Lily, originally from London, talks about her decision to leave her job and pursue a solo travel lifestyle. In an interview she discusses how the pandemic impacted this decision and how she balances this with her medical condition.  

Ellie: Hi Lily! Can you share a bit about yourself and your lifestyle?

Lily: Hey Ellie. It’s tricky summing my life up in a few short sentences but here goes - I’m 29 at the moment. When I turned 28 I did the whole cliche - I quit my job in Digital Marketing and then hopped on a one-way flight to Seoul. After that I started travelling by myself around Southeast Asia and then made my way west. I’ve been working too - just the odd freelance jobs here and there.

Ellie: That’s quite a bold decision. Leaving a job isn’t unheard of, but it still takes a lot of courage.. How has the past couple of years been for you? And why did you make this decision in the first place?

Lily: I guess it was the pandemic - I think it was like that for lots of people. I had friends who lost their jobs - jobs that they had spent hours stressing over and spent lots of energy on. They just got dropped without a second thought. I didn’t lose my job but for some reason it just nudged something inside me. The whole corporate rat race - living to pay bills, and then just doing that on repeat - well I guess I just wanted to get out. Being stuck indoors all day just added to this. 

Ellie: Makes sense. But why choose to start travelling solo? Others took up new hobbies, like baking bread.  Did you have a travel-heavy upbringing?

Lily: Not at all. My first flight was at 16, and I was anxious the entire time. I’d never considered solo travel - I think there are some stigmas around it. Like, if you’re travelling solo it’s because you don’t have anyone to go with - no friends, no partner. A few years ago, I think it was considered a bit lame or sad, but that’s changed. I only did it myself because I loved fantasy stories as a kid, and then the pandemic was just this added push. Now, my head's a chaotic choose-your-own-adventure book.

Ellie: Solo travel often gets painted as empowering. What challenges have you faced, and how do you navigate them?

Lily: That’s so true. People need to talk about the challenges as well. Yes, it’s empowering, but it can get lonely, and there are some safety concerns that come with being a woman. Still, I’ve found that these challenges dim in comparison to the whole positive experience.

Ellie: Any recommendations for first-time solo travellers? And are there places you'd advise against?

Lily: Good question. I think for solo travel, I’d avoid any country where English isn’t spoken. Like, I’d love to go to countries in Central Asia - like Kazakhstan, but I know that English isn’t widely spoken, so I’ll leave it for later. I think there’s a reason why South East Asia is so popular- there isn’t so much of a language barrier and there are lots of other travellers to talk to, which helps combat any rising feelings of loneliness.

Ellie: Your blog delves into mental health. How did that aspect become a significant part of your narrative?

Lily: Starting the blog, I didn't anticipate mental health taking center stage. Yet, discussing difficulties felt essential. Balancing serious issues and my goofy side online is a challenge, but it's a mantle I've embraced.

Ellie: How does your mental health influence your travels, especially as someone diagnosed with ADHD?

Lily: ADHD adds its quirks, impacting organization and navigation. Burnout hits hard due to sensory challenges. Taking frequent rest days and being proactive about mental well-being has become a vital part of my travel routine.

Ellie: Any tips for solo travelers dealing with social anxiety or depression?

Lily: Consult your healthcare professional, plan for self-care expenses, and don't shy away from rest days. Prioritize your health and embrace the journey at your own pace.

Ellie: Looking ahead, do you see yourself continuing solo travel?

Lily: Absolutely! I’d never object to travelling with friends or a partner - but I’d also never turn down the opportunity to do some travelling by myself.

Ellie: The pandemic is over, but we’re all still feeling the uncertainty of these times still, I think. Lots of people have either lost jobs or were made redundant. And, arguably, there’s been an increase in mental health issues. With that in mind, what will your future travel plans look like? It’s easy to book a flight, but at the end of the day, there are either bills to pay or trips to finance.

Lily: I'm a play-it-by-ear person. Extending my stay in London, diving deeper into the city. I love it here. I think this is the case for lots of people too - I always used to plan, and now I am more spontaneous. You never know what may happen in a few months. So much can change.

Ellie: Either way, it looks like there are some exciting times ahead for you - both in London and abroad. ! Thanks for sharing your unique solo travel perspective, Lily.

Lily: Thanks, Ellie!