My First Solo trip

When we decided and started planning towards our retirement at or before the age of 50, some of the question we were asked were “Why retire early?”, “what you are going to do whole day”? “Isn’t it better to be occupied and do something”. These are all valid questions or concerns but as our retirement philosophy goes – we are retiring from our jobs and retiring to a life of travel, adventure, learning.

So why not a preview before this becomes our routine life and that is why I decided to go on a SOLO trip [well, I am already retired!]. I had done business and family visits on my own but not a solo holiday – So this was my FIRST!! In order to gradually change my adventure level from “I had dinner alone in a restaurant” to “I am ready for sky diving” (or may be not), I planned a retreat holiday with planned agenda, primarily focused on fitness and wellness, and some time on my own to explore and enjoy.

How did the idea come about?

To be honest, this was not on my agenda – infact never thought about it. I mean what’s the need for or fun in going on a holiday on your own. Usually, I stay at home or go with my partner on his business trip, but this time both options were not interesting. Thanks to Covid, have been home for too long and again, thanks to covid – could not go to Japan due to restrictions. So decided to do something different. Now the only question was – how different? I must give credit to one of our friends who went on a 2 week retreat between his jobs and that got me thinking – how it will be to have a holiday on my own? So just popped the idea to Mr. Nomad and infact he got more excited than me.

I think I need to give some background on why this was (and still is) such a big deal for me. Having suffered from anxiety few years back and going through medical issues in last 1 year, to some extent, I had become emotionally dependent on others. So we both looked at this trip as something that would help me to become more independent in my thinking and doing things on my own with confidence. I hope sharing my personal experience could help and inspire other people in similar situation to take such a holiday …on their own.

Great idea! …Now what?

Now comes the most interesting part of travel – PLANNING! For me, holiday starts the day you decide to have a holiday and not the day you leave from home. Infact, I enjoy this phase as much as (if not more than) the actual trip. Where should I go? For how long? What’s the budget? What would I like to do? What kind of holiday I want – relaxing (lying by the beach all day sipping a cocktail with a book in my hand) or something more activity based (like exploring new city, hiking, water sports etc)?

To be honest, I had a problem of luxury – Bangkok (vibrant city and food heaven), Bali (think Yoga/meditation), Melbourne (mix of city trip and water sports).  It was getting too much and Google/Facebook were also not helping – by giving new options everyday based on my search history.

In the end, I put down some questions and wish list to figure out my destination and type of holiday (within the constraints of time to travel and budget):

1. Do I want to explore a new city on my own or do I want to go someplace we have already been to – new city!
2. Do something with a purpose that will make me feel good about it – like physical activity instead of just Eat, sit and read!
3. Do not want to explore too much – being first SOLO trip, not very confident and also this is something that we would still like to do together.
4. What kind of activities I would like to do that I can’t do sitting at home on my own?

and EUREKA! I found the perfect thing to sign up for – 7 day fitness retreat in Phuket!

I started preparing with all my enthusiasm – researching about the place, arranging for airport pick up and drop, told all my friends what I was upto and even bought a selfie stick (my travelling partner for this trip). But I must say I was super nervous couple of days before flying – I was thinking what I have got myself into. Nervous not only about being alone or something going terribly wrong but more nervous and apprehensive about “Will I be able to enjoy on my own?”

Retreat, resort, Phuket – what can go wrong?

Right? Yeah, that was also my expectation from the trip  – I imagined my typical day starting with lazy breakfast, then going for couple of fitness activities (of course I can choose to skip if I want to), have lunch (yummy Thai food) followed by relaxing 2 hour spa session. Then go for a stroll/swim or read a book while watching sunset followed by more food and cocktails – sleep and then repeat for 7 more days.

I just forgot or underestimated the “Fitness” part. I realized that because I had chosen fitness package, my food menu was limited to healthy options in breakfast, lunch and dinner and of course, there were no cocktails in the menu (I can always go to pool bar and sneak out one but it will be cocktail mixed with feeling of guilt). Instead of watching sunset from the pool, I was doing an intensive aqua fitness session.

But here comes the best part – I thoroughly enjoyed each and every day, each and every activity, meal – it was quite an experience. Instead of sunset, I could capture sunrise with early morning yoga session. As the day used to wrap up by 7pm, I could explore areas around the resort during late evening walks (even got chance to go to one of the night markets).

Will I do it again? – Absolutely YES

and I actually did it. I hope to make it more regular like at least once in a year, go on my own – different place, different kind of holiday.  

It is not that it was perfect holiday with no issues – for someone scared of flying – being alone in the flight (even if it is for 2 hours) is an adventure in itself. Obviously, there were moments when I wished Yogi was there (even if it was to take that perfect pic). However, the fact that I wanted to and did it again show the value I got out of it.

Why do I recommend Solo travel and Fitness retreat?

Know yourself better – While you can have time to think about yourself in your daily routine also, but I believe when you travel alone, you actually learn more about yourself. It could be as simple as knowing better about your preferences/likes/dislikes as you make a choice between going for an early morning  Yoga session or diving.  It could also be little bit more complex by introspecting yourself (like selfie of your mind and heart!) and actually starting s journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

Become a better listener/observer – The best way to get to know people and city better is by sitting in a café all by yourself and just watching people.  While travelling with family and friends is no doubt enjoyable, you sometimes miss looking outside your own group or set of people. I also feel that when you are alone, you observe and appreciate things more …whether it is food, building or an experience.

Become more disciplined and consistent – It is not only an introspection of your physical and mental health but this kind of retreat can also help to kickstart the fitness journey. While I knew what I was signing up for (4 work out sessions, etc), I honestly thought that it will be my choice – I can skip it when I want or need not do full sessions. But the way they structure it and track it, you are motivated to follow everything. Of course it also depends on the resort and the retreat package but the decision to follow it is your own and not influenced by other people’s schedule or preferences. In my case, the fitness team @Amatara resort was quite dedicated and serious about it and pushed me as much as they could.

Getting out of your comfort zone – For some people it could be just travelling on their own while for others it could be following a disciplined fitness routine, the bottom line is that such kind of holidays bring people out of their comfort zones. Not everyone is comfortable sitting and eating alone in a restaurant but once you do it, you realize this is also as enjoyable as eating out with friends, partner or family. Unless you make friends on the trip (which is another plus and shout out for Solo holidays), you are pretty much forced to be on your own. When you have to manage unfamiliar situations or go to unexplored places on your own, it is a great boost to your self confidence.

Pursue your interest and passion – When you go on holidays with your partner, family, friends, you tend to plan activities which you can do together most of the time. However, there could also be some interests or hobbies that other person is not interested in. You don’t have to drag others to go for your kind of holiday – plan something on your own and have fun. How about that hiking or trekking trip that you are interested in but whenever you bring it up, it gets vetoed by a beach or city holiday? You might be passionate in art and museums while others just want to go for shopping trip – instead of juggling different activities in same holiday, you can plan your own vacation and spend hours and hours pursuing your passion.

Don’t wait for the right moment or right opportunity – just go ahead and plan it – it could be anything from a relaxing Spa holiday to an extreme sports adventure. Take time to be on your own – plan whole trip around your interest and hobbies.