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Journeys Beyond and Within...: An Indian Woman's Life-Changing Travel Adventures | A Must-Read, Self-Discovery Travel Book for 2025 | Personal Growth and Motivational Stories
Journeys Beyond and Within… invites you to an armchair adventure: one that’d fly you through immersive experiences, deep human connections, and personal growth. This is the travel memoir of a small-city girl who never dreamt of travelling the world.
At 29, Priyanka Gupta is heartbroken, jobless, and to her parents’ agony, unmarried. That she is a computer engineer from IIT Delhi, India’s best university, or earned in seven figures doesn’t matter. To begin afresh, Priyanka travels to Southeast Asia and South America. With nothing to lose, she goes solo, on a one-way ticket, her chest exploding with the question “Could I do it?” What follows is a year-long exhilarating, maddening, and transformative trip.
Priyanka returns to India hungrier for adventure. She picks up pen and paper and quits corporate life to pursue a career of passion. She also has her bag packed and feet itching to move – all the while being told to behave like a girl.
Humorous and introspective, vivid and embarrassingly honest, the book will entertain you and inspire you to travel, to rediscover home, and to leap over the boundaries. How far would you go?
*The travel essays you need to step out of that door*
At 29, Priyanka Gupta is heartbroken, jobless, and to her parents’ agony, unmarried. That she is a computer engineer from IIT Delhi, India’s best university, or earned in seven figures doesn’t matter. To begin afresh, Priyanka travels to Southeast Asia and South America. With nothing to lose, she goes solo, on a one-way ticket, her chest exploding with the question “Could I do it?” What follows is a year-long exhilarating, maddening, and transformative trip.
Priyanka returns to India hungrier for adventure. She picks up pen and paper and quits corporate life to pursue a career of passion. She also has her bag packed and feet itching to move – all the while being told to behave like a girl.
Humorous and introspective, vivid and embarrassingly honest, the book will entertain you and inspire you to travel, to rediscover home, and to leap over the boundaries. How far would you go?
*The travel essays you need to step out of that door*
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
30 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 19, 2025
What starts as a little rebellion of a young woman's solo travel snowballs into a life-altering experience, changing the perspective of the writer as well as the reader.
Being from the same country, I am well aware of the biases the book talks about. The overall theme resonates so well with me because I have seen such challenges faced by many of my close friends (whose families call themselves modern, but not enough to let a woman make her own decisions). Anyway, coming back to the book, we also discover how much we can gain by stepping out of our comfort zone!
There is an emotional honesty that reflects in every chapter as the author shares her little stories with us. Be it her childhood friend's sudden departure or her family’s pressure about marriage, you can feel the rawness in each word. I’m glad that the author did not try to ornate them with sophistication but presented them wholly in their true form.
So many stories and even more lessons—life can teach us, only if you give it a chance. There is another thing that this book reminded me of, something that I firmly believe in too: *My freedom is not yours to give, it’s mine and mine alone. I need not ask permission to live my life on my terms.* Because so often, I hear people say, *"Oh, my family is so good, they allowed me to do this."*
So if you ask me who should read it? Every person on earth. Some, so that they can believe in themselves; others, so that they don’t mess with the lives of people around them by dictating their choices. And while there are many lessons here, my favorite takeaway from this book is this: live your life on your terms.
Lastly, this book, at so many moments, felt like a dream, a fantasy, a fictional story (so many daring things she has done!), but in truth, it’s a nonfiction memoir of someone’s life—and I am so glad the author decided to share it with the world. 🌎
Being from the same country, I am well aware of the biases the book talks about. The overall theme resonates so well with me because I have seen such challenges faced by many of my close friends (whose families call themselves modern, but not enough to let a woman make her own decisions). Anyway, coming back to the book, we also discover how much we can gain by stepping out of our comfort zone!
There is an emotional honesty that reflects in every chapter as the author shares her little stories with us. Be it her childhood friend's sudden departure or her family’s pressure about marriage, you can feel the rawness in each word. I’m glad that the author did not try to ornate them with sophistication but presented them wholly in their true form.
So many stories and even more lessons—life can teach us, only if you give it a chance. There is another thing that this book reminded me of, something that I firmly believe in too: *My freedom is not yours to give, it’s mine and mine alone. I need not ask permission to live my life on my terms.* Because so often, I hear people say, *"Oh, my family is so good, they allowed me to do this."*
So if you ask me who should read it? Every person on earth. Some, so that they can believe in themselves; others, so that they don’t mess with the lives of people around them by dictating their choices. And while there are many lessons here, my favorite takeaway from this book is this: live your life on your terms.
Lastly, this book, at so many moments, felt like a dream, a fantasy, a fictional story (so many daring things she has done!), but in truth, it’s a nonfiction memoir of someone’s life—and I am so glad the author decided to share it with the world. 🌎
March 22, 2025
It’s truly a motivational story of girl from a small village in India surrounded with lots of rules/regulations of Do’s & Don’ts from family and society. Love the way she penciled every small detail of how she grew up and broke all the barriers to explore the world beyond her restricted territory. I am still reading the book and completed only 25% of it but enjoying every single word she has carved on this book after her years of struggle and self experiences she had.
It really gives lots of courage to think and do things outside the box and we shouldn’t be underestimating ourselves and killing the desires we have to do something different.
It’s a must read book and people should share their reviews so that a lot of young girls/boys can be motivated.
Thank you!
Fahim
It really gives lots of courage to think and do things outside the box and we shouldn’t be underestimating ourselves and killing the desires we have to do something different.
It’s a must read book and people should share their reviews so that a lot of young girls/boys can be motivated.
Thank you!
Fahim
June 9, 2025
A longer version of this review was first published here: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-de...
As I browsed through the pages of Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within…, I was reminded of what the great Ibn Battuta had enunciated centuries ago:
"Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."
Journeys is the story of a young girl, born and bred in a small laidback town of Uttar Pradesh, who nurses big dreams, and challenges the unwritten but set-in-stone patriarchal diktats of her milieu. Having lived in a couple of similar towns of Uttar Pradesh as an armed forces wife, the situations described here stuck a chord with me.
The book abounds in personal anecdotes about her small-town beginnings. They are neither romanticised, nor glorified, but presented with a disarming candour and raw honesty — the austere dressing imposed on her as a teenager, the neighbourly exchange of farm-grown gourds, the grazing of cattle, their humble neighbourhood with its “cacophony of bleats and honks” and so many more.
Priyanka’s effort in world-building is commendable. The graphic details about her UP home, the terrace, the changing seasons, their delectable food, the flora and fauna, and her life therein, are a sensory delight for the reader to savour. Similar trains of imagery add flavour, colour and vibrancy to all her travel experiences, be it in Paris, London, Chile, Peru, Bali, or closer home in the Himalayas or the various Indian states.
The author’s first trekking experience in the Himalayas is a delight to read as she takes us through ancient deodar forests, bubbling streams, the glittering Milky Way, and the frozen mountain terrain. But more than the physical ascent, it is the peaking of her confidence, wisdom and self-esteem that grab our attention all through this expedition.
The author chooses her words with care – simple, free-flowing, but immensely evocative. As a reader, I marvelled at her photographic memory, eye for detail, and engaging narrative skills.
Another interesting feature of the vocabulary here is the use of unfamiliar (read self-coined) words like umbrellaed, coconutty and out-of-placeness — words that infuse the narrative with a pleasing local flavour and add authenticity to the experiences.
The spirit of rebellion and the imperative urge to be unapologetically herself had found roots in the author quite early on. While the society-ordained ‘to-do list for young girls’ kept lengthening, Priyanka excelled in academics and secured admission to IIT Delhi, the mecca of engineering studies. And that set in motion her long journey towards emancipation, both physical and cerebral, far away from her parents “wearing their UP-tinted glasses.”
Subsequently, an unexpected job lay-off proved providential for Priyanka as it kickstarted her solo backpacking sojourn, its highlight being her six-month-long stint in Chile as a programme volunteer, tutoring government school students in the English language. She grabbed every new opportunity that came her way with the curiosity of a child and the perseverance of an adult.
Journeys traces the ascending curve of a young Indian woman who ran far away from the perennial expectations of securing a good job, a good husband and a few good kids, and gloriously came into her own on far-flung foreign shores which soon started feeling like home. Adapting deftly to her new lifestyle and surroundings, she forged some enduring friendships. Lisa, Alison, Laura, Frncisco, Ceci, Al and Javier are not just Chilean proper nouns – along with the author, they become our best buddies too, as we grin, chuckle, sniffle or swear at their shared shenanigans. Priyanka wraps up her precious Chilean memories in a few succinct words:
"Could life be so beautiful? What more would one need to be happy? Is it the same world which burdened me every day with its expectations of me?"
Priyanka’s Peruvian experiences are no less fascinating. Her visits to Lake Titicaca, Puno and Uros Island are bound to stir wanderlust even in the most passive heart. Hiking up the Andes, getting chased by wild dogs, canoeing in a deep lake amidst a raging storm, witnessing the exotic local customs, Priyanka lived and breathed ‘freedom’ in its purest sense. Her resilience and courage led her to tour Bali, soaking in its oriental essence all alone, with a badly injured knee.
The author is a strong advocate of the benefits of slow, sensorial travel – an oddity I follow myself, as opposed to touch-and-go visits. She shares with us some valuable life lessons and insights that are the biggest gain of extensive (and often, impulsive) travel. The black-and-white photographs, interspersed liberally within the narrative, add a visual dimension to the text.
However, honouring the principles of a memoir, Journeys doesn’t see the world entirely through rose-tinted lenses where all things look gilded and easy. Priyanka doesn’t shy away from lamenting the culture shock she faced in Chile, along with recurrent bouts of loneliness, social rejection and her language struggles. She is honest in admitting her occasional yearning for India, its people, and its gastronomic pleasures.
Much later, when the author returns to India, she continues to travel and explore, but this time she does so with a tourist’s eye and an empath’s heart. Older, wiser and mellower, she observes keenly, rediscovers the soul of India, and understands people and their perspectives better. Her new vocation as a full-time writer allows her the flexibility she needs.
Priyanka Gupta’s memoir is not a vociferous attempt to impress or bombard us with information and achievements. Rather, it is a subtle interior dialogue that touches the emotional core of the reader. Each chapter is like a gentle nudge to accompany her on her path to self-discovery.
Cruising through her emotional ups and downs, bouts of defiance and desolation, calm and chaos, and a mountain of self-doubt and soul searching, Priyanka emerges as this self-assured, intrepid, adventurous woman who lives life on her own terms, and is ready to take on the world with her indefatigable spirit. With every change in her geographical location, the landscape of her soul, too, gets re-designed. The following lines aptly sum up all that this book seeks to convey:
"If you have seen and truly felt the beauty of this world and its people, you are never lonely again. Take what you are getting with open arms and let it go then."
Carpe diem just found a new address in Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within… – pick up the book and let the adventure begin!!
As I browsed through the pages of Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within…, I was reminded of what the great Ibn Battuta had enunciated centuries ago:
"Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."
Journeys is the story of a young girl, born and bred in a small laidback town of Uttar Pradesh, who nurses big dreams, and challenges the unwritten but set-in-stone patriarchal diktats of her milieu. Having lived in a couple of similar towns of Uttar Pradesh as an armed forces wife, the situations described here stuck a chord with me.
The book abounds in personal anecdotes about her small-town beginnings. They are neither romanticised, nor glorified, but presented with a disarming candour and raw honesty — the austere dressing imposed on her as a teenager, the neighbourly exchange of farm-grown gourds, the grazing of cattle, their humble neighbourhood with its “cacophony of bleats and honks” and so many more.
Priyanka’s effort in world-building is commendable. The graphic details about her UP home, the terrace, the changing seasons, their delectable food, the flora and fauna, and her life therein, are a sensory delight for the reader to savour. Similar trains of imagery add flavour, colour and vibrancy to all her travel experiences, be it in Paris, London, Chile, Peru, Bali, or closer home in the Himalayas or the various Indian states.
The author’s first trekking experience in the Himalayas is a delight to read as she takes us through ancient deodar forests, bubbling streams, the glittering Milky Way, and the frozen mountain terrain. But more than the physical ascent, it is the peaking of her confidence, wisdom and self-esteem that grab our attention all through this expedition.
The author chooses her words with care – simple, free-flowing, but immensely evocative. As a reader, I marvelled at her photographic memory, eye for detail, and engaging narrative skills.
Another interesting feature of the vocabulary here is the use of unfamiliar (read self-coined) words like umbrellaed, coconutty and out-of-placeness — words that infuse the narrative with a pleasing local flavour and add authenticity to the experiences.
The spirit of rebellion and the imperative urge to be unapologetically herself had found roots in the author quite early on. While the society-ordained ‘to-do list for young girls’ kept lengthening, Priyanka excelled in academics and secured admission to IIT Delhi, the mecca of engineering studies. And that set in motion her long journey towards emancipation, both physical and cerebral, far away from her parents “wearing their UP-tinted glasses.”
Subsequently, an unexpected job lay-off proved providential for Priyanka as it kickstarted her solo backpacking sojourn, its highlight being her six-month-long stint in Chile as a programme volunteer, tutoring government school students in the English language. She grabbed every new opportunity that came her way with the curiosity of a child and the perseverance of an adult.
Journeys traces the ascending curve of a young Indian woman who ran far away from the perennial expectations of securing a good job, a good husband and a few good kids, and gloriously came into her own on far-flung foreign shores which soon started feeling like home. Adapting deftly to her new lifestyle and surroundings, she forged some enduring friendships. Lisa, Alison, Laura, Frncisco, Ceci, Al and Javier are not just Chilean proper nouns – along with the author, they become our best buddies too, as we grin, chuckle, sniffle or swear at their shared shenanigans. Priyanka wraps up her precious Chilean memories in a few succinct words:
"Could life be so beautiful? What more would one need to be happy? Is it the same world which burdened me every day with its expectations of me?"
Priyanka’s Peruvian experiences are no less fascinating. Her visits to Lake Titicaca, Puno and Uros Island are bound to stir wanderlust even in the most passive heart. Hiking up the Andes, getting chased by wild dogs, canoeing in a deep lake amidst a raging storm, witnessing the exotic local customs, Priyanka lived and breathed ‘freedom’ in its purest sense. Her resilience and courage led her to tour Bali, soaking in its oriental essence all alone, with a badly injured knee.
The author is a strong advocate of the benefits of slow, sensorial travel – an oddity I follow myself, as opposed to touch-and-go visits. She shares with us some valuable life lessons and insights that are the biggest gain of extensive (and often, impulsive) travel. The black-and-white photographs, interspersed liberally within the narrative, add a visual dimension to the text.
However, honouring the principles of a memoir, Journeys doesn’t see the world entirely through rose-tinted lenses where all things look gilded and easy. Priyanka doesn’t shy away from lamenting the culture shock she faced in Chile, along with recurrent bouts of loneliness, social rejection and her language struggles. She is honest in admitting her occasional yearning for India, its people, and its gastronomic pleasures.
Much later, when the author returns to India, she continues to travel and explore, but this time she does so with a tourist’s eye and an empath’s heart. Older, wiser and mellower, she observes keenly, rediscovers the soul of India, and understands people and their perspectives better. Her new vocation as a full-time writer allows her the flexibility she needs.
Priyanka Gupta’s memoir is not a vociferous attempt to impress or bombard us with information and achievements. Rather, it is a subtle interior dialogue that touches the emotional core of the reader. Each chapter is like a gentle nudge to accompany her on her path to self-discovery.
Cruising through her emotional ups and downs, bouts of defiance and desolation, calm and chaos, and a mountain of self-doubt and soul searching, Priyanka emerges as this self-assured, intrepid, adventurous woman who lives life on her own terms, and is ready to take on the world with her indefatigable spirit. With every change in her geographical location, the landscape of her soul, too, gets re-designed. The following lines aptly sum up all that this book seeks to convey:
"If you have seen and truly felt the beauty of this world and its people, you are never lonely again. Take what you are getting with open arms and let it go then."
Carpe diem just found a new address in Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within… – pick up the book and let the adventure begin!!
August 23, 2025
“A Bold Odyssey of Self-Discovery with a Touch of Repetition”
Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within… is a captivating travel memoir that weaves together adventure, introspection, and a bold defiance of societal norms. As a reader, I was deeply inspired by Priyanka’s incredible journey—both literal and metaphorical. Her hard-won achievement of securing a spot at the prestigious IIT Delhi is a testament to her determination and intellect, and her candid reflections on the struggles of her student years add a relatable depth to her story. These early chapters set the stage for a narrative that is as much about personal growth as it is about exploring the world.
Priyanka’s travels, vividly recounted, are a highlight of the book. Her first trek in the Himalayas is described with such passion and detail that it feels like you’re walking alongside her, marveling at the raw beauty of the mountains. Her adventures across Chile, Peru, Bali, and other far-flung destinations in Southeast Asia and South America are equally enthralling, painted with humor and a keen eye for cultural nuances. What stands out most is her energy and courage to seek untested waters, breaking free from the expectations of Indian society and traditional notions of marriage and career. As a woman navigating solo travel and societal pressures at 29, Priyanka’s story is empowering, offering a refreshing perspective on independence and self-discovery.
However, while the book shines in its storytelling and inspirational message, it occasionally loses its crispness due to repetitive themes. Priyanka’s critiques of her parents’ expectations and Indian societal norms, particularly around marriage, are valid and heartfelt but tend to reappear too frequently throughout the narrative. This repetition slightly dilutes the otherwise sharp and engaging flow of the book, making some sections feel redundant.
Despite this, Journeys Beyond and Within… is a remarkable debut that balances humor, vulnerability, and wanderlust. Priyanka’s ability to transform personal and professional setbacks into a journey of self-realization is truly inspiring. I’d recommend this book to anyone seeking a blend of travelogue and self-help, with a gentle suggestion to the author to trust her powerful story to shine without overemphasizing certain critiques. It’s a heartfelt read that will leave you itching to explore both the world and your own inner landscape.
Rating: 4/5
Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within… is a captivating travel memoir that weaves together adventure, introspection, and a bold defiance of societal norms. As a reader, I was deeply inspired by Priyanka’s incredible journey—both literal and metaphorical. Her hard-won achievement of securing a spot at the prestigious IIT Delhi is a testament to her determination and intellect, and her candid reflections on the struggles of her student years add a relatable depth to her story. These early chapters set the stage for a narrative that is as much about personal growth as it is about exploring the world.
Priyanka’s travels, vividly recounted, are a highlight of the book. Her first trek in the Himalayas is described with such passion and detail that it feels like you’re walking alongside her, marveling at the raw beauty of the mountains. Her adventures across Chile, Peru, Bali, and other far-flung destinations in Southeast Asia and South America are equally enthralling, painted with humor and a keen eye for cultural nuances. What stands out most is her energy and courage to seek untested waters, breaking free from the expectations of Indian society and traditional notions of marriage and career. As a woman navigating solo travel and societal pressures at 29, Priyanka’s story is empowering, offering a refreshing perspective on independence and self-discovery.
However, while the book shines in its storytelling and inspirational message, it occasionally loses its crispness due to repetitive themes. Priyanka’s critiques of her parents’ expectations and Indian societal norms, particularly around marriage, are valid and heartfelt but tend to reappear too frequently throughout the narrative. This repetition slightly dilutes the otherwise sharp and engaging flow of the book, making some sections feel redundant.
Despite this, Journeys Beyond and Within… is a remarkable debut that balances humor, vulnerability, and wanderlust. Priyanka’s ability to transform personal and professional setbacks into a journey of self-realization is truly inspiring. I’d recommend this book to anyone seeking a blend of travelogue and self-help, with a gentle suggestion to the author to trust her powerful story to shine without overemphasizing certain critiques. It’s a heartfelt read that will leave you itching to explore both the world and your own inner landscape.
Rating: 4/5
May 9, 2025
A story that didn’t just take me across borders🛣 but cracked something open inside me 💕
I’ll admit this first - this was my first ever travel memoir. I picked it up with a bit of skepticism. Will I connect with someone else’s travel stories? I thought...
After all, I haven’t backpacked across continents or bought a one-way ticket into the unknown
But oh, how wrong I was!!
This book didn’t ask me to have been there...it took me there ✈️
Through Priyanka’s words, I found myself walking beside her...sometimes through the lush rainforests of South America,sometimes in a hostel dorm in Southeast Asia. But more than the actual places,what hit me was how deeply her inner journey mirrored something I hadn’t even realized I craved!
We live in a world where we’re told, especially as women, that our lives need to follow a script:
🎓 Get a degree
💼 Land a secure job
💍 Settle down
👶 Start a family
And if you even dare to question it? “You’re being immature" 🤨
Priyanka did more than question it!She walked away from it! From a cushy job,from expectations,from the comfort of the known..towards herself
This book reminded me that you don’t need to have it all figured out.That sometimes,the first step toward freedom is simply saying "I’m allowed to choose differently!"
Reading this book,I kept imagining myself doing it. Not for Instagram,not for a bucket list. But for the quiet thrill of proving to myself,I could do it too
This isn’t just a story of countries visited. It’s a story of liberation.A woman choosing curiosity over control. Choosing movement over stagnation.Choosing herself.
And somewhere in the midst of these pages,I realized, maybe I could start small.Say yes to something uncomfortable.Take a trip alone.Or just silence the voices that ask me to stay safe when my soul wants to explore
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that looks good on paper but feels hollow inside,this book is for you!
& if you’ve never read a travel memoir like me, let this be your first.It might just change something in you❣️
I’ll admit this first - this was my first ever travel memoir. I picked it up with a bit of skepticism. Will I connect with someone else’s travel stories? I thought...
After all, I haven’t backpacked across continents or bought a one-way ticket into the unknown
But oh, how wrong I was!!
This book didn’t ask me to have been there...it took me there ✈️
Through Priyanka’s words, I found myself walking beside her...sometimes through the lush rainforests of South America,sometimes in a hostel dorm in Southeast Asia. But more than the actual places,what hit me was how deeply her inner journey mirrored something I hadn’t even realized I craved!
We live in a world where we’re told, especially as women, that our lives need to follow a script:
🎓 Get a degree
💼 Land a secure job
💍 Settle down
👶 Start a family
And if you even dare to question it? “You’re being immature" 🤨
Priyanka did more than question it!She walked away from it! From a cushy job,from expectations,from the comfort of the known..towards herself
This book reminded me that you don’t need to have it all figured out.That sometimes,the first step toward freedom is simply saying "I’m allowed to choose differently!"
Reading this book,I kept imagining myself doing it. Not for Instagram,not for a bucket list. But for the quiet thrill of proving to myself,I could do it too
This isn’t just a story of countries visited. It’s a story of liberation.A woman choosing curiosity over control. Choosing movement over stagnation.Choosing herself.
And somewhere in the midst of these pages,I realized, maybe I could start small.Say yes to something uncomfortable.Take a trip alone.Or just silence the voices that ask me to stay safe when my soul wants to explore
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that looks good on paper but feels hollow inside,this book is for you!
& if you’ve never read a travel memoir like me, let this be your first.It might just change something in you❣️
October 24, 2025
Ever read a book that doesn’t scream for your attention but still ends up changing something quietly inside you? That’s exactly what Journeys Beyond and Within did for me.
When I first picked it up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I don’t usually reach for travel memoirs — I always thought they were about distant lands, bucket lists, and perfect photographs. But a few chapters in, I realised this book was so much more than places visited or borders crossed. It was about the journey within — the one we often forget to take.
Priyanka writes with such honesty and gentleness that you can’t help but feel like she’s talking directly to you. Through her words, I saw pieces of my own fears and dreams reflected back — that quiet longing for freedom, that wish to choose differently, that little voice that whispers “maybe there’s more to life than this.”
Her story isn’t just about quitting a job or travelling alone; it’s about daring to pause, to listen to yourself, and to follow curiosity instead of comfort. There’s something deeply human about the way she describes her moments of doubt, courage, and stillness. It made me think about how often we let life slip by while waiting for the “right time” — when maybe, the right time is just now.
There were parts where I had to stop reading and just sit with my thoughts. It’s rare for a book to do that — to make you feel both inspired and seen at the same time. The simplicity of her words carries so much depth; they linger long after you’ve closed the last page.
Journeys Beyond and Within reminded me that freedom doesn’t always mean running away — sometimes it means slowing down, letting go of expectations, and choosing yourself, even when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck in a routine, or unsure of what truly makes you happy — this book might just be the quiet nudge your heart needs. It reminded me that every step toward yourself, no matter how small, is still a journey worth taking.
When I first picked it up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I don’t usually reach for travel memoirs — I always thought they were about distant lands, bucket lists, and perfect photographs. But a few chapters in, I realised this book was so much more than places visited or borders crossed. It was about the journey within — the one we often forget to take.
Priyanka writes with such honesty and gentleness that you can’t help but feel like she’s talking directly to you. Through her words, I saw pieces of my own fears and dreams reflected back — that quiet longing for freedom, that wish to choose differently, that little voice that whispers “maybe there’s more to life than this.”
Her story isn’t just about quitting a job or travelling alone; it’s about daring to pause, to listen to yourself, and to follow curiosity instead of comfort. There’s something deeply human about the way she describes her moments of doubt, courage, and stillness. It made me think about how often we let life slip by while waiting for the “right time” — when maybe, the right time is just now.
There were parts where I had to stop reading and just sit with my thoughts. It’s rare for a book to do that — to make you feel both inspired and seen at the same time. The simplicity of her words carries so much depth; they linger long after you’ve closed the last page.
Journeys Beyond and Within reminded me that freedom doesn’t always mean running away — sometimes it means slowing down, letting go of expectations, and choosing yourself, even when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck in a routine, or unsure of what truly makes you happy — this book might just be the quiet nudge your heart needs. It reminded me that every step toward yourself, no matter how small, is still a journey worth taking.
May 21, 2025
🍁Book:- Journeys Beyond and Within
🍁Author:- Priyanka Gupta
🍁Publication:- Self Published
🍁Printed Price:- Rs. 499/-
"I don't want to be limited by my trepidations, not anymore. I want to do everything."
"Journeys Beyond and Within" by Priyanka Gupta is a vivacious odyssey where she has captured her precarious lifestyle and adventurous yet soulful journeys after quitting her successful career at corporate sector. Every Indian parents want to witness their daughter married at the age of 29 when she has a secured job too and the author's parents are not an exception but the author is not satisfied with the common procedure of an Indian girl's life. So, she has chased her dreams in order to be happy and find her true entity.
The solo woman traveler from India has intricately woven the breathtaking hikes, exhilarating treks and the intense life lessons she has learned from the trips. From the vibrant scenarios of London and Paris to the mighty Himalayan Peak, the travelogue spans seamlessly and reminds the readers that travel is not only about visiting new places but also about finding one's true entity and learning new things to embrace the growth.
I can relate to the author's conceptions to break a life that she doesn't adore at some places of the book and I really appreciate the thought that we should live our lives on our own terms without any expectation from others to clap for us. The author makes us understand that travel broadens our minds, creates yearning to live more and renders a celestial feeling with her engaging narrative technique. The readers, who love to read travel memoir, can delve into the book.
"At least I learned that what you fear often turns out much easier than you thought. Difficulties will always come unannounced, whether you do the activity or not. Then you do the best you can."
🍁Author:- Priyanka Gupta
🍁Publication:- Self Published
🍁Printed Price:- Rs. 499/-
"I don't want to be limited by my trepidations, not anymore. I want to do everything."
"Journeys Beyond and Within" by Priyanka Gupta is a vivacious odyssey where she has captured her precarious lifestyle and adventurous yet soulful journeys after quitting her successful career at corporate sector. Every Indian parents want to witness their daughter married at the age of 29 when she has a secured job too and the author's parents are not an exception but the author is not satisfied with the common procedure of an Indian girl's life. So, she has chased her dreams in order to be happy and find her true entity.
The solo woman traveler from India has intricately woven the breathtaking hikes, exhilarating treks and the intense life lessons she has learned from the trips. From the vibrant scenarios of London and Paris to the mighty Himalayan Peak, the travelogue spans seamlessly and reminds the readers that travel is not only about visiting new places but also about finding one's true entity and learning new things to embrace the growth.
I can relate to the author's conceptions to break a life that she doesn't adore at some places of the book and I really appreciate the thought that we should live our lives on our own terms without any expectation from others to clap for us. The author makes us understand that travel broadens our minds, creates yearning to live more and renders a celestial feeling with her engaging narrative technique. The readers, who love to read travel memoir, can delve into the book.
"At least I learned that what you fear often turns out much easier than you thought. Difficulties will always come unannounced, whether you do the activity or not. Then you do the best you can."
January 27, 2025
Journeys Beyond and Within is a beautifully written travel memoir exploring tradition, culture and the road to self-discovery. The words between the covers were so descriptive as if painting a picture on a canvas, bringing all of images to life. This was a truly special book. Not just because it tells the story of a woman defying social and cultural norms, but because of its pureness and honesty.
The author took great care in introducing the reader to the different cultures and customs of India as well as the other places to which she traveled. From food to clothing, holidays, traditions and day to day life the reader is taken on an adventure across Southeast Asia and South America.
So many of us experience that need to discover and define ourselves but so few of us have the ability or brevity to do it. Through this flowing and well-constructed story, the reader cannot help but cheer the author on as she faces challenges, adversity and her own fears while finding passion, self-acceptance and ultimately herself along the way. The journey is relatable, and I especially loved the use of pictures to making it more personal as well as the use of footnotes and special notes at the end of each chapter acknowledging the important people in that segment or educating the reader on cultural items. By the end of the book, as a reader, I felt as though I had made a new friend.
This book was refreshing and inspiring as well as thought provoking and educational. Not only did I get to read the account of the author's personal journey, but I got to travel a part of the world to which I have never been and truly feel as though I was there seeing it for myself. This is a truly special read!
The author took great care in introducing the reader to the different cultures and customs of India as well as the other places to which she traveled. From food to clothing, holidays, traditions and day to day life the reader is taken on an adventure across Southeast Asia and South America.
So many of us experience that need to discover and define ourselves but so few of us have the ability or brevity to do it. Through this flowing and well-constructed story, the reader cannot help but cheer the author on as she faces challenges, adversity and her own fears while finding passion, self-acceptance and ultimately herself along the way. The journey is relatable, and I especially loved the use of pictures to making it more personal as well as the use of footnotes and special notes at the end of each chapter acknowledging the important people in that segment or educating the reader on cultural items. By the end of the book, as a reader, I felt as though I had made a new friend.
This book was refreshing and inspiring as well as thought provoking and educational. Not only did I get to read the account of the author's personal journey, but I got to travel a part of the world to which I have never been and truly feel as though I was there seeing it for myself. This is a truly special read!
February 26, 2025
Warp and Woof of a Wanderer
I was pleased to have the opportunity, through the provision of a review copy, to become acquainted, a little, with the author of this book. A kindly, thoughtful, lively young woman, she herself seems to reflect the content of the book.
Priyanka gave up corporate life in India, and all the safety and the promise that it held, to travel the world, and write: London, Paris, Goa, Bali … and many places besides. All the while, her parents sought to devise ways of making a traditional Indian woman out of her.
In this book, Priyanka records her experiences, and reveals the secrets of how she was able to make this work at all. The details are all there. This is a “no holds barred” account of her life and thoughts as a traveller, and sometimes worker.
Describing herself as “an Indian woman”, I perhaps unfairly expected some of the shortcomings of Indian English. Rather I found quite the opposite. Priyanka has a supreme command of English, and the book is filled with many original turns of phrase.
As I usually do, I put a chapter of the book through computer analysis. It is an “easy read”.
The title of the book being “Journeys Beyond and Within”, I expected it to be as much about reflections as about doings. However, I felt that it rested heavily on what Priyanka did, rather than what she thought.
Perhaps, as a philosophy editor, I am expecting too much. And, besides, I first got to know Priyanka when we published a piece that she wrote in a philosophy weekly. If one understands that the “journeys within” do not always journey that deep, we can grant this book five stars.
I was pleased to have the opportunity, through the provision of a review copy, to become acquainted, a little, with the author of this book. A kindly, thoughtful, lively young woman, she herself seems to reflect the content of the book.
Priyanka gave up corporate life in India, and all the safety and the promise that it held, to travel the world, and write: London, Paris, Goa, Bali … and many places besides. All the while, her parents sought to devise ways of making a traditional Indian woman out of her.
In this book, Priyanka records her experiences, and reveals the secrets of how she was able to make this work at all. The details are all there. This is a “no holds barred” account of her life and thoughts as a traveller, and sometimes worker.
Describing herself as “an Indian woman”, I perhaps unfairly expected some of the shortcomings of Indian English. Rather I found quite the opposite. Priyanka has a supreme command of English, and the book is filled with many original turns of phrase.
As I usually do, I put a chapter of the book through computer analysis. It is an “easy read”.
The title of the book being “Journeys Beyond and Within”, I expected it to be as much about reflections as about doings. However, I felt that it rested heavily on what Priyanka did, rather than what she thought.
Perhaps, as a philosophy editor, I am expecting too much. And, besides, I first got to know Priyanka when we published a piece that she wrote in a philosophy weekly. If one understands that the “journeys within” do not always journey that deep, we can grant this book five stars.
June 6, 2025
I just finished reading Journeys Beyond and Within. Priyanka's words felt like a conversation I didn’t know I needed. The way she explored the landscapes outside and the terrains within struck such a deep chord with me.
This scene in Chile completely swept me away:
“Having pisco sour with a Chilean family. Before I caught the cheery tune, a charming Chilean grabbed my waist and swirled me around, giggling and singing while my polka shirt shifted up and down my waist. Now I'm dancing into the morning with a stranger on cumbia and wine? This slightly drunk old lady is pushing all the men and women to dance together?”
It felt so cinematic yet wonderfully real, bursting with warmth, spontaneity, and the magic of letting go. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how joy often arrives when we surrender to the moment just as it is.
And then in the Uttarakhand village, Priyanka's words painted the most serene picture:
“Terraced, neon-green mountains rose all around us. The sky was deep blue. The fragrant rhododendrons were in bloom, and we all held a soft flower each, overwhelmed by the sweet scent and pure pink color.”
I could almost breathe that in. That image still lingers, a grounding pause in nature’s quiet.
Priyanka's writing never felt rushed. Each story felt like a breath. Gentle, honest, and reflective. I especially connected with the moments where solitude and discomfort turned into quiet strength and self-trust.
Author haven’t just written a travel memoir. She has created a mirror. One that makes us reflect, feel deeply, and walk away braver. Thank you for that.
Wishing her continued light and stories on the road ahead!
This scene in Chile completely swept me away:
“Having pisco sour with a Chilean family. Before I caught the cheery tune, a charming Chilean grabbed my waist and swirled me around, giggling and singing while my polka shirt shifted up and down my waist. Now I'm dancing into the morning with a stranger on cumbia and wine? This slightly drunk old lady is pushing all the men and women to dance together?”
It felt so cinematic yet wonderfully real, bursting with warmth, spontaneity, and the magic of letting go. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how joy often arrives when we surrender to the moment just as it is.
And then in the Uttarakhand village, Priyanka's words painted the most serene picture:
“Terraced, neon-green mountains rose all around us. The sky was deep blue. The fragrant rhododendrons were in bloom, and we all held a soft flower each, overwhelmed by the sweet scent and pure pink color.”
I could almost breathe that in. That image still lingers, a grounding pause in nature’s quiet.
Priyanka's writing never felt rushed. Each story felt like a breath. Gentle, honest, and reflective. I especially connected with the moments where solitude and discomfort turned into quiet strength and self-trust.
Author haven’t just written a travel memoir. She has created a mirror. One that makes us reflect, feel deeply, and walk away braver. Thank you for that.
Wishing her continued light and stories on the road ahead!
June 22, 2025
📖 "Journeys Beyond and Within" by Priyanka Gupta
Genre: Travel Memoir
Honestly, when I picked up Priyanka Gupta’s "Journeys Beyond and Within," I didn’t expect it to stay with me like it has. This book isn’t just about traveling—it’s about breaking free, challenging yourself, and finding who you truly are.
Let me tell you, I’ve always dreamed of doing something big but kept telling myself I’d do it later when the time was right. Reading Priyanka’s story felt like she was saying, “Why wait? You can do this now.”
From exploring Southeast Asia on her own to climbing snowy mountains in the Himalayas, Priyanka takes you on a journey that’s about much more than the places she visits. It’s about her courage, her struggles, and the little victories that make life worth living.
What I love most is how simple and honest her writing feels. It’s like she’s sitting across from you, sharing her story over a cup of tea. You feel like you’re right there with her—on crowded streets, in quiet forests, or watching the stars on a chilly night.
The way Priyanka finds strength even when she feels lost is so inspiring. It made me think about the times I’ve been putting off things, waiting for the “perfect” moment. This book reminded me that it’s okay to take small steps and that those steps can lead to incredible places.
To me, this book isn’t just about travel—it’s about daring to live your dreams, no matter what’s holding you back. After reading it, I found myself asking, what’s stopping me from taking that first step?
If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered if there’s more to life, this book is for you. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to take action and believe in yourself
Genre: Travel Memoir
Honestly, when I picked up Priyanka Gupta’s "Journeys Beyond and Within," I didn’t expect it to stay with me like it has. This book isn’t just about traveling—it’s about breaking free, challenging yourself, and finding who you truly are.
Let me tell you, I’ve always dreamed of doing something big but kept telling myself I’d do it later when the time was right. Reading Priyanka’s story felt like she was saying, “Why wait? You can do this now.”
From exploring Southeast Asia on her own to climbing snowy mountains in the Himalayas, Priyanka takes you on a journey that’s about much more than the places she visits. It’s about her courage, her struggles, and the little victories that make life worth living.
What I love most is how simple and honest her writing feels. It’s like she’s sitting across from you, sharing her story over a cup of tea. You feel like you’re right there with her—on crowded streets, in quiet forests, or watching the stars on a chilly night.
The way Priyanka finds strength even when she feels lost is so inspiring. It made me think about the times I’ve been putting off things, waiting for the “perfect” moment. This book reminded me that it’s okay to take small steps and that those steps can lead to incredible places.
To me, this book isn’t just about travel—it’s about daring to live your dreams, no matter what’s holding you back. After reading it, I found myself asking, what’s stopping me from taking that first step?
If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered if there’s more to life, this book is for you. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to take action and believe in yourself
April 7, 2025
A well-written book, expressed in the author's own style, both honest and introspective. As a fellow travel-writer I commend her commitment to deep-diving into the culture, landscape and realities of both her own country - where she begins seeking out new places - and further afield, from Chile to Bali.
I think books like hers are of incalculable value to young women from her background - young, female, Indian - looking to emancipate themselves from cultural norms and the expectations of family. This is a powerful and recurrent theme: when are you getting married? Why aren't you married yet? Her brother even advertises for potential suitors in a major publication. So the pressure to conform is enormous, yet it's not the path she wants to follow, and she is determined to live life on her terms. The risks? Ostracization and judgements from her family and Indian society (both home and abroad), and unhappiness. That it is challenging comes across frequently: in Chile she doesn't speak the language and is tasked with teaching kids who, initially at least, would rather not learn English. However, she soldiers on and is rewarded through cultivating happy connections and experiences with her host, fellow teachers and a wonderful and unique landscape.
And on her return to India she does meet someone who supports her ideas, travels with her, and gives her the freedom to travel on alone when he cannot. So the example of living life as an Indian woman on her own terms while remaining content and financially solvent, is probably the strongest takeaway for me.
I think books like hers are of incalculable value to young women from her background - young, female, Indian - looking to emancipate themselves from cultural norms and the expectations of family. This is a powerful and recurrent theme: when are you getting married? Why aren't you married yet? Her brother even advertises for potential suitors in a major publication. So the pressure to conform is enormous, yet it's not the path she wants to follow, and she is determined to live life on her terms. The risks? Ostracization and judgements from her family and Indian society (both home and abroad), and unhappiness. That it is challenging comes across frequently: in Chile she doesn't speak the language and is tasked with teaching kids who, initially at least, would rather not learn English. However, she soldiers on and is rewarded through cultivating happy connections and experiences with her host, fellow teachers and a wonderful and unique landscape.
And on her return to India she does meet someone who supports her ideas, travels with her, and gives her the freedom to travel on alone when he cannot. So the example of living life as an Indian woman on her own terms while remaining content and financially solvent, is probably the strongest takeaway for me.
December 16, 2025
Journeys Beyond and Within… is not only a travel memoir. It is a quiet rebellion disguised in humour, truth, and a backpack.
Priyanka Gupta is the type of writer who comes across as a close friend talking over chai. She seems to be open, thoughtful, and exceptionally true to her feelings. Her solo travels through Southeast Asia, South America, and later through India are not merely about locales and experiences, but also the shedding of layers of fear, conditioning, expectations, and self-doubt. You accompany her, you share her laughter, and sometimes you have to stop for a moment because her words strike a chord with your own experience.
She doesn’t praise solo travel or freedom; instead, she narrates the confusion, the isolation, and the strength it takes to choose yourself, which is particularly true of an Indian woman who has been told “act like a girl” all her life. The second part of the book, where she rekindles a relationship with India through fresh spectacles, gives unanticipated depth and emotional uplift.
This book is warm, humorous, and very human. It softly pushes you with the words, “You too can do this.” This is what makes it powerful. It is a book that every person who desires to travel, find themselves, or have the courage to live life on their own terms must read. As an author of books in the series "On your terms", I was able to relate to it completely.
Priyanka Gupta is the type of writer who comes across as a close friend talking over chai. She seems to be open, thoughtful, and exceptionally true to her feelings. Her solo travels through Southeast Asia, South America, and later through India are not merely about locales and experiences, but also the shedding of layers of fear, conditioning, expectations, and self-doubt. You accompany her, you share her laughter, and sometimes you have to stop for a moment because her words strike a chord with your own experience.
She doesn’t praise solo travel or freedom; instead, she narrates the confusion, the isolation, and the strength it takes to choose yourself, which is particularly true of an Indian woman who has been told “act like a girl” all her life. The second part of the book, where she rekindles a relationship with India through fresh spectacles, gives unanticipated depth and emotional uplift.
This book is warm, humorous, and very human. It softly pushes you with the words, “You too can do this.” This is what makes it powerful. It is a book that every person who desires to travel, find themselves, or have the courage to live life on their own terms must read. As an author of books in the series "On your terms", I was able to relate to it completely.
December 31, 2025
"Journeys Beyond and Within…" is more than a travel memoir , it is a heartfelt account of courage, restlessness, and self-discovery. Author's journey begins at a point many quietly fear: heartbreak, uncertainty, and the pressure of expectations. What follows is not just movement across countries, but a deep inner shift that feels honest and relatable.
As Priyanka travels solo through Southeast Asia and South America, the book captures moments of doubt, excitement, loneliness, and freedom with refreshing honesty. The writing is vivid and personal, her learning, stumbling, growing. The travel experiences are rich, but what truly stands out are the human connections and self-realizations that come with stepping into the unknown.
What gives this book depth is its emotional truth. It speaks openly about choosing passion over convention, listening to one’s inner voice, and pushing back against the labels placed on women. The humour is gentle, the reflections thoughtful, and the courage deeply inspiring. This is not about escaping life, but about returning to it with clarity and confidence.
"Journeys Beyond and Within…" is for anyone who feels the pull of the road, the urge to break free, or the desire to live more honestly. It reminds us that sometimes, the bravest journey is the one we take toward ourselves. Undoubtedly ending this year with this beauty encourage me somewhere , to look myself more and more.
As Priyanka travels solo through Southeast Asia and South America, the book captures moments of doubt, excitement, loneliness, and freedom with refreshing honesty. The writing is vivid and personal, her learning, stumbling, growing. The travel experiences are rich, but what truly stands out are the human connections and self-realizations that come with stepping into the unknown.
What gives this book depth is its emotional truth. It speaks openly about choosing passion over convention, listening to one’s inner voice, and pushing back against the labels placed on women. The humour is gentle, the reflections thoughtful, and the courage deeply inspiring. This is not about escaping life, but about returning to it with clarity and confidence.
"Journeys Beyond and Within…" is for anyone who feels the pull of the road, the urge to break free, or the desire to live more honestly. It reminds us that sometimes, the bravest journey is the one we take toward ourselves. Undoubtedly ending this year with this beauty encourage me somewhere , to look myself more and more.
March 24, 2025
## A Beautiful Journey of Travel and Self-Discovery
Priyanka Gupta's "Journeys Beyond Within" masterfully interweaves captivating travel stories with profound personal growth. Following her adventures from childhood to adulthood, this memoir reveals how external journeys across different landscapes mirror the internal paths of self-discovery.
What makes this book special is how she brings readers along on both physical and emotional journeys. Her vivid descriptions of diverse locations transport you to each destination, while her honest reflections on personal transformation make the experiences relatable and inspiring.
The narrative beautifully illustrates how travel can be a catalyst for inner growth. As she ventures through different countries and cultures, she simultaneously navigates her evolving understanding of herself and her place in the world. Her writing style is engaging and reflective, making complex emotional revelations accessible.
Perfect for travel enthusiasts, memoir readers, and anyone interested in personal growth through exploration. In today's fast-paced world, "Journeys Beyond Within" reminds us that the most meaningful adventures transform both our passports and our perspectives. A compelling read about how external journeys can lead to the most profound destinations within ourselves.
Priyanka Gupta's "Journeys Beyond Within" masterfully interweaves captivating travel stories with profound personal growth. Following her adventures from childhood to adulthood, this memoir reveals how external journeys across different landscapes mirror the internal paths of self-discovery.
What makes this book special is how she brings readers along on both physical and emotional journeys. Her vivid descriptions of diverse locations transport you to each destination, while her honest reflections on personal transformation make the experiences relatable and inspiring.
The narrative beautifully illustrates how travel can be a catalyst for inner growth. As she ventures through different countries and cultures, she simultaneously navigates her evolving understanding of herself and her place in the world. Her writing style is engaging and reflective, making complex emotional revelations accessible.
Perfect for travel enthusiasts, memoir readers, and anyone interested in personal growth through exploration. In today's fast-paced world, "Journeys Beyond Within" reminds us that the most meaningful adventures transform both our passports and our perspectives. A compelling read about how external journeys can lead to the most profound destinations within ourselves.
April 28, 2025
Journeys Beyond and Within... is a heartfelt memoir that weaves travel, culture, tradition, and self-discovery into a vivid, powerful story. From the first page, the author's rich storytelling brings each landscape and emotion to life, offering a deeply personal glimpse into her journey.
This book goes far beyond a typical travel diary. It’s the honest tale of a young woman challenging societal expectations and choosing her own path—a story I found especially relatable. Many families may seem progressive, but true independence for women is still often met with resistance. This quiet rebellion and search for freedom resonated deeply with me.
The author's respect for the cultures she encounters—from India to Southeast Asia and South America—shines through. Through descriptions of food, traditions, and everyday life, and with thoughtful photographs and notes, she invites readers to travel alongside her.
Facing fears, doubts, and obstacles, the author’s journey becomes a beautiful reminder that stepping beyond your comfort zone transforms not just how you see the world—but how you see yourself.
Inspiring, honest, and thought-provoking, Journeys Beyond and Within is a book that feels like a conversation with a friend—a friend who encourages you to dream boldly and trust yourself.
Highly recommended!✨
This book goes far beyond a typical travel diary. It’s the honest tale of a young woman challenging societal expectations and choosing her own path—a story I found especially relatable. Many families may seem progressive, but true independence for women is still often met with resistance. This quiet rebellion and search for freedom resonated deeply with me.
The author's respect for the cultures she encounters—from India to Southeast Asia and South America—shines through. Through descriptions of food, traditions, and everyday life, and with thoughtful photographs and notes, she invites readers to travel alongside her.
Facing fears, doubts, and obstacles, the author’s journey becomes a beautiful reminder that stepping beyond your comfort zone transforms not just how you see the world—but how you see yourself.
Inspiring, honest, and thought-provoking, Journeys Beyond and Within is a book that feels like a conversation with a friend—a friend who encourages you to dream boldly and trust yourself.
Highly recommended!✨
July 26, 2025
Having known Priyanka since our college days, reading “Journeys Beyond and Within” felt like reconnecting with an old friend—one who always had the courage to ask “why not?” instead of following the crowd. Her prose is vivid and deeply personal, transporting you from small-town India to distant continents, while never losing sight of the inner journey that runs parallel to each physical adventure. What stands out is the honesty with which she writes about self-doubt, the weight of family expectations, and the exhilaration of breaking boundaries to carve a life on her own terms.
This isn’t just a travel memoir; it’s an invitation for readers to examine the invisible walls around their own dreams. Priyanka makes you live every leap into the unknown, every joyful misstep, and every discovery that life—and freedom—are found in daring to trust yourself. I have no doubt that this book will inspire many, especially anyone feeling stuck or fearful to take the first step. Priyanka’s journey reminds us that the greatest adventures are not only out in the world, but also deep within ourselves.
This isn’t just a travel memoir; it’s an invitation for readers to examine the invisible walls around their own dreams. Priyanka makes you live every leap into the unknown, every joyful misstep, and every discovery that life—and freedom—are found in daring to trust yourself. I have no doubt that this book will inspire many, especially anyone feeling stuck or fearful to take the first step. Priyanka’s journey reminds us that the greatest adventures are not only out in the world, but also deep within ourselves.
November 5, 2025
I just finished reading Journeys Beyond and Within and loved every bit of it. The best thing about the book is the rawness and the honesty that every page exudes. The author doesn't shy away from expressing every single feeling of hers, and that's what makes the book so special and very different from other travel memoirs.
Additionally, the book doesn't merely portray the pluses of one culture/country/scenario and the minuses of another. Rather, it displays a very fine balance between the goods and the bads. There is no whitewashing ever and that's what I appreciate in the book. As travellers, we often fall into the trap of justifying our trips by showcasing only the positives. I am glad the author has refrained from doing that. Travelling is not always rosy; it is a mix of good and bad, and it is essential for the world to know that.
I travel a lot and somewhere between the pages of the book, I found myself revisiting my old trips and thinking, "Wow, I felt exactly the same way." I think just that feeling is enough to demonstrate the quality of this book.
Additionally, the book doesn't merely portray the pluses of one culture/country/scenario and the minuses of another. Rather, it displays a very fine balance between the goods and the bads. There is no whitewashing ever and that's what I appreciate in the book. As travellers, we often fall into the trap of justifying our trips by showcasing only the positives. I am glad the author has refrained from doing that. Travelling is not always rosy; it is a mix of good and bad, and it is essential for the world to know that.
I travel a lot and somewhere between the pages of the book, I found myself revisiting my old trips and thinking, "Wow, I felt exactly the same way." I think just that feeling is enough to demonstrate the quality of this book.
February 13, 2025
A motivational, honest travelogue, and a woman's quest to break social norms to make her own path
I really loved the book. It almost felt like sitting down with an old friend who has stories to tell -- stories to make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired all at once! The author’s honest and vulnerable accounts of her childhood and the challenges that shaped her moved me deeply. Priyanka’s solo adventures in Chile, teaching kids, embracing a new culture and learning from the people around her, were heartwarming and gave me serious wanderlust. It wasn't just the places that she visited, but the essence of discovering herself along the way that stuck with me. Such immersive travel writing and a brave solo woman traveler!
Thanks to the author for sharing her story with such honesty. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a big smile and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we should all be a little braver!
I really loved the book. It almost felt like sitting down with an old friend who has stories to tell -- stories to make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired all at once! The author’s honest and vulnerable accounts of her childhood and the challenges that shaped her moved me deeply. Priyanka’s solo adventures in Chile, teaching kids, embracing a new culture and learning from the people around her, were heartwarming and gave me serious wanderlust. It wasn't just the places that she visited, but the essence of discovering herself along the way that stuck with me. Such immersive travel writing and a brave solo woman traveler!
Thanks to the author for sharing her story with such honesty. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a big smile and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we should all be a little braver!
March 22, 2025
Happy, beautiful, my kind of read
You know when you are feeling bored or low or just want to laugh reading a book. A book that you want to pickup after work or on the cab ride and on weekends. This is an unputdownable travel biography that has given me many moments of joy. I love the spirit of the author, both to travel and to do things her own way. On her blog she writes, I do by asking the why instead of following blindly. This book is a perfect example of her doing exactly that and what cultural and adventurous stories have come out of her journeys! She also evolves in her personal and professional life as she sees the world and gives the reader an open window into her thought processes.
Highly recommended for everyone. She has explained the cultural nuggets so clearly that everyone around the world can understand the book clearly. Beautiful pictures, notes, and thank yous in the travel essays too. Can't believe she is an engineer turned writer!
You know when you are feeling bored or low or just want to laugh reading a book. A book that you want to pickup after work or on the cab ride and on weekends. This is an unputdownable travel biography that has given me many moments of joy. I love the spirit of the author, both to travel and to do things her own way. On her blog she writes, I do by asking the why instead of following blindly. This book is a perfect example of her doing exactly that and what cultural and adventurous stories have come out of her journeys! She also evolves in her personal and professional life as she sees the world and gives the reader an open window into her thought processes.
Highly recommended for everyone. She has explained the cultural nuggets so clearly that everyone around the world can understand the book clearly. Beautiful pictures, notes, and thank yous in the travel essays too. Can't believe she is an engineer turned writer!
July 21, 2025
A heart-on-sleeve journey that makes you want to pack a bag today.
Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within is a story of a small-town Indian woman who swaps an IIT degree and a banking career for one-way tickets, hostel dorms and the wide-open road. From Delhi’s familiarity to the stark beauty of Chile’s Atacama Desert, she lets us eavesdrop on every misstep, homesick night and hard-won epiphany—and she does it with disarming honesty and wit.
What makes the memoir special is its intimate, almost diary-like voice. Gupta never hides the wobbly moments—budget scares, language flubs, parental pressure—yet she always follows them with the quiet triumph of figuring things out on her own.
For an Indian guy, the chapters were also an eye-opening account of how different & more difficult it is for a solo Indian woman to travel in the country, and the kind of societal pressures they have on their psyche. Highly recommend.
Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within is a story of a small-town Indian woman who swaps an IIT degree and a banking career for one-way tickets, hostel dorms and the wide-open road. From Delhi’s familiarity to the stark beauty of Chile’s Atacama Desert, she lets us eavesdrop on every misstep, homesick night and hard-won epiphany—and she does it with disarming honesty and wit.
What makes the memoir special is its intimate, almost diary-like voice. Gupta never hides the wobbly moments—budget scares, language flubs, parental pressure—yet she always follows them with the quiet triumph of figuring things out on her own.
For an Indian guy, the chapters were also an eye-opening account of how different & more difficult it is for a solo Indian woman to travel in the country, and the kind of societal pressures they have on their psyche. Highly recommend.
January 1, 2026
(Auto)biographies are my favorite genre, and this one is stellar! Journeys Beyond and Within is a beautifully written, honest, and deeply inspiring memoir that captures the courage it takes to travel solo. I know it takes courage because I did it for a few years too.
This is more than a travelogue (although as a travelogue it's outstanding). The meaning and purpose behind her travels are what makes this autobiography stand out. The author courageously shares her journey of self-worth, growth, and choosing freedom over fear. I could relate to some of her challenges, while others were unknown to me. However she shares her adventures in great detail that bring everything to life. I loved the full color pictures of her travels as well! This is a real bonus!
This book is a must-read for anyone craving adventure, clarity, or the courage to begin again. It would also make a great gift. If you're struggling to live life on your own terms, this book is for you.
This is more than a travelogue (although as a travelogue it's outstanding). The meaning and purpose behind her travels are what makes this autobiography stand out. The author courageously shares her journey of self-worth, growth, and choosing freedom over fear. I could relate to some of her challenges, while others were unknown to me. However she shares her adventures in great detail that bring everything to life. I loved the full color pictures of her travels as well! This is a real bonus!
This book is a must-read for anyone craving adventure, clarity, or the courage to begin again. It would also make a great gift. If you're struggling to live life on your own terms, this book is for you.
January 28, 2025
I have been reading the author's work for a long time, and this book has stood up to the expectations. Funny, honest, visual, her writing always takes me along on her journeys, and this time is no different. Throughout the book I was there along with her, feeling her personal struggles, making my way in a new destination with her, and then facing every challenge she came across only to come out on the other side stronger than ever. This is a book of courage, resilience, self discovery, making one's own path, going for what one wants, loving this world, and having fun along the way. This is so much more than a travel memoir. Very refreshing and highly recommended.
If you are a solo traveler or women trying to find their wings, this is a book you would so well relate with and definitely draw an inspiration from
If you are a solo traveler or women trying to find their wings, this is a book you would so well relate with and definitely draw an inspiration from
March 2, 2025
I loved reading this book. I was expecting a typical travel memoir but got so much more more. Priyanka against the barriers of culture and family expectations, is compelled to find her own way in life. Through her journeys, we learn of her personal insecurities and challenges, and how she works through them. I particularly loved the chapters on her return to India and how her travels as a nomad helped her to explore her own country with fresh eyes and with a strong sense of appreciating each day as it emerges. The writing is rich, vivid and engaging, and often funny. I couldn't put it down! This is beautiful book for anyone, of any age who is passionate about travel, overcoming any barriers to travel and who are keen to live life on their terms. Such a super read - thank you! I'm looking forward to the follow up!
October 21, 2025
Priyanka Gupta’s Journeys Beyond and Within is a refreshingly honest travel memoir about quitting a predictable life and finding meaning through solo travel. At 29, jobless and heartbroken, she sets off across Asia and South America — and what starts as escape becomes self-discovery.
The book’s charm lies in its authenticity. Priyanka doesn’t glamorize travel; she writes about fear, cultural awkwardness, and freedom with warmth and wit. Her reflections on identity and courage feel real, not rehearsed. The essays flow like postcards from a woman learning to listen to herself.
Some parts could go deeper, and the structure feels episodic at times. But that’s minor. What stands out is her voice — bold, vulnerable, and quietly inspiring.
Read it if you’re craving a reminder that travel can heal, shake, and remake you — both beyond and within.
The book’s charm lies in its authenticity. Priyanka doesn’t glamorize travel; she writes about fear, cultural awkwardness, and freedom with warmth and wit. Her reflections on identity and courage feel real, not rehearsed. The essays flow like postcards from a woman learning to listen to herself.
Some parts could go deeper, and the structure feels episodic at times. But that’s minor. What stands out is her voice — bold, vulnerable, and quietly inspiring.
Read it if you’re craving a reminder that travel can heal, shake, and remake you — both beyond and within.
February 17, 2025
This is such a beautifully written travel memoir with every scene so visual that I was right there with the author. What I loved about these stories is giving yourself that independence to go out and explore without worrying about boundaries. Breaking all the barriers of patriarchy. I just love that feeling the author had when she reached the top of the mountain herself. I wish to do the same, just pack my bags and go. It's a biography of a woman, that explores the author's childhood first to give the reader a feeling of her background. From a small town in North India, the author has really traveled far and reached beyond boundaries.
It's a book written by a woman but it is a brilliant read for anyone who loves to travel, while not only looking to tick mark a list but more meaningfully while understanding the place and connecting with the locals. It's also a great self help or personal development book for those who wish to understand themselves better and make their own path.
Above all, it's a happy, fun, pick-up anytime kind of a read, rare to find these days.
It's a book written by a woman but it is a brilliant read for anyone who loves to travel, while not only looking to tick mark a list but more meaningfully while understanding the place and connecting with the locals. It's also a great self help or personal development book for those who wish to understand themselves better and make their own path.
Above all, it's a happy, fun, pick-up anytime kind of a read, rare to find these days.
February 23, 2025
I love this travel essay collection. The true and funny travel stories kept me going. It's a book of new beginnings. The author is a solo female traveler from India who writes about traveling through India, europe, southeast Asia, and south america. I love to travel, and I traveled through her adventures vicariously. In some places she is backpacking. Or teaching English or volunteering abroad. Her writing is cheerful and simple to read. For me it's one of the best travel books in India. There is also a lot to take away from the book in terms of self improvement and how to build a life we want.
March 23, 2025
Can’t-put-it-down kind of humorous and one of the best travel books I’ve read!
I binged on this travel essay collection the day I received it. What an insanely good job by the author. Can't believe this is her debut book. Her solo travels in Chile reminded me of my own Quechua stories. The travel stories are inspirational and uplifting. The kind of personal transformation the author goes through comes across as one of the byproducts of traveling slowly and mindfully, as Priyanka does.
It’s a great book on travel for women but also for everyone else. It’s more than a travel memoir. Must for personal growth lovers.
I binged on this travel essay collection the day I received it. What an insanely good job by the author. Can't believe this is her debut book. Her solo travels in Chile reminded me of my own Quechua stories. The travel stories are inspirational and uplifting. The kind of personal transformation the author goes through comes across as one of the byproducts of traveling slowly and mindfully, as Priyanka does.
It’s a great book on travel for women but also for everyone else. It’s more than a travel memoir. Must for personal growth lovers.
March 23, 2025
A Beautiful, Fun, and Inspiring Read
Journeys Beyond and Within... is an enjoyable and effortless read that goes beyond a typical travelogue. Written by a Computer Science engineer from IIT Delhi who leaves behind her corporate career to pursue her passion for writing, the book offers a unique perspective. Often finding herself as the "odd one out," her adventures unfold into captivating and entertaining stories. More than just engaging and visually rich, the travel essays delve deep into self-discovery, providing thought-provoking insights into different ways of life across the world. A highly recommended read for all!
Journeys Beyond and Within... is an enjoyable and effortless read that goes beyond a typical travelogue. Written by a Computer Science engineer from IIT Delhi who leaves behind her corporate career to pursue her passion for writing, the book offers a unique perspective. Often finding herself as the "odd one out," her adventures unfold into captivating and entertaining stories. More than just engaging and visually rich, the travel essays delve deep into self-discovery, providing thought-provoking insights into different ways of life across the world. A highly recommended read for all!
April 25, 2025
Gupta's narrative is raw and honest especially when she talks about the rules and restrictions she faced growing up as a girl rules she slowly and bravely pushed back against. When she talks about her travels, it’s not just about new places, but about the feelings and changes that came with them. Some moments are joyful, others confusing, but she doesn’t try to make it all sound perfect. Instead, she gives space to the discomfort, the loneliness, and the deep personal growth that her journey brought.
It's a book that holds the message to grow beyond the life you were told to live. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is believe in our own journey.
It's a book that holds the message to grow beyond the life you were told to live. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is believe in our own journey.
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