Story of how my journey began

As you scroll through Instagram, numerous accounts from female travellers are now easily seen. It is both inspiring and exciting to witness an increasing number of girls and boys taking up travel as their hobby, with some even pursuing it as a full-time career. It’s amazing how more and more women are actively choosing adventurous journeys. In this blog, I share my personal experience of solo traveling in India—the most difficult part undoubtedly being taking that initial leap!

Early love for travel

Travel has always been important for me. It began with school trips and college winter camps, exploring different parts of the country. After I started earning, I set aside a separate budget for my travel adventures. I’ve always believed that learning extends beyond books and classrooms; it’s necessary to learn about the world – different cultures, cuisines, and traditions. In simpler words, the more you explore new places, the more perspectives you gain on life! Despite being an avid traveller, I never found the courage to travel alone. The next part of the blog unfolds my evolution to solo travelling.

I was someone who meticulously planned every detail of the itinerary, from budgets to bookings made well in advance. This routine continued during college trips and later when my travel companions became limited to a select group of friends. There was nothing wrong with this approach until any deviation from the plan caused me anxiety!

Taking the leap forward

I used to travel every quarter until COVID-19 changed everything. The pandemic brought restricted interaction with the outside world. Even after the restrictions were lifted and the lockdown ended, everyone responded differently. I was eager to resume my trips—a much-needed break from intense work pressure. However, this time, convincing friends to join was more challenging due to the circumstances. That’s when I decided it was time to go solo!

My parents were fortunately supportive of the idea! However, I was still super unsure; whether I would be able to navigate in the world alone or spend time alone if I don’t have anyone to talk to etc etc!! That’s when I decided to travel with a backpackers group to Kutch ( White dessert of India). To my astonishment, it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. I met a fantastic group of travellers and connected with people from various age groups who, despite their busy schedules and responsibilities, prioritised their passion for travel. Their dedication was truly inspiring!

Tales of my Solo Trips

When I returned, I was thrilled to plan my first solo trip. I decided on Udaipur, a city in Rajasthan, because I had previously visited and enjoyed its rich history and culture. Since this was my first solo journey, it was crucial to conduct thorough research —this is very essential for new female travellers! I carefully selected safe accommodations, read hostel reviews online, considered proximity to bus or train stations, and researched local transportation safety, particularly for women during evenings. Additionally, given the COVID period, I kept a list of emergency contacts handy on my phone.

Girls, do your own research, trust your instincts, and be smart. There may be opportunistic drivers looking to take advantage of tourists, which I encountered during my initial days. You can get accurate rates from your hotel or hostel managers to avoid such experiences. You might also meet incredibly kind-hearted people who will host you for local home-cooked meals or offer fruits and vegetables from their garden. Some will go out of their way to ensure you have unforgettable travel experiences!

My Udaipur trip didn’t unfold exactly as I had imagined because a curfew was declared in Rajasthan. However, I was glad I booked my stay with Zostel, as I had good company to chill with.

For my next solo adventure, I chose Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. I wanted to approach this trip differently from my previous ones. After researching which area to stay in, I booked my stay with Zostel in Mcleodganj.

I decided not to make specific plans for my stay; instead, I embraced spontaneity, met new people, and sought offbeat experiences. This allowed me to let go of the need to control everything, appreciate life’s imperfections, and connect with individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Since I stayed at Zostel, they also organized weekend events like trekking etc.During this trip, I met many inspiring female travelers, some of whom were solo, which I’ll share more about in another blog soon.

Learnings

Over the years, I’ve taken several solo trips in India and abroad. While I’ve made wonderful memories traveling with friends, solo travel has allowed me to discover a deeper connection with myself.

• Through these experiences, I’ve gained confidence in handling challenges and have learned to be more adaptable especially during unfamiliar situations [to go with the flow].
• I have realised the importance to speak your thoughts out, not everyone will understand your perspective, and that’s alright as long as it comforts you
• Learning to trust myself more has been a major takeaway.

There were times when I felt lonely during these trips, but calling home always rejuvenated me. Now, I enjoy activities like watching movies alone or dining out, even when my friends aren’t available. As someone who has always been surrounded by family and friends, these experiences mark significant milestones for me.

Solo travel may not appeal to everyone, but for those who find it exhilarating, taking the first step is already a significant victory. It’s a freeing experience that teaches important life skills, helps manage emotions, builds connections, and promotes self-acceptance. Once you start, there’s no looking back—the world becomes your stage! However, remember to always trust your GUT and keep going.