Benjamin TanSolo travelling can be a daunting prospect for many, conjuring feelings of apprehension and fear. The idea of venturing into the unknown without a companion often raises questions about safety, companionship, and emotional support. However, for those who dare to embrace it, solo travel can lead to profound personal growth and unforgettable experiences.
The notion of solitary travel appears inconceivable to some, for reasons many can relate to — the hidden dangers that lurk in dark, murky corners; the stigma of loneliness; and the need for mutual support.
Having someone by your side allows you to approach uncertainties that are the unexplored world with greater confidence; lingering doubts are banished, and thrown into the wind. While it is certainly no sin to travel accompanied, there comes a time when you cede control to naïve adventurousness, pack your bags, and set off for the first country on the map your coin lands on, alone.
The art and power of solo travel
Imagine touching down at an airport — you find yourself lost in a sea of bodies gathered around a rhizome of conveyor belts, arms folded, waiting in anticipation to retrieve their luggage. There is no other luggage to look out for but yours. Out into the arrival hall, more people flock to greet their friends and family. You feel like a freshman at a frat party, like all eyes are on you, but truth be told, no one pays attention; you are just another page of an endless book, writing your name onto the places you will be at. You almost turn your head to get a consensus on the next course of action. Of course, no one is with you.
The freedom is both terrifying and liberating at the same time; you get a creeping realisation that you are all by yourself, and with it, the unmistakable thrill of being unshackled from second opinions and the chore of having to please everyone.
You straighten up and head towards the metro with a zip in your step.
Imagine you are on a locomotive train that is chugging along the outskirts of a rainforest. It is late afternoon, and the train is filled like a sardine can with grandmothers, housewives, and their children. They are anxious to return to their rural homes after a long day at the town’s marketplace. Good fortune finds you, and you are seated by the window. The sun beats down, and it feels like a furnace in the non-air-conditioned carriage. You struggle to take in every scene, hoping to recount your journey on pen and paper.
A housewife sits beside you with her three children who give you inquisitive looks, wondering what an outsider is doing in the uglier part of the country. The mother, sensing your loneliness and vulnerability, graciously offers a pear that she had earlier purchased from a vendor by the train station. You smile and gratefully accept. She asks you what you are doing there, and where you are from, and in return, you learn that she is a teacher in a local makeshift elementary school. On it goes, and her willingness to share her world touches you. It is a language you barely understand, but you find yourself absorbed in the conversation. You initially project a short paragraph, but in the space of an hour, another story emerges.
Imagine yourself at a backpackers’ inn. It is no 5-star hotel, but money cannot buy camaraderie; you find yourself trading stories with fellow travellers. Laughs are traded, tears are shed, and hearts are set alight. With each story, you feel emboldened to take on the journey that awaits you in the morning. A tinge of longing sets upon you, and you are slightly dismayed at the fact that everyone in your bunk will branch off in separate paths, but this all adds to the mysticism of solitary travel, does it not — to encounter the different characters from all walks of life, and to let them go, out of sight from your personal life; to be known and unknown. True enough, no one asks to keep in touch, having long accepted the temporal nature of travel. You will miss them, but like the encounter on the train, you are grateful for the fateful meeting, and sometimes, you wonder where these people are at this very moment.
A traveller’s dream
Image credit: MindsEye_PJ
Paul Theroux’s journey by train from Massachusetts to Patagonia, the southernmost point of South America, was punctuated with temporary encounters, but he mostly travelled alone. It was often during those solitary moments when he was able to reflect on his extraordinary journey, and his muses, which are sources of travel inspiration, can be found in his book, The Old Patagonian Express.
Nearing the end of his journey, he wrote, “If one of the objects of travel was to give yourself the explorer’s thrill that you were alone, that after fifty or twenty thousand miles you had outrun everyone else and were embarked on a solitary mission of discovery in a remote place, then I had accomplished the traveller’s dream.”
Solo Travel Destinations
1. Tokyo, Japan
Image credit: jhengyaolin via Canva Pro
Tokyo is a haven for solo travellers, especially those who enjoy exploring vibrant cities. The city’s well-organized public transportation system makes navigating its neighbourhoods a breeze. Solo travellers will appreciate Tokyo’s array of single-seat restaurant options, including ramen shops like Ichiran where patrons dine alone in private booths. There is also an abundance of capsule hotels that provide a unique, budget-friendly accommodation for solo travellers. To top it off, Tokyo’s modern safety standards make it one of the safest cities in the world for solo exploration!
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Image credit: Foto_iM via Canva Pro
While Japan may excel in efficiency, Thailand offers a more relaxed, adventurous experience, perfect for those seeking spontaneity. Thailand is a backpacker’s paradise where flexibility and laid-back charm reign. Chiang Mai, in particular, invites solo travellers to slow down and embrace the easy-going lifestyle through activities like cooking classes, yoga retreats, and mountain treks. These group activities provide the perfect opportunity for you to connect with like-minded explorers and make international friends.
Image credit: Andrey X. via Canva Pro
No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting its bustling night markets. For a truly authentic experience, don’t miss the iconic Sunday Walking Street, where you can soak in the vibrant energy of the Thai market scene.
3. Hoi An, Vietnam
Image credit: Xaume Olleros via Canva Pro
If you are looking for a place with more of a personal touch, Hoi An might be the right choice for you. To fully experience Hoi An’s charm, the peaceful streets and scenic countryside are best explored by bicycle. Choose from a variety of self-guided cycling tours available online, offering routes that take you through lush rice paddies and serene beaches. Explore at your own pace while enjoying the freedom to interact with locals, stop and take in the sights.
Image credit: BartCo via Canva Pro
Raved about on TikTok for its skilled tailors, Hoi An is also the perfect place to get custom-made clothing and shoes in just a few days, offering solo travellers the chance to design one-of-a-kind outfits at affordable prices. Each piece can act as a personal memento, a wearable reminder of your solo travel adventures in Vietnam!
4. Melbourne, Australia
Image credit: Gagliardi Photography via Canva Pro
Adventure seekers can embark on a breathtaking trip along the Great Ocean Road, where stunning coastal views and landmarks like the iconic Twelve Apostles await. For foodies, a visit to Queen Victoria Market or Grazeland Markets is a must, showcasing the best local produce, gourmet delights, and multicultural flavours that define Melbourne’s culinary scene. Finally, nature lovers can retreat to the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens, providing a peaceful escape from city life!
5. London, United Kingdom
Image credit: sborisov via Canva Pro
London offers solo travellers endless opportunities for exploration, from world-class museums and galleries to historical landmarks like the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Public transport within the city is efficient and easy to navigate, allowing you to discover London’s many attractions at your own pace. For a truly unique experience, consider joining a guided walking tour to meet fellow travellers while gaining insider knowledge about the city’s hidden gems.
One of London’s greatest advantages is its excellent connectivity to other destinations, making it a perfect launchpad for further travel. With well-connected trains and flights, solo travellers can easily explore nearby cities like Paris, Edinburgh, or Brighton for day trips or weekend getaways.
Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and adventure, allowing you to forge your own path and create unforgettable memories. The world is filled with places waiting to be discovered on your terms. So pack your bags, step out of your comfort zone, and embark on your own solo adventure. The journey of a lifetime awaits!
