There is something unbeatable about getting away on your own for a few days. No one to wait for, no debates about where to eat and no compromises. Just you, a destination and the freedom to move at your own pace.
Solo travel used to feel like a last resort. Now, it feels like the ultimate flex. More people are swapping big group holidays for solo weekends, longer city breaks or even full-on adventures. It is a chance to clear your head, do your own thing and actually enjoy the moment instead of trying to please everyone else.
For me, it is fast becoming my favourite way to holiday. I like the simplicity of it. Waking up and doing exactly what I want without checking in with anyone. It feels freeing in a way that group travel never quite does.
When you are on your own, the pace is different. Mornings might start with a workout at a local gym or a long walk through a new city before the crowds wake up. Afternoons are for exploring side streets, finding that tucked-away café that serves great coffee and people-watching from a terrace. Nights can go either way. Sometimes you want to grab dinner at the bar of a restaurant and chat to locals, other times you just want to hit a club, feel the music and disappear into it for a few hours.
One of the best parts about travelling solo is that you actually pay attention. You notice the details. The smell of street food cooking, the sound of conversations in another language, the architecture you usually rush past. You can spend the morning at the beach, find a cool spot for lunch and then hit up a rooftop bar for golden hour without checking in with anyone.
By pushing yourself to meet and engage with locals, you also tap into something real. You get a sense of what the place is actually like beyond the tourist layer. A chat with a barista, a recommendation from a taxi driver, or a quick conversation with someone in a gym can completely change the way you experience a city. It is those small, unscripted moments that make solo travel so rewarding.
I use solo trips as a mix of switch-off time and a reset. A chance to move, explore and live at a slower rhythm. Whether it is a weekend in Lisbon, a few nights in Amsterdam or a trip to Miami, I always find myself doing the same things. Hitting the gym early, walking for hours, discovering new restaurants and catching a festival or club night if the timing is right. It feels like a version of routine, but far more interesting.
Solo travel is not about being anti-social, it is about being intentional. You choose how you spend your time and who you give it to. That sense of control feels good, especially when life at home can feel like a loop of work, training and catching up.
A solo trip gives you perspective. It reminds you that there is a whole world outside of your routine. It resets your mind in a way few other things can.
So whether it is a full week away or just a quick break, try it. Book the ticket, pack light and plan just enough. The rest will fall into place.
Sometimes traveling alone is the best way to feel connected again.
