Travel Partners? Ditch ’em.

Solo travel reminds you why you are always your own best company.

Piazza Venezia in Rome in late afternoon. Photo by Chloe Ip.

Most people balk at the idea of travelling alone. We’re comfortable commuting to work alone, studying at a coffee shop alone, even living alone. But we don’t travel alone. There’s something about the word “travel” that has to involve other people. Saw the Colosseum on your own? Why on earth would you do that?! Florence by yourself? How unromantic.

The prevalent mentality is alone = loneliness. What a load of bull, eh? Being able to spend time alone is a form of luxury. You have the opportunity to figure out what makes you tick.

My first solo journey was to Rome in January of 2016. The Holy See was all glittering stone. Endless rows of towering columns marked the entranceway, pearl-white marble statues adorned every corner and cornice, people jostled for a chance to photograph St.Peter’s Basilica. With its imposing structures, Vatican City was a visualization of power. I felt insignificant, a speck in the universe. It was a humbling moment.

Vatican City packed with visitors waiting for Pope Francis to make a speech. Photo by Chloe Ip.

The atmosphere was electric. A sense of expectation charged the air. I thought it was a regular occurrence…