My First Family-Free Trip | Do’s, Don’ts, and Lessons Learned

Let’s be real, who doesn’t dream of ditching the family and jetting off with their besties? Well, that dream became reality for me and my nine closest goofballs on a spur-of-the-moment trip to North Bengal, India. Buckle up, because this adventure was wilder than a runaway yak!

View of kanchenjunga from Kalimpong viewpoint, author’s photo

Breaking Free with All Freedom

Our plan unfolded like a Bollywood comedy. Last-minute ticket scramble? Check. Meetings and plannings over phone? Double check. Laughter erupting louder than the train whistle? triple check. We were wide-eyed and sleep-deprived, fuelled by the thrill of freedom and the promise of mountains in the distance. Two friends obsessed with seeing the Farakka Barrage at dawn? Yeah, darkness played a hilarious trick on them, leaving them grumbling but adding to our shared laughter bank.

Kalimpong welcomed us with jaw-dropping Kanchenjunga views that left even the sleepiest souls speechless. Bonfires, hearty food, and zero sleep — the best kind of start, right? We did miss our sunrise trek (sorry, mountains!), but hey, nature walks in Lava and animal spotting in Buxa Tiger Reserve more than made up for it. Imagine the adrenaline rush of catching a glimpse of a majestic tiger! Our jeep safari was like a real-life National Geographic documentary, without being silent.

Our final night was a blur of karaoke (questionable singing included), heartfelt confessions, and enough laughter to fuel a small village. Jaldapara National Park, with its serene wilderness, became our goodbye ceremony. As we boarded the train back, a bittersweet feeling settled in. This trip wasn’t just about ticking off places; it was about forging memories that would forever bind us.

Do’s:

1. Challenge yourself: Step outside your comfort zone. Try a new activity, learn a few basic phrases in the local language, or push yourself physically with a hike or adventure sport.
2. Connect with fellow travellers: Hostels are havens for adventurers. Share stories, swap travel tips, and maybe even forge lifelong friendships over hostel breakfasts.
3. Learn about the place: It is essential to read about the places you are going to visit about the people, culture, that way your spontaneous exploration could be more enriching.
4. Carry medicines: It is necessary to collect required medicines for your trip & do health checkup if the trip require heavy tasks.

Don’t:

1. Skimp on safety: Research your destination thoroughly, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your gut instinct. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed.
2. Neglect self-care: Travelling with friends can be energitic but it is exhausting as well. Schedule solo time to recharge, sleep is one of the most important ingredients of it don’t neglect it.
3. Overpacking: Carrying essentials is more than okay for trips. Opt for versatile clothing and prioritize experiences over souvenirs. Trust me, your back will thank you.
4. Embracing your individuality: While expressing yourself is awesome, respect is paramount. Learn about the norms and dress codes of the places you visit. Be mindful of noise levels and sacred spaces. Remember, you’re a guest, and responsible behaviour enhances everyone’s experience, yours included!

My Own Rookie Mistakes:

It includes less knowledge about the place, detour through a bustling market, not enough sleep to get support from body, carrying unnecessary garments, not thinking about safety, sometime without knowing disturbing people, The list is long enough. But it is also a part of rookie mistakes.

Remember, embracing imperfection is key. There will be hiccups, missed adventure, and moments of panic. But it’s these experiences that shape you, teach you resilience, and ultimately, make the journey all the more rewarding.

So, are you ready to take the plunge? Pack your bags, ditch the fear, and get ready to write your own first adventure story with your buddy. Remember, the world is waiting, and the only limit is your imagination!