All aboard the solo travel train: turn left without a committee meeting, eat, surf, move at your own pace, and stumble upon unexpected adventures – all on your terms.
Words by Rachel Lingham | 10th December '23
So, you're thinking of flying solo? Well, buckle up because solo travel isn't just a journey, dude, it's a chance to make new pals – and do exactly what you want to do.
Those moments alone really are very nice, actually | Photography @jamiemitchell.photo
Imagine a world where you wander around a new city and feel like turning left, and you can just, erm, turn left. Or where you spend two weeks doing nothing but surfing, eating, stretching and then lying down in a very straight line – without giving a single flip about what anyone else wants to do.
Luckily for you, this world exists.
One of the most liberating aspects of travelling on your tod is the absolute freedom to shape your own destiny. No compromises, no negotiations – just sweet, sweet autonomy.
– once considered a niche pursuit, or reserved only for that very loud man we’ve all met in a Bangkok hostel who has eschewed society and been ‘on the road’ for twenty years – has become a mainstream phenomenon, and for good reason.
Beyond the Instagram-(cringe)worthy snapshots and passport stamps, taking a trip alone unlocks a plethora of transformative experiences that are anything but lonely.
Stepping outside the comfort zones of familiarity and routine allows us to confront and overcome personal challenges. Whether navigating a bustling Indian market or conquering a fear of wipeouts in the Atlantic ocean, solo travel pushes our boundaries, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Do I want to help the nice fisherman with their nets after my surf? Yes, I do | Photography @malvalorensson
Solo travellers are more likely to engage deeply with local cultures and create meaningful connections, and the absence of familiar faces encourages more interaction with locals.
Communal meals, spontaneous conversations, and immersive experiences become the building blocks of a more profound connection to the world, and create space for a genuine understanding of diverse perspectives.
Without the need for group consensus, solo travellers can change plans on the merest of whims, seizing unexpected opportunities. This flexibility allows for weird encounters, hidden gems, and unplanned adventures that often become the most cherished memories of the journey.
It allows us to say 'yes' more. As long as it is safe, of course.
From reading alone in a hammock to long, leisurely chats over dinner, going solo can be a very liberating thing indeed.
Solo travel can be sustainable-ish – travel can never be completely sustainable – and in many cases, it offers unique opportunities for eco-conscious and socially responsible practices.
Travelling alone doesn't mean lonely | Photography @gabriellazagni
For the longest time, our leisurely post-surf, communal breakfasts have been as much about creating long-lasting friendships and putting the world to rights as refuelling after a session in the water. The shared experiences of catching a wave, spotting a turtle, or finally figuring out why everyone bangs on about the post-yoga glow allows for a special kind of bonding.
And this is a really safe, welcoming space. So we’ve found over the years that we’ve naturally attracted people travelling on their own, who come together and create a community, albeit temporary. Which is something we’ve gently nurtured over the years - whether it's a good natter round the bar in Portugal, nursing a chai in India or bopping about to some sunset tunes in Sri Lanka.
You can, of course, slope off and be alone – we encourage you to find a corner in one of our gardens and chill, flop by the pool, sip a beer, read - whatever – but you might also just find your people, right here.
You might actually meet some really nice new friends | Photography @malvalorensson
