The concept of Solo travelers has been around for a long time, but only in the last few years have we heard, read, and witnessed more and more women embracing it, whether in search of self-discovery or simply to explore the unknown. For a country like India, this is undoubtedly a sign of progress. It’s inspiring to see women finally feeling confident and confident enough to travel alone without relying on a male companion.
While I’m sure many women will enjoy learning from these experiences, I also believe that for many women, traveling alone is still a distant dream that may remain unfulfilled forever.
A big hurrah to all these women and an even bigger one to those who share their travel stories and solo adventures on various social media platforms, inspiring and empowering other women. While I’m sure many women will enjoy learning from these experiences, I also believe that for many women, traveling alone is still a distant dream that may remain unfulfilled forever.
The patriarchal guilt
For these women, the first step is difficult, often because they are oppressed by patriarchal systems that have long denied them independence. Added to this is the burden of responsibility if they are married or have children. In our patriarchal society, women are constantly faced with the question of how they could leave the house or their children behind. Because without them, the house could collapse, the children would have no one to look after them, and the list goes on.
In our patriarchal society, women are constantly faced with the question of how they could leave the house or their children behind. Because without them, the house could collapse, the children would have no one to look after them, and the list goes on.
That doesn’t mean that there aren’t women who have been able to travel solo. We are talking about the majority here. Deep down, most women would want to escape from everyday life. After all, everyone needs a break – a break from the monotony of life, family obligations, a 9-to-5 job, and the countless mundane demands of everyday life.
Corporate life
I’m a woman and I can tell you that every now and then I feel like I need to get away, recharge, reconnect with myself, explore new places and sometimes just be there. And while I’ve found it difficult to embark on these dreamy solo adventures, I’ve found that my business trips have often proven to be just as fulfilling.
For a woman like me, who hasn’t yet had the courage to take a solo trip (let alone consider whether it’s even a realistic possibility) despite living alone in Australia for a few years, the option of traveling for work has become the next best thing.
Now I know what you might be thinking: She’s just making it all up; Work trips are so boring! I’ve heard that many times. However, it is a question of perspective.
For a woman like me, who hasn’t yet had the courage to take a solo trip (let alone consider whether it’s even a realistic possibility) despite living alone in Australia for a few years, the option of traveling for work has become the next best thing.
Firstly, it pushes me out of my comfort zone and gives me a reason to take the journey. The work leaves little room for saying no. The house will have to manage itself and my child will be fine. It may require a little preparation to get everything working, but that’s okay. Emotions, responsibilities and everyday obligations will always serve as reasons not to do something for yourself. But when work calls, you have to show up.
In fact, a business trip – no matter how boring it may end up being – has served as a catalyst for me on multiple occasions to take the first step, leave the house and let go of the belief that the house will collapse in my absence. It has allowed me to create space for my own rejuvenation without having to constantly worry about the house.
In fact, a business trip – no matter how boring it may end up being – has served as a catalyst for me on multiple occasions to take the first step, leave the house and let go of the belief that the house will collapse in my absence. It has allowed me to create space for my own rejuvenation without having to constantly worry about the house. And believe me, it’s really wonderful! I don’t think I realized how much I enjoyed this break until my sixth or seventh business trip (it really takes time to appreciate the good things you do for yourself).
Business trips can make all the difference
But there’s something else beyond that urge: the breath of fresh air that comes with being in a new place, the change of environment, and the ability to decide something as simple as what I want to eat or when I want to sleep is just so liberating. Towards the end of the workday, I was excited on these trips because I knew I could go back to my room, read a book, and eat my favorite ice cream. Now it’s not that I can’t do these things at home; Of course I can. But we all know how quickly we get caught up in everyday life and forget to do things for ourselves.
But there’s something else beyond that urge: the breath of fresh air that comes with being in a new place, the change of environment, and the ability to decide something as simple as what I want to eat or when I want to sleep is just so liberating.
Added to this new feeling of freedom is the self-confidence that these trips inspire. Navigating a new city, managing schedules, talking to different people, adapting communication to the person you’re sitting with, and learning to be considerate of different cultural contexts might not seem like a lot, but it really is a lot. If you’ve been on a business trip, you know the challenges that managing all of these aspects can bring. And so at the end of every business trip, I definitely felt a little more confident and a lot more proud of myself.
The factor that is at the top of my list and contributes immensely to my inner fulfillment is the opportunity to meet so many different people and learn about their work. In my business travels, I have encountered people who have demonstrated incredible resilience, who have had to give up their passions due to unforeseen circumstances, who continue to work to achieve their goals, and people who may not have financial support but are determined to help lift their communities. Each of them carries a unique story, a story that can teach us so much.
These are such precious moments that I don’t mind at all that I haven’t had a solo adventure yet. In hindsight, it probably would have given me the opportunity to explore, breathe, and feel more liberated a lot more. But honestly, I see work travel as a huge blessing right now that feels extremely rewarding.
These are such precious moments that I don’t mind at all that I haven’t had a solo adventure yet. In hindsight, it probably would have given me the opportunity to explore, breathe, and feel more liberated a lot more. But honestly, I see work travel as a huge blessing right now that feels extremely rewarding.
Akanksha Khullaris an author, researcher and founder ofThe unconditional soul. Her work is based on a decade of experience analyzing gender politics and human rights across South Asia and is driven by a single goal: dismantling the rigid social conditioning that shapes human identity. Today, Akanksha combines sharp structural analysis with intimate storytelling. Whether she’s exploring conscious parenting, writing minimalist poetry, writing children’s literature, or writing narrative travel essays, her diverse body of work serves as a refuge for those seeking a more authentic, liberated life.
