Many people think travelling on your own is not a great idea, but it can be an amazing experience as you are your own boss and you need not worry about anyone else. That’s what Rashmi Priya Behera, who just wants to experience the beautiful earth by travelling, says.
“Since childhood, I have always wanted to wander and see new places, have new experiences. Since 2010, I have been exploring new places and enjoying life with the locals,” says Rashmi.
Rashmi was born in Sunabeda, Odisha. Her mother worked as a teacher for 37 years and her father was with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, in the southern part of Odisha. Rashmi went to the Vyomayana Samstha Vidyalaya School in HAL township and after completing Class XII, she moved to Bhubaneswar to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the CV Raman College of Engineering.
“While working as a developer in an IT firm, I developed a passion for travel. Believe me, it’s not easy to manage work, travel, and fitness but if you have the will to do it, you can. At present, I am working as a senior developer and I take part in marathons, travel, go trekking and gymming. I also love to write and read novels,” says Rashmi.
The main reason she travels solo is that it boosts her self-confidence. By travelling on your own, she says, one can convey the message that girls in India are safe and there are warm-hearted people everywhere.
Interacting with Orissa POST, Rashmi recounted a few memorable trips she has undertaken:
“One of the best trips I have undertaken was the one to Makaibari Tea Estates, where I lived along with the local tea pluckers and listened to their stories. I met other travellers from China who had a lot of knowledge about tea. I lived there as one among the locals, enjoying every moment,be it wandering in the tea gardens or climbing to a hilltop or listening to the whistling toy train from a distance,” Rashmi reminisces.
She adds, “With good things, sometimes we do experience some negative moments. While in Switzerland, I lost my way at the airport while looking for my flight and mistakenly took the exit. Time was running out, I had to complete all the formalities to catch my flight. I had to go through security check and all the other queues again. It gave me several anxiety-filled moments, but I managed to get on the flight back to India in time, as everyone was helpful there. This was a work-related trip but my first trip to a foreign land on my own. Not alone, but solo.”
When asked about the places to visit on her bucket list, she replies, “Frankly speaking, I don’t want to make travel a list. It’s my passion and I just want to pursue it. I want to explore more and more. I want to trek on mountains, see the sunset view in the desert, experience the diversity of life in our country. I would also like to view the Northern lights in Norway someday. I just dream of experiencing this beautiful earth by travelling.”
We asked Rashmi about the dos and don’ts of solo travelling. Her tips:
Dos:
- Follow the common local etiquette
- Enquire with the hotel about safe timings to be out of the hotel
- Dressing etiquette must be in line with local guidelines
- Enquire with the hotel about safe routes before going on any trail or trek
- Do proper research on the safety of the area where you decide to stay
- Be physically and mentally strong
- Walk with confidence and show no trace of unfamiliarity regarding a place
- Being alert is the main mantra.
Don’ts:
- Do not wear expensive jewellery or keep it in your luggage.
- Travel light and pack your bags wisely
- Do not discuss travel plans, travel dates and timings with strangers
- Do not discuss money, plans, timings or any important details in public areas.
- Always avoid dark streets
- Avoid arguments with locals
- Don’t flash cash or cards in public
- Don’t be over-friendly with strangers
SHABIHA NUR KHATOON, OP