You've probably heard people say, “I had a lot of fun when I was single, but now that I'm married and have kids, things have changed.”
For many people, as a relationship deepens or a family grows, selfcare quietly takes a back seat. Prioritizing the needs and happiness of others often becomes the default – even if it means sacrificing something that once brought you great joy. Traveling alone is often one of the first to suffer.
Society doesn't make it any easier. As soon as you mention traveling alone after marriage or kids, people raise eyebrows and start making unwanted comments. “How can you enjoy alone?” or “Won’t you feel guilty leaving your kids behind?” These are just some of the criticisms that people endure.
stop for a moment and think
Are you holding yourself back because of society's expectations or fear of how your family will cope without you? If so, then it is time that you need to make some changes.
suppress your passion
Especially something as satisfying as traveling alone – doesn't do any good. Ignoring what you love only affects your mental health and in the long run, it can affect your relationships too.
Why is it important to travel alone?
In an Indian home when a girl suddenly asks her parents – Can I go to Goa with my college friends? Or suppose she asks – I am going on a solo trip to Himachal Pradesh. Can you lend me some money? The cliché answer to this would be – go where you want after marriage, not before!
And then, a few years later, when the girl finally gets married – she has a socalled “permanent traveling companion” for life. So, when is it time for him to travel the world alone? More than men, women often have to give up their aspirations and hobbies. However, no matter your relationship status, gender, or profession, everyone should travel alone, and experts highly recommend it.
In this case, counseling psychologists say that traveling alone gives people a chance to explore their likes, dislikes, goals and approach to life. It creates a sense of autonomy and independence which is important for personal development. In the Indian context, where social norms often emphasize the collective 'we' system, marriage or relationships are often associated with a sense of responsibility. Therefore, traveling alone becomes a form of selfcare, helping you nurture your individuality while still being there for someone else's companionship.
Traveling alone in relationships helps maintain selfesteem, which is often important for healthy dynamics. Healthy relationships are based on a concept called differentiation, which simply means that you celebrate being individuals while coming together as a couple. Traveling alone allows people to experience and understand their personality better.
promote mental health
Solo travel can do wonders for mental health. It breaks the monotony, reduces stress and promotes fresh perspectives. How Indian women, especially, can feel empowered and take control of their lives by traveling alone. It is about independence and selfreliance, giving women a sense of empowerment.
strengthening trust and distance
Traveling alone doesn't have to mean distancing yourself from your partner; It strengthens faith. Traveling alone challenges partners to respect each other's need for autonomy while creating security in the relationship. This increases “me time,” which promotes healthy emotional space. This mutual understanding of personal limitations makes the partnership stronger. However, not all partners are comfortable with the idea of traveling alone.
Having kids doesn't mean you should give up traveling alone. Involve the family or hire someone to help during your absence and start with short, close visits. Traveling alone is an example of the importance of taking care of yourself for children. Parents who take time for themselves return refreshed and better prepared to handle family responsibilities.
Practical tips for striking a balance between solo and couple travels
Striking a balance between solo trips and couples vacations takes careful planning.
Plan in advance: Replace solo trips with couples vacations.
Discuss financial matters: Budget carefully for both.
Stay Connected: Share updates through photos or calls.
Communicate clearly: Set expectations about the frequency and purpose of travel.
– .
Image Credit: KhasKhabar.