So I was reading this article on the net a long time back
about the advantages of travelling alone. I can’t begin to tell you how much I
could relate to that. So this blog or a write-up is an inspiration and my take
on the same.
I guess it comes in a package. Photography, Travelling and
Music. Really love what Mark Twain said,
“Twenty years from now you will be
more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So
throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds
in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
And this is what I intend
to do.
People who have
never traveled alone may find the idea quite horrific but I’m someone who’d
jump at any chance given to travel even if it’s going to be alone. Of course! I
do have my set of friends with whom I enjoy travelling. But travelling alone or
solo travelling as it’s called gives you some sense of fulfillment.
1. People are not as bad as you think they are.
Yes, they're not. Given, you'll be on the road alone. But you'll never feel lonely. When you go up to someone and ask them for any suggestions or guidelines and directions, they'll gladly tell you and what's best is you'll even get a dose of their local knowledge and perhaps get better options than you already know of. I had recently been to Mumbai (former Bombay) alone and I had one of the best experiences off my life. People were so friendly and I got tons of suggestion about various places and helped me travel better, did save me a lot of money too! Like in everything you may get the odd person fooling around but hey! that's just a part and parcel of everything. So next time, walk up to someone and ask for help. You'll be happy to make new connections and just have a nice chat. Life is so much fun this way!
2. It's safe.
A lot of people feel travelling alone is very risky, come to think of it you pretty much have the same reasons to worry if you are in a group and travelling. The only advantage is that you have a set of people you can rely on. Having said that, if you are well aware of yourself and have a certain set of precautions, you're good to go. It's as simple as keeping an eye out for yourself.
3. Freedom.
With no one to look out for you, you're on your own to do what you want, when you want. No questions asked. Period.
4. Lighter on your pocket.
Well, this depends on quite a few things but for me I tend to spend a lot lesser travelling alone cause I love street food and a cavemen stay. Just that I need a decent place to do my morning chores! I'm good if I have that :)
Also, depending on the place, if you have all the equipment to set up a temporary stay, that'll work just fine and will safe a lot of money!
5. You're never really alone.
That's right! You're never really alone. Your mind will be constantly keep thinking and looking forward to what's next. Even if it's sitting by the beach just relaxing or writing, though you have lots of time to do all that you want to, you're never really alone and this, trust me will bring out the best in you.
This apart, travelling alone helps you boost your confidence and makes you one with yourself. You get to learn more about yourself and also will help you deal with situations in a better way cause this gives you so much of knowledge and experience. This is such a confidence builder. Life certainly does teach you a lot.
Spending a good number of days will also help you understand their culture and traditions something that I look forward to every time i travel and I love it!
Its impossible to get bored, and eating alone in such trips never gets boring. Watching people, observing things around you, its such a joy when you're out in a new place and do this. You can even pick up random conversations with different people.
Go ahead. Give it a shot. There is a world to explore.
