Why I went all the way to Thailand for a week
Friday 12 May 2023
This was a question I got asked over and over again - by friends at home, by people I met there and by strangers on the Internet.
Before covid, I was booking flights and jumping on planes on my own at every opportunity. Solo travel in Southeast Asia is something that has changed my life not only in the experiences it has brought but also the confidence and trust in myself that I have gained from doing it.
I’ve had a lot going on recently and in an (successful) attempt to disconnect from my daily routine and reflect on my life, I booked a week off. I had the choice of anywhere but I picked Thailand because it makes me happy.
So regardless of only having a week spare, I was more than happy to sit on at 14-hour flight if it meant I could spend my holiday where I wanted to spend my holiday.
One of the main reasons why I decided to travel alone was to rest. I experience crazy fomo when I'm at home and can’t say no to anything, but being in Phuket, I was able to slow down. I spent hours lounging by the pool, reading, journalling, taking photos and swimming. All alone. And I loved every minute of it.
And in the evening, I ate and I went to bed early. It was blissful; not only in the fact of having an early night but in that I wasn’t stressed that I should be doing something ‘fun’ instead.
Thai food was another highlight and one of the reasons I go back again and again. I eat at some of Londons best restaurants usually, but the food markets are my favourite thing in the world. There's nothing quite like watching a Pad See Ew being made fresh in the vibrant street markets, something I did multiply times a day. I was also able to satisfy my Thai tea addiction whilst I was there.
I also very much enjoyed the freedom to do exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. I woke up naturally at 6 am, so I got up and went for a walk, one morning I spent an hour throwing myself around on a surf machine and another, I journalled on the balcony. I ate when I got hungry and I went back to the same 5* hotel three times because I liked the spa there. I booked luxury transfers instead of buses and postponed a boat trip I had scheduled because I could. I didn't need to follow anyone else's itinerary but my own.
Solo travel has always been a great way for me to feel good about myself and build trust in my abilities, and three years after my last solo trip, that was something I desperately needed.
It reminded me that I can do things alone and that I can be happy doing it.
If you're considering traveling alone, I highly recommend it. It's a chance to gain clarity and perspective, try new things, and create unforgettable memories.
Before covid, I was booking flights and jumping on planes on my own at every opportunity. Solo travel in Southeast Asia is something that has changed my life not only in the experiences it has brought but also the confidence and trust in myself that I have gained from doing it.
I’ve had a lot going on recently and in an (successful) attempt to disconnect from my daily routine and reflect on my life, I booked a week off. I had the choice of anywhere but I picked Thailand because it makes me happy.
So regardless of only having a week spare, I was more than happy to sit on at 14-hour flight if it meant I could spend my holiday where I wanted to spend my holiday.
One of the main reasons why I decided to travel alone was to rest. I experience crazy fomo when I'm at home and can’t say no to anything, but being in Phuket, I was able to slow down. I spent hours lounging by the pool, reading, journalling, taking photos and swimming. All alone. And I loved every minute of it.
And in the evening, I ate and I went to bed early. It was blissful; not only in the fact of having an early night but in that I wasn’t stressed that I should be doing something ‘fun’ instead.
Thai food was another highlight and one of the reasons I go back again and again. I eat at some of Londons best restaurants usually, but the food markets are my favourite thing in the world. There's nothing quite like watching a Pad See Ew being made fresh in the vibrant street markets, something I did multiply times a day. I was also able to satisfy my Thai tea addiction whilst I was there.
I also very much enjoyed the freedom to do exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. I woke up naturally at 6 am, so I got up and went for a walk, one morning I spent an hour throwing myself around on a surf machine and another, I journalled on the balcony. I ate when I got hungry and I went back to the same 5* hotel three times because I liked the spa there. I booked luxury transfers instead of buses and postponed a boat trip I had scheduled because I could. I didn't need to follow anyone else's itinerary but my own.
Solo travel has always been a great way for me to feel good about myself and build trust in my abilities, and three years after my last solo trip, that was something I desperately needed.
It reminded me that I can do things alone and that I can be happy doing it.
If you're considering traveling alone, I highly recommend it. It's a chance to gain clarity and perspective, try new things, and create unforgettable memories.
