Take that Trip Alone!

Being Alone Doesn't Mean Being Lonely!

Since childhood, my parents reminded me often about the importance of being independent - both financially and mentally. As a shy introvert who always looked for validation from others, I used to wonder if I would ever feel comfortable being on my own.

I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot in life, but until recently, I had never truly travelled alone. It was always with friends, family, or for work. Recently, I finally took the leap and took a 2 day trip in Turkey, a place where I didn't know a single person. And it turned out to be an experience that quietly but deeply changed me.

The beginning wasn't smooth and at first, I felt the familiar wave of panic. But when you're by yourself, you don't have the option of leaning on someone else. You figure it out and that's exactly what I did. Problem by problem, step by step, I found my way through.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed it. I found myself comfortable in my own company, walking the streets, sitting in cafes, and simply being present. I even ended up making new friends, something I never expected when I set out. My 15-year-old self is screaming thinking about this.

At one point during the trip, I asked my mom, "Aapne mujhe akele bhej kaise diya?"

She simply replied, "Agar bhejungi nahi toh aage kaise badhogi? I would love to keep you close to me, but that's not what you need."

Wow, what an answer?? It reminded me that sometimes the people who love us the most show it not by holding us close, but by giving us the space to grow.

As women, we often carry fear with us when stepping into the unknown. Even though I come from a very supportive and liberal family, I was really scared before leaving.

This trip taught me that solo travel isn't about where you go or how long you stay. What matters is that you are there for yourself. Even two days in a new place can show you a new side of who you are.

I highly recommend solo travel to anyone who has been thinking about it. It doesn't have to be far, it doesn't have to be long, but give yourself the chance to experience it. You might just find, as I did, that being alone doesn't mean being lonely. It can mean being free, present, and deeply connected to yourself.