For most people, birthdays are spent as a celebration with those who are closest to you and it was always that way for me – but this year, I wanted a change and it served me in more ways I could’ve imagined
I’ve always admired people who travel solo. For me, it’s nerve-wracking enough to go out to eat alone – I never thought I’d be brave enough to do it, not at this point in my life. But for my 26th birthday, I booked a ticket, and I don’t regret it.
Birthdays are odd days. You look forward to them, make plans with those closest to you, and yet, without fail, someone lets you down. Last year, I decided enough was enough and decided to give myself the gift I’d been waiting for.
I didn’t let the fear from my family members hold me back either. I booked a trip to Turkey, leaving no time for anyone to talk me out of it.
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And I know I’m not alone in this. Solo holidays are trending right now, and for good reason. In a report by American Express, solo travel is shown to be a major trend among young travellers, with 76% of Millennials and Gen-Z planning solo trips in 2025.
Now, social media is full of people documenting their solo trips, and it’s giving others the push to try it for themselves. In my experience, as soon as I reached my hotel, I knew I’d made the right decision.
Paloma Orenda in Antalya was beautiful, and the staff went out of their way to make me feel seen. They gave me my own itinerary, booked me into restaurants, surprised me with a birthday massage, and reserved two days in a private cabana.
It wasn’t just the thoughtful gestures that I appreciated – every staff member was friendly, the food was great and the hotel was beautiful.
Going away alone brought its own challenges. I started strong with a whole row of seats to myself on the flight, but once there, eating alone or finding a sun lounger solo felt daunting.
The first few days were tricky. But once I got out of my head, I realised no one cared. People had spent good money on their holidays – they weren’t watching me. In fact, I might have been the person they admired, the one brave enough to go it alone.
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On my actual birthday, I had a massage and spent time at my cabana. It was set apart from the noise, shaded by trees, the sun warming the cushions. For the first time, the day truly felt mine.
I stayed in my own space and it was freeing. I enjoyed it far more than I ever expected. I remember sitting in a restaurant, glancing around nervously as I took the first bite. I braced for stares that never came – everyone was wrapped up in their own moments. That’s when I realised how much of my fear was in my head.
Now I understand why solo trips are essential. Yes, as a woman, and a Black woman at that, there’s always a fear about safety. But if I’d let those thoughts stop me, I’d never have stepped out of my comfort zone.
I admire people who go on solo holidays – and now I know anyone can do it. Looking back, I realise the best gift I gave myself at 26 was learning that my own company is enough. Gratitude has a funny way of softening loneliness.
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