How I Quit My Job and Traveled Across South Asia: A Journey of Discovery, Planning & Serendipity
Introduction: The Day I Chose the Road
It was a rainy Monday morning in Bangalore. My inbox was flooded, my coffee had gone cold, and I stared blankly at a presentation I no longer cared about. That was the moment I realized: I needed more than this cubicle life. I needed to feel the world.
Within three months, I had quit my job, sold most of my belongings, packed a 45-liter backpack, and booked a one-way ticket to Kathmandu. What followed was a transformative travel journey across South Asia—not a vacation, but a lifestyle reboot.
Here’s my real story, with practical travel planning tips, budget strategies, and destination inspiration that can help you plan your own adventure—whether it’s for a week or a year.
Chapter 1: Planning the Leap – How I Prepared for Long-Term Travel
Many assume travel is spontaneous, but good travel begins with great planning. Here’s how I made it happen:
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Budgeting: I saved for 8 months and created a flexible budget of ₹5,000/day (approx. $60) including stay, food, and transport. Apps like Trail Wallet helped track expenses.
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Itinerary: Instead of strict schedules, I picked a region-based route: Nepal → Bhutan → Northeast India → Bangladesh → Sri Lanka.
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Remote Work Setup: As a content writer, I started freelancing through Upwork and Fiverr, making $1,000–$1,200/month. This supported my travels.
Chapter 2: The Mountains That Healed Me – Life in Nepal
First Stop: Pokhara, Nepal.
I rented a lakeside cabin for ₹800/day and hiked every day with locals. On the fifth day, I met Tsering, a retired trekking guide who shared stories of the Annapurna Circuit. He became my guide, and his home became mine for two weeks.
“I came to Nepal for views, but I stayed for people.”
Highlights:
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Offbeat Trek: Mardi Himal (less crowded than Everest or Annapurna)
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Sustainable Stay: Eco-village in Ghandruk
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Cultural Immersion: Holi celebration with a Gurung family
Chapter 3: Bhutan – Where Gross Happiness Is Real
In Bhutan, I learned how tourism and tradition can coexist. With controlled entry and a daily fee model, Bhutan offers one of the most sustainable tourism experiences.
Here, I:
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Stayed in a monastery guesthouse in Paro
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Hiked to Tiger’s Nest with monks
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Wrote blog posts in Thimphu cafés while sipping suja (butter tea)
Chapter 4: Finding Solitude in Northeast India
If you crave undiscovered places, head to Meghalaya and Nagaland. No big tourist buses. Just raw beauty.
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Mawlynnong – the cleanest village in Asia
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Double-decker root bridge hike in Cherrapunjee
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Hornbill Festival in Kohima
I stayed with local families and used public transport. My whole week in Meghalaya cost under ₹4,000.
Travel Budget Tip: Use IRCTC and state-run buses. Book hostels via Hosteller or Zostel for under ₹500/night.
Chapter 5: Bangladesh – The Underrated Gem
Very few travelers include Bangladesh in their plans. But it was my most surprising discovery.
From the bustling chaos of Dhaka to the serene tea estates of Sylhet and the mangroves of Sundarbans, Bangladesh offered untouched beauty.
Locals were thrilled to meet a solo traveler and often hosted me for free. That’s the magic of venturing where few go.
Chapter 6: Sri Lanka – A Budget Island Paradise
I ended my journey with two months in Sri Lanka. Surf towns, hill stations, spiritual spots—all within reach on a shoestring budget.
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Learned to surf in Weligama
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Took the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella (a must!)
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Lived in a meditation retreat in Dambulla for 10 days
I wrote travel articles and even helped a local hostel revamp its website in exchange for free stay and meals.
Final Thoughts: What Travel Taught Me
This wasn’t just a trip. It was a journey that taught me:
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Minimalism – How little you need to feel full
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Patience – When buses break down or plans fail
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Joy – In chai stalls, bus rides, and shared smiles
And above all, I learned that travel is not a luxury. It’s a form of learning.
Actionable Tips for Planning Your Own Travel Story
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✅ Start with nearby destinations if you’re new to solo travel
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✅ Choose 3–4 anchor destinations and let the rest flow
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✅ Use tools like Rome2Rio, Google Maps offline, Couchsurfing, Workaway
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✅ Always have travel insurance
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✅ Keep both cash and digital payment options
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✅ Respect local cultures and travel sustainably
Conclusion: Start Writing Your Own Story
If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or just curious—the world is waiting for you. You don’t need to quit your job or travel for a year like I did. A weekend trip or a digital nomad setup can be just as fulfilling.
The point is: start somewhere.
One story leads to another. Just like mine did.
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