This post was originally published on 4th February 2019 and updated on 11th August 2019.

The first time I announced I was heading off on a solo adventure, I received a mixed reaction from family and friends. Some said good on you. Others were concerned.

Won’t you be lonely? They asked. Aren’t you scared going alone? Why don’t you find someone to go with?

Truth was, I didn’t know if I would be lonely. I was pretty scared. But I also knew it was something I really wanted to do.

My friends in Northampton were either married or had children and they didn’t want to leave their partners or families. And I was yet to make friends outside of work in London. I was the only singleton.

That was 4 years ago.

This year, when I booked a solo holiday to The Algarve in Portugal, fewer people asked questions. In fact, my friends and family were generally much more positive. They thought I was brave going on my own, but they were a lot more encouraging. Some of my friends were even a little bit envious that I had the freedom to jet off on my own.

Mindset changes to solo adventures

Perhaps people’s mindsets are changing.

More people seem to be heading off and doing their own thing, whether that’s because they are single again or because they want to experience new adventures, with or without their partners.

When I arrived in Portugal earlier this year, I asked myself the questions my friends had asked me 4 years ago. My answers this time were very different.

Whether I’m on my own or not, I have learnt to enjoy my own company. I rarely feel lonely. Plus the beauty of the modern world means I can stay in touch with friends and family back home while I’m away.

I’m still get a little apprehensive about heading off on solo adventures in the lead up to a trip. And I always try to avoid putting myself at unnecessary risk.

I truly look forward to escaping city life and enjoying some quiet time away from the madness of work and London. It gives me the opportunity to stop and reflect, and to refocus on me and where I want to be.

Don’t get me wrong, solo travel isn’t the easiest thing to do. It pushes me way out of my comfort zone. But I like to challenge myself and to see how far I can push myself.

I’m pushing myself even further out of my comfort zone later this year. I’m travelling to India for the trip of a lifetime. Whilst I’ll be with a group of travellers for most of the trip, I’ll be travelling there and back alone. My biggest solo adventure yet!