Why you should travel solo at least once & my first experience

People who have never traveled alone often describe their first solo trip as an almost religious experience. Well here it goes. My first experience. It doesn’t really astonish the people who do travel a lot; The rising popularity of solo traveling or #GoSolo trend. They say Traveling alone gives you the chance to indulge yourself fully. Single travel has its perils too, like safety concerns, loneliness and the dreaded single supplement. But a little preparation and common sense can save you money and get you through the rough spots. Now, just because you travel alone doesn’t mean you’ll always be alone during your travels.

Well for me It gave me a chance to listen to my gut, Improve my instincts, audacity to trust companion around me, While observing my energy levels and capturing my flashes. even though I was surrounded with people all the time, I was talking to my self most of the time. I met amazing people when I reach #Jaffna. People who I never knew. But so kind, warmhearted and friendly. Ramanan Mohaneswaran, his Grand mother and his family. His friend Sansayan Sanjay. And the person who introduced me to them is my very old friend Jeyaseelan Raveenthirarasa from Singapore. I wish to post this video and story with immense gratitude in my heart for all of them and give thanks in advance for all the blessings that are on the way.

People do weird things all the time. Some have this calling to explore the world around them. I’ve been wanting to visit Jaffna at least once. And also to take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes or preferences of a traveling companion. But when I asked my dearest friends they all had their own businesses. So I decided to Go-Solo.

I’ve never been in Northern province by the time. Its 414Km from Colombo — Kankesanturai. My destinations were Nagadeepa Raja maha Viharaya, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Dambakolapatuna Sri Sangamitta Viharaya, Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil, Maruthanarmadam Aanchaneyar Temple, Nilavarai Well and also Rio Ice Cream shop. I took the Night mail Express and reach Jaffna 7.30 AM. Since its a long weekend train was packed with people. Ramanan picked me and take me to his home. Then I freshened up, took break first and headed Nagadeepa. Ramanan was kind enough to take me all around Jaffna and show me all the beautiful sceneries and religious places in his city.

People in Jaffna are deeply religious, moralistic and culturalistic. Tamil temples are very colorful and you will find thousands of them around Jaffna. I personally loved Nallur, architecture there is mind blowing. I had the privilege to meet Ramanan’s grand mother and taste her lunch filled with local cuisine. Overall it was a pleasant experience. Again I want to give my thanks to the people who spent there time for me to cross an item in my bucket list.

Here are the reasons why you should travel solo at least once in your life.

1. Because new friends and new connections

It is seriously astonishing to see how many people will approach you and start a conversation when you are alone. Its like you being alone give them a reason to talk to you or help you with something. Its important to have that friendly and companionable attitude specially when you are in their city and also if you like to make new friends.

2. Because it’ll improve your instincts

Bean alone always gives you a chance to listen to your gut. Small things like where to go, what to eat, who to talk when you need a help. how to regain your supplements and specially how to stay safe when you are alone. Eventually it will improve your decision making skills.

3. Because you can do things your way

You can be utterly selfish and not feel bad about it. You can go where ever you want. stop, turn, wonder even head back how ever you want. You are in your own little social vacuum. Isn’t it amazing. This is the best reason you should go solo.

4. Because it’ll keeps you present

This is more of a traveler thing. They say they want to travel the whole world. Actually if you really want to travel half of it, you shouldn’t wait longer to your next trip. When you want to go with a bunch of people their reasons will also add to your hold-ups. Go solo instead will help you immensely to fill your bucket with cities.

5. Because it shines a light on the kindness of strangers

The fastest way to find the best of humanity is when you make yourself vulnerable. Good qualities like ability to love and have compassion, understand others through their languages, histories and cultures. And they reveal how people have tried to make moral, spiritual sense of the world. Its a reminder to have faith in humanity sure is good for your soul.

6. Because it’s fearsome

Having said all the good things about go solo, stepping out of your comfort zone could be a daunting thing. Making your self vulnerable in places you’ve never been before will give you a creepy feelings. But for some people uncertainty and discomfort is utterly crucial to their well being. It’s what brings them to life, and keeps them there.

7. Because it reminds you that you can

Its like a trophy in your own fantasy world. Every time you find your self in a similar situation you can tell your self. huh.. I’ve been here before. You know that you can not only survive but also take something out of it, enjoy the challenge.

So. If you ever found yourself unaccompanied I hope you dare to live it in your own way. I think this explains its title. Cheers.