As I write this story, I feel nostalgic and smile, looking back. This experience when I must be 21 or something, beautifully reshaped my idea of travelling and let out things about me I didn’t know.
People often ask me what I do when I travel alone, what drives me to go by myself, etc. Here’s a glimpse into one of the experiences that shaped my love for solo travel.
Among my many experiences, a random volunteering stint at goStops in 2014 greatly ignited my passion for solo adventures.
goStops provides backpackers, or youth travellers hostel stay accommodation in India. When I volunteered, youth hostels were just starting. They opened their first chain in Banaras in 2014; it was called ‘Stops’ then.
Back in 2014, I came across a Facebook post inviting volunteers to goStops Varanasi. Thanks to social media, I discovered this place. goStops seemed different from other places I had hung out; it had an artsy vibe.
I knew very little about backpacking hostels back then. I was in my third year of college.
As someone who loves art, I was instantly drawn to the place. I had never seen a place like this in Varanasi before, and that alone was enough to make me want to explore it.
That’s where I met Pallavi, one of the co-founders of goStops. Watching Pallavi work tirelessly to build goStops as a young woman inspired me with her passion, values, and commitment.
Pallavi and I had a brief chat about how I could contribute, and I expressed my utmost enthusiasm for painting.
I remember she was surprised to hear that I wanted to volunteer without any expectation of compensation.
As you know, volunteering or working at a youth hostel usually involves contributing your time and skills in exchange for free or discounted accommodation, meals, and sometimes other perks like local experiences or activities.
I was a local, so this did not apply to me. All I cared for was that I would get to paint. I was pursuing law, and my heart was longing for creative experiences.
We were both happy to move forward.
Love What You Do, Do What You Love
I lived my ‘love what you do, do what you love’ phase by painting and ideating interior posters.
I gave life to some ideas, like painting a tree on the wall and designing quirky posters for the washrooms.
While I came to goStops for my love of painting, I met interesting people from all over who introduced me to a different kind of travel — one that was more about experiences than simply being a tourist.
One of my co-volunteers was an 18-year-old from Australia with Chinese ancestry. He shared stories about his culture and practices, and I realized how much I enjoyed learning about different traditions and ways of life.
Driven by my desire to relive these moments, I volunteered again in 2015, this time in Delhi. On this occasion, I also received free accommodation and breakfast in the morning.
This experience led to beautiful connections, and I’m still in touch with a few connections I made.
One of them, in particular, has become a dear friend; I feel truly grateful.
Final Thoughts:
Looking back, I realize that volunteer experience at goStops was more than just a random adventure.
Along with painting, this experience also sparked my curiosity to explore new places, nurture creativity, and seek genuine connections.
As I continue to wander around, I believe that there is always more to learn about places and people. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
Over time, I find myself engaging with locals to learn more about the local economy, livelihood, politics, mythology, philosophy, and so on. My curious mind sometimes knows no limit.
I have learnt that travel doesn’t have to be about ticking places off a list or following a set itinerary. It’s also about the people I meet, the stories I hear, and the unexpected moments I experience.
So here’s to many more adventures, unexpected connections, and moments that make me smile when I look back :).
