Solo Travels: Discovering You

Dec 3
NabanitaDhar



Traveling solo is like wandering, almost unplanned, and a wanderer is someone who sees life as it is.

For the self confessed reluctant traveler in me, solo travels always held a peculiar allure. I don’t know why but I’ve always loved being alone during a journey, alone not lonely, mind you.

Solo travels for me were and are always about…

  • Exploring my strengths.
  • Rediscovering myself.
  • Independence.
  • Unearthing every moment of the journey.
  • Discovering a new city or town.
  • Observing the world around me.
  • Reading without having to converse with a fellow traveler.
  • Meeting new people, even if for a few transient moments, and guessing their stories.
  • And so much more…

Every time I had to go somewhere alone, a part of me felt excited. Even the mundane activities of getting the boarding pass, security check or immigration formalities held a different meaning when traveling alone. I guess, from a very early age, doing those things myself gave me a sense of independence that was intoxicating to say the least.

During my college going years, I loved when there was no one accompanying me on train journeys to and from home. Again, the same feeling of exploring, observing and learning undisturbed gave me a strange kind of high.

When I traveled to Sydney, I found solace in exploring the city alone. I can’t say the same for the times I went out in a group. During my short stay in Germany too, just going around Dusseldorf alone at times, for one thing or the other without S in tow, made me more observant of the city, its people and basically the intricacies of life in a different part of the world. I don’t know about you but for me traveling solo is perhaps the only thing that attracts me to going any place new. It’s what makes the process so much more interesting.

What is it about solo travels that makes it so intoxicating?

Perhaps, being alone makes you more receptive to people and places around you. You observe more than you normally do if not alone. The company of your thoughts helps you rediscover yourself, fathom those depths normally unreachable. I have found answers to many of life’s questions, watching the world pass by, during solo sojourns. It is as if you are invisible, a part of the surroundings, the journey even.

Maybe you tend to listen to yourself more during such journeys. Maybe everything makes more sense as the knots of doubts dissolve when fresh air strikes your face. Maybe not sharing a journey is sometimes the best way to put yourself in the hot seat and ask those really difficult questions. Maybe that is the reason I love solo journeys, don’t you?

Solo travels, all about discovering you..

I don’t know when I can go on a solo journey again but maybe trips with little M will be something different, something I’ll love even more.

Before you go do tell me what do you love more – traveling solo or in a group?

43 thoughts on “Solo Travels: Discovering You”

  1. I have never been on a solo travel and I think I am missing out on something wonderful. But again, I'm not too sure I have the guts to go for it.

  2. I love solo travels especially now that I hardly ever travel solo. Before marriage I traveled solo extensively on work. It was so much safer and fun.

  3. I have travelled solo – but I am yet to take a solo holiday! 😀
    Maybe in 2016 – I will travel and vacation solo as well 🙂

    Loved your post – I could relate to it because I do most things alone here – I am on most days – alone (not lonely) 🙂

  5. Undeniably, solo travels have a charm of their own. Your post reminded me of my regular travels that I used to take during college days, it makes me wish for those days all over again. Have met so many interesting people too and the joys of being by oneself is unparalleled. Having said that, when things changed after marriage and J and I have travelled extensively together, I enjoyed it tremendously too, perhaps due to our similarities in approach!

  6. I have been doing solo traveling since ages, though yet to take a solo holiday and am looking forward to one real soon. A solo holiday is definitely a life changing experience and have friends who do that so regularly!

  7. I'm not designed to be solo so all my travels have been with someone.But perhaps someday I'll give it a go. I have flown solo but always landed where I've known someone.

  9. I guess now my solo travels will reduce too…But yes about it being safe, I guess it's not so much now than what it perhaps would have been earllier

  12. Oh certainly traveling with your partner is something else altogether…But I do love solo travels a tad more, I guess it's the loner in me 😀

  13. I was thinking about your post regarding being alone at the airport while writing this one..I'm sure you have more insight on solo travels than anyone else I know..And do share about your solo holiday soon 🙂

  15. I'm not a very adventurous person, Naba. I don't mind traveling alone, even to places I've never been to before, but I don't go around exploring much. I'd probably just find a quiet place that seems safe, and settle down with a good book.
    -Chicky @ miss_teerious

  18. The best gift we can give ourselves is traveling Solo. I've been meaning to write something on this, and your post echoes similar sentiments. It is like being a free bird, taking decisions from when to go out of your hotel and when to come back, where and what to eat, to simply roam around, each of these things are a joy, when travelling alone.

  20. I've been so solo travels but not a solo vacation. So need that! True, it gives you time to reflect, introspect and discover the city as you rediscover yourself.

  22. I love solo travel and I'm glad I got opportunities to travel alone when I could 🙂 With my toddler now, it's a different kind of fun. I love seeing places through her little eyes 🙂

  23. Very nicely written.
    I agree, there is certainly something about it. I did my first solo travel to Europe and US last year and it was great! Although I must admit ….the only time I missed company was when I saw some of my dream places and could not share the sheer joy of having done so with someone right there and then!
    But it was a wonderful experience. And I will continue to travel and see as much as I can.

  24. I so want to go for a solo trip but haven't been yet.. I know I have the guts, I know I'll enjoy with myself, but just haven't been there.. I hope to go soon..
    Loved reading your tales Naba 🙂

    Cheers

  25. Yeah, I too like solo trips, but not so comfortable within India. Going solo is far more preferable than going with a wrong group.

  27. I love solo trips. I had the opportunity of solo travel while I was deputed on an assignment in Norway. It is an amazing feeling and I can hop around wherever I want with no fuss at all 🙂 🙂

  28. I never traveled alone till this year. Technically it was still not a completely solo trip but I did parts in between where I was able to travel solo. And yes it was a wonderful experience.

  37. Wonderful Ranjana..Keep at it, you'll have a treasure trove of beautiful moments to share with the world 🙂

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