depending on different realistic factors. That’s fine. Just don’t be too afraid of the change.

It will be dawning for the first time. It was for me and I was 21. The first experience will come with some embarrassments and that’s normal. I flew to Brisbane after living in a foreign country for two and a half months. I had already gotten over being an epitome of boldness and certainty. I was just happy to explore without any distractions. I took a cab to the city center and walked by a park. It was beautiful. As usual I put a timer on my phones camera, placed it framing me perfectly and took a couple of pictures. That’s how you do it if you don’t want to bother other tourists around you. A young lady came up to me and said,”I saw you taking your own photos. How independent of you. You seem to be having a great time. I wish I had the courage to travel solo like you! It must be so challenging? Do you want me to take your picture?”

“Hey! Yeah, I am sure the person who added the timer feature for camera must be one of the travellers. It all begins when you leave home. But I warmed up to the new way and have enjoyed every bit of everything new since.“ I replied with a smile.

“I don’t live here. I study here. My mother moved here with me. I was too scared to be alone. I hope one day it changes.” She claimed with nervousness.

“Oh! That’s okay too. You will warm up to being independent and confidence will adorn you. Have faith and take baby steps. Good luck!” I said as I walked towards my Uber.

People will always ask you awkward questions and you will have to be careful.

Making the decision to travel all by yourself for the first time doesn’t come easy. It can be more exciting than it sounds. Be it befriending your host family, choosing an air bnb with a grandeur view of the Valley or picking up new words from a foreign language! ‘Sovesal ‘ a danish word I learnt from a danish friend I made at a dorm while travelling to South Australia.

All you should expect is for such a journey to be a self healing, a self improving and life altering escapade. You will be your own light and your own shadow.

From the moment you start living independently, exploring curiously and enjoying doing it, you have learnt the art of appreciating little things that matter. Often these are the things that help guide you in making your odyssey easier. Finding a laundry machine that doesn’t shrink your clothes can be a start. Slowly getting the hang of efficient grocery shopping- the hack of buying food when on specials will be great for your budget. Or after moving around and interacting with many you pick up ways of penny- wise flying options and turn your globetrotting dream come true.

Being responsible, mature and staying true to yourself will become the highlights of your personality once you act wisely, communicate diplomatically and care for peace around you when in a new place with unknown people under varied circumstances.

Go with the flow of your expedition. Communication will be your best tool. Hesitation will be a deal breaker so just ask when in doubt. Talk to your fellow traveler. Maybe he needs a friend and you could be his saviour.

If you have been away from home or from anywhere that you call home, you will agree with me that freedom and self reliance are an elixir for human development. Without it you will never know who you truly are and what really matters to you.

Try not to compare your first solo trip with someone else’s twelfth. They went through the change and now they know what to expect..you will soon too!

At your homecoming, you will return with a glowing desire to conquer all that comes your way, a charm of self- growth and a mind as calm as the backwaters of a coastal city. Your soul will reflect abundance, positivity and power that would scream ‘I’ !

After the much awaited voyage of yours, your independence will bring you confidence. I write this with experience, conviction and perseverance. The first morning after I landed in a foreign land, shaken with tiredness, dizzy with hunger but strong within, it prepared me for the rest of my time. I moved to a different country to study and yes, I travelled solo on my first international flight. I was thrilled and happy to finally enjoy being independent and prove myself how good I knew I was at it. The university accommodation which I had booked gave me the worst possible shared room with unliveable conditions. I was already cranky and this made my mood worse. I was a little nervous but not scared to set things right. I knew I had to get myself situated in another apartment. I walked back to the administration office, I complained, I was adamant to get my room switched. No matter how long it would take, I told the incharge that I would sleep in the office if need be. It was a tough day, a challenging one in fact but after some wait they managed to move rooms, I got the best apartment with amazing house mates because of whom I never felt homesick!

Confidence comes when you try and succeed. I completed that milestone just a few hours after landing. My heart became stronger and my mind wiser.

So, where ever you are, doing whatever pleases you, building your own path, you are already living someone’s dream. You are a solo traveler already! This will help you find your purpose and it will be exhilarating with satisfaction, inspiration and wisdom. Take the chance and discover what the world has to offer. The bubble in which you have lived will consume you and exhaust you even before you realise what you are missing.

Grab the next opportunity and GO!