13 Days of Freedom Beyond Boundaries: Arijit Parlikar’s London Trip Review with Thrillophilia
This is the story of Arijit Parlikar, a 65 year old who recently went on a solo adventure that would inspire anyone at any age.
Yes! For 13 days, he traveled across the UK and Ireland, visiting iconic cities like London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, and more. But this trip was much more than just sightseeing visits- it was about Arijit finding his freedom, joy, and a fresh perspective on life.
When Arijit first reached out to us, he had one goal: to explore new places on his own terms. He wasn’t looking for a typical tour or a busy itinerary. He wanted time to think, to wander, and to rediscover a part of himself that had been buried under years of work and routine.
“It’s never too late to start something new”
Arijit’s first words to us made an immediate impression. A man who had spent his life in a fast-paced world was ready to hit pause and explore at his own pace.
Hence, we designed a 13-day solo tour just for him which would let him take in the beauty of the English countryside and also have a glimpse of its rich history. All the cities included in his trip itinerary were stunning, but… the real story is how Arijit connected with these places; and perhaps with himself!
A New Kind of Freedom
Setting off from London, Arijit was finding it hard to hold on to his excitement. "I’ve always traveled with family or friends," he said, "and now there I was, traveling alone across countries. I wasn't sure how it would feel, but I knew I had to do it."
What Arijit didn’t expect was how much traveling solo would suit him. "I felt like I had no restrictions, no plans that needed approval," he shared. The freedom to decide what to explore and when to rest in fact became the most special part of his journey.
He would stroll through the narrow streets of Cambridge, sit quietly along the River Cam, and feel the gentle breeze carry the whispers of centuries-old stories.
In York, he gazed at the Gothic grandeur of York Minster, the towering cathedral that has stood through time, much like Arijit himself. The quiet moments in historical cities like Durham and Inverness gave him time to look back at his own journey of life. "Those places felt timeless," he said, "and somehow, in their calmness, I found the time I needed for myself."
History and Poetry on the Road
One of the highlights of Arijit’s journey was visiting Edinburgh, where he could immerse himself in Scottish history.
Walking along the Royal Mile, with its cobbled streets and ancient buildings, Arijit couldn’t help but feel a connection to the past. Suddenly the words of Scottish poet Robert Burns, echoed in his mind:
"The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley."
These lines, taken from Burns’ poem "To a Mouse," reminded Arijit of life’s unpredictability and how travel- especially solo travel- can help you embrace that uncertainty with open arms.
From Edinburgh, Arijit made his way through the Scottish Highlands, stopping at Loch Ness. He laughed as he recalled how the legends of the Loch Ness Monster intrigued him. "At this age, I didn't expect to be looking out over the water, half hoping to spot Nessie," he chuckled. "It’s amazing how travel can make you feel like a child again, full of curiosity and wonder."
The Comforts of Solitude
As Arijit crossed into Ireland, stopping first in Belfast and then Dublin, he discovered a new rhythm to his days. Without the need to follow anyone else’s itinerary, he found himself lingering in places that felt special, to his utter surprise. At Powerscourt, he spent hours walking through the gardens, and in Kilkenny, he took the time to sit in a café and chat with locals.
"The beauty of solo travel," he said, "is that you are never really alone. I met so many kind people along the way. They were curious about my story, and I, in turn, was eager to hear theirs."
At the Cliffs of Moher, Arijit was completely blown away by the raw beauty of nature. "It was humbling," he recalled. "The cliffs stretched out for miles, with the Atlantic crashing below. At that moment, I felt so small, the world was vast and full of possibilities, even for someone my age."
A New Perspective
As he wandered through places like Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown, and Oxford, he thought about the years he had spent working.
"It was a good life," he said, "but this trip reminded me that there’s always more to see, more to experience." His time in Belfast and Glasgow gave him a chance to appreciate the differences in culture and history, and the simple joy of being present.
As Arijit’s 13-day journey came to an end, he found himself changed. "I went on this trip to see new places, but I ended up learning so much about myself," he said. "It’s funny how traveling alone gives you the space to grow in ways you didn’t expect."
After he returned to India, he shared his feedback to express his heartfelt gratitude. We then asked Arijit to offer a piece of advice for anyone thinking about traveling solo later in life? "Do it," he said with a smile. "Age doesn’t matter. What matters is your mindset. Take the leap, go where you want to go, and see what happens."
For us, helping Arijit plan his solo journey was a privilege. His story is a reminder that travel is not just about the places we visit- it’s about the personal journeys we take along the way.
Whether you’re 25 or 65, the world is always there, waiting to be explored.
And as Arijit would say, "Don’t wait. Just go."
Read More: Thrillophilia London Reviews