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  • The Introvert Paradox: Why Venturing Outside Your Home Is Actually Beneficial

    Source: Shutterstock.

    As an introvert, nothing truly beats staying at home by myself reading a good book while sipping warm beverage against the backdrop of rain outside. Within these four walls, I am my genuine self, simply enjoying the silence, a cup of coffee, and exploring my inner world.

    Why is it that we introverts prefer to stay at home by ourselves? It’s because the home is more than just a physical place to relax, eat, or sleep. It serves as a sanctuary, a kind of sovereign kingdom that protects us from an outside world that nowadays often feels loud, shallow, and fast-paced.

    That is why one of the most annoying pieces of advice anyone can give to an introvert goes something like this: “You need to go out more often.” Being told this used to irritate me deeply. However, as much as I hate to admit it, I realized as time has passed that there is some truth to that advice. It may sound absurd for an introvert to agree with such a statement, but hear me out.

    Reasons to Venture Outside Your Domain

    Kingdoms cannot survive in total isolation. Even the greatest empires in history required trade routes and new ideas to prosper. Sometimes, you need to lower the fortress drawbridge and venture beyond the boundaries of your domain. By doing so, you bring new ideas, knowledge, and the chance to meet like-minded people who can aid or accompany you in your journeys.

    Source: Private, from my trip to Pernštejn Castle, Czechia 2023. A sovereign domain requires more than just walls; it requires a clear path to the outside world.

    By staying behind closed gates, we miss out on opportunities to meet fellow similar-minded people. These are the individuals who truly resonate with us and value deep, authentic connections. They could be mentors or teachers who share our passions. If there is common ground, chances are they’d be more than happy to offer friendly advice or even lend their time to help you grow.

    I experienced this a while ago at an after-work event, the kind I rarely attend. I befriended a colleague after discovering we shared a passion for fashion, specifically tailored adjustments to clothing. She mentioned that she frequently attends sewing sessions, and when I asked if she could teach me to use a sewing machine, she was more than happy to help. The next day, she brought her machine over and taught me everything about it, even letting me borrow it for several days to practice. Nowadays, when people compliment my style, it is often because my clothes fit exactly as they should. They are always surprised when I tell them that I perform the adjustments myself.

    Even though introverts thrive with minimal social interaction, the basic human need for connection remains. We should remind ourselves: it is not people who drain us, but rather being in the wrong crowds that saps our energy. There is a profound difference when you spend time with someone who doesn’t deplete you, but instead leaves you feeling uplifted.

    Beyond friendship and mentorship, one can even find romantic partners who understand our need for solitude and silence. To build a thriving life, we must occasionally leave the fortress to find the people who actually belong in our inner circle.

    The Art of Selective Engagement

    Does that mean saying “yes” to every social event? No. It’s about being selective with your time and energy, and, most importantly, choosing the right environments.

    To give an example: Unless you’re a dedicated Swiftie, then attending a massive Taylor Swift concert might not be the right choice for obvious reasons. Beyond the deafening volume and the overwhelming crowds, the chances of encountering a truly like-minded person are slim.

    A more logical choice would be a book club, a “paint ’n sip” session, or my personal favorite: language cafés. Based on my personal experience, language learners tend to be reflective and curious; they understand the value of deep focus and meaningful discussion. This curious nature is exactly what makes them more approachable and open-minded.

    From the Open Drawbridge back to the Sanctuary

    Open-mindedness is crucial. While we cherish our solitude, we must also remain open to new experiences. As a solo-traveler, I always keep an open mind when traveling, whether that is visiting a foreign country, trying out new food, or meeting all kinds of people.

    In fact, it is during my travels that I encounter fascinating and genuine people the most. In my latest trip to Morocco, I established more genuine connections during my ten-day visit than I ever could in a decade spent in my home country.

    Source: Private, Somewhere in the Saharan Desert in Morocco 2026

    As mentioned earlier, we should occasionally lower the drawbridge, but do so for the right reasons, and for the right people. You will attract those who resonate with you but only if you choose to be found.

    Lowering the drawbridge is one thing, knowing when to raise it is equally important. Let’s say you decide to attend a social event outside of your typical interests, such as a pub quiz. Perhaps you went with an open mind, hoping to find similar-minded-minded people among the crowd.

    However, if you find yourself sitting among loud people, struggling to hear the conversations over the clinking of glasses, and realizing the conversation remains strictly on the surface, know that you always have the power to simply leave. Recognizing early on that an event is depleting your limited energy is vital. Even when you lead with an open mind, it’s best to always have an exit strategy if you sense the environment is no longer in alignment with your domain. By leaving, you have actually performed a brilliant checkmate move, safeguarding your inner peace in the process. You can always plan your next venture from the safety and quiet of your sanctuary.

    Source: Private, visiting a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains: Finding a new kind of sanctuary in the High Atlas—a reminder that the world is far larger than the walls we build.

  • The High-Intensity of One: Why Solitude is a Luxury

    Alexander and Diogenes, by Gaspar de Crayer (c. 1630)

    In Ancient Greece, the philosopher Diogenes lived an austere life, owning few possessions and sleeping inside a pithos, a large ceramic jar. We might see his lifestyle as an extreme form of minimalism, but Diogenes found a rare luxury that even the wealthiest individuals today will never attain. When Alexander the Great visited the philosopher and asked if there was anything he could do for him, Diogenes’ reply was: “Stand out of my sunlight!” By this, he implied he needed nothing from one of history’s most powerful men. Alexander later famously remarked: “If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.”

    How did a man like Alexander the Great, a king who had conquered the known world and could acquire anything he desired, come to envy a man who seemingly had nothing? The answer is simple: By choosing a life of solitude over material wealth and the admiration of the masses, Diogenes conquered himself. He found peace and had total control over his own time.

    As I become older, I resonate more with the philosophy of Diogenes. Nowadays, I find more fulfillment in solitary activities: reading, walking, engaging in the arts, or working on side projects. There is an ultimate tranquility in owning your schedule—deciding exactly how your energy is spent. Once you become accustomed to a solitary lifestyle, you instinctively safeguard your peace against chaos, social noise, and meaningless drama. You become highly selective about who you let into your life.

    Before I share why solitude is a rare luxury in a world craving your attention, I must first distinguish solitude from loneliness.

    Aloneness is not synonymous with loneliness

    It’s a common misconception that aloneness is synonymous with loneliness. Moreover, the terms aloneness, loneliness, and solitude are often used interchangeably, despite their distinct definitions.

    Aloneness is the physical state of being by yourself, whether short or long-term, whether by choice or not.

    Loneliness is the undesired and uncomfortable feeling of being alone. While the physical state of being alone can trigger loneliness, it can more often be caused by a lack of genuine social connection. For example, one can be in a romantic relationship or in a group of people, yet still feel lonely or isolated.

    Solitude, however, is the preference for spending time alone, either short-term or long-term. Those who prefer solitude do so to intentionally engage in meaningful and joyful activities of their choosing. It doesn’t mean that they are anti-social or that they avoid people. One can find solitude while reading a book in a café, focusing on a solo workout at the gym, or walking around a crowded park on a Sunday afternoon.

    Diogenes, by John William Waterhouse (1882)

    Society pushes the notion through films, series, and music, that you must be part of a social group to feel fulfilled. Furthermore, teachers and family members often tell those who are quiet to “go out and make new friends.” People frequently assume that those who choose their own company lack social skills, are weird, or are dealing with internal issues. In reality, being comfortably alone shows strength and is quite empowering once mastered. It is for these reasons that I have chosen this path.

    Choosing to walk the solitary path

    Now that I’m older, I find myself increasingly avoiding people in my spare time, often opting out of social events. Exceptions are family and a select group of close friends. To be frank, I find being around unfamiliar people or attending social events to be energy-draining. I simply no longer have the patience for the worries, personal issues, or drama that others may bring.

    It hasn’t always been like this. I was a more outgoing person in my younger years, saying yes to every social event. Like most young people, I was caught in the compulsion to fit in, be accepted, and liked by everyone else. However, the majority of people that age don’t yet know themselves, so they look for the answer in the reflection of others.

    The day I began to prioritize my goals and interests was the day I declined social invitations centered around drinking and partying. Instead, I chose to invest my valuable time in getting into better physical shape, reading books, and pursuing new skills. Eventually, I was no longer considered part of the “common crowd”. The invitations stopped, and the “friends” I once knew became nothing more than tiny fragments etched in my memory.

    Social noise fades once you embrace yourself in solitude. Source: Shutterstock

    Some might say it’s a pity, or that I’m missing out. But honestly, I don’t think I’ve missed out on anything. When you stop participating in the common rituals of the crowd, the crowd naturally recedes. But in that receding tide, I found both peace and productive silence—the keys to unlock my true potential. Moreover, it revealed who my genuine friends were: people I could truly connect with and count on. Choosing the clarity of solitude over the static of social noise has been my greatest blessing.

    The Luxuries of Solitude

    As hinted earlier, a solitary life is a peaceful life. There’s a scene from the 1970 Western movie “Two Mules for Sister Sara” that accurately captures the essence of solitude. In the movie, a nun, played by Shirley MacLaine, asks Hogan, played by Clint Eastwood, why he doesn’t want a woman of his own. Hogan replies that he would rather drink, gamble, spend his money, and not listen to a woman’s complaints and aches all day. To the nun, Hogan’s solitude is a deficit that needs correction, assuming it is a lonely life. Unfazed, Hogan replies, “It’s a great life.” I like that scene so much that I use Hogan’s same reply every time someone questions my choice. It’s a great life because there’s no drama, no stress, no fake performances, and no forcing yourself to do things others want you to do.

    If life were a video game, selecting solitude and peace is like playing on “Easy Difficulty”. You’ve opted out of the unfair boss fights of social drama; your health bar stays full because you aren’t wasting ‘mana’ on meaningless interactions. Even the enemy NPCs seem scared of you, because they cannot threaten a main character who is already content in his own company. When you don’t need their experience points or loot content, their attacks simply don’t do any damage.

    Diogènes, by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1860)

    However, peace is not the only thing you will experience if you decide to walk the solitary path. You will also experience self-reflection. You discover other aspects of yourself, ideas, interests, and life goals. I have discovered more about myself when I’m alone. I have unlocked hidden talents in creative thinking and developed a strong sense of self-discipline to achieve my personal goals, whether it be writing or getting my body in better shape. When the external clutter has dissipated, ideas begin to surface naturally. Without the constant interruption of other people’s noise, my thoughts finally have the quiet space to expand and focus. In these moments, I am in a state of high-intensity. There’s a quote by the author of the Dune novels, Frank Herbert, that describes this state: “The person who experiences the moments of biological high-intensity is the person who is most alone.” This is the core of my philosophy: the most profound breakthroughs aren’t found in the crowd; they are earned by the individual who has the discipline to walk the solitary path.

    Loneliness is on the rise, particularly in advanced, wealthy nations. Technology has made it easier than ever to connect, yet more people feel isolated than ever before. This is because they are fleeing the silence instead of embracing it. Learning to thrive in solitude is the cure for loneliness because it forces you to become your own best companion. Once you are no longer afraid of the silence, you realize the truth: the loneliest place in the world isn’t being alone in your room; it’s being in a room full of people with whom you have nothing in common. Solitude isn’t the absence of people; it is the presence of one’s self. Being alone is not a sentence to be endured, but a luxury to be guarded.

    Closing Thoughts

    To be comfortably by yourself is a high-level ability that takes time to level up. It requires a certain clarity and self-awareness that only a few have. But once you attain it, the rewards are profound. You unlock a strong resilience against loneliness, the power to mute social noise, and the tranquil environment needed to focus on improving yourself.

    Despite what society or popular culture would have you believe, there’s nothing wrong with choosing the peace of solitude over the social noise of the crowd. True strength lies in the ability to be alone without feeling distressed, spending quality time with yourself or those who matter to you.

    If Diogenes were alive today, would he decline a favor from Elon Musk or Bill Gates? I am certain he would say exactly what he said to Alexander the Great. Once you find that rare luxury, peace in solitude and the mastery of your own time and will, you simply don’t need much from the world.

    Me standing before Lake Bovilla, a vast turquoise lake in Albania. (Photo: Private Collection / Instagram: @kevin__norman)

  • The Creative Counterweight: Why the 9-to-5 is Outdated and How to Reclaim Your Energy

    Source: Shutterstock

    Have you ever planned to spend your time after work to do something productive like exercising, attend online courses, or just tidy up your home? Upon arriving home, you find yourself both mentally and physically exhausted too do anything. Your energy levels have been drained. Instead you end up lying flat down on your couch, scrolling endlessly on your phone, or binge-watching series. What many don’t realize is that a 9-to-5 doesn’t just claim eight hours of your day; it claims your energy long after you’ve clocked out.

    This raises the question: is there a way to reclaim some of that energy without quitting a job that puts food on the table? A possible solution is: finding something you enjoy doing after work hours such as a passion project. For me that was creative writing. By pursuing passion projects outside of work hours such as writing drafts for short stories or posts on this blog, I reclaim my energy. It became what I call the creative counterweight to the 9-to-5 grind.

    Before I explain how I got there, I want to look at the root causes of why the 9-to-5 system is so energy-draining. To do that, one has to understand how this system became the global standard. Finally, I’ll provide some advice and guidelines for you to find your own counterweight to the 9-to-5.

    The Default Work System for Over a Century

    The 9-to-5 is actually a relatively modern system, popularized a century ago by industrialist Henry Ford. It was built on the “8-8-8 rule”—eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for sleep. On paper, this system supposedly offers an equal balance between factory output and rest time for workers. Moreover, the system promises stability — an enticing offer that many would not pass up.

    1920s assembly line at a Ford factory.
    Source: University Cork College, “What can the assembly line teach us about innovation?”

    Here is what I think most people miss: that stability has a much tighter grip on your life than you may realize. Firstly, you have less overall free time because five out of seven days are dedicated to work. Secondly, your work contract dictates you must work a minimum of eight hours a day. Thirdly, there is the commute time. Even if you “only” spend 30 minutes commuting one way, that is nine hours of your day tied to your occupation. Moreover, it’s unpaid time, and the responsibility for transport falls on you. To put it into perspective: you will spend more time commuting to work than you will spend on vacation during your entire career. Finally, there’s the work-related stress, expectation to perform and deliver, and the workload — all of which persist even after coming home. Adding to that, your social battery drains faster because of all the social distractions and “noise” in your work environment. This is especially true for the introverts among us, those who find the noise of the open office to be a constant energy vampire. To summarize, it’s the accumulation of long hours at work, commute time, workload, stress, and social distractions, these are the root causes that leave you feeling hollow and drained after coming home.

    Outdated and flawed system – a relic from a different time

    The 9-to-5 is outdated because 1926 thinking is no longer applicable in the cognitive and information-driven workspace of 2026. The work system popularized during Henry Ford’s time was devised for manual labour. Workers performed physical tasks at factories for eight hours, and after leaving the factory, the work stayed there. In contrast, the 21st century workplace puts greater demands on problem-solving, deep analysis, tech skills, and constant adaptation in a hyper-connected world. Unlike the factory worker decades ago who could come home and kick his legs up on the table, our modern inbox has no “off-switch”. Most workplaces require more or less that you stay connected to answer e-mails and manage tasks, turning our homes into an extension of the workplace.

    Not only is the 9-to-5 workday outdated, it’s structurally flawed. It has failed to adapt alongside the sweeping cultural, societal, and technological changes of the 21st century. This is particularly evident in the changes to the current family structure. For instance, parents are practically forced to work full-time just to afford basic necessities, even as they are expected to raise children in an era of rising living costs. Long gone are the days of the single-earner household, where one parent could provide stability while the other focused on the home.

    Source: Shutterstock

    Then there are the social dynamics of the 9-to-5, particularly if you work in a team-oriented workplace in open-plan offices. Back in the old days, factory workers would concentrate on a specific, often repetitive task requiring minimal social interactions with co-workers. The few exceptions were lunch breaks, or occasional feedback from managers. Today, we are expected to collaborate, synchronize, and perform well socially. This may take place across time zones, countries, and with people from different cultural backgrounds, requiring a level of social multitasking that the factory worker never had to do.

    This brings us to yet another flaw of the 9-to-5: it’s designed to be one-size-fits-all, a model that rarely fits anyone. In reality, the 9-to-5 is rigged to favour extroverted people, those who thrive and naturally excel on the social dynamics of teamwork, idea sparring, and frequent vocal communication. Then there are the introverts, those who perform best when tasked with deep analysis and creative thinking. They need a quiet workplace with minimal social interactions to truly excel.

    A few perspectives and improvements of the 9-5

    Of course, the critique of the 9-to-5 is rarely black and white. It is necessary to consider the various perspectives and nuances that define how different individuals view this work system. For many, the traditional structure offers a sense of security and belonging. Then, there are those who truly find meaning and purpose in their job. Perhaps the 9-to-5 grind doesn’t drain them as much because they find it joyful to spend time at work, doing something they enjoy.

    As much as I criticize the 9-to-5 workday, I don’t believe we should abolish the system entirely. Instead, we should address the structural flaws. Indeed, we can already see that efforts are being made to improve work-life balance. In countries such as Finland, Denmark, and New Zealand, to name a few, companies have been experimenting with four-day workweeks or six-hour
    days in an effort to offset worker fatigue and boost productivity.

    Source: Shutterstock

    Furthermore, European Union member countries like France, Italy, and Portugal have implemented labour laws that protect the ‘right to disconnect’—prohibiting, and sometimes fining, employers who demand responses to emails after non-work hours. Australia has also passed similar laws. Looking ahead, we are likely to see even more radical shifts: widespread adoption of remote work tailored to introverts and families with child-caring responsibilities, compensated commute time—where transportation costs are covered or travel is paid as a salary, and a reduced workload as AI will take over routine and repetitive tasks. These are essential steps toward reclaiming our personal time.

    My creative counterweight, and closing thoughts

    If you’re one of those who don’t have the luxury of a fulfilling job, or can’t wait to see systematic changes in the work structure, you must look for alternative ways to reclaim your energy. You need to do an activity outside of your job that provides you both fulfillment and joy — a true counterweight to the energy-drain of the 9-to-5.

    One year ago, I learned something new about myself. I discovered I have a creative mind, specifically for writing. Being an avid reader for most of my life, it was only natural for me to start crafting my own stories and write down my thoughts onto paper. As I type these first words, my energy levels replenish themselves, proving that while the workday may drain the body, the creative counterweight is what restores the soul. Now, when I come home from work and sit in front of my laptop writing, time feels different. The hours pass by so fast as soon as I let my creativity run its course. I find much joy in publishing articles on my blog and developing drafts for my stories.

    Finding my counterweight has also changed how I see the 9-to-5. I’m more grateful that I have a job that pays the expenses, providing the stability that allows me to concentrate fully on my creative passion projects. The job no longer defines me: it sustains the person who is. I think the reason why this works so well is because work represents structure and order, whereas creativity is free and disorganized.

    Source: Shutterstock

    If you feel burned out or drained by the 9-to-5 grind, I encourage you to find your own counterweight. Something you actually look forward to after finishing work. To illustrate this, every time you see a professional athlete, chances are they reached that level because they truly enjoy what they are doing. A good place to start looking is to identify your interests. For example, if you enjoy playing video games, perhaps explore game design or coding. If you love watching YouTube, then creating your own videos could be for you. It doesn’t have to be in the creative arts—it just has to be something that gives you genuine joy. If you’re the more social type, then going for a walk with a friend, or just having some coffee after work could do the trick. Lastly, if you have been thinking about starting an online business next to your full-time job, maybe now is the time.

    The key is to do something that you own with your time, whether creative, social, or entrepreneurial. Anything besides lying idle on the couch either scrolling, or binge-watching series. Unless you’re one of the lucky few who truly loves their work, remember this: if you don’t reclaim your time, your work will continue to claim your energy.

  • Why I love travelling alone

    Before I even begin listing my reasons for travelling alone, I’d like to get one thing straight: Whether you travel solo or with people, travelling is one of the most rewarding and exciting things you can do in life. I’ve travelled extensively, both alone, and occasionally with family or friends. There are both pros and cons with both.

    It’s always nice to share memories and experiences with close friends or loved ones. Moreover, it’s comforting to have someone to talk with during your travels. I’ve been comfortable in my own company for a long time. To me it has always felt natural to travel alone. Another reason I prefer to travel alone is that it allows me to be fully immersed in the travel experience i.e. more time to explore, visit attractions, meet new people, and learn more about the places, and challenge myself. In contrast, if you are travelling with a group, it is often the group’s collective needs and desires that come first.

    In this post, I’d simply like to share why I love travelling alone. If you are considering to travel solo, or just curious to know more, then this might be for you.

    Freedom — do what you want, whenever you want

    Travelling alone gives you complete freedom and autonomy. Let’s say you want to try fine dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, you’re free to do that (if you have the budget for it of course). Next day you just want something cheap from McDonald’s, you’re also free to choose that. Tired from walking yesterday because you wanted to explore all the landmarks and attractions in Barcelona by foot? Then, next day can be spent on relaxing on the beach.

    Let’s be real here, there will always be frustration and irritation when travelling as a group. Everyone has different interests and ideas when on vacation. Depending on your company, your experiences travelling as part of a group may differ from mine. I’m just going to mention some of my personal experiences from my group travels. I have travelled with friends who want to go out partying in clubs, sometimes for several days in a row. Even though I’m a non-drinker and I really dislike going to loud places, I still had to accompany them, mostly out of safety concerns. I no longer do that because I don’t want to be a babysitter when travelling. Even something as simple as deciding on which place to go for food can prove to be more difficult than expected. I like to try out the local cuisine, wheras my travel companions stick to already familiar food, often from fast food chains.

    Attempting to balance everyone’s needs and desires is impossible, and you’re more than likely have to compromize. Travelling alone allows you to avoid all that. Simply put, when travelling alone, you do what you want, whenever you want.

    Meeting new people

    One question or variations of it that people keep asking me when they discover that I prefer to travel alone is “Isn’t it lonely to travel alone?”. My answer is always “I’m alone, I am not lonely”. The quote is from the 1995 crime drama movie Heat spoken by one of the main charecters, Neil McCauley, played by Robert De Niro. Heat is one of my favourite movies of all time, and I think the quote perfectly sums up my thoughts about travelling alone.

    I’d say meeting other people is one of the best perks when travelling by yourself. More often I meet fellow solo-travellers who share the same interests and passion for travel as I do. Furthermore, I find them to be more open-minded and fun to hang around with. For some reason, I feel it’s easier to get in touch and connect with fellow solo-travellers than with locals when I’m back in my home country. Even if I spend just a few days somewhere else, I never struggle to find a genuine and nice person to talk with. Judging by my own observations, I think people who naturally are curious and adventurous simply are more inclined to different experiences and meeting new people.

    So, how and where do I meet other people on my travels? I’m likely to meet fellow-travellers in places such as hiking trails, beaches, restaurants, cafes, landmarks, parks, hostels, and other tourist hot spots. My best advice is to join different groups organized by tour agencies. I like to combine walking and sightseeing, so I often include a walking tour on my first day abroad. Another great tip is to sign up for either half-day or full-day excursions. Since your group is going to spend several hours together, it’s pretty easy to start a conversation with someone. Asking someone in the group where they’re from is an excellent conversation-starter. Often, people will approach you and ask where you’re from, how long you are staying, other plans during the trip, and other attractions or places worth visiting etc. Going on tour groups is actually where I meet most people on my solo-travels. Sometimes we hang out after the tour has ended for some food and drinks. I’ve even stayed in touch with some of them over the years.

    Always challenging myself

    Travelling alone is one of many ways to challenge yourself in life. You’ll be challenged in your expectations, beliefs, insecurities, and confidence. But honestly, most people avoid challenges like the plague. They would rather be confined in the comfort zone, where things are stable, patterns predictable, and faces familiar. They’re afraid to be alone, they’re afraid of the unknown, and they’re afraid to do something new. Every time I venture beyond the comfort zone, is when I grow and learn.

    Once I visited a remote village in the Philippines. The locals did not know much English, and there was no WiFi to help me find my accomodation. I was able to communicate with the locals to some degree by using hand gestures and using some basic words like the name and location of my accomodation until I succeeded. When I was visiting Dubai for the first time, the taxi driver from the airport mistakenly dropped me off far away from my hotel somewhere in the Deira district in the old part of the city. Tired after a 12 hour flight and dragging all my luggage with me, I learned quickly that my hotel was not here. I found a pharmacy and asked the clerk if I could use the WiFi to order an Uber. Eventually, I arrived at my hotel. Challenges like these teach you to be adaptable as well as improving your ability to solve problems, whether they unexpectedly arise or not. Many of the lessons from my travels are applicable in daily life when I’m at home. For example, going to a bar alone to meet people.

    It might sound easy when I talk about my love for travelling solo, but in reality it’s often not the case. One will encounter challenges whether that be cultural differences, languages barriers, visa policies, different views etc. That is why I embrace challenges because overcoming them will shape me to a better person.

    Closing thoughts

    To me travelling alone is one of the definitive traits of independency, as it combines values that I hold dear such as freedom, human connections, and my continuous strive to challenge myself.

    I’d also like to point out that I am truly fortunate to have such opportunities, being both healthy and having the financial means to afford travels. It’s when I travel that I appreciate it the little things.

    I understand that travelling alone is not meant for everybody. But I think you should strongly consider at least doing it once during your lifetime. If you wait for others, you might end up waiting for a lifetime e. All it ever takes is to book that flight. Perhaps that is the challenge?

  • Five excellent countries to visit when travelling solo

    Many think about doing a solo-trip but never do it. Years later they regret it. Perhaps you are one of them who have been undecided for some time. Maybe you are inspired by someone who often travels by him or herself, or by photos others post on social media? Or could it be that you just simply want to try out solo-travelling? Instead of asking “How to start my solo-travelling adventures”, one should ask “where to start?“.

    I have been solo-travelling extensively since my early twenties. Many ask me about a good place to start. Often it has to be safe, easy to get around, and has plenty of exciting things to offer. Obviously some countries are far more easygoing and less challenging when you go there on your own.

    In general, I’d say there are four factors that can make your first solo-trip go more smoothly and with less worries. These are: entry requirements i.e. visas, safety, English proficiency, and tourism infrastructure. If there are no visa requirements or the process to obtain a visa is simple, then that is one less worry. Safety is important. You don’t want to constantly be on your guard, escpecially if the place you are visiting is known for having a higher rate of petty or violent crime. Unless you know the local language, visiting a country where a majority of people speak English as first- or second language is advantageous. Lastly, tourism infastructure encompasses everything from public transport, hotels, museums, tour agencies, cultural sites and attractions. Basically everything needed to enable tourism. The more developed, the better.

    Before I present my own personal list, I want to include some benefits of solo-travelling.

    Benefits of solo-travelling

    Let’s say, you have few family obligations or might even be single, have the financial means, health, and free time, then travelling on your own is one of the most rewarding and exciting activites you can do in your life. You get the oppurtunity to travel anywhere on your own terms, meet new people, gain cultural reflections, and above all, have experiences and memories of a lifetime. In addition, you will also boost your confidence as well as become more comfortable on your own.

    For a lot of people the thought of travelling solo can be intimidating and daunting. However, once you arrive at your desired travel destination, you have officially and literally stepped out of your comfort zone. From there on, solo-travelling becomes easier for every time. As an additional bonus, you have now unlocked the entire world for you to explore. Of course ,one destination at a time.

    5. Poland

    I have visited Poland many times over the years, and is easily one of my favourite countries. Whether you like spending time on the beaches and spa resorts along the tri-city of Sopot-Gdynia-Gdansk in the summer, visiting ski resorts in the mountains close to Zakopane in the winter, or just stroll around the beautiful old town of Kraków, then Poland can offer you a lot.

    The reason why Poland is included in this list is because in my opinion the country scores high in terms of safety. For example, violent crime such as muggings or being victim of an unprovoked assault is extremely low. Just based on my personal experience, I’d be as bold and claim Poland to be one of the safest countries in Europe.

    You can easily get around with just English, atleast in the major cities. Poland also has a well-developed tourism infrastructure since many cities and regions rely heavily upon tourism. Hotel accomodations tend to be cheaper than other countries in Europe.

    If safety is your main concern, then I highly recommend Poland as a candidate for solo-travelling

    4. Denmark


    Of all the Scandinavian countries, why would I recommend Denmark over my own home country Norway? In terms of safety and English-proficiency, both countries rank high. However, for a first-time traveller, Denmark scores slightly better for several reasons.

    Firstly, infrastructure and public transport is much better developed than in Norway. It also helps that Denmark is a smaller country making it more convenient to see other parts of the country. Secondly, I just think Danes are much more friendlier and approachable than Norwegians. Thirdly and as an added bonus, food and services are cheaper in Denmark.

    In reality, any Scandinavian or Nordic country is great choice for an aspiring solo-traveller. If one has to choose one of them, then go for Denmark.

    3. Singapore

    The only Asian country on this list. In terms of safety, no other country apart from maybe Japan or Korea, can beat Singapore. Singapore takes security and safety very serious which are reflected on the strict penalties the country enforces. Violent crime is virtually non-excistent.

    In addition, the level of trust and honesty among the population are high. One tour guide told me that one can leave your laptop at a cafe and be gone for a few hours, and your stuff will still be there when you return. Given the amount of CCTV-surveillance in the country, it’s safe to assume that he is right.

    English is also among the official languages in Singapore, so communicating with the locals isn’t really a problem.

    Being a city state, Singapore has practically all of the tourist attraction within walking or atleast cycling distance. Public transport in Singapore is among the best in the world. Enough said.

    I often recommend Singapore for a first-time solo-traveller if you want to experience Asia, but you still want to be in a safe and comfortable location.

    2. Ireland

    When asked about THE country to visit first if you have never travelled solo before, my answer is always Ireland, including both the southern Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland. What makes Ireland such a great choice for aspiring solo-travellers?

    Firstly, Ireland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Secondly, due to Ireland’s long shared history with England and later the United Kindom, both good and bad, English is now the second official language together with Irish. Thirdly, the tourism sector is one of the largest contributor to the national economy of Ireland, generating both revenues and job opportunities. Tourism infrastructure is well-developed and there are many proffesional tour agencies based in Dublin that offer a variety of day-tours as well as cultural experiences. These include excursions to famous places such as the Cliffs of Moher to the west, Wicklow Mountains in the countryside, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, visits to beer breweries etc.

    In my opinion, the Irish are one of the friendliest and most approachable people I’ve met. Meeting the locals or fellow travellers can be as easy as visiting the nearby pub.

    1. Your own country or local area

    Before you consider about travelling abroad for the first time, the best place to visit first is arguably your own country. You already know the language, cultural norms, which places that are worth visiting, and you are likely familiar on how to get around. You ceirtantly don’t need a visa. So, basically, become a tourist in your own country.

    The whole idea of my list is to make you comfortable on your own by building your confidence one step at a time. I recommend starting off by visiting local natural trails, museums, cultural attractions, visiting cafes or restaurants in your own city etc. These are the same activities you will do on your solo trips, but in a different country.

    Only when you are 100% comfortable doing things on your own, then you are truly ready for your first solo-adventure and explore what the world has to offer.