Point of View

Window or aisle?

I usually pick the aisle seat because I love having the freedom to move around whenever I need. Whether it’s stretching my legs, grabbing a snack, or making a quick dash to the restroom, it just feels more convenient. I don’t have to ask anyone to move, which makes the flight feel a lot less restrictive. Sure, the window has the views, and I appreciate that, but being able to move freely and stay comfortable throughout the journey always wins.

 

Sunrise or midnight wander?

I prefer sunrise wandering. There’s something magical about stepping out just as the world wakes. The air feels fresher, streets are quieter, and the soft morning light transforms the surroundings into something completely new. Every sunrise walk feels like a personal moment of discovery and reflection.

 

What’s your personal non-negotiable on a solo trip?

The time to disconnect and reflect. No matter how packed the itinerary is, I make sure there’s at least one quiet moment each day, whether it’s a morning tea overlooking the sunrise, a slow walk through a medina, or just sitting by the ocean. It’s that personal space that lets me absorb the place, recharge, and come back to the adventure with full energy and curiosity.

 

A place that changed you either quickly or slowly?

One place that changed me instantly and profoundly was the Serengeti. Spending days tracking wildlife across endless savannahs, watching predators and prey in their natural rhythm, shifted the way I see the world. It taught me patience, the power of observation, and a deep respect for the balance of life. There’s something humbling about feeling so small in a vast landscape yet intimately connected to the cycles of nature. It’s changed the way I travel, the way I think, and even the way I carry myself in everyday life.

 

Where does apprehension sit for you when you travel? In the front or the back seat?

In the back seat. I try to give it space to exist without letting it take the wheel. Travel always carries a little uncertainty – new cultures, remote paths, and unfamiliar languages – but I see that tension as part of the adventure rather than a roadblock. By keeping it in the back, I can acknowledge it, learn from it, and still move forward with curiosity and excitement, letting the journey guide me rather than my fears.

 

What’s underrated about travel?

The quiet, unplanned moments, the sunrise over a deserted street, a spontaneous conversation with a local, or getting lost in a neighbourhood you didn’t expect to love. Those moments don’t make the postcards, but they shape your experience, teach patience, curiosity, and often leave the deepest, most lasting impressions.

 

Train? Plane? Boat? Coach? Or Car?

I usually choose train travel whenever I can. There’s something about gliding through landscapes at a relaxed pace that lets you really see a country unfold, from mountains and rivers to small towns and hidden corners you’d miss from a plane. It’s immersive, comfortable, and gives me time to think, write, or simply watch the world pass by. Planes are unbeatable for distance, and cars or coaches have their place for flexibility, but trains strike the perfect balance of comfort, scenery, and the joy of the journey itself.

 

What does responsibility to a solo traveller mean to you?

Responsibility as a host to a solo traveller means ensuring their safety, comfort, and sense of belonging while allowing them the freedom to explore. It’s about creating an environment where they feel supported – from clear guidance and reliable information to genuine local insight without ever feeling constrained. A solo traveller’s experience should be empowering, inspiring curiosity while minimising risk, so they can engage fully with the destination, connect with its people, and create memories that are both enriching and safe.

 

If you could gift every solo traveller one thing, what would it be?

Confidence – the quiet assurance that they can navigate the unknown, trust their instincts, and fully embrace whatever comes their way. Confidence turns uncertainty into curiosity, fear into wonder, and moments of hesitation into opportunities for discovery. With it, every journey becomes richer, every encounter more meaningful, and every challenge an adventure rather than an obstacle.

 

Finish this sentence: The world looks different when I walk through it alone because … every detail demands my attention, every sound and sight feels sharper, and I notice the rhythms, textures, and stories that often go unnoticed in company.