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COVID-19 has definitely made our travel plans take a rain check. Last year, the virus outbreak resulted in a complete lockdown, especially during summer breaks, where one usually looks forward to vacationing.
While most of us were stuck home for the better part of the year, I took a trip with my family which is when I realised how much I preferred travelling alone rather than with my family.
Let me put it this way – if you hail from a close-knit Indian family which barely understands the concept of privacy, you would definitely prefer travelling alone!
Solo Travel Vs. Family Holiday
Travelling in a group is definitely not boring, in fact, it enhances the experience when you have people to share the memories with. But unless the vacation is well-planned, it can go in awfully drastic ways.
Being a part of an Indian family, I can very well claim that my parents will always consider me to be a child, even when I turn 50! Indian parents are overly possessive and most of the times think that it is okay to make decisions for us.
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As a person who values privacy a lot, travelling in groups is definitely not my first choice, especially when it comes to sharing spaces.
Another aspect that often causes a problem during family holidays is that everybody has different interests and we can just never come to a conclusion! Needless to say, the ‘kids’ end up giving up their awaited trip to the beach to give in to what the elders want, and not sticking together is never an option.
Solo Travel Is Enriching
While travelling with your family is definitely refreshing, solo travel is an enriching experience, to say the least. I started travelling alone after I went off to college, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had!
You are your own boss when travelling alone. I always had my music as my companion. I was the one in charge – I got to call the shots. I could do whatever interested me – isn’t that what vacations are supposed to be like?
While travelling alone also opens you up to new experiences and connecting with new people, it is also a time when you get to reflect upon yourself – focus on what you want.
I don’t mean to sound selfish, but after tirelessly working for months, you want your vacation to include everything you like. And compromising on even the smallest things might make you cranky because you have looked forward to this!
Travelling solo enables you to enjoy your own company – you start understanding yourself much better and get the much longed for privacy that ironically, not everyone gets at home.
While I personally prefer travelling alone, there are definitely moments I enjoy with my family. Solo travel and group travel are two completely different experiences – and I think preferring solitude at times should be completely normalised.
No, you are not selfish for choosing yourself over your family at times. Vacations are supposed to be about things that give you peace of mind – and if a solo trip is what it takes, then definitely go ahead with it!
Image Credits: Google Images
Find the blogger: @AishuPoshu
This post is tagged under: solo traveler; travel; covid 19 impact; Group travel; coming back home vacations; Summer vacations; air travel; Travel playlist; Music; holiday season
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