WOMEN / TRAVEL SPECIAL................. Travel planner ..Why travel solo?

Why travel solo? 

Going on a vacation alone is one of the fastest emerging travel trends among Indians, especially women. Here’s why...

    If you have been living a hectic life juggling family and work responsibilities, travelling alone is the panacea you need. Travellers claim that solo travel is the best way to see the world because you experience everything without dealing with anyone else’s prejudices, tastes or preferences.
    As a first timer, the thought of travelling alone can be daunting, but it sets you on a voyage of self-discovery. You can either spend your day doing nothing or hop from one city to another. You can loll on a beach or visit remote ruins. Neither do you have to worry about your f e l l o w travellers nor do you have to live up to what others want from their vacation.
Travel enthusiast, 26-year-old Ruam Mukherjee saved her earnings for nearly six months to take trips to Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. “I was so happy that I could do things exactly as I wanted to. From taking a tuk-tuk ride and roaming around the lanes of Bangkok to windsurfing in Phuket and rock-climbing in Laos and Cambodia, my journey was full of adventure and excitement.”
UNLIMITED FREEDOM
One of the most important aspects of travelling alone is that you don’t have to depend on others. You can alter your plans whenever you wish to. For example, if you have heard about an amazing waterfall or about some adventure activities in the nearby area, you can go for it, without worrying about having to convince anyone. Travelling alone lets you welcome changes with open arms. You don’t have to fit into any group or anyone’s agenda, give explanations or even disappoint anyone.
CHALLENGE YOUR FEARS
This is a big one, especially if you are venturing out for the first time. You are bound to be apprehensive of the unknown, but when you are on your own, you are more aware of your surroundings. It is said that fear exists for your own protection and boosts your awareness. After travelling alone, you will become stronger and confident about yourself.
TIME FOR YOURSELF
If you’ve been leading a stressful life, here’s when you can take a break from work, colleagues, family members, friends etc. and spend time with yourself. You can use this time to reflect on your life or pamper yourself silly. From indulging in local cuisine to boosting your energy through trekking, you choose your kind of happiness.
MEET NEW PEOPLE
Travelling solo is invigorating. As you interact with new people, your dynamics and conversations are deep and far more fulfilling. And, you make new friends too.
    meghna.mukherjee@timesgroup.com
5 COUNTRIES
FOR SOLO
TRAVEL 1 Malaysia: Majority of the population speaks good English and there are plenty of activities like rock climbing, scuba diving, etc. that you can indulge in, all by yourself. Also, accommodation and dining are not very expensive. The country is known for its creative cuisine at prices that won’t break your bank.
2 Ireland: This is probably one of the best countries to visit on your own. The Irish are considered very friendly and the country is known to be safe. Bed and breakfasts are a great option for the single traveller, and you don’t have to worry about living in an expensive hotel; you can simply halt at the countryside where people rent out a part of their house to visitors at a nominal charge, which also includes a meal. 3 The Philippines: The Philippines is not an expensive country. You don’t have to worry about taking a flight from one city to another. You can simply hop on to a ferry and reach your destination. 4 Australia: The country is a great choice for solo travellers because of its wellconnected transport system. Since most of the railway lines in Australia are governmentowned, it’s easy to travel from one city to another. There is plenty to do here, from visiting the local museums and going shopping to dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
5 Costa Rica: This is a safe country, so you needn’t worry about staying alone in a hotel. Some hotels also arrange for day trips and will provide you with a tourist guide if you need any help. What’s more, local food and adventure activities like rafting are inexpensive, so you can pamper yourself silly.
    Inputs by travel experts

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