Life Lessons I Learned from Traveling Solo...
Life Lessons I Learned from Traveling Solo as Bangladeshi to India, Malaysia and Thailand
Solo travel – the words themselves evoke excitement, anxiety, and a sense of adventure. As a Bangladeshi exploring the vibrant cultures of India and Thailand, I encountered some of the most unforgettable experiences that completely reshaped my outlook on life. Here are the life lessons I picked up along the way, sprinkled with a bit of humor and some practical tips you might want to take with you.
1. The World Is Smaller Than You Think
When you’re a solo traveler, it’s easy to feel like you’re a tiny speck in the grand scheme of things. But guess what? You’re not! Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Delhi or the serene beaches of Krabi, you’ll find that people from all walks of life are connected. As a Bangladeshi, I had this curious moment when a Thai street vendor broke into a perfect Bengali greeting. “Aapni ki bhalo achen?” (Are you well?), he asked with a smile, leaving me stunned. Turns out, languages, and cultures cross borders more than we think!
Life Hack: Always learn at least a couple of phrases in the local language. A simple "Hello" or "Thank you" goes a long way in building rapport.
2. Plan, but Don’t Overplan – Embrace the Unexpected
Anyone who’s traveled to India knows that there’s always something unexpected around the corner. In Jammu, I was ready to catch a 11 AM train to Delhi, but the train didn’t show up until 2:30 PM. Instead of stressing, I treid to enjoy the beauty, made a new friend (an army named Shyam, who told me the best camel jokes!), and learned to go with the flow. In Thailand, the monsoon rains caught me by surprise, but I ended up having the most magical time exploring 'oli goli' of Pattaya though it was scary for me! I found myself in a graveyard even!
Statistics: In 2019, 70% of solo travellers reported that “serendipity” was one of the most rewarding aspects of their journey. Embrace the randomness.
Life Hack: Pack light but be prepared for anything. Trust me, you’ll be glad you didn’t pack those extra shoes when you end up walking through ankle-deep water in Koh Samui!
3. You’ll Learn the Art of Eating Like a Local
In India, every street corner offers a new culinary adventure – from crispy samosas in Delhi to spicy biryanis in Hyderabad. But nothing beats the street food experience! At first, I was skeptical (being a Bangladeshi, I knew better than to trust street food), but soon I found myself in love with the tangy papri chaat in Agra and the vibrant mango lassi in Varanasi.
Thailand, on the other hand, is a whole different level. There I learned that spicy isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a way of life. My attempt to enjoy a "mild" green curry in Chiang Mai ended in tears. But it was totally worth it. In Malaysia, I enjoyed the best fruits in the streets. When you are solo, you have to think of your own food and that is very good to keep the head cool.
Life Hack: Don’t be afraid to try street food – it’s the best way to experience a place’s culture. Just make sure your stomach is ready for the adventure. And always carry a bottle of water. Trust me.
4. You’ll Face Your Fears – Head On (Sometimes Literally)
Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about confronting your inner fears. And let me tell you, Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands snorkeling experience had me questioning all my life choices when I had to dive into the sea with only a mask and fins. (I’m not a fan of fish swimming under me, thank you very much). But I did it. I survived. And I was proud. Just one of the many small victories of traveling solo. During the last Bangkok tour, it was like seeing one of my cousins getting out of the Fear of Solo Traveling. It was great to take her to nightclubs, showing the un-shown places and making her feel that- Solo Traveling is SAFE.
It is true that I was afraid when I first entered Sauna for the first time in Pattya (Naked- during 2017) but later on the fear disappeared shortly... Later on every Thailand tour means- Sauna!
Life Hack: When you’re scared, take deep breaths and remind yourself: “I’m in the moment, and nothing bad is going to happen.” You'll be amazed at how often this helps!
5. Solo Travel Will Turn You into a Social Butterfly (Sort of)
When you travel with friends or family, you already have your built-in social network. But as a solo traveler, you’ll have to learn to make new friends – fast. Whether it’s bonding over a late-night train ride in India with fellow backpackers or chatting with a monk in Chiang Rai (who, by the way, gave me life advice in broken English that I’ll never forget), solo travel forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you more approachable.
Life Hack: Don’t be afraid to approach someone and say “Hi.” Most people, especially travelers, love to chat. Who knows, you might end up with a lifelong friendship or at least a great story to tell!
6. Solo Travel is About Discovering Yourself
Lastly, one of the most profound lessons I learned was that solo travel is a journey of self-discovery. Whether I was staring at the Taj Mahal, wondering how many people have witnessed this masterpiece before me, or meditating on a beach in Phuket, I realized how important it is to carve out time for yourself. The world is busy, loud, and constantly changing, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is to pause and just breathe.
Travelling solo as a Bangladeshi in India for many times, Malaysia and Thailand several times wasn’t just an adventure; it was a life lesson. The things I learned – the unexpected friendships, the courage to face new challenges, and the joy of getting lost in a new culture – are lessons I’ll carry with me forever.
So, if you’re thinking about traveling solo, my advice? Do it. Go. The world is waiting for you. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a Thai street vendor who speaks perfect Bengali too! or Rashed Rahman is here to support you too... Ha Ha Ha.
Quite inspiring! Well, I needed that push from someone to break my fear of unknown!
ReplyDeleteAlways welcome...... :-)
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