Why did I start travelling solo?

I was always curious and thought it was courageous of girls to travel solo. I belong to a family where travel or vacation means family trips, trips with friends were also not permitted, or my parents are very protective.

For my 30th birthday I decided to take the plunge and gift myself a solo trip, I planned my travel and stay, and instead of asking this time, I went with all the details about the trip to my parents. They were a bit hesitant at first, but this time I gave them no option to say NO, so they also started planning with me, like where, how and when to go.

My main reasons for travelling solo were:

1. To gain self-confidence.

2. To make my parents understand that it\’s okay to let their guard down and let me explore and open my wings.

3. To overcome the fear of people judging me. I am an omnivert personality, too many unknown faces make me a bit shy or under-confident. I don\’t give a F**k when I am travelling solo; what people will think of me, I am not conscious about how I look because I want to look presentable, but I don\’t carry a lot of makeup or fancy dresses to show off (at least when I know I may not be able to show off)

4. I can prioritize my expenses. If I want to stay in a basic hostel, a bit expensive one or a hotel or resort, I don\’t have to comply with what others want, if I don\’t like a place, I can change it. I can eat whenever whatever I want, be it street food or an expensive meal.

5. I wanted to connect with myself. I like my company, my thoughts and nature, and serenity and calmness, I am not a kind who wants to cover every famous spot but the one who can sit in a place for hours and hours to see the sun go down or wander and reach somewhere where there is just me and nature around.

It was my choice.

I had options to go with friends and family, but I love travelling solo as it gives me a sense of freedom and confidence to do things how I want to do and not how I would do when I am with people, the perspectives and options change. You tend to cater to the needs of others or vice versa when you are with others. Mainly, I travel with a tight budget, so trains and buses are my saviors, as I choose the very last minute where and when I want to go. But if I plan a few months in advance, I could save time by taking flights to faraway places.

Travel SOLO at least once in your lifetime; you will have many memories and experiences to share.