Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/422436
www.travelweekly-asia.com | 19 COVER STORY SOLO BUT YOU'RE NEVER ALONE Murugaraj Odiathevar, 28, Singapore, thinks that one of the best things about being a Singaporean is that you don't need visas to travel or you can get them upon arrival at many countries. Like many in this crammed city, he has been infected by the malady that is wanderlust and he has been travelling for about eight years now. Budget - It is self-explanatory. Freedom - To make my own choices on how, where, when I want to do something or go somewhere. What drives your decision on the destinations you choose to visit? Do you like culture, shopping, exploring the road less travelled, or want to visit the seven wonders of the world? I look to meet up with friends firstly. Secondly, it would be perfect if the trip consists of a mix of cities and nature. So usually I would go from city to city while looking for nature in between the two points. How many times do you plan to travel in a year, how many big (a week or more) and small trips (a weekend to four days)? I don't think weekend trips are worth it. Maybe for an overnight in Malaysia or Indonesia or some- where near. So if a week is con- sidered a big trip, I travel about 10 weeks a year. Why do you travel solo? It gives me freedom to pick and choose and to change plans at a whim, like the length of stay and destinations, whenever I want. Ba- sically my itinerary isn't restricted by anyone. I really get away from it all. I get time and space I need to think, reflect, to learn, to grow, to form my own opinions, etc.. I guess the cliché saying would be to be able to find myself. I explore and discover the place, people, culture, food, etc. on my own. It lets me come out of my shell and talk to the locals or other travellers and make new friends whom I can visit at another time. They may also give good tips on places to go and also share stories and learn about each others' ex- periences. Last but not least, you are never alone. MEET THE CUSTOMER What is the planning process like for your solo travels? Do you book your flights independently or go through travel agents? Why? I usually look to meet up with my friends and then take the opportunity to travel around the region. I only have a rough sketch to determine where I can go using the map of the region, and I especially go with the locals' advice. I usually book flights independently unless I have a special discount with a particular agency like with STA travels in UK when I was a student there. List the top three most important aspects to you as a solo traveller. Please elaborate why. Adventure - Discover people and places, Live with/more like the locals and to adapt to different situations. Those adventurous, adrenaline-pumping activities like white water rafting, etc. With no expectations, it is quite difficult to be disappointed. I N S P I R E D B Y P A S S I O N Escape and live the Resort experience at our Unique collection of hotels. Begin the U-experience: call (230) 402 2772/73 or visit us at www.constancehotels.com resort EXPERIENCE by Constance