TRAVEL
Travelling solo, remarkable experiences await
By Elvira Wood, PPS Positioning Manager
The day began with a simple plan – visit the Emigran Botanical Garden in Istanbul, Turkey. However, as any intrepid traveller knows, the best journeys unfold unexpectedly. From my base in Tarabya, I took a local bus to the garden. Nestled on a hillside, Emigran was an amazing experience, even though I visited it out-of-season and missed out on its famous tulips.
From there, I set off on foot, making my way back to Tarabya along the Bosphorus Strait at my own pace( about a 6km journey). I wandered into hidden side streets, paused to admire old wooden houses, smiled at the very many stray cats sunbathing and stepped into small local shops, each offering a glimpse into daily life. As I climbed higher up one of the many hills in Tarabya, the view of the strait became even more breathtaking, stretching endlessly beneath the afternoon sun.
The descent back to my starting point was just as rewarding. I stopped at bakeries, indulging in freshly made pastries and watched locals go about their unhurried routines. More than 35 000 steps later, I had done more than just navigate a part of the city – I had experienced it fully, uncovering moments only possible when traveling solo, free to explore wherever the streets might lead.
Although it is not always possible to travel solo, when the opportunity presents itself, it should be embraced fully as it offers a unique opportunity for both personal and professional enrichment. Whether it is a business trip or an individual adventure, travelling alone allows for flexibility, self-discovery and unexpected experiences that can turn a routine trip into something remarkable. The freedom to follow your own schedule, make spontaneous decisions and immerse yourself fully in a new culture or environment opens up a world of opportunities.
One of the key benefits of solo travel is the freedom to explore without the constraints of others’ schedules or preferences. In another trip – this time to Dubai, UAE – not being constrained
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