Beyond the tourist trail: Solo and underrated is the new adventure

Dubai: If you’re looking to have an adventure or a transformative way to experience the world, a solo trip might just be the thing you need. Solo travel isn’t just about seeing the world, it is also about seeing yourself in a completely new light.

But what is it about solo travelling that makes it so appealing, to so many people globally?

“This wasn’t just about seeing new places. It was about self-discovery. About realizing I’m braver than I thought. That courage isn’t something you wait for — it shows up when you decide to go,” said Ananya Jayanth who went on a solo trip to Lucerne, Switzerland and continued the journey as she explored around five new cities in Portugal.

“It was an eye-opening experience to me. While Lisbon isn't exactly underrated, it has a unique charm — a laid-back, easy-going lifestyle that makes it the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with yourself. It felt incredibly safe and welcoming, with countless sights to enjoy solo,” she added.

With a budget of around Dh 9,000 to 10,000 for the entire trip, Jayanth mentioned how this trip gave her something valuable, and no, it wasn’t the scenic views.

“It gave me space. Space to disconnect from the routine, to face daily questions like “What should I do today?” and instead, I just enjoyed the thrill of planning my own days,” she said while reminiscing about her trip.

The long hours of travel or endless walks did not tire Jayanth, instead it left her feeling exhilarated.

While European countries are most often than not the go-to place for many solo travellers, for Jennifer Prodigalidad Simon, it was a different story.

Simon, a Senior Financial Analyst said she had travelled across 35 countries so far, and twelve of them were solo trips. However, her response to which country was the most underrated, she mentioned Sri Lanka and Iceland.

“Sri Lanka because many people assume it’s not safe for solo female travellers – which couldn’t be further from the truth. It was hands down, the friendliest country I’ve ever visited. Even with language barriers, locals always found a way to connect,” she said.

Simon visited Sri Lanka for nine days in 2016, with an all-inclusive budget of around Dh2,000.

“My tuk-tuk driver ended up becoming my tour guide, taking me to beautiful hidden spots I never would’ve found on my own. The hotel receptionist became my hiking buddy—she even woke me up at 4am to catch the sunrise at the top of Sigiriya, “Simon said as she spoke of her trip in Sri Lanka.

“At the Golden Temple, monks and students who barely spoke English still approached me with warmth, even asking to take photos together,” she added.

However, one instance stood out for Simon on her trip, one which she states “humbled” her deeply.

“During a religious holiday when all the stores were closed, the caretaker of the treehouse I stayed in noticed I had no food. She shared what little she had—mangoes and papayas—for the entire day. It humbled me deeply. Even with less, she gave more. It reminded me how truly blessed we are back home in Dubai,” she said.

Simon, also travelled to “Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland. She described Iceland as one that’s “often seen as a romantic getaway.”

“People rarely consider experiencing its (Iceland) beauty alone,” she said.

With a slightly higher budget, when compared to her Sri Lanka trip, Simon travelled across Iceland for five days and spent around Dh9,000.

“Iceland has always felt like another planet to me – it truly is. It’s one of these once-in-a-lifetime places where you literally see fire and ice in the same landscape. Every city offered something new and surreal,” she said about the Nordic island nation.

Besides surreal landscapes, Iceland also offers travellers a breath-taking view, which is at the top of every travellers bucket list, (even mine) – the mesmerising Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.

“Seeing the Aurora Borealis with my own eyes? That was a childhood dream finally coming true. Iceland is absolutely one for the books,” Simon added.

Solo travel, which was initially seen as an unusual activity, has now become more mainstream. According to multiple sources, which include Princeton Survey Research Associates, The New York Times and more, there has been a rise in solo travel.

Reports also stated that Google searches for the words ‘solo travel’ had doubled between 2018 and 2023. According to a report by Custom Market Insights, global solo travel market is also expected to reach USD 1508.2 billion by 2033.

“Solo travelling as a woman has taught me countless life lessons. It may be challenging at first, but each trip turns out to be a rewarding journey. I’ve gotten lost many times, yet it’s always the journey itself that brings the real excitement,” Simon stated when sharing her experience as a solo traveller.

She added, “I’ve been shy since I was a child, but solo travel showed me there’s nothing wrong with making new friends or asking for help—after all, God didn’t create us to live alone.

During my first solo trip abroad, I had an unforgettable experience. I didn’t know how to swim, but the tour guide encouraged me to jump off a cliff—thankfully, I was wearing a life vest. Still, I was terrified. Sensing my fear, he joked, “Don’t worry, your body will float in three days,” and we both laughed. That laughter gave me the courage to jump.”

“These moments, both scary and exhilarating, are now treasured memories. They’ve taught me courage, trust, and the beauty of stepping out of my comfort zone. Most importantly, I’ve learned that we’re not meant to only work and chase deadlines. Life is meant to be lived. Traveling reminds me of that—every time I pack my bags and step into the unknown, I return a little braver, a little wiser, and a lot more grateful,” Simon shared.