Solo Travel - Love it or hate it?

A Journey of Self-Discovery

This year has been a milestone for me travel-wise, marking the first time in nearly five years that I've visited a new country. And this year, I managed to explore three—Japan, South Korea, and China. I'm excited to share my experiences in a series of articles, starting with a transformative trip to Japan. Join me as I explain why and how this journey changed my outlook on solo travel.

Embarking on this journey was a monumental step for me because it was my first solo trip in nearly 13 years. I consider myself well-traveled, but for over a decade, my holidays and adventures have always been with friends or my now-husband—not on my own.

For me, this was my way of holding space for myself, an opportunity to reconnect with who I had become beyond the roles of mother, wife, friend, or employee. I felt an undeniable need to step into my own space, free from others' expectations and shoulds of modern day life. I’m not going to lie—I was nervous and a bit anxious before I left. Usually, I’m super organized and ready, having everything planned down to the minute, but this trip felt different.

I didn’t need to take anyone else into account—no people-pleasing, just a focus on what I wanted to do. It was exhilarating. I booked my hotels but nothing else. I put the organizing into the universe’s hands and headed off with a wheely bag and a rucksack for ten days—massively underpacked to my own standards—and trusted I would go to and see the places I was meant to.

This wasn’t an easy decision. It was the longest I had ever been away from my two-year-old, and it felt very indulgent. I hate leaving my son, and I actually get a bit of separation anxiety, always finding it hard to leave him (and there are always tears). It was also the first time in 13 years that I was traveling alone, to a non-English-speaking country (not for work), but something was calling me, telling me I needed to do this.

It might sound corny, but anyone that follows me here has seen a glimpse of the transformation I’ve been through personally when I became a mama, and this trip felt like a rite of passage that the new version of me needed—maybe even a quest for wholeness to piece together a few more of those missing fragments of myself. So I put on my big girl pants and off I went.

I’m not going to give you a blow-by-blow account of everything I did in those ten days here (I'll be sharing my experiences of each new place in future articles), but know this: this solo trip was such a special time and space, listening and doing just what I wanted and needed. I could hold quiet space for myself to process, and I even penned down my own love letter to my pre-mama self (more on that another time). I was able to nurture my own needs, see and experience beautiful things in my own time, and I know I will treasure the things I learned about not only this beautiful country, its culture, and spirituality but maybe even more importantly, about myself.

My husband and my son got to spend quality time together and had the best time. I missed them a LOT but also valued the time and space I had to myself. Nothing went wrong at home or on my trip. I felt free and liberated but I've also never looked forward to coming home and giving my boys the best of me because that was what I was able to do. Recenter, reconnect, and just be me.

Why should we spend more time on our own terms?

Spending time on our own terms, especially as mamas, is incredibly important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows us to reconnect with ourselves. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are outside of our roles and responsibilities. Solo travel provides the perfect opportunity to rediscover our passions, interests, and dreams without the influence or expectations of others.

For mamas, this time is even more crucial. Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it’s also incredibly demanding. We are constantly giving—our time, energy, and love. While this is rewarding, it can also be draining. Taking time for ourselves is not selfish; it’s essential. It replenishes our energy, nurtures our spirit, and allows us to return to our families with a renewed sense of self and purpose.

The benefits of solo travel and spending time on our own terms include:

• Self-Discovery: When we travel alone, we are forced to rely on ourselves. This fosters independence and self-reliance, allowing us to discover strengths and capabilities we might not have known we possessed.
• Freedom and Flexibility: Solo travel means you set the agenda. You can explore at your own pace, indulge in your interests, and make spontaneous decisions without having to consider anyone else’s preferences.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Traveling alone encourages mindfulness. With no one to distract us, we can fully immerse ourselves in the moment, appreciating the beauty around us and experiencing life more deeply.
• Personal Growth: Stepping out of our comfort zones and facing new challenges head-on promotes personal growth. It helps us develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence.
• Mental Health: Taking a break from our usual environment and responsibilities can significantly improve our mental health. It reduces stress, provides a fresh perspective, and allows us to return with a clearer mind and a lighter heart.
• Creative Inspiration: New environments and experiences can spark creativity. Whether it’s writing, painting, or simply thinking in new ways, solo travel can provide a wealth of inspiration.
• Connection with the Self: Lastly, spending time alone helps us reconnect with our inner selves. It’s a chance to reflect, meditate, and realign with our values and desires.

If you haven’t taken a solo trip yet, I highly recommend it. It’s an opportunity to redefine who you are outside of your daily roles, to embrace the unexpected, and to grow in ways you never imagined.

This adventure has reinforced the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting in the journey. Embrace the unknown, and who knows what magic awaits you. Safe travels, and remember, the world is vast and waiting for you to explore. ????

So my question to you.... Solo travel, do you love it or hate it?

Share your experiences in the comments and let me know your dream place to visit on your own ??

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