As a 20-something girl bitten by the travel bug and heavily inspired by books and movies, I always imagined what it might be like; going to some far-off city alone, having my share of adventure and exploring a new country.
So this summer when I was invited to attend a Summer School in Geneva for 2 weeks, for some strange reason it took me a lifetime to convince myself: Will it really be worth it?
Would the course really add any intellectual value? How would it help my career? Where will I arrange for the tuition fee which would cost me a bomb? More importantly, how will I manage my life in another country alone? I lived away from home for 5 years, but because I was in the same country, the fear was never that big. This time, the anxiety just refused to die.
So finally when I (or I should say the guardian angels in my life) convinced myself to not let go of the opportunity and give it a shot, instead of preparing for the course, a substantial part of my planning revolved around “places to see, visit and must-do”. Who knows when life would give me another chance to explore the Swiss Alps all by myself?
With everything sorted (read: finances, plans to buy a super-saver Swiss pass and my anxious-yet-excited heart), I set off on my first solo foreign trip! And the exhilarating experience is what makes me write this account of things I learnt in those glorious 2 weeks.
Back Your Will
While you plan a trip, a zillion things will cross your mind. And many of those may weaken your resolve to take the plunge and explore the place all by yourself! At that moment, the only thing that can help you brush off the anxiety bug is your will to go. Yes, I will go; yes, I will travel alone. Yes, I can do it. Stay strong and sure of your ideas, plans and decisions. No one will be more proud of you than yourself.
Be Fearless
No, I am not campaigning for any sports brand; only stating that which gave me the strength to travel to 6 cities alone. We read multiple accounts of things happening around us, and safety is our biggest cause of worry. However, do we stop living?
No. So make a move, take a map and put your finger on a place you wish to go to and catch that bus that goes nowhere. Do not stress over it because the universe has got your back.
Do Your Research Well
Once you’ve decided the place you want to visit, make sure you do thorough research about the city, its transportation, the weather, people, distances, food, local currency-everything you can think of.
A well-read traveller is always prepared for what is coming and has the confidence to step out on those unexplored paths. Though the experiences of people who have visited the place before helps, the research you do to make your trip a success is totally another story. And it helps, a lot!
Be Responsible And Patient
Solo travel is a teacher in itself and leaves you with valuable qualities that you can bring home with you. With great power comes great responsibility, and so it does with freedom. Travel responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. Patience is another virtue you inevitably imbibe, thanks to long layovers, a missed flight, delays, and a lot of other things.
So instead of unnecessarily worrying, remember to enjoy the moment. Go buy that yummy choco-filled croissant with a vanilla cappuccino and live in the moment. Things will be okay and turn out fine, even if it means waiting endlessly for a train, bus or flight.
Be Open
In a new city, in the middle of a pool of strangers speaking a language you don’t understand, talking to someone may become quite a task. Well, sometimes. But here, you do not have to hesitate. Not even once. Unabashedly talk to people, ask for directions. Start a conversation with people you sit next to in the train you take. Trust me, the stories that you weave are priceless.
It helped me meet a Mauritian, who, when I asked for directions, took upon himself the responsibility of taking me around Lausanne because we both were South-Asians. On my way to Lucerne, I spent 30 minutes with an American who co-incidentally is a regular visitor to India, but never had an opportunity to explore the country as a tourist.
And not to forget the bus driver in Interlaken who was elated to find an Indian lost at the bus stand (me). The delighted man broke into Punjabi. What an experience! Small events that will always occupy a portion of my happy memory bank.
Go out and try that famous local cuisine, drink like a fish (but responsibly) with people you do not know. Spend some time in the local park under the sun and observe people. Spend some time in a Museum and souvenir shops (even if you end up buying nothing).
Trust me, the experience will be something no other trip can even come close to in your entire lifetime. Go ahead and make that one solo backpacking tour to another country to learn new things about yourself and bring home a new you.
If nothing else, making friends from different countries and travelling alone will definitely give you answers that you are looking for. Follow your heart and it will take you places.
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