Flying Solo, with a million lessons!
Travelling solo has been gaining popularity over the last decade and there are several great reasons for it. To begin with, travelling by yourself gives you the autonomy to plan your schedule according to your convenience, make your own stay and activity choices without having to consider another’s, and ditch having to be mindful of last minute changes, because it is only you that you are travelling with.
Naturally then, solo travel can be extremely fulfilling and can open up doors to possibilities you did not think existed. Like travelling to spend time with your own self and realising that it is the crucial part of self-care you were probably not just missing out on, but chances are you were never even acquainted with. Unlocking some of life’s greatest mysteries and leading you to a pathway into your own mind and inner being.
No wonder it ranks so high up on lists for people wanting to recuperate from an unfortunate life situation or for those that are lost in the humdrum of daily chaos that is limiting their thought process. And of course with mental wellness making their way into more conversations around us, solo travel is finding its place under the sun too.
So, while all of it sounds incredibly delightful, there are few things to also bear in mind as a contingency plan for a worst-case scenario. Because truth be told, you are by yourself to deal with any happenings in an unknown land.
Having said that, what are some great ways in which you can equip yourself to be better prepared and in fewer unpleasant situations, while being able to savour the liberating feeling of flying solo?
Schedule and research
So while you are your own boss on your holiday, it may still be worthwhile to have a plan in place about the things you want to pack in. Scheduling will help you avoid wasting time and a mess up in your plan if the place is out of action. In addition, your schedule can also include flexibility and no-activity times, which can then switch things up from pre-planning to impromptu mode keeping with the spirit of the travel.
Plan distance and safety-wise
You want to be over-prepared when it comes to choosing where you live in terms of the safety. Because honestly, it is no fun putting your life at risk in an unknown place while alone. Also, you do not want to waste precious time getting from one place to another. That is why a little bit of pre-planning can be great.
Stay connected to home
While the purpose of travelling solo is to be able to take a break from home, it also helps to stay in touch with a few people back home so you have a safety net in times of a crisis.
Pre-precautions
Another great precautionary step to avoid risking the fun is running a few basic tests before leaving, so you can rule out any medical emergency. And also, while experimenting is part of the spirit, it may be a good idea to steer clear of things that may trigger allergies or substances you may have never tried before.
Documenting but not in real-time
Keeping a log of your experiences either through writing or photographs, or both, might yield you gold when looking back at the time you took this trip. Also documenting your journey helps you savour the experience for longer. But doing all of it real-time publicly might mean you are actively sharing your location with the world. A move you might want to rethink.
Immerse in local life
One of the most beautiful things about travelling is being able to experience cultural splendour first-hand. And while it is highly recommended to soak in the experience interacting with locals, it is also advisable to learn a little about the cultures one may be acquainting themselves with so as to not hurt any local sentiments.
So, now that we have your bases covered, let us look at some of the destinations you might want to bookmark for your next solo trip.
Give up the itinerary
The whole purpose of solo travel is to be in a space of allowing and experience the flow- so you may want to skip that museum tour and head out to a run-down castle and listen to the murmurings of history there or you may want to dive into nature and just soak it all in without being chased by tourist guides ready to tick your ‘places to see’ checklist.
Destinations that enhance the ‘Solo’ experience.
Goa
The perfect blend of sand, sea and serenity, Goa offers a choice of beautiful landscapes, wellness retreats, homegrown cafes, party hubs and a list of adventure sports, making it an ideal place for you to head to no matter what kind of an escapade you are seeking.
Hampi
Welcoming you to its vast open spaces amidst 7th century ruins, paddy fields and water bodies, Hampi is drenched in rich Indian history that blends seamlessly with a global vibe. Giving you every reason to comfortably transition between its astoundingly marvelous architecture and the simple town that surrounds it, Hampi is the place that will help you explore your deepest layers with equal ease.
Auroville
A land that belongs to no one yet belongs to everyone, Auroville is sheer magic. A land that is also a forest, while also being a melting pot of global cultures and spirituality. The place attracts people from all walks of life, amidst clean air and organically grown produce, small industries and workshops that are meant to not only enrich your life, but also help you find a higher purpose.
Ladakh
Perfect to cycle, bike, trek, or even drive down, Ladakh offers you stunning and diverse landscapes amidst the crisp Himalayan air, and cultures that throw open a different side to India. Right from its unique soil to the beautiful monasteries and its azure valleys, to sand dunes and mystic rivers, Ladakh is for anyone looking to disconnect and connect.
Bali
Whether you are someone looking to find peace underwater or on land amidst a bohemian life, there is something for everyone in Bali that greets you with a warm embrace. Replete with art, culture, wellness choices, scenic beauty and a host of water sports, Bali is an ideal destination for whoever wishes to make the journey.
Prague
Steeped in old world charm, Prague is the quintessential city you have possibly read about in books. Dotted with magnificent structures reminiscent of its deep history, it also homes a plethora of enchanting museums, galleries and theatres that allow you to soak in this world-famous city. Time-travel, feel the beat of the era you choose and find yourself amidst it.
So in a world that is constantly throwing us the next party plan, the celebration for the evening and endless social gatherings, leaving us with little to no time to ponder about life, understand ourselves and gain fresh perspectives amidst fresh experiences, choosing solo travel may just be your calling.