In a conversation with TOI’s Shikha Yadav, city-based therapist and mental health expert Dr Keshav Jee explains how travelling solo is no longer just a leisure trend but a potential wellness tool. Excerpts:- Q. What benefits can solo travel have on one’s mental and emotional well-being? A: Solo travel is a deeply personal experience. From choosing your destination to deciding where to stay and what to eat, it’s all in your control. This sense of agency can be incredibly empowering, especially for those who often feel emotionally dependent on others. Travelling alone can act as a reset button. Whether you’re going through a burnout, heartbreak, or a professional setback, time away from your routine allows for introspection. You’re free from judgment, from social expectations, and you get to live as your most authentic self. That, in itself, can lead to significant emotional growth. It’s challenging at first, but once you experience it, it can become one of life’s most enriching adventures. Q: How can being alone in an unfamiliar place positively rewire thought patterns or behaviour? A: Immersing yourself in a new culture forces you to adapt. You’re exposed to unfamiliar languages, customs, and social norms. Navigating these by yourself builds resilience and problem-solving skills. You become more self-reliant. Also, it helps dismantle negative assumptions about yourself, leading to a healthier mindset and improved confidence. Q. Is solo travel a healthy coping mechanism during life transitions, like breakups, job loss, or burnout? A: Absolutely, but with precautions. If done mindfully, it is a healthy way to cope with life changes. It creates space for self-reflection without distractions. However, it’s important to stay grounded: avoid excessive substance use, and don’t make reckless choices in the name of “finding yourself.” Q. How does solitude during travel differ from loneliness?A: Solitude is intentional and nourishing. It’s choosing to spend time with yourself, whether it’s after a stressful work week or just to breathe freely without external pressures. Solo travel lets you embrace this kind of solitude. Loneliness, on the other hand, is feeling isolated even when you’re with others. Some introverts may often confuse solitude with loneliness. Q. What precautions should solo travellers, especially women, keep in mind to make it a rewarding experience?A: Planning is key. Research your destination well, especially in terms of safety. Choose places with accessible public transport, accommodation and try to immerse yourself in the local culture. The goal must be to have a perfect personal trip and with stories, and lessons you’ll carry for life.

In recent years, many of the Mediterranean’s iconically sunny destinations like Italy, Greece, France and Spain have become increasingly besieged by devastating heatwaves, leading unsuspecting tourists to come up with creative solutions to keep cool.

“Our hotel had AC technically, but it groaned like a dying fan and gave up by mid-afternoon,” said Fowkes. “The tap water came out warm. There were no blackout curtains. I tried sleeping with a wet towel on my chest and a bottle of frozen water under my knees and still woke up dizzy. At one point, I moved my pillow to the stairwell and lay on the tiles like a Victorian fainting lady because that was the only surface remotely cool.”