Connect with us

Solo Travellers

Alone, not lonely: How Bihar’s explorers are travelling the world solo | Patna News

Published

on


Patna: For many, travel is about ticking destinations off a list. But for an increasing number of adventurers from the state, the journey is far more personal. Across cities and continents, solo travellers are charting their own paths to discover the world and uncover themselves.In India, the solo travel trend has taken off with the number of solo explorers tripling each year. In Bihar too, wanderlust is breaking boundaries, transcending age, gender and geography. Whether it is remote mountain trails or bustling European capitals, more people from Bihar are stepping out solo and stepping into a deeper connection with the world around them.One of the torchbearers of this movement is Ghalib Kaleem, a 40-year-old businessman whose passport tells tales from 17 countries and every Indian state and union territory. His social media name – Ghalib Musafir – sums it up. “Musafir means traveller and that’s what I live for,” he said.It all began in 2014 when he saddled up his brand-new bike and rode from Patna to north Sikkim alone. “I did feel hesitant initially. Safety was a concern, especially when I passed through villages without signboards. But the locals were kind and their warmth stayed with me,” he said.Since then, he has never looked back. “Solo travel means you are on your own clock. You notice things more keenly. Since there is no one familiar to chat with, you engage with locals and often end up learning more about their culture. Travel opens your mind. Otherwise, you are just a frog in a well,” Ghalib said.For Natasha, a 35-year-old Patna native now working in London, it was a spontaneous solo trip to Paris in 2019 that changed everything. Since then, she has explored Poland, Portugal, Budapest, the US and several South Asian countries – all solo.“With family or friends, syncing schedules is a nightmare. There are always compromises –someone doesn’t want to go where you want, or wants to rest when you’re ready to explore. Travelling solo gives you the freedom to follow your heart,” she said.And it’s not just about destinations. Natasha said her solo journeys have boosted her confidence, helped her make friends around the globe and taught her life lessons, sometimes the hard way. “I once boarded the wrong bus in Budapest and got fined. But I learnt. Now, I double-check everything!”She has even begun celebrating her birthdays solo for the past two years. “It is empowering. But I always prioritise safety. I share my itinerary with my family, stick to cities over jungles and avoid high-risk spots,” she added.Saurav Singh, senior manager (investigations) at an insurance firm, echoed the sentiment. For him, travelling alone is a route to introspection. His first solo trip was in 2011, to Rishikesh and Haridwar. “It was freeing. Before that, I had travelled alone to Delhi for an exam in 2008. That gave me the initial confidence.”Saurav believes solo travel is not just liberating, it’s practical too. “You learn to manage your budget, plan your itinerary and face whatever comes your way. It builds character,” he said.Interestingly, his wife, Priya Singh, is an avid solo traveller as well. “She has taken multiple adventurous trips on her own. Even after our daughter was born, she planned solo journeys with our baby once she turned one. We both believe that solo travel helps people meet their true selves, confront their fears and create unforgettable memories,” he said.In a world that often insists we must move in packs, these solo travellers from Bihar are redefining the idea of companionship. Sometimes, it turns out, the best company on the road is yourself.





Source link

Solo Travellers

Tammin Surok on travel, mum guilt and her girls

Published

on


Taking time away from your kids doesn’t make you a bad mum, it makes you human.

Actress and mum-of-two Tammin Sursok shares why solo travel is self-care, not selfish – and how she’s teaching her daughters to dream big by doing the same herself.

Because if a dad jets off to Spain solo, he’s praised for taking a well-earned break. But when a mum does the same? Cue the side-eye and questions about who’s looking after the kids.

It’s a frustrating double standard, and one Tammin is tired of seeing play out.

Splitting her time between Sydney and Nashville, the Home and Away alum is no stranger to airports, time zones and the juggle of parenting on the move. But it was a recent kid-free trip to Spain that sparked a bigger conversation—about guilt, rest, and the pressure mothers feel to be endlessly available.

“Mums need to normalise filling their own cup,” the host of The Shit Show with Tammin Sursok podcast tells Bounty Parents.

“Because when I come back rested, I’m a better parent. And my daughters get to see that it’s okay to prioritise yourself sometimes too.”

In this candid interview, Tammin opens up about parenting across continents, ditching outdated expectations, and why taking time away from your kids might just be one of the most loving things you can do.

Tammin Sursok recommends travelling solo, without the mum-guilt. (Image: Instagram)

“It’s not selfish, it’s necessary”

Tammin says her solo trip to Spain was more than just a break, it was a revelation. “If a dad goes to Spain solo, he’s living his best life. If a mum goes, she’s abandoned her children,” she says.

“There’s still so much social conditioning around what makes a ‘good mother’. She’s expected to be tireless, devoted, always available—and anything that looks like rest, solitude or joy outside of that is seen as selfish.”

But Tammin believes that mindset doesn’t just harm mothers—it teaches the wrong message to the next generation.

“I want my girls to know it’s okay to take care of yourself. That you don’t have to disappear to be a good mum.”

Motherhood and the myth of balance

For Tammin, life is a constant juggle between work, parenting and travel.

“Honestly, sometimes I don’t know if I am managing it! It’s a lot of logistics – different time zones, school systems – but we’re making it work. The girls have grown up knowing life happens in two places, and that’s been amazing for them culturally.”

She’s quick to debunk the myth of having it all figured out.

“I always say you can have it all, just not at the same time. Some days you’re nailing career stuff, other days you’re hiding in a pantry eating chocolate chips while the kids scream. That’s just real life.”

Respect and teamwork in parenting

Tammin and her husband have one major parenting non-negotiable: kindness, even in chaos.

“We don’t undermine each other in front of the kids. If one of us says no, the other doesn’t swoop in as the fun one. Even though sometimes I want to be the fun one! Ha.”

What self-care really looks like

Forget fancy spa days, Tammin says her self-care is often simple.

“It’s sitting alone in silence for five minutes. Watching TV without noise. A bath, a book. And yes, sometimes it’s big things, like travel or creative projects that light me up. But mostly, it’s small acts that remind me I’m a person too.”

Sharing real life, with boundaries

With 1.3 million Instagram followers, Tammin knows the value of being open, but she draws a clear line when it comes to family.

“If sharing a messy moment helps someone feel less alone, I’ll do it. But my kids’ emotional privacy comes first. People see maybe 5% of my life online, the rest belongs to us.”

Tammin’s long-haul travel survival guide

Having clocked countless flights between the US and Australia with kids in tow, Tammin shares her go-to tips for travelling with little ones:

  • Snacks. So many snacks.
  • A new toy or activity they’ve never seen before.
  • A change of clothes for everyone, learned that the hard way!
  • Forget screen time rules – it’s survival mode.
  • Always choose a night flight if you can.
  • And remember: the flight will end. Even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Tammin with her daughters, Phoenix, 11 and Lennon, 6; Barbie Play-Doh Ruffles and Bows set, from $29 at Target. (Image: Supplied)

Play-Doh x Barbie

Recently, Tammin hosted a Play-Doh x Barbie high tea in Sydney and says the new Fashion Play Sets align perfectly with how she encourages creativity at home.

“In our house, creativity is non-negotiable. There’s no wrong way to create, whether it’s Play-Doh dresses or glitter explosions on paper. I want my girls to feel free to express themselves.”

Tammin’s daughters, Phoenix, 11 and Lennon, six already have big personalities, and bold fashion to match.

“Phoenix is sporty and practical but loves a statement piece. Lennon’s a tiny rockstar – animal prints, sunglasses indoors, very opinionated about accessories!”

As for Tammin, her own style is comfort-first with the occasional red carpet glam.

“Day-to-day I’m in jeans, a white tee and trainers. But I do love going bold when I dress up, it’s evolving, but I just want to feel good without trying too hard.”



Source link

Continue Reading

Solo Travellers

6 Affordable Hotels in Thailand to Fulfill Your “White Lotus” Dreams on a Budget

Published

on


The first luxury hotels in Thailand opened over a century ago, but the nicest affordable hotels in Thailand promise an equally memorable visit without the hefty price tag. Alongside sprawling Four Seasons, Mandarin Orientals, and Ritz Carltons are beautiful, credit card–pleasing boutique hotels and independent resorts that, if you book the right room at the right time of year, will let you revel in luxurious facilities without spending a fortune. Whether you’re traveling around the country, in need of somewhere to stay to complement your two-week itinerary, or sticking to one of the best islands in Thailand, finding the right hotel can really enhance the experience. From where to stay on infamous islands like Phuket and Koh Samui (home to the uber-luxe White Lotus properties) to lesser-known hotspots like Koh Yao Noi, here are a handful of the best affordable hotels in Thailand.

How we choose the best affordable hotels in Thailand

Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.



Source link

Continue Reading

Solo Travellers

Travelling to Japan this summer? Beat the heat with these cooling dishes

Published

on



Once caught, the noodles are dipped in tsuyu (a chilled, umami-rich sauce made from soy, mirin and dashi) then slurped down between bites of tempura or cool slices of cucumber. “It’s the perfect dish for summer when the heat dulls your appetite,” says Ishi Take, director at Chihonoie. “Nagashi somen is light, refreshing and easy to eat – even when [it’s so hot outside that] nothing else sounds appealing.”

He adds, “We get all kinds of visitors here – parents with kids, couples, even travellers from overseas. Everyone gathers around the bamboo flumes, laughing and trying to catch the noodles. It’s not just a meal; it’s a shared summer memory.”



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 AISTORIZ. For enquiries email at prompt@travelstoriz.com