Two weeks into my first magazine job, 24 years ago, my editor sent me on a press trip to Paris. Setting off before dawn on the Eurostar, the remit was to interview world-renowned language teacher, the late Michel Thomas, en route. Thomas coaxed long-forgotten French out of me in the most astonishing way. And the journey itself created an easy camaraderie between the journalists – all from different publications and all chasing different stories.
When we arrived at Gare du Nord, we had coffee and croissants, an hour to explore, and I was back home in London by six. Granted, it was a work trip, but it gave me the headspace to step into who I needed to be to truly succeed as a journalist. I’ve never forgotten the magic of that one day. So much so that recently I took myself back to Paris for a 24-hour trip to mark the receipt of my decree absolute and the official start of my single life.
It’s wonderful to have a week in the sun or a long weekend in the country. But taking yourself away for just a day can awaken you to inspiration. You can come back with fresh ideas, solutions to problems, or the seeds of courage to embrace a new life direction or transition.
Creative boost
Solo travel is on the rise. According to Condor Ferries, there’s been a 42 per cent increase over the past two years. What’s more, 84 per cent of solo travellers are women, and in the US three in every four women (72 per cent) have vacationed alone.
Meanwhile, Solo Traveler’s 2023 reader survey found that 33 per cent of people who travel solo do so for personal growth. It’s a smart choice, not least because research has found that travelling acts as a creative incubation period. It allows your subconscious to process life’s dilemmas and challenges and, crucially, come up with answers. ‘Being in new environments creates new neural pathways in the brain, and that supports inventive thinking,’ says clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist Jenna Kirtley, who lives and works in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the north of England. The sensory experience of hearing different languages or accents, tasting new foods or hearing new music helps your mental flexibility, which can lead to insights and aha moments.
Whereas a long-haul flight can leave a fatigue that takes days to recover from, a day trip is a shortcut to these creative benefits. It’s often the liminal space between countries, cities, cultures or time zones that gives your body and mind the break they need. And you don’t need oodles of time or money to achieve that. The secret is to explore somewhere close, yet far away enough to feel entirely new.
You might opt for a day return train ticket (explore the special offers) or, for those who live near the coast, it might mean a ferry trip. But don’t discount the power you can get from driving. When Jenna’s stepfather died three years ago, she took a solo camping trip close to home in Matlock, Derbyshire. Surrounded by the buzz and energy of other people on the site, she found a sense of achievement in being able to put up her tent by herself. ‘Being on my own but around others helped me feel less depleted,’ she says. And there was freedom in knowing that if things felt too much, she could get in her car and leave.
Making the journey count
‘A solo trip can help you process difficult emotions and make space for decisions about your future,’ says Jenna, who regularly contributes to The Travel Psychologist blog. ‘When you’re travelling (on a train or plane, for instance) you can’t move much, or do much. You get the space to just be, without all the responsibilities you have in other spaces.’
Set out as early as possible and don’t worry if there are delays or things don’t go to plan. You’ll still be getting all the benefits of the solo time. ‘When you travel, you have to be willing to make mistakes, take risks and step outside your comfort zone. You might get on the wrong bus or go in the wrong direction. But in doing so you develop the confidence to know that, whatever happens, it will be fine,’ says Jenna.
Give your creativity a helping hand by tuning in to your senses. If you find it hard to switch off your chattering mind, try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. This is where you observe five things you can see; four you can touch; three you can hear; two you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This helps to calm you, so that you can be present in the moment and more alert to what you’re experiencing.
Above all, let your intuition take the lead. ‘Move away from routine and rigidity, and controlling your environment, and step into freedom and openness,’ says Jenna.
Seeking inspiration
Before you travel, create an intention for what you want to get out of your trip. Hold that in your subconscious throughout your adventures and let yourself roam free, drinking in everything around you. The incubation of creative ideas will happen naturally – you don’t have to force it. Make sure that you carry a notebook or journal with you so that you can write down the inner wisdom that emerges before you forget it. If thoughts arise while you’re driving, you can speak them into the voice recording app on your phone. Either way, aim to put your phone on airplane mode, so that you can switch off from whatever’s going on at home or in the world at large, and fully tune in to your creativity.
Permission to explore
Taking time out just for you, with no partner, children, friends or colleagues in tow might seem a tad self-indulgent. Rather, think of it as an essential component of your mental health and emotional wellbeing toolkit. And if it feels excessive to call it a holiday, rebrand it as a ‘daycation’ – as Portugal-based travel writer Caitlin Boylan did, after a two-hour trip to Lisbon. So, all that’s left now is to pick a day and start planning where to go…
Jenna’s tips for making the most of your day
Choose a destination based on what you need
Don’t just pick Bulgaria because you’ve always wanted to go. Think about what you truly need. If you’re craving quiet time, opt for a hut in the hills; if you need to be more active, try cycling or canoeing. If art, music or food are important to you, plan a trip based around those things.
Minimise stress, maximise time
Choose the mode of transport you find least stressful, and a time when it’s not too busy. Avoid national holidays, for example.
Let yourself roam free
Give yourself opportunities to have spontaneous experiences. For instance, if you wander down a back street, you might see an amazing mural or stumble across a local festival. Research the area you want to go to, and perhaps choose one or two things to do, but don’t over-plan.
Go with your gut
Trust your instincts about what feels good. Tune in to yourself and ask: Does my body feel safe in this environment? If not, don’t be afraid to leave and go elsewhere.
Stay safe and secure
Check out the crime ratings for the area before you go, along with any local government advice. And if you’re abroad, keep local emergency and embassy numbers handy. Use trusted taxi apps and never leave your bag unattended or trust a stranger to watch it for you. When you put these safety measures in place, it’s easier to relax.
Celebrate yourself
If you feel anxious about your trip, carry the anxiety lightly but don’t let it stop you doing what you want to do. You’re likely to enjoy yourself and find the courage to do it again.
Jenna offers individually tailored therapy, supervision, teaching and workshops online and in person in Newcastle upon Tyne. Find out more at strengthtohealtrauma.co.uk
Greta is the author of Heart, Sass & Soul (Mango, 2019). She’s also a journalist specialising in mental health, emotional wellbeing and the transformative power of journalling. Sign up for her newsletter at gretasolomon.substack.com