LESSONS FROM MY SOLO TRAVELS AND MOVING INTO A NEW COUNTRY - From an introvert's perspective.

Having lived as an introvert for most of my life, moving to a new city, less alone a new country would've been a horrifying thought. But, there's a time in one's life when change is necessary - it hands itself over to you when you least expect it - like finding that crumpled paper money in your jean pocket.

I moved to Germany over 2 years ago with a mind full of curiosity, and a jaded heart overwhelmed with the feeling of loneliness. Unquestionably, it was tough for me to network and connect with my classmates. There was this constant, internal push to try "too hard" or present myself as "look-at-me-I'm-so-cool" to be able to socialise. Thinking of it in hindsight, there might've been several situations that can be stored into the 'cringe jar'.

Months streamed by. So did my incessant thoughts of returning to India. While most things seemed transient, one thing remained constant was my love for traveling. Coming to this realisation, I spontaneously booked a ticket to Spain (it was a 35 euro return ticket).

Since then, I have been to over 10 solo trips in 2 years. No money and matter can come close to the valuable lessons I learnt from traveling solo. And I want to share them with you, in my own very small way, I want to encourage you to travel solo too.

----------------------------------- GET TO THE POINT RIYA -----------------------------

1. Don't be afraid to feel lonely - Traveling solo isn't always like #wanderlust. There were several moments where I felt conscious of being alone - especially while dining in cafes. But you know what, that's perfectly okay. Pop in your earphones, read a book while waiting for your meal to arrive.

2. Rule #1 - stay in a hostel - Yes, your initial instinct would be to reject the thought. But staying in hostels is one of the fastest way to meet other solo travellers, especially in Europe. The hostels there are nothing short of what a 4 star hotel would offer. Bonus: some hostels even offer free breakfast, and walking tours.

3. Learn to accept who you are - This was by far my biggest lesson. I would always chase for validation from my peers, crowding them with questions and confirmations. Until this day when I was waiting for a bus in Malaga at the crack of the dawn, the station bereft of any crowd and cafes. With not much to do, I was on the verge of tears and boredom. I regretted traveling solo and cursed myself to no end. Mustering some courage, I kept telling myself, "You are who you've got", either accept it, or cry your eyes out and embarrass yourself. The first option is less embarrassing, I bet.

4. Plan your trip, but do the unplanned - It's good to have a skeleton of your trip planned. But, sometimes the city grows on you inexplicably, and you don't want to just leave it because you have a train to catch. Quoting a cliche adage here, "Do one thing that scares you". Whether it's cliff diving, boarding a random bus in an unknown destination, or hitchhiking with a stranger. DO IT! Ehm..but don't be too reckless either, when your instinct says "no" - listen to it!

This is what I'm talking about

5. Talk!Talk!Talk! - Don't be afraid to come across too silly, shy, crazy or lame. You're traveling solo, express yourself freely. Tbh, nobody cares! They're not traveling to judge people. Everyone's there to weave new experiences into their lives. Also, the chances of you meeting them again are lesser than Trump calling himself a feminist.

6. Travel by word of mouth - I'm tired of people telling me "I'm a traveler, and not a tourist." Oh, well Karen, visiting an instagramable cafe doesn't make you any less of a tourist. The most efficient way of traveling is by asking suggestions from those around you.