Prerna: “ My boss is the devil. Sorry man, I can’t make it this time.”
Kriti: “ Yeah, I don’t feel up to it either. Let’s go in a few months”
Ashish: “ Prerna, you aren’t coming?”
“Let’s chuck this one. Another time.”
Me: “ Guys!! We have been planning this for months now!”
Prerna: “Sorry.”
Kriti: “Sorry love.”
Ashish: “Sorry.”
No amount of pacification of the next few weeks could convince them to stick our plan of touring the North-East of India. Our big get- together plan was off. If I wanted to travel, I would have to do it alone.
This pattern repeats more often than not. People change their minds or just chicken out of a group plan and you are left with just Google images of the destination you have been dying to visit.
So I packed my bag and set out on my own.
Best.
Decision.
Ever.
Let me tell you why.
It can be a daunting task to coordinate a trip when you try to make plans with a group. Usually, planning fairly in advance sees things through. Just in case you find yourself without a partner but with enough time for a trip, pack that bag and get going. Waiting for people to fall in line with your plan isn’t always the wisest way to realize your travel dreams. Plus there are amazing stay and travel options available nowadays. You can build up a custom plan around them specifically around your budget and time.
Read Also: 5 Unusual but Important Tips for Solo Travel Photographers
The best part about being alone is that your wish is your command. You wanna take a detour and drive along that dirt road and see where it goes? Sure! Go on! Who is gonna stop you? Wanna just laze around at the beach today, grab a couple of beers and a book, talk shop with the peanut vendor? Sounds perfect!
Restaurateurs and hoteliers love to patronize solo traveler, especially women. It makes their establishment look promising, secure and trustworthy and hence picture perfect for the on looking traveler. Plus people really admire you for your guts. Well, I vouch for the one and many cocktails on the house and the free room upgrades that I have got on my single trips. 😉
The most fascinating thing about traveling is meeting new people. While in a group, other people might hesitate to approach you simply because it is rude to interrupt someone in company. Also, people tend to feel less intimidated in talking to someone when alone. Everyone has a story out there and it is always great knowing another one.
Read Also: 5 Essential Requirements During Travel
We all get so wrapped up in schedules that we never really get time to completely unwind and relax. We lay our dreams, aspirations , thoughts and feelings aside in the “Later” folder, never to be looked at again, or at least not before it is too late. Take this time out during your solo trip, do what you have always wanted to do. Make that phone call to your best friend that you have been meaning to make. Read that book you have wanted to read. Sleep till you get tired sleeping. Eat messily, because you want to. It is really just you, looking at you. 😛
These trips can help sort a lot of messes out in your head. Not everyone will understand why you did this, and trust me, not everyone needs to understand. You’ll realize you won’t need to explain your actions to anybody or answer to anyone.You’ll be done with the group/ nagging boyfriend drama.
It feels just empowering to be able to do this! To venture out alone, to do exactly what you want, to know that you can stand alone and apart strong when the need arises. It might feel scary at the beginning, but when you actually end up having more fun than you have ever had with company, you’ll come back for more. And yes, you can do it, because we are all just a solo trip away from awesomeness, isn’t it?
So delete that whatsapp group you made for that trip. Stuff some money, clothes, clean underwear and a camera into a bag and MOVE!
On second thoughts, keep the group. You’ll need to post pictures somewhere! 😉
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