A letter for when I solo travel
This year, i turned 29.
And i have been thinking about all the things i wish someone had told me - not to fix anything, but to simply say: ‘i see you’ or, ‘this is a valid feeling’.
So here are 29 letters to myself. Maybe to you too.
Dear you,
Honestly, you probably already know this, but this is a love letter to solo travelling. Can you believe it took you 29 years to make your first solo trip? I can’t. But it did.
You never travelled much when you were younger, and you didn’t expect to enjoy it much. But now travelling has unexpectedly become something that you quite enjoy. Not because you enjoy escaping, but because travelling allows you to learn so much about the world, about things that you only read about.
Right now, you’re probably q tired. You’re not much of a planner. In fact, it probably took you forever to plan this trip, and you didn’t even follow the itinerary anyway. But that’s the beauty of solo travel: you don’t have to follow the “plan”.
People always say travelling alone is for slowing down and reflecting on life. But honestly?
PLEASE STOP SLOWING DOWN.
You already reflect a lot in your everyday life (some days too much). Let this be the moment you speed up. Do things that scares you. Talk to strangers. Get a little lost. Try the random thing you’d never do in Singapore.
Because right now, in this moment, you are still you. Just a braver version.
Yes, there are challenges. No one to share the mental load of “what’s next” or “which route.” But that’s part of the sharpening. Every step makes you a better travel companion, even for yourself!!
If a country comes to mind, go. You won’t regret it. You might feel a twinge of loneliness, wishing someone was there to share the moment. But the only person you truly need to share it with is you. And you’ll enjoy it so much.
On your first solo trip, you discovered you enjoy nature — something you never realised when people asked if you were a city or countryside person. You’re still a city girl. But now you know you like pausing to look at mountains, rivers, and trees.
So here’s to solo travel — not as a way to find yourself, but to sharpen yourself. To move a little faster, to try the things that scare you, and to remind yourself you can.
I am rooting for you, girl.
Love,
pf
From my personal experience, solo travel is much more than just a journey—it's a powerful form of self-discovery and growth. When I first ventured out alone, I was nervous about navigating unfamiliar places without a travel buddy. Yet, I found that the challenges—like choosing what to explore next or deciding when to change plans—actually sharpened my decision-making and boosted my confidence. One unexpected benefit was how solo travel encouraged me to connect with strangers and local cultures in a way I never did before. These interactions enriched my travels far beyond the sights I saw. I learned to embrace moments of solitude, not as loneliness, but as opportunities to reflect and recharge. Nature also became a surprising source of joy. Pausing to admire landscapes, mountains, or simply the tranquility of a riverside helped me appreciate a slower pace amid my fast-paced life. This connection to the natural world brought balance and inspired me to step outside my usual urban environment. For anyone hesitant about solo travel, remember it’s not about escaping life but sharpening your true self. Each solo trip is a chance to try new things that scare you, overcome doubts, and prove to yourself your resilience. Trust me, it’s a journey worth taking, and you’ll come back not only with souvenirs but also a stronger, braver heart.
