Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

The solitary traveller

Time to reflect, observe, recharge and simply revel in solitude is what travelling alone is all about

MOMENTS OF SOLITUDE Travelling alone can be fun PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT

Rabindranath Tagore's famous song, `Ekla chalo re', `Walk alone... .' is all about journeying through life alone. But far from the philosophic lonely traveller, is the idea of travelling alone appealing? Travelling alone means different things to different people. While for some this time is utilised for planning the present and future, for some others it's purely enjoying one's own space without intervention even from their spouse!

Creative minds use the travelling alone moments for creative pursuits. Says Praseed, a writer, "Travelling alone boosts my creativity and I brainstorm for ideas during this period. Wherever and whenever I travel, I make it a point to carry a notepad and a pen so that I can jot down my ideas, lest I forget them."

The solitude in travelling alone gives one the chance to observe nature and the surroundings in a better way. This is also seen as an ideal time to meet strangers and interact with them.

Married couples too enjoy the bliss of travelling alone for a break, even if it means a short trip. Opines Niyatha, a housewife; "Travelling by train to my native town alone is what I enjoy the most since it helps me to be on my own. It gives me free time to revaluate life and take a break from a stressed out life. I also look at my married life from varied angles. It helps me in improving myself and my family relationships."

However, not everybody indulges in such introspection . Much married, Suhas Soman, working with a bank says, "I dislike travelling alone even on short distances as the feeling of not reaching a destination safely nags me. It is when you travel alone that you learn to value friendship."

Single women

Single women are not lagging behind when it comes to solo travelling. Their single status does not hinder them from travelling alone.

Mothers with grown-up daughters are not willing to let their girls take the risk of travelling alone. They are concerned about the hazards she will face while travelling.

Asks Puspham, mother of a college girl, pointing towards the prying eyes of men, "When I am afraid to let my daughter go alone even to college, how can I let her travel long distances?" Some others are flexible provided their daughters prove efficient and independent to take care of themselves.

Charlotte Erickson, a 23-year-old from the United States; currently working as a volunteer at Union Christian College in Aluva says, "I don't always prefer travelling in a group, as there are certain advantages to travelling solo. Having the freedom to make all the decisions about your itinerary, spending quality time for reflection, simply taking advantage of your independence and learning to enjoy your own company, as well as having the opportunity to meet lots of new people - something that's not as likely to happen when you are already with the people you know."

Travelling abroad on assignments is a boon in disguise for some single women. Their family otherwise prohibits such travelling. So when one travels alone he/she is coping with thoughts and situations singly, an enriching experience for many.

RESHMI JAIMON (NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT IDENTITY)

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail