The joys of traveling... alone!

It may sound contradictory, but for introverted, individualistic people, traveling alone is the quickest way to relieve stress. No longer a "lonely trip" or boring as many people think, solo travel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for young urban dwellers.

Homestays near the Seven-Colored Rock Beach (Binh Thanh fishing village) often welcome travelers who enjoy solo experiences.

Alone… but not lonely

While Vietnamese people used to prefer traveling in groups of friends or family, many now choose solo travel as a way to balance their lives. Many share that "enjoying solitude" helps them become more confident, mature, and develop problem-solving skills as they have to plan, book accommodations, travel, and explore on their own. The development of online travel platforms has also made solo travel easier.

Over 12 years ago, Ho Thi Ngoc Nam (from Phan Ri Cua commune), with her adventurous and exploratory nature, traveled through five Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand) after several solo trips across Vietnam. At that time, the concept of "solo travel" was still quite new, yet this 24-year-old woman confidently visited many different places thanks to her fluent foreign language skills.

Ms. Ho Thi Ngoc Nam is traveling solo in Alaska, USA.

However, Ms. Nam shared: “Being fluent in foreign languages ​​or having money doesn't automatically mean you can travel solo. To prepare for a trip, you have to plan months in advance, book cheap plane tickets, and then contact friends on Couchsurfing (a website for backpackers worldwide ). In the countries I visited, the locals were very helpful. But to receive that help, backpackers need to have good communication skills and a basic understanding of the local culture.”

Over the past 10 years, she has diligently worked while remaining steadfast in her personal interests, backpacking through many different countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway... Each place she visited offered unique and interesting experiences, and she met new friends, but what remains in her heart are positive thoughts and objective perspectives on the people, culture, and transportation in the places she visited.

Despite being nearly 80 years old, Mr. Luong Minh Huu still has a passion for solo travel and a special affection for Lam Dong province.

Slow travel

In recent years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, many people have sought private, quiet spaces for contemplation, reading, or simply exploring the world in their own way. Many young people simply pack a small backpack, a few favorite books, and hit the road. Ms. Nguyen Thuy Trang (Tay Ninh) visits a homestay near Binh Thanh fishing village (Lien Huong commune) every few months to recharge. Every morning, she swims in the sea, sunbathes, and strolls around the village... She spends most of her remaining time lying in a hammock at the homestay reading.

Ms. Trang shared: “I often choose quiet places close to nature, such as the beach, Bao Loc, or Da Lat, to relax. For me, the feeling of temporarily escaping work and urban life, simply changing my sleeping place, reading a book, and enjoying the fresh air, is the most effective way to heal.”

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Traveling solo has its own advantages, including absolute freedom; you can wake up whenever you want and stop whenever you want.
Let your feet be where you want them to be, and admire the world at your own pace.

Ms. Ho Thi Ngoc Nam (Phan Ri Cua commune)

It's not just young people; many older adults also choose to travel alone to enjoy a slower pace of life. Even at over 80 years old, Mr. Luong Minh Huu (Ho Chi Minh City) remains passionate about traveling. Over the years, he has visited many provinces and cities both domestically and internationally; whenever he finds cheap tickets, he sets off alone, renting a motorbike to explore local culture, landscapes, and cuisine.

He has a particular fondness for Lam Dong province in general and Da Lat in particular – a place where he spent his youth and therefore holds many memories. During each flower season or special event, he would wander alone through the mountain town, taking photos, visiting old friends, and then renting a motorbike to explore the surrounding areas, going to Mui Ne, Tan Thanh commune, or the Phu Quy special economic zone, all with a relaxed and unhurried attitude.

According to Mr. Huu, retirement is the time to pursue his passion for travel, although traveling alone in his late 70s requires good health and careful preparation. Instead of joining tour groups, he prefers to explore his desired destinations, enjoy local specialties, and reconnect with old friends to make the trip more meaningful.

For many people, traveling alone isn't about loneliness, but rather an opportunity to slow down, enjoy freedom, listen to their inner selves, and explore the world in their own way.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/thu-vui-cua-du-lich-mot-minh-442652.html