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.
