Around the World with Aastha, a Young Female Solo Traveler

By Ruchi Sharma

Have you watched the film Queen? The female protagonist going on her own honeymoon ALONE surely sent some minds into a frenzy. But surely going on a solo trip is a big boost to your confidence and something we all have in our bucket lists! Gone are the days when a lady travelling solo was something people frowned upon. It's our time to shine and explore the world safely and doing just that is our young lady, Aastha, a female solo traveller who has visited 29 countries and a whooping 280 cities, and is still counting.

Aastha’s love for travel surely translates into showcasing her zeal for adventure and of course independence. She has been successful in inspiring fellow lady travellers to go live their ‘ME Time’ travelling solo to their favourite destinations. What’s more? Her instagram profile @aasthaagangwar, tells us she is a paragliding pilot too!

Wow! We know you really want to know a lot more about Aastha and get inspired! So, we won’t make you wait any longer and let’s scroll down to read the amazing SpeSHEalist Talk we had with her!

1. Hey Aastha, tell us something about yourself. 

Happy-go-lucky human who aims to make this world a better place while creating awareness around climate crisis, volunteering to teach yoga, meditation for free, joining clean himalaya mission, saving soil and every little thing that makes a difference.

2. How has been your journey from your college days to till date? Was becoming a travel influencer something you always wanted to do?

Lots of fun, adventure, learning, unlearning, making new friends, meeting old people again and a lot in between actually adulting and facing the reality of life. No, I had no idea if I'd ever become a travel influencer being from a super protected Indian family. I never imagined myself even travelling solo.

3. Wow! You have gained so much experience right from owning your own venture to working at so many different places, which is the one that is most close to your heart?

Amongst everything I did closest to my heart is taking that first step towards actually going for a successful solo trip after so many failed attempts and never looking back since then.

4. You have been really brave in fighting anxiety and we believe speaking openly about it is the first step towards telling everyone it’s completely normal. What are your thoughts on it?

Yes, of course it starts with accepting that's first step towards growth, i tell all my friends that dealing with any sort of mental health condition is as normal and alright as physical pain or bruise, just like we do first aid, apply medicine or see a doctor we should be treating something inside our head with similar approach it is as normal as going to doctor for physical injury and taking of your physical wound. 

5. Do you have any suggestions for people with anxiety issues on how they can overcome it by doing simple things like meditation, yoga etc.?

Yes, different things work for different people, for me meditation worked wonders and yoga helped me practise mindfulness which changed my life for good.

6. Overcoming anxiety or depression and leading a normal happy life is definitely possible, what are your thoughts on it?

Of course, isn’t fracture heals back, it certainly takes time but it does with proper care and taking the right steps towards it. Practice self love, take stand for yourself and lead a happy life. 

7. Would you like to share with us any incident or person you can think of that led to your decision of switching to becoming a travel influencer?

When i saw my people around me willing to travel solo and asked to help them plan it as they are influenced seeing what i’m doing as it has brought huge change in me, made me realise if i start sharing it publically maybe it can influence more lives and give more power to more women out there. 

8. You must have met so many people when you travel all over, did it bring about any difference in your life?

You’ll not believe that introverted shy student in class who would always stay away from people, my teachers would complain to my parents that they never heard my voice, to this human who can literally talk to anyone today is a huge change.

9. Which city or country is your most favourite? Any country that’s on your bucket list?

Although there are more than one, if i have to pick one it will always be London as college memories are always special. 

Yes, Turkey has been on my list for a really long time now. 

10. You have set the amazing norm that women can definitely travel solo. Do you have some tips for our women out there who want to go on their own solo travel?

Go for it you can start with joining a travel group initially or travel to a known place to make it easier, do your travel, accommodation before, opt for an hostel to catch up with other solo travellers.

11. There is still hesitation which women feel especially regarding their safety while travelling solo, do you have some message for them?

Your instinct tells you most of the things, in any situation listen to your gut feeling, be calm and patient, even if you’re anxious don’t show it to anyone your confidence is going to protect you from any evils. Try to go out in groups instead of going alone with complete strangers, make sure not to booze or toxicate yourself while travelling solo, try to be back at your accommodation before it's too dark.

12. One thing that you absolutely love about being an influencer?

When I get to hear someone saying they get to do something they were initially scared to do after getting inspired by my content is the most satisfying feeling.

13. Our India has such a naturally beautiful heritage which we all should definitely see, are you associated with any state tourisms too?

Yes, I have worked with the Ministry of tourism, Gujarat tourism, UP tourism, Rajasthan Tourism, Himachal Tourism and few other travel organisations to showcase our beautiful and diverse india. Believe me, there’s no country like India. The more I travel, the more I fall in love with my country.

14. Any unique incident you want to share with the audience from your travel diaries?

There are so many but I love when a stranger pours you with so much love, especially when you travel in remote places of India nothing else will make you feel so loved than the warmth and hospitality you’d showered with people in these remote locations. I have snippets of such beautiful experiences crafted in my heart and I look back to them when i feel low.

15. Where do you envision yourself in a few years from now? Any amazing future prospects in the pipeline?

Much happier, calmer, peaceful being with more travel journeys added to my life. Yes there are few projects in the pipeline. 

16. What is that one mantra or quote you live by?

Don't think too much, you got one life, live it bro!

Now that has surely left us super inspired! So ladies plan your long pending solo travel trip today and don’t forget to share your amazing experience and pics with us!

Meanwhile you can follow Aastha on her Instagram page @aasthaagangwar and her beautiful pics of travels around the world will surely inspire you all the more.