A Dream or Just a Fantasy?

I had been dreaming of traveling solo abroad for over a decade, and finally, the day had come. But let me tell you, booking the ticket wasn’t the hard part. What came after was—doubts. Lots of them.

Was this trip really necessary? Could I justify spending so much on just myself when I could easily plan a domestic holiday with my family? Was this something I truly wanted, or had I been influenced by movies and the stories of others? The questions kept coming. Especially now that I'm married and have a 3-year-old son, it felt selfish to leave them behind for a solo trip. But then again, this was something I'd been wanting for so long.

Finally, after much internal debate and discussions with my wife—who was incredibly supportive—the decision was made. I was going solo on my dream trip, with the goal of exploring the unknown and rediscovering myself.

The Day Arrives: 16th February 2024

After months of saving and carefully planning each detail, the day finally came. I had strategically spaced out my expenses over three months—one month for the flight, another for accommodation and local transfers, and the final month for spending money. With ₹15,000 in THB and ₹10,000 on my card, plus a backup credit card with a ₹3 lakh limit in case of emergencies, I was as prepared as I could be.

That morning, a few online orders arrived—some last-minute clothes I'd purchased for the trip. My wife helped with the packing, making sure to slip in some biscuits and namkeen in case I got hungry. Despite my excitement, it still felt surreal that this long-anticipated day had finally come.

Bengaluru Airport: The Beginning of an Adventure

I arrived at Bengaluru Airport at 7 PM, well ahead of my 11 PM flight. The check-in counter wasn’t open yet, so I waited nervously, luggage in hand. I had opted for a cabin-only baggage option to save on costs, but when I weighed my bag, it was 8.7 kg—1.5 kg over the limit. Panic started to set in.

However, I had a plan. I quickly took out some clothes—one boxer, one pair of shorts, two t-shirts, one shirt, and a biscuit packet—all amounting to nearly 2 kg. My plan? If I were asked to reduce weight at the check-in counter, I’d just wear them all in the washroom and put them back in my bag after security. Smart, right?

The Check-In Fiasco

When I finally approached the check-in counter, I felt my nerves spike. I handed over my ticket, placed my bag on the weighing scale, and waited. But instead of asking about the extra weight, the agent asked to see my hotel bookings. That felt a bit unnecessary—after all, I hadn’t made any non-refundable payments yet. I could cancel any of the bookings at any time.

Next, he asked how much THB I had in cash. Again, I had no idea why these questions were coming. And then, he repeated if I had any other bag with me. Twice. I did have a small bag inside my backpack, but I wasn’t about to admit that!

To my surprise, he handed me my boarding pass without further questions. Not only that, but I was given a first-row window seat, typically costing an extra ₹2000–3000 for the extra legroom. Score!

Security Check Drama

Security checks are always a bit stressful, and this time was no exception. I placed my bags and phone on the tray, and as soon as my backpack went through the scanner, an alarm went off. The officer informed me that I couldn’t carry powder in my luggage—apparently, I had packed something I wasn’t allowed to bring. Still unclear on the rule behind that one!

Once that ordeal was over, I headed straight to the lounge. One of the perks of having a credit card was free access to international lounges. I was looking forward to feeling like a VIP, enjoying a bit of luxury before my flight. But when I arrived, there was a long queue at the lounge entry. So much for feeling privileged—apparently, everyone has these cards now.

After waiting 30 minutes, I finally got in.

What I Learned So Far

As I sat in the lounge, munching on snacks, I reflected on the journey so far. My trip hadn’t even begun, and I had already gone through a rollercoaster of emotions. From self-doubt and guilt to excitement and a sense of accomplishment, it was all part of the experience.

This trip wasn't just about seeing new places; it was about stepping out of my comfort zone, facing my fears, and allowing myself to grow. Yes, I missed my wife and son, but sometimes, taking time for yourself is necessary to return as a better version of yourself.

Stay tuned for the rest of my journey as I explore a new country solo, meet new people, and perhaps, learn a bit more about who I am.