While holidays with family or friends are often wonderful, taking a break alone can be exactly what you need. One travel influencer embarked on a 24-hour solo trip to one of the UK's most scenic regions and documented the experience on Instagram.
Mel Fielding's Solo Adventure
Mel Fielding, who boasts over 26,000 followers on Instagram, shared her first solo break on the social media platform. She explained: "Although I've done a few solo trips abroad over the years, and love exploring the UK, I've never really been on a solo trip in the UK before, so last week I decided to head to Devon for one night on my own."
Her journey began at Hope Cove, five miles west of Salcombe, where she had a meal. "I felt super self-conscious at first," she admitted. "I knew I wanted to watch the sunset but I had two hours to wait, so I headed down to the beach on my own. I read my book and felt myself relaxing as I watched the sun go down. I felt so happy that I'd pushed through the awkwardness and stayed until the sun had set."
Mel spent the night in her van at Bolberry House Caravan and Camping Park, which she described as "really peaceful." She added: "I survived my first night alone in the van and slept surprisingly well! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be! Isn't it funny how things usually feel worse in our minds than they actually are?"
The next morning, she visited Salcombe and the Snapes Point viewpoint. "By this point, I felt like I'd relaxed into the trip so I headed on a solo sea swim," she said. "No one else was swimming and I did feel a little self-conscious at first, but knew I'd regret not going for a dip on such a beautiful day. I made coffee on the beach afterwards and realised that, although I'd done a few solo trips before, doing stuff solo is a bit like exercising a muscle. You have to keep using it to keep it strong."
Mel reflected: "I consider myself a pretty adventurous person, but I also realised it's okay to feel nervous before doing things you don't do that often. I ended up having a really wonderful 24 hours and it was a good reminder to feel the fear and do it anyway. Now I'm already planning my next solo overnight adventure."
In the video description, she wrote: "I know that to some people this won't be a big deal, but I also know that to some, it will, so if you're in the latter group and would also love to go on a solo break in the UK this year, but feel nervous about it, I hope sharing this helps in some way!"
Community Reactions
People in the comments shared their own solo travel experiences. One said: "I have been single for seven years, so I decided a while back to do whatever I wanted to, even by myself. My biggest challenge was camping in my tent in Wales last summer... best thing I ever did. I was adopted by a lovely family for drinks around the campfire. You're never truly alone. But the feeling of accomplishment when you do these things alone, immense! Makes you remember you can conquer anything."
Another commented: "I have never done a solo trip ever. If I ever get better I have promised myself a trip to Florence. Not having anyone else dictate where I am going. I always put others first. So it would be an amazing dream. Good on you! More of us need to lead by your example."
