Go Solo, Learn To Be Yourself: Premlata's Guide To Adventure And Culture

The retirement age is typically 60 to 62, however, some people never want to retire. Premlata, 68, introduces herself as a person who ‘never retired’. She explains it is not retirement, just switching activities. She feels passionate about travelling, which is the reason she has been in the travel business for a long before switching to other activities. Her passion for travel traces back to her childhood when she accompanied her father on yearly exhilarating road trips. This early exposure to the joys of exploring new places laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.

She remembers, “We went on road trips every year. Then, as luck would have it, I entered the travel trade, which took me to several destinations and provided adventurous experiences. I'm very passionate about travelling because, to me, experiences are what truly matters.”

The Gift: A Journey To Japan

She fondly recalls the gift from her son, a journey to Japan, on her 60th birthday. It turned out to be her most memorable trip. The mesmerizing sight scenes, enchanting cherry blossoms, and the warmth and humility displayed by the Japanese people left a lasting impression on her: "From the moment we landed at Tokyo airport, we were greeted with remarkable humility and patience. I recall an incident where I approached a lady official with some inquiries. Upon realising she had provided incorrect information, she went to great lengths to find me, even locating us on a moving train. Her sincere apologies, expressed through numerous bows, exemplified the honesty, humility, and patience ingrained in Japanese culture. This was just one of many instances that showcased the admirable qualities of the Japanese people." 

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Travel Is Not Merely A Journey But A Transformative Experience:

In today's fast-paced world, travel is not merely a journey from one place to another; it's a transformative experience, a classroom without walls where we learn about cultures, histories, and, most importantly, ourselves.

As Premlata reflects on her journeys and how they have broadened her horizons, she shares, "Travel teaches us to adapt to the local culture, environment, and food. In Japan, no garbage bins can be found on the roads because of labour shortage. We saw posters everywhere that said, ‘Please carry your garbage back home’. The roads were spick and span; not a single piece of paper could be found anywhere. If they can do this, and we can do it in a foreign land, why not do it in our own country?” she says.

It is not just the cleanliness habits that surprised her, but also the other customs and etiquette. It is true that you cannot expand your horizons until you venture beyond the familiar. 

Premlata also noticed the phone etiquette in Japan, where people prefer messaging rather than speaking loudly on the phone during public commutes, an etiquette she found lacking back home. Her deep connection with the Japanese people and their culture is a testament to the universal values that bind us all despite geographical differences. "Most Asian countries have the same values and principles, but somehow, in India, a lot of Western influence has taken over," she shares, reflecting on her experience in Japan.

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Go Solo, Know Yourself, And Learn To Be Yourself:

To other women thinking of going on solo travel adventures, she shares, "Travel opens up your mind, frees us from inhibitions we may have unknowingly imbibed. I have had a wonderful solo travel experience in February 2023. When I had an extra day at the last minute, I visited a village called Moyang in Assam. A friend insisted I visit the village because of its high spiritual energy, but when I checked on the internet, I found it was known as the "Black Magic” capital of India. Although initially reluctant, I went ahead and visited the place, and I am so thankful that I did. It was an amazing experience, and I wish I had another two days to learn more about the place and meet some more people.”

On a concluding note, she shares, "Woman, go solo, go adventurous, know yourself, teach, learn, imbibe, learn to be yourself. Remaining cocooned, we tend to have pent-up emotions. Travel helps us release emotions; travel helps us be our own selves! Solo travel helps us connect with our inner self; we realize the value of aloneness. It helps in problem-solving, decision-making, and adapting to unfamiliar circumstances, people, and situations. It’s a journey of self-discovery while being exposed to new cultures."

The article is contributed by the GetSetUp team.