3 Lessons I Learned After Travelling Solo for the First Time

It was a day like any other in May 2024, but something about it felt different. I sat at my desk, the familiar hum of the computer filling the room, and found myself lost in thought. The question emerged slowly at first, then grew louder in my mind: Why am I here, and why am I living in India right now?

It wasn’t just a passing thought, but a reflection on my journey and the choices that had led me to this moment. As I gazed at the screen, I realized I was standing at a crossroads, contemplating the path I wanted to take next.

So, in June 2024, I answered my own question. I decided to take a leap of faith, took five days off from work, and booked a train ticket to Hyderabad, located in the southern part of India. I had no plan, just a burning desire to make these five days entirely my own—a chance to embark on the most incredible journey of my life. With a spirit of adventure and excitement, I set off on a solo travel experience, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.

Traveling solo for the first time was an exhilarating experience that opened my eyes to the world in new ways. As I journeyed alone, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in different cultures (directly from Kolkata to Hyderabad – from the eastern part of India to the southern part of India) and challenging the myths. Here are three important lessons I learned as a single, solo woman traveler:

Always Travel, Being Unafraid

Traveling alone has been a transformative journey for me, shaping me into a better version of myself. I remember the thrill of stepping onto the unknown roads of Hyderabad and the anticipation of the challenges ahead. As I navigated unfamiliar streets and faced unexpected obstacles, particularly the language barrier, I discovered a newfound confidence in myself. Each challenge I encountered became an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s important to note that in India, many languages are spoken in different parts of the country, adding to the diversity and complexity of travel experiences.

Learn to Get Out of Your Own Comfort Zone

We all have a comfort zone, a place that feels safe and familiar. For the longest time, I was hesitant to step beyond it. After all, there’s a reason it’s called the comfort zone—it’s where everything is predictable and secure. But deep down, I knew that staying there meant missing out on opportunities for personal growth.

When I finally decided to travel alone, it felt like diving into uncharted waters. The thought of navigating new experiences on my own was daunting, but I was eager to see what lay beyond the boundaries of familiarity. As I journeyed through unfamiliar places, I was constantly challenged, which pushed me to adapt and grow in ways I had never imagined.

Self-Love is Important

Spending five days in Hyderabad, away from my familiar surroundings in Kolkata, was an eye-opening experience. I found myself in the company of strangers, each with their own unique stories, and it was in this unfamiliar setting that I discovered something unexpected.

Initially, I worried about all the little things—where I would go, what I would do, and how I would fit in with this new group. But as the days passed, those worries faded away, and I began to see how unnecessary many of them were. The experience forced me to strip away the non-essentials and focus on what truly mattered.

One evening, as I sat on the rooftop of our guesthouse watching the city lights, it hit me: happiness is what truly matters. The laughter, the shared stories, and even the moments of solitude taught me that self-love is the foundation of a happy life. Embracing who I am and taking the time to care for myself allowed me to experience joy more fully.

This journey reminded me that while life’s pressures can feel overwhelming, they often distract us from what we need most—contentment and self-acceptance.

Traveling alone is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself. When I first embarked on this solo journey, I was a bit apprehensive, unsure of what lay ahead. But looking back now, I realize how transformative it was. The memories I made during that trip are etched in my mind, each one a testament to the beauty of exploring the world on your own terms.

-Sharmistha Banerjee is a content writer who blends compelling storytelling with SEO expertise, all while exploring the world’s hidden gems.