Solo travel: Where the road meets the soul

Time of India

8 hours ago

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Patna: In a world that so often insists on sameness, solo travel emerges as a radical act of self-liberation – a quiet rebellion against the noise, a journey into the heart of who you really are.
It is a soulful expedition where the destination is just as much inward as it is outward.
"Solo travel can create a sense of calm and mindfulness, allowing you to be more present and appreciate the moment," said Dr Binda Singh, a clinical psychologist. Her words capture the essence of what it means to travel alone, fully immersed in the now, detached from expectations and grounded in the richness of your own company.
Picture this: you, amidst unfamiliar horizons, where the usual comfort zones melt away, and life unfolds with unfiltered intensity.
In this space, the trivialities of daily routine fall silent and the vastness of the world – its sounds, textures and stories – rushes in. "Immersing yourself in different environments can broaden your perspective and challenge your assumptions. This can lead to a more open-minded and creative approach to life, both during and after your travels," Dr Singh added.
This power of solo exploration is transformational.
Dr Singh recalled two women who turned to travel in search of healing. One had suffered mistreatment in a relationship, the other longed for emotional support from her family. Life had left them weary and fractured. But through solitary journeys guided by Dr Singh's counselling, they returned not only restored, but reborn.
"After solo trips, I found both of them developed a strong personality. While earlier they felt nothing was left in their life and were frustrated, now they are strong women," she said.
The science behind this transformation is as compelling as the stories. Dr Santosh Kumar Singh, head of the psychiatry department at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, spoke of mindfulness, a cornerstone of mental wellness. "There is something called the mindfulness technique which is very beneficial for mental health. In this, people try to be in the present, rather than thinking a lot about the future or brooding about the past.
In solo trips, people try to be with themselves and this rejuvenates their sense organs. It is the best way to get time for yourself and cut from the noise of the world," he said.
Indeed, the noise of modern life – notifications, deadlines, obligations – can drown out one's inner voice. Travel, especially of the solitary kind, becomes a rare opportunity to hear it again.
The mental and physical benefits extend far beyond the spiritual. Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, director at Mahavir Vatsalya Sansthan and former superintendent of Patna Medical College Hospital, sees travel as a holistic wellness practice. "Trips or travelling in any form, be it solo or with friends or family, have a lot of mental health advantages. In the case of solo, it is even more. It increases adaptability. There is no support system and one does everything on their own, which increases confidence and skills," he said.
Dr Prasad added that travel disrupts the mundane rhythm of life. "It breaks the monotony, reduces stress and helps in the management of blood pressure, cardiac health and diabetes," he said.