We all desire to explore and travel, don’t we? Our soul just wants to jump on the next flight regardless of where it heads. We want to pack our bags and go straight into the wild. However, it is when we fail to find a travel companion that things become tricky. For travel enthusiasts, though, solo trips can be the answer. It seems very scary at first, but that’s how one gets rewarded for life.
Last year I undertook my first-ever solo journey to Bandarban; the southeastern part of Bangladesh. I took a challenge there by hiking through an almost 4 km long steep trail up a peak of 1600 feet above sea level. It was a milestone in my traveling experience. The most important part of this trip was planning everything myself which enabled me to feel free and accomplished like never before. This trip only increased my passion for solo traveling and what makes it unique. Solo travels offer an exceptional adventure that enables you to overcome your fears and discover yourself better as well as meet people from different cultures
Why Go On Your Own?
- Your Enjoyment and Convenience: Make your own decisions, travel at the pace that suits you, and be spontaneous.
- Identity-searching: Engage yourself; have faith in your own abilities, and come out feeling grateful for your freedom.
- Genuine Friendships: When you decide to take a trip alone, you are open to meeting new people regardless of who they are.
- Remarkable Moments: Allow what is unexpected to happen, make lasting memories, and return home with fresh eyes.
- Don’t Let FOMO Hold You Back: The beauty of solo travel is that you don’t have to wait for someone else’s schedule or interests to align with yours. Incredible experiences lie ahead all around the world waiting for you; now go get them!
Plan Your Solo Trip:
- Choose a Destination: Think about what you like, how safe it is, and how much money you need, and try searching about visa requirements as well as local culture.
- Stay Safe: Tell family or friends where exactly you will be going on this trip; buy a travel insurance policy and watch out for risks in new environments.
- Accommodation Options: Hostels provide social interaction among other things while guesthouses are more private.
- Travel Lightly Travel Smartly: Bring clothes suitable for different climates, carry necessary items just in case something happens unexpectedly, and avoid carrying so much luggage.
How to make the most of your trip:
- Start Conversations: Don’t fear to talk with locals or other travelers you meet. You might be amazed by the friendships you make.
- Expect the Unexpected: Be prepared for detours and changes in your plans. Sometimes, unplanned experiences are just amazing.
- Document Your Journey: Write a diary, take pictures or get souvenirs that will help you remember your adventure.
- Always Trust Your Intuition: Listen to what your guts say and always put safety and comfort first.
Solo Travel Resources:
Websites & Blogs: Visit sites like https://solotravelerworld.com/ or https://nomadicmatt.com/ for insights from seasoned solo travelers.
Social Media Groups: Join Facebook groups and online forums where people who travel alone share stories about their adventures and provide recommendations on destinations or activities worth visiting.
Travel Apps: Get apps that will help in navigation through strange towns, and translations of languages among other activities
So always keep in mind that solo travel is an adventure, not a vacation. Take up the challenges, and celebrate your independence as you gear up for a completely new way of experiencing the world. So pack your bags, check in online and set off on a journey of discovery!
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Writer,
Abdul Ahad Bin Feroz
Intern at Content Writing Department,
YSSE.