Rediscovering Myself: A Solo Travel Story – When it comes to pioneering women, most of them have one thing in common: they are not afraid to break free from the expectations of others. Sharon Angel is an Indian solo traveler and an incredible example of one of these pioneering women. We had the opportunity to ask her all of our burning questions about how traveling helped her find personal freedom and break free from an arranged marriage.
I was born and raised in India, then moved to Canada for my bachelor’s degree, and then to America. Identifying as a third culture child gives me a sense of belonging because the transition from Eastern culture to Western adaptation took me through a whirlwind of emotions. Growing up with cultural expectations of a certain skin color, career, marriage, and the type of woman I should be limited who I truly was. Traveling the world as a solo female traveler from India has helped me look at life from a broad perspective and understand that people are different, so I can give myself the grace to defy any expectations of perfectionism. Today, after visiting almost 40 countries, I can live in freedom, making decisions that push me forward rather than keeping me in the shape that the Indian-American stereotype requires. My life is not perfect, but it has become much more free and peaceful when I have tried not to fit into the boxes that society or culture draws.
Rediscovering Myself: A Solo Travel Story
I always wanted to see the world on my own, either as a solo traveler from India or with friends, but I first felt the need to escape when I was in my twenties. There were several factors in my life that pushed me to find my identity after saying no to an arranged marriage. The question “who am I?” it was still on my mind. I successfully pushed it away for many years until I couldn’t do it anymore. This question stuck me in the face in my early twenties and I knew then that I shouldn’t ignore it anymore because if I did it would be harmful.
I Accidentally Traveled Solo In Maine But Think You Should Do It On Purpose.
Arranged marriage is an essential part of Indian culture. Sometimes the obsession even becomes that a girl will get married in her twenties, have a week-long celebration, and navigate the color scheme, caste, dowry, and class system while planning the wedding. When I said no to participating in these systems, I had to reflect on who I was without these so-called traditions that I had to continue because I was an Indian.
“What if I turn out to be unrecognizable?” “What if this trip ends badly rather than well?” These thoughts were scary, but they didn’t stop me from going on this journey to find myself outside of the so-called “traditions” because I was more afraid of not finding the answers to who I really was. That’s when the desire to travel became a need – the need to find freedom. So in order to find answers and find healing in many ways, I decided to travel alone and enjoyed every moment.
What misconceptions did you have about being a single Indian woman traveling that you now realize were untrue?
2. The fear that giving a young woman freedom will make her strong and rebellious is a threat to culture. The truth is that women who can navigate independently in another country will not blindly subordinate themselves to men and elders. Traveling alone is empowering, but in many conservation cultures this is not the traditional life for women. Traveling alone provides access to freedom, and society fears that women will have this freedom.
Solo Travel For The Socially Anxious
3. When a woman travels alone, the thought often arises that she may not return to the reality of life and remain in a state of wandering. Being a dreamer and changing your life after traveling applies to all genders, but women are the most tolerated due to the lack of acceptance of the culture of empowered women.
What does your culture say about traveling alone and how did that influence your decision?
My culture does not encourage traveling. Women are raised to be subservient to the men in the household, and the phrase elders often use when planning a trip is, “Get married and go anywhere with your husband.” It puts pressure on marriage, creates unrealistic expectations and deprives a single woman of the opportunity to find her way in this big world.
India has modernized over the years, with some families and young men taking their wives on trips, also allowing them to go on girls’ trips or solo trips. But this usually involves obtaining the man’s consent or reporting every move during the trip to his family. I think this can be a hindrance to the very idea of seeing the world on your own terms, through your own eyes.
Tips For Surviving Solo Travel
This cultural commandment to travel with someone’s permission and safety was not an obstacle for me, because my parents were used to taking my family on trips to other countries from an early age. While other children went to summer school or sports activities, my parents introduced me to the history, lifestyle and cuisine of countries that were not Indian. It uplifted me and left me wanting to travel to see more and gain new experiences. Even though my parents didn’t encourage traveling alone, they didn’t stop me from going. I still took solo trips from time to time to stay on this uplifting journey. Being exposed to other cultures at a young age helped me easily transition to a new country when it came time to move.
Traveling was my therapy. It was my escape to experience new cultures, see places I wouldn’t normally go, and overhear slang words from other countries. The best part was eating new, weird and emotional food. I laughed, cried, mourned and hoped on these flights into the unknown. This was my healing because I found a safe space in people’s stories of struggle, fear, pain, shame and guilt.
I’m happy to say that my heart is full of memories from all over the world and I owe it to the travel bug. It freed me from the need to seek someone’s approval, financial support and perspective. Traveling solo was my therapy and a doorway to seeing things from both sides, while practicing freedom for myself and allowing that freedom for others. My identity is now much stronger and clearer, but more importantly, I am at peace with myself. I hope and wish that this gift will be given to everyone personally, because it gives strength and liberates.
We are very grateful to have witnessed the courage of Indian traveler Sharon. Feeling inspired? Us too! Learn more about Sharon Angel’s work on her website and follow her on Instagram to see what she’s up to next!
The 8 Advantages Of Solo Travel
Ashley is the manager of Be My Travel Muse, one of the world’s largest solo travel blogs for women. She has traveled solo to over 20 countries, spending months in each one for immersive experiences. Unleash the power of solo travel after a breakup: self-discovery, financial freedom and well-being. Embark on a journey, make lifelong connections, and shape your unique path.
Traveling alone can be a powerful and transformative experience, especially after a breakup. Not being surrounded by familiar places and common friends limits your thoughts about your ex. It may take some time to get used to independence, but once you decide to travel solo, there’s no going back. These are the main advantages of personal travel without companions.
Traveling solo requires you to make independent decisions and be aware of your emotions in the present moment. It gives you the opportunity to get to know yourself, including recognizing your personal preferences and desires, when you have full autonomy. As cliché as it may sound, traveling alone is undoubtedly a journey of self-discovery.
Traveling alone is usually more profitable than traveling with children or family. You have the freedom to set a budget and spend it as you see fit. You can decide whether you want to grab a quick snack on the go or treat yourself to a luxurious meal.
Finding Yourself Through Solo Travel: A Personal Journey
You can also spend a day relaxing to save money for your trip later. Accommodation for one person is also cheaper because only a single bed is needed. In fact, you can even consider renting a room in a studio apartment to save even more.
Having control over your decisions while traveling has a unique advantage: the freedom to follow your desires and preferences on any given day.
Unlike traveling with a group or family, where compromises are often necessary to meet everyone’s needs, traveling solo gives you the freedom to choose a restaurant, wake up at a time of your choice, and even relax by the pool if tiredness sets in.
When traveling in a group, there is no need to learn your native language. You can talk to or rely on other travelers