What if the places you fear the most are the ones that teach you the most?
Armed with an Indian passport and a fierce sense of curiosity, Ankitha Rajendaran journeyed through over 100 countries that most travelers avoid — not to chase danger, but to find humanity where the world least expects it.
Why Not? is a bold, soul-stirring memoir that dismantles headlines, crosses invisible borders, and redefines what it means to travel in a world full of assumptions. With vulnerability as her compass, Ankitha uncovers grace in chaos, beauty in the broken, and connection in the most unlikely places.
More than a travel story — this is a powerful exploration of courage, compassion, and the radical act of saying yes to the unknown.
1. Can you give us a brief overview of Why Not? and how it tackles some of the pressing global issues today?
My book WHY NOT? is a non-fiction travel memoir that dismantles stereotypes, both of the world and of what it means to be an Indian traveler with a weak passport. It documents my solo journeys across 15 of the world’s most misunderstood nations like Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, Congo, Turkmenistan, and beyond, all while holding down a full-time job. The book speaks directly to two global challenges: the shrinking curiosity about the “other” and the myth that meaningful travel is reserved for the privileged few. It’s a manifesto for reclaiming narrative, curiosity, and courage in an increasingly divided and filtered world.
2. What motivated you to write this book, and what lived experiences shaped your perspective?
This book was born from every “Why would you go there?” I received it. As an Indian woman, with a corporate job and no second passport, I’ve traveled to 108 countries across 7 continents, not to collect stamps, but share experiences so unique they alter your very being. My expertise isn’t academic; it’s lived. I’ve crossed military checkpoints in Iraq, met the refugees in Congo, broken bread with locals in Iraq, and shared tea with border guards in Syria. I’ve done it all while navigating visa barriers, cultural assumptions, and safety concerns. This is not just my travelogue, it’s a call to action for every woman, every Indian, and every dreamer who’s been told “it’s not possible.”
3. What are some key insights or takeaways readers will find in Why Not??
Fear is often misplaced, and risk is relative. The world can seem like a dangerous place, and it is true on many occasions, but what’s missing is context.
You don’t need to quit your job, wait for the “right time,” or have the “right passport” to see the world meaningfully.
Connection happens when you go beyond the headlines, when you choose people over politics and curiosity over caution.
There is power in saying “Why not?” It’s the first step in rewriting your own limits.
4. Can you share any specific stories or examples from your travels that capture the essence of your message?
Absolutely. What this book highlights most deeply is the power of being vulnerable, of stepping into places the world tells you to fear, and choosing instead to trust your own instincts, your research, and the people you meet along the way. I didn’t just land in these countries blindly. I planned obsessively, studied cultural nuances, read local forums, and leaned into trusted local fixers, guides, and communities to shape my experiences.
In Syria, I remember nervously arriving in Damascus at a time when most tourists wouldn’t dream of going. But my guide, a local historian passionate about rebuilding his country’s image, made that journey unforgettable. He opened doors, literally and figuratively, that no Google search ever could. In Afghanistan, when I was not allowed to cross the border alone, an older Afghani man stepped in, rearranged everything, and made sure I was never alone or unsafe. These aren’t just travel hacks, they’re human connections rooted in trust.
From the fixer in Iran who insisted on treating me like a daughter, to the guide in Sao Tome who weaved conservation stories into every hike, every trip was made richer because of the people who believed in the value of sharing their world. These individuals didn’t just keep me safe, they made the trip soulful. Going solo wasn’t a badge of honor, but supporting the guides became a mission and a privilege. This book is full of those moments, real-world stories that show how preparation meets intuition, and how locals become the true heroes of the journey.
5. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while writing Why Not?, and how did you work through them?
Writing this book meant reliving some physically, emotionally, and politically charged moments. It was tough to balance honesty with sensitivity, especially when writing about nations still in conflict. I also had to navigate imposter syndrome, wondering whether my voice was “enough.” What helped was anchoring myself in truth: I’m not trying to be an expert on these countries. I’m telling the story of what happens when you dare to show up with open eyes and a full heart.
6. What do you hope readers, particularly women and Indian travelers, take away from your book?
I want readers, especially Indian women, to walk away thinking, “If she can, so can I.” This book is a compass, not a checklist. Whether you dream of traveling or simply want to challenge your own biases, Why Not? is your permission slip. It’s about choosing courage over convenience and stories over assumptions. If it sparks even one person to chase a wild, unreasonable dream, or to see the world more empathetically, my job is done.
7. In today’s fast-changing world, how do you see your book staying relevant to future readers?
Because at its core, this book isn’t just about travel. It’s about mindset. The world will keep changing — borders, politics, policies — but what won’t change is the human hunger to connect, understand, and grow. This book gives readers the tools to navigate any terrain — external or internal — with curiosity, humility, and grit. It’s not just timely. It’s timeless.
Buy the book today on amazon and start traveling beyond borders — and beyond fear.
