A Lesson in Solo Travel

Since childhood I have travelled a lot. I come from a family who adore exploring new places. So as a part of family trips, I have visited new places at least twice a year every year. It is a fun experience – the novelty of a new place, the travel, spending time with family while forgetting all about studies, exams & tensions, learning the mesmerizing history of a place, trying different cuisines & basically living a life of “wanderlust” for a few days. But mostly it was the company – of parents, my cousins – that made the whole experience a delight!

Travel alone? Why? How? So boring! So scary! This was my mental reaction whenever it was suggested. Until I was forced to for the first time during my MBA internship. I spent more than a month in Indore – in a hotel, all alone – in a city with no friends, no relatives, no one to explore the city with or eat out. How does one overcome the first new awkwardness of solo travel? In my case it was my boredom that drove me to explore the city on my own. Since I was there on a work trip, my free days were only Sundays & I found myself willingly set out by myself every Sunday, for sightseeing, eating out, watching movies. My first attempt in socializing with myself was a great success!

Today I travel solo for work multiple times. And in almost every city I visit I make time to visit some of the famous sites, eat at famous places & try their popular cuisines even if it means sacrificing on sleep a bit or paying out of my own pocket for the same – I do it! When else am I going to be getting an opportunity like this to travel far & wide on my own? To learn a little bit more each time about my own self? To conquer my fears & gain confidence gradually more each time? To see myself be a bit more adventurous? To make friends with strangers – including cab drivers, hotel staff or a random stranger in a touristy place. 

Travel teaches a lot about lifestyle, places, history, geography & economy. But it also teaches a lot about our own self, especially during solo trips. It makes you realize you are an interesting, adventurous, fun-loving person. It helps you fall in love with yourself as with the place you are in. So go explore, travel! Bon voyage a vous!

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