The moment I stepped off the bus in the Highlands, with clouds as if they were kissing the hills and the silence of the mountains pressing in, I felt both tiny and infinite—it is an indescribable feeling that only solo travel can evoke. For me, travelling solo became a way to discover things on my own. Every experience I had, from eating by myself in cafés to using local transit and overcoming language barriers, increased my self-assurance and independence. It’s also about unexpected connections, like when I was in the United States, I was invited to stay with my mother’s university professor’s daughter, and she saw how I bonded with her dogs and trusted me to care for them for three months while she travelled to India for work. Moments like these remind me to be open to opportunities and embrace them in my stride.

Travelling was always in my blood, and with every opportunity I got, I packed those bags, and, on my way, I was! At 18, I started working as a freelancer, which allowed me to fund my education and follow my passion for travelling. Completing a master’s in English literature on my own dime gave me a sense of pride. Today, at the age of 33, I have taken several trips, each of which has added a new thread to the fabric of my life.

When I reflect on these travels, I realize that each chapter has shaped me in many ways. About two years ago, I set out on a long solo journey from India to the UK, with my first stop in London to stay with a friend. After that, I would head to Scotland to settle in with another friend and her family. From there, I planned to pack my bags again and join a group of travellers who were from all over the world for a trip to the Scottish Highlands. But my adventure didn’t end there. My next stop would be the United States, on the other side of the world. Sounds simple, right? Well, little did I know,that  what seemed like an easy trip would soon turn into a thrilling adventure—one that would ultimately bring out the best in me.

The first few days began normally, with a comfortable flight to London. As expected, my friend and her husband greeted me warmly. Jet lag and exhaustion set in after a lengthy flight, so I climbed into my comfortable bed and fell asleep quickly.

The following days went on uneventfully, filled with sightseeing and catching up with a friend until certain tensions began to develop. I had no idea that my friend was uncomfortable with me talking to her husband. I had only met him once before, on their wedding day, and like any other acquaintance, we were just getting to know each other. After all, I was staying in his house, so it felt odd to ignore him. But not long after, I found myself standing alone on the dark streets of Leicester, suitcase in hand, with nowhere to go. The absurdity of the situation hit me like the cold night air—I was being punished for having a simple, polite conversation. Hurt and scared, I fought back tears, trying to figure out what to do next. Solo travel is full of surprises, but I never expected to be stranded in a foreign city because of someone else's insecurities. In that moment, I realized that travel, especially alone, often brings you face-to-face with not just the beauty of the world, but also the harsh realities of human relationships and the courage you need to face them. I called my friend in London, hoping she would answer. Thankfully, she did and even arranged a cab to take me to the station. When I arrived at her house, a message from the husband appeared on my phone, apologizing for his wife’s behaviour and hoping I had found a safe place for the night.

The next morning, the events of the night before still felt heavy. London felt like a fresh start, filled with possibilities. As I wandered through the vibrant streets of the city, solo travel once again proved its worth. It gave me the freedom to move at my own pace, to immerse myself in places that truly mattered to me, like Charles Dickens’ home. I was inspired as I stood in the room where he once wrote, not just by his legacy but also by the lesson that every journey, no matter how challenging, adds to the narrative we are creating for ourselves.

London gave me a new sense of hope. My journey now took me north to Scotland—a land of rainbows and a quiet charm. Travelling with a group, we made our way toward the Highlands, our first destination being the small, picturesque town of Portree. The journey itself was a memorable experience, the winding roads through vast landscapes of rolling hills and mist-covered mountains.

As the evening drew near, the group gradually dispersed as everyone was taken to their own lodgings. The driver unintentionally overshot my stop, even though I was supposed to be the first drop. Nervousness started to set in with every mile that went by and the bus carrying fewer passengers. I was troubled by the strange cold, the approaching darkness, and the feeling of loneliness. I contacted my mother in India for solace. Until I was eventually dropped off, she remained on the phone, her voice a lifeline over miles, providing words of comfort.

When we arrived, my driver assured me that it was a safe place to stay, and all my worries melted away. The cottage was like something out of a storybook—quaint, cosy, and welcoming. Rosie, the owner, greeted me with a warm smile and an even warmer cup of hot chocolate. Her kindness made me feel at home. She showed me to my room, which was simple yet inviting, with thick quilts and a small window overlooking the charming countryside. As I settled in, I realized that even in moments of uncertainty, solo travel always had a way of surprising me with pockets of compassion and warmth.

Just when I thought my journey had reached a peaceful moment, the next chapter took an unexpected and unsettling turn.

Before I knew it, my UK holiday came to an end, and it was time to travel to the States. After an 11-hour flight, I stood in the never-ending queue for immigration, thinking that I’d get through with a breeze. As my turn came, my answers to the questions being asked made the immigration officer suspicious of me. I was soon ushered into a back room. A Chinese man called out my name and thus began an uneasy situation when he began by pronouncing my name incorrectly. As he continued to question me further, it only became worse, as he did not understand English, and every answer that came out of my mouth only made him more anxious. My suitcase was opened and tossed as if I were a criminal smuggling in something. Soon, I was surrounded by many officers telling me that I was a liar and that they would make sure I never entered the country again. You can only imagine what I felt. It was in those moments of fear and confusion that I learned how important it is to stay calm, be patient, and stand up for myself.

As I waited, I could hear my heart racing with the fear of being deported at any moment; a thought suddenly crossed my mind. I decided to approach an officer, hoping he was American and could communicate in English. I explained that I was simply visiting and had every intention of returning to India. You might wonder why I was treated so harshly. The answer is simple yet surprising: I was a single woman in my thirties, and they probably assumed I had intentions of marriage. I could sense that the officer seemed to slowly trust me. After a few more questions, to my surprise, he allowed me to go! I rushed out and saw my uncle waiting for me. Overcome with emotion, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Within an hour, I was home. Exhausted and still shaken, I collapsed onto my bed, too tired to eat. Even now, three years later, the thought of returning to America still makes me nervous, and I feel a sense of uneasiness every time I go through immigration.

We are never really alone, which is maybe the most important lesson to be learned from solo travel. There's always something or someone pushing us ahead, whether it's a kind stranger, a loved one on the other end of the phone, or just our inner strength.

So, where will your next journey take you? And more importantly, who will you become along the way?

.    .    .