I’ve always loved travelling. In the early days, I used to travel with my parents. While I enjoyed those trips, I often felt like I didn’t have much say in how we travelled. Everything had to fit into the way they wanted to do things, from the places we visited to how we spent our days. So, when I started travelling solo, it felt like a breath of fresh air. The independence was exhilarating. I could finally make my own decisions, explore the places I wanted to visit, and move at my own pace. For the first time, I was in full control of my adventures, and I absolutely loved it.
For about five years, I travelled solo, visiting new countries and immersing myself in different cultures. I enjoyed every moment of it—the freedom, the self-discovery, and the opportunity to make my own itinerary without compromise. But as time went on, something shifted. The excitement of doing everything alone started to fade. More and more, I found myself wishing I had someone to share these experiences with, someone to laugh with, to talk to, and to help create those special memories.
That’s when I decided to try travelling with a friend. And I have to say, it was a game-changer. Not only did our trips strengthen our friendship, but we also created so many fun, unforgettable memories together. I quickly discovered that travelling with someone else has its perks. We could divide the tasks—while I handled booking and organising, my friend took care of the driving, and together, we planned our adventures. It felt like a team effort, and I realised that sharing the experience made the journey all the more enjoyable.
These days, I travel mostly with my husband, and it’s become my favourite way to explore the world. While I’m still very much a planner—I love knowing where we’re going, what we’ll be doing, and having a solid itinerary—my husband brings a much-needed spontaneity to our trips. As an A&E doctor, he’s great at handling emergencies and staying calm when things don’t go according to plan, which is a quality I’ve come to deeply appreciate. I don’t handle last-minute changes well, but knowing he’s there to take charge when things go sideways makes travelling so much more enjoyable for me. Together, we balance each other out, and I feel we complement each other perfectly.
Travel is supposed to be fun, and there’s no one right way to do it. Whether you’re someone who loves the freedom of solo travel, enjoys the companionship of a friend, or thrives in a group setting, the most important thing is to listen to your gut and do what feels right for you. For me, that meant letting go of solo travel and embracing the joy of shared adventures. Don’t feel bad if your travel style changes over time—mine certainly did, and I’m all the happier for it.
In the end, travel is about enjoying the journey, however you choose to experience it. So whether it’s travelling alone, with a partner, or in a group, follow your own path and don’t let anyone else dictate how you explore the world.