“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.”
– Freya Stark
Travelling
Traveling is incredibly rewarding, proffering experiences and happiness all along. Having a group of friends for the trip is definitely fun but have you ever thought about solo-travel? This might sound like a frightening experience; but if you look at it from another angle, it latches you off of a group or one particular person so that you can experience things solely by yourself. Most people are scared of managing things on their own and the thought of being alone in a new destination, far away from friends and family, scare them. Once you make up your mind, plan your itinerary, book your tickets, and pack your bags you will start to feel the excitement and a pump of adrenaline inside your body that will push you further to explore this world on your terms.
Solo-travel isn’t something to be afraid of but an experience that will account for multiple aspects of our life. This isn’t about travelling alone but more about being independent and strong enough to manage things on your own. Once you’ve experienced solo travel, this feeling of independence will help you in daily life as well.
Why solo trip?
Travel with companions seems easy and chill, as you have someone to engage in conversations with and help make trip plans but this can hold you back from doing what you wanted in the first place. Solo-travel gives you the liberty to travel and enjoy without any comprises with your best companion- ‘you.’
Traveling solo will remind you at every step, that you are the in-charge of this voyage, engaging you to find out what’s best for you, right for you, and what you inner will wants. Be it a leisure holiday or trekking tours in India, solo travel will help you learn things that you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
Being all by yourself with no distractions help us fully immerse into the destination and feel every sound, smell, sight, and visual of the place. With zero insulation from the experience we feel differently, generating a sense of achievement and victory. Imagine the feeling you’ll get after climbing a mountain on your own or camping on your own. Many people travel solo on Nepal trekking tours, for a rejuvenating and spiritual experience that they can only get when they travel with pure consciousness.
Step out for your comfort shell
Solo travel is all about crossing the boundaries of your comfort zone and facing the irrational fears you have built up. What are you scared of- missing your flight? Or getting lost in a new city? All you need to do is trust yourself and get comfortable with being uncomfortable with those thoughts. You will only be able to walk past those fears when you actually take a step ahead and doing it, therefore, increasing the radius of your comfort zone.
“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”
– Jack Kerouac
Do you remember your parents dropping you at the pre-school for the first time? That was the first step we took into the real world without holding anyone’s hand. Forfeit the invisible hands and let solo travel take you to places you’re never been to, expanding the horizons of your mind.
Be in charge of your life
Since you’ll be on your own, your senses will get alert, taking full responsibility for your life. All we need is a little confidence and gradually with every step you take, you will become stronger and get the perfect hold of yourself. Traveling solo lets you do whatever you wish to be it a last-minute change in the trip, an extra hour of sleep, visit a city that’s not on the itinerary or eating your favorite delicacy. Being in command of the trip and yourself will generate confidence and push you to great extents.
Meet new people
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”
– Tim Cahill
Instead of traveling with friends, make new friends on your solo trip, from different ethnicities and backgrounds. This will help you refine your interpersonal and social skills. Interacting with new people will offer different perspectives and broaden your knowledge. Even if you don’t understand the language of the natives, interacting with hand signs and broken words is fun and interesting.
Know yourself
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
Without anyone sitting beside you the whole trip, you will be able to chit chat with your mind and find out your likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. This solo trip can be your spiritual retreat, where you can finally dig deep inside your and understand better. Isolation is the key ingredient to self-realization and introspection. Traveling alone can help you find your rhythm without abiding by anyone’s routine. We generally follow a monotonous routine without enough time for ourselves, but this trip with zero comprises will make you the driver of your life.
Make memories for a lifetime
Your solo trip is something you will remember for a lifetime and share your experiences with everyone. This life-changing trip will make a big difference and create wonderful stories for you to share with your children. Carry a camera with you and capture the views that mesmerize you. Photos might not be able to picture out the whole experience but will definitely be a reminder of the spectacular journey you were on, all by yourself.
Conclusion:
Solo travel will teach you to value moments, be sane and stay on the right path. So if you haven’t experienced solo trip yet, go ahead and make the best of it. Bon Voyage!
Author Bio :
Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He organize 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh. Manmohan Singh conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India in different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature, Himalayas and Trekking tours in India.
