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Do you remember the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty? A reclusive office worker escapes his grey routine to chase an elusive photograph for his work purpose and finds colour, courage, and life itself.
Also, in Eat Pray Love, Julia Roberts introduces a woman shattered by heartbreak who travels alone across three continents, slowly reclaiming joy, spirituality, and self-worth.
These journeys, though cinematic, mirror a deep human urge to break away, to seek solitude, and to emerge transformed. This same quiet revolution is unfolding through young women.
Solo travel by women is quietly but dramatically altering old myths in this subcontinent and South Asia. A decade ago, a lady travelling alone without family or friends was considered irresponsible or self-indulgent. Thanks to social media, better transportation, tourism, and independence, women are challenging these prejudices from Teknaf to Tetulia.
This change is remarkable and inspirational in Bangladesh. Young women are leaving cities for the calm that comes from being alone.
Men are also taking solo journeys, but women find them liberating. It defies societal conventions, disrupts gendered expectations, and, most significantly, proclaims women's freedom.
Mashrefa Tarannum, a graduate of the University of Dhaka, is one of many women reclaiming this genre of travel. "Solo travelling makes me excited for the experience. It is also a way to meet new people and explore new cultures, all with full agency," she says.
"I've visited Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Narshingdi, Gazipur, Teknaf, and Kurigram in Bangladesh. I still remember my trip to Bandarban - I met two fellow travellers who shared my love for exploration. We became friends, and we still keep in touch."
Now, after pursuing her studies in Kyoto, Japan, Mashrefa reflects on how those early solo journeys continue to support her.
"I don't have any familiar faces here, no friends or family. But my past experiences have taught me how to embrace the unknown. I'm learning to navigate this new place and new people on my terms," she adds.
But the road to independence isn't without hurdles. Concerns over safety, judgmental stares, and outdated beliefs about morality weigh heavily. Many still believe travel should only happen with a group, and solo travellers especially women - are viewed as self-centred or even suspicious.
Rfiat Tamanna Mim, a graduate of Khulna University, cycles alone across regions and travels solo. She shares, "Cycling solo has been one of the most empowering choices I've ever made. It's not just a trip; it's endurance, independence, and a deep connection with the road and the environment. Being a woman on a cycle, alone, often draws attention, curiosity, and sometimes concern, but it also opens doors to conversations and kindness I wouldn't experience otherwise."
Mim also says, "Solo travel has given me complete confidence in myself. I make the decisions, I deal with the mistakes, and I grow from them."
Both Mashrefa and Mim agree that preparation is essential for travellers.
Before any journey, they meticulously research their route, transportation options, and places to stay, prioritizing accommodations with verified reviews.
They suggest avoiding late-night commutes, especially in rural or conservative regions, and always trusting their instincts if a place doesn't feel right.
Mim states that staying connected is also essential; she keeps friends or family informed of her location and travel plans. Going on a solo trip isn't only about seeing the world; it's also about getting to know oneself better.
Being alone may be a peaceful restorative experience in this fast-paced, digitally overrun society. Charlie, a Malayalam film, brilliantly portrays this spirit as its protagonist, Tessa, embarks on a path of self-discovery through human connection and emotional liberation as she follows the path of a mysterious wanderer.
Solo travel is becoming more popular with Asian and Bangladeshi women like Tessa, who are seeking personal growth, healing, and connection by challenging conventional norms.
Obstacles do exist, of course. Feeling unsafe, subjected to judgemental looks, and held to outmoded moral principles are significant concerns.
As a precaution for solo trips, one should always carry a valid form of identification, such as a National ID card or student ID. It's also wise to keep a self-defence tool like pepper spray within reach and, ideally, have some basic self-defence skills - even a few practised moves can make a difference.
Digital tools such as Google Maps and a stable internet connection can be lifesavers, helping people navigate unfamiliar places with ease. Alongside your phone, carrying a small notebook can be surprisingly helpful for jotting down important details like local emergency contacts or transport routes.
A well-packed backpack with sturdy shoes, weather protection, water, essential medicines, sanitary pads, and a power bank not only ensures safety and comfort but also empowers solo traveller to navigate their journey with confidence and ease.
Solo travel isn't just about crossing borders; it begins right where we are. A quiet walk along the riverbank, a visit to a heritage site, or wandering into an unfamiliar alley can awaken the spirit of exploration.
It's about courage, self-trust, and the joy of embracing the world alone. For both men and women, it nurtures independence, strengthens decision-making, and deepens self-love.
For women who dream of studying or working abroad, solo travel is a powerful rehearsal. It builds resilience, adaptability, and confidence in navigating the unknown. Meeting diverse people and experiencing new cultures expands perspectives and breaks societal barriers.
No amount of classroom instruction can match the perks of experiencing the unknown alone, including the development of resilience, sharpening of intuition, and bravery.
Such journeys frequently begin with wonder and culminate in significant metamorphosis, as shown in The Motorcycle Diaries with Che Guevara's quest for purpose and in Wild with Cheryl Strayed's journey for healing and personal growth.
Instead of escaping life, women in Bangladesh are redefining expectations by cycling across towns, traversing uncharted hills, or even just contemplating by the river.
Every solitary trek powerfully conveys the message that women are unstoppable. Maybe in a future when our society is more progressive and welcoming, people won't ask, "Why is she alone?" but rather, "What has she discovered, and where is she going next?"
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