Solo travel presents a unique challenge — it’s precisely this difficulty that makes the experience invaluable. It teaches you to embrace the present moment, a skill that many seem to overlook in our fast-paced lives. When you embark on a journey alone, there’s no shared history with anyone else, and you’re free from the pressure of adhering to someone else's itinerary. There’s no one to rush you to catch a train or to push you into sightseeing when all you crave is a moment of relaxation.

The journey is entirely yours. You will stumble and reflect on those missteps. You will say yes to unexpected adventures that will transform you. Uncertainty will accompany you, and feelings of isolation may arise. Yet, amidst this, you’ll forge connections and evolve in ways you never anticipated.

In a foreign land, your spirit expands, pushing against its confines. Mistakes morph into invaluable lessons, and wonder gradually blossoms into affection. You find yourself questioning your purpose: "Why am I here?" Oh, that’s the reason. "What should I do?" Whatever I wish. "That was foolish" — but that’s perfectly fine.

You don’t choose to travel alone in search of comfort. You venture out solo because something beyond your current reality calls to you, and that call is worth heeding.

There’s a profound beauty in introspection while immersing yourself in a new environment, regardless of the location.

My passion for travel stems from an insatiable curiosity to learn. As a travel writer, I’m less focused on the destinations and attractions; I’m more intrigued by the transformations that travel ignites within me. This narrative centers on Thailand and the impact it had on my life.

Travel often begins at an airport, akin to the ancient docks where ships set sail for distant lands. The transition from wood and sails to steel and wings is striking, where the ambiance of fresh sea air is replaced by metallic ceilings and glass walls guiding you from one destination to another.

The runway during dusk possesses a romance distinct from the morning waves, yet the essence of adventure remains unchanged.

Upon arriving in Bangkok, I picked up a Thai SIM card at the baggage claim — a first for me. Typically, it feels like a gimmick, but I thought, "Why not?" The woman assisting me was pleasant.

I quickly checked the currency exchange rate and memorized essential phrases: "sa wat dee khrap" — hello; "kop koon khrap" — thank you; "chai, mai" — yes, no; "kor tot" — excuse me; "chiyo" — cheers. "That should be enough for now," I reassured myself. I found myself among fresh faces, awaiting my luggage alongside passengers arriving from Sydney.

My accommodation was set in a hostel located in Bangkok's Old Town. After navigating several subway rides and wandering along a vibrant street, I finally discovered the side street where it was situated. The warm air felt reminiscent of a Japanese summer, and I welcomed the perspiration. I stopped by a local store for water, where the owner, Ken, shared insights about the contrasting sides of Bangkok and his childhood memories in the area.

Ken told me about Bangkok's seasons and offered me a beer. "Soon, my friend."

When selecting a hostel, I trusted my instincts. The reviews usually provide all the information I need: cleanliness, lively atmosphere, and a solid location with a café on the ground floor — a good sign.

Upon my arrival, guests lounged on the porch, the aroma of coffee and tobacco wafting through the air, mingled with the scent of cannabis. Cannabis legalization in Thailand in 2022 was a pleasant surprise for me, given the strict laws in my home country, Japan.

The hostel featured granite walls, a large glass entrance, and a vibrant atmosphere as travelers came and went. It was stylish, modern, and brimming with energy, conveniently located next to a charming bookstore. "What more could one want?"

I struck up a conversation with a British guy at the check-in desk, who had been working there for almost two years. He exuded contentment and laid-back charm, reminiscent of my own experience working in a Lisbon hostel two summers prior.

I found my dorm, unpacked, and as dusk approached, I decided to take Ken up on that beer, stepping into my first night in a country that would leave a profound mark on my life.

My days in Bangkok were filled with street food and golden evening light — daily coconuts, mango sticky rice, spicy noodles, and even fried insects on sticks.

One memorable night, a group of us from the hostel attended a local stadium to watch Muay Thai fights. The atmosphere was electric, with young fighters eager for victory and an enthusiastic crowd.

Each morning, I would work out on the hostel rooftop as the sun rose, then enjoy coffee with fellow travelers on the porch. Occasionally, someone would share a joint, and we would simply relax together.

Later in the day, we enjoyed cold beverages and street food at plastic tables set up on the streets, preceded by long walks along canals, rivers, vibrant roads, and through bustling markets and shimmering temples. We rode on the backs of motorbikes, both day and night. You may have heard various opinions about Bangkok, but personally, I adored it. Experience it for yourself, wander around, and form your own conclusions.

The memories from my travels will always remain, but what resonates most are the lessons learned from the intersection of people and places. Bangkok possesses qualities that resonate with certain individuals: the warm climate, friendly locals, the allure of motorbikes, delicious food, and a sense of freedom.

While Bangkok served as the backdrop, it was the people I encountered who truly shaped my experience. It was through our shared moments, our identities, and our desires for life at that moment that everything came together.

This journey taught me that travel doesn’t always equate to doing. Though I relish traveling with friends, the essence of solo travel is clearer: without the pressure to fill your time with activities, you can simply exist in a new environment.

Travel can merely be about being — being present in a new locale.

During those mornings in Bangkok, new friends would arrive and depart, spending time on the porch, engaging in conversation, leaving, and returning. I connected with wonderful souls from Israel, France, Germany, the U.S., Austria, Canada, the U.K., and, of course, Thailand.

It seemed as though we were all undergoing transitions in our lives, which often occurs when we travel. While some trips might feel spontaneous or simply a break from routine, many of the travelers I met had recently made significant changes in their lives. We shared our stories, exchanged words of encouragement, and offered pieces of our hearts.

Among those I met was an eighteen-year-old from the U.K. One day, while a group of us chatted, he approached and politely asked if he could join us.

Where else could such a thing happen but in a hostel? He was traveling alone, yet his charm shone through. Solo travel either instills fear or fosters boldness. In this case, he chose courage, realizing that there is nothing to fear.

Being bold, like this young traveler, opens your eyes to the countless remarkable individuals in the world. You often miss this perspective until you break free from your routine and embrace the unfamiliar. Social media bombards us with repetitive updates, and we become ensconced in our familiar environments.

The news can cast a shadow, leading us to believe that the world is perilous, urging us to stay home and shield ourselves from potential risks.

But that’s not the way to live. Step outside, embrace boldness, and you’ll discover a world brimming with vibrant individuals who still strive for joy and goodness. They are just like you and me — human beings who acknowledge the noise but choose to venture forth because life is too precious to waste in fear.

I genuinely believe this world holds goodness. The stories of young adventurers and seasoned travelers are often awe-inspiring, rich with experiences that are rarely captured through a screen, learned only through personal exploration. It’s through these journeys that you become part of the narrative, one with a story to share.

This fulfillment is what drives my existence; it’s why I identify as a writer, a world explorer, and a dreamer. It’s not merely about the act of writing, but rather my deep appreciation for authentic life experiences. My goal as a writer is to collect stories worth telling.

Traveling does come with a unique pressure, both a blessing and a challenge in today’s world. I find myself wanting to document every experience through photos and notes, which can sometimes feel burdensome. Yet, I remind myself to simply live in the moment. Capture it if it feels right, but ultimately, what matters is the experience itself. The essential parts of the story will naturally remain.

Upon returning to Japan, I often feel like a different version of myself. Travel transforms me, pushing me to process the emotions tied to my experiences. Perhaps this is acceptable, as travel is a powerful force that touches us in unexpected ways. Once the adventure concludes, the familiarity of life feels altered; a yearning for novelty and spontaneous encounters takes hold.

Normality has shifted; it feels like a void, a longing for something that has vanished — something I was unaware of just days prior. It’s a realization of connections and experiences that I didn’t recognize until I embarked on this journey.

Yet, this void isn’t truly empty. It’s a surge of emotion waiting to be harnessed, a force without form — love — urging you to ignite the spark for new beginnings.

Allow yourself to pause. Let your emotions flow. Let your thoughts soar freely into the storm, where they may get lost momentarily, for the sun will rise again, even more stunning for what has passed.