10 Dramatic Things Indian Parents Say About Solo Travel

“Hi Mom, I’m planning a trip”

“Oh...achha, where do you want to go, beta?”

“I don’t know Mom, I’ll see. I just want to travel.”

“Hain? How can you just go without a plan? Who is feeding these ridiculous ideas to your head?”

“Umm, no one Mom. I want to travel on my own. Go Solo.”

*the tray of food Mom is holding falls dramatically*

“Whaaaaat? Are you out of your mind? What if something happens to you?”

“Mom, nothing will happen…”

“Do you know how unsafe it is? Do you have no sense of responsibility at all?”

“But Ma...”

“You’re not going, bas, it’s decided.”

And that is probably the end of most of your solo travel plans.

Indian parents are lovable, but their protective parental instincts go on an overdrive the minute you venture towards something vaguely adventurous or thrilling.

Your heart can desire to explore a new place on a solo trip, take in spectacular views and savour delicious local cuisines on your own, but the look of sheer horror at your parents’ faces when you make the suggestion of travelling solo puts a rude full stop to your plans.

So, for all those who yearn to travel solo, here are 10 things your parents will probably tell you to deter you from travelling solo.

10. You’ll spend a fortune travelling alone!

With meticulous planning, pre-bookings and low-cost accommodation, it will not be expensive. If anything, setting a budget for a solo trip might even work out cheaper. Not including shopping of course. Never including shopping.

9. Haaye, how can we send you alone? Why can’t you go with someone?

Umm no…because then it won’t be a solo trip, would it?

8. What if we can’t get in touch with you?

Unless you’re going to a tropical jungle or the South Pole or a war zone, I’m pretty sure communication is not a problem. This little thing called phones are pretty useful. Although, given the number of call drops and poor signal these days, you can be in the next building, and someone still won’t be able to contact you!

7.  What if you get lost and don’t know where to go?

Even if our friend Google baba doesn’t work, you can always go back to the good old maps (yes, the ones on paper. Remember those?) and street signs. Tell your parents that you will stay off the lesser crowded streets and read up about the places before you visit, so you know which are the shadier parts of town, and avoid them like the plague.

6. How will you eat alone?

It’s easy. Sit in a restaurant. Order food. Look around at the beautiful sights, new people, new place. Enjoy the local food. Without making small talk, without splitting the bill, without sharing food. Just you and food. Lovely, isn’t it?

5. Won’t you get bored? What will you do all by yourself?

Go wherever you want, do whatever you want, see whatever you want. Without having to spend a bickering session with people about all this.

4. Gasp, what if you get nabbed or mugged?

Just like you can get kidnapped outside your college or school or office. What is life without some risk, some excitement.

3. Isn’t it going to be lonely?

Is sleeping lonely? Or reading? Or listening to music? Or watching TV? All these things can be done perfectly well all by yourself, so how can traveling the world exploring new places, taking in spectacular new sights, meeting interesting people, and trying new food be lonely? It’s not lonely, it’s fantastic!

2. We are going with you, its decided!

No!

1. Log kya kahenge? What will people say?

It doesn’t really matter what they say, but what will most probably think is, “Oh damn, how lucky! Must plan a solo trip of my own!”

Its time to give your parents a hug, and tell them not to worry, because you are going to have the time of your life. So pack your bags and head out, because dil toh roaming hai...