Solo Travellers
Psychiatrist’s Journey Through Domestic Violence & Mental Health Recovery
Trigger warning: This story contains descriptions of domestic abuse, emotional trauma, and miscarriage, which may be distressing for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
In the hushed glow of Iceland’s Northern Lights, Dr Aninda Sidhana stood in awe. The sky pulsed with emerald and violet ribbons of light, and for the first time in years, she felt light.
“When I was watching the huge glaciers, I felt my problems were small. This glimpse of pure magic reminded me how beautiful life can still be.”
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She laughed with strangers, posed for photos, wandered along quiet beaches, and soaked in the warmth of the Blue Lagoon. This wasn’t just a vacation—it was the first time in years she felt truly free. After everything she had endured, this journey marked a return to herself.
“I felt a genuine sense of excitement… I felt liberated and happy.”
This moment, under foreign skies, marked a turning point. A psychiatrist by profession, Dr Aninda had survived two abusive marriages and two miscarriages. She had endured trauma that left lasting scars. But here, alone and smiling, she reclaimed something she thought she had lost forever: herself.
Surviving what so many endure in silence
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 30 percent of Indian women have experienced domestic violence. Many suffer in silence, caught between emotional ties, societal pressure, and the hope that things will change.
Dr Aninda’s story is one of those rare accounts where survival is not the end of the story; it’s the beginning of rebuilding. Today, she shares her journey not to recount the pain, but to light a path for others walking through it.
When love hurt: The first marriage
Fresh out of medical school in Puducherry, Dr Aninda landed her dream job at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Delhi in 2013. Full of optimism and joy, she looked forward to beginning her career in psychiatry. It was here she met her first husband, a fellow psychiatrist.
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“I fell deeply in love with him,” she recalls. “We soon tied the knot, believing that our shared profession and passion for mental health would be the foundation of a fulfilling marriage.”
But the illusion shattered on the very night of their wedding.
“On stage, his sister openly mocked me, calling me ‘fat and horrible’. When I confessed my hurt, he slapped me. That night, my dreams of a fairy tale were destroyed.”
What followed was three years of escalating abuse. “He hurled objects, spat at me, and once, assaulted me with hot curry,” she recounts. “In public, he was affectionate, even surprising me with a decorated car for our anniversary. But the private reality was cruel and manipulative.”
Despite her training in psychiatry, she admits she couldn’t recognise the red flags early on. “In my denial and love, I overlooked the signs.”
Finally, in 2018, she gathered the courage to leave.
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Commenting on why women tend to overlook the first signs of abuse, Dr Sugandha Gupta, a Delhi-based psychiatrist, shares, “Many individuals do not immediately recognise abuse due to the shock of the first occurrence. They live in the hope that the incident will not be repeated. This often keeps them from acknowledging it as abuse.”
She adds, “Social stigma, emotional needs, and societal expectations often prevent women from leaving abusive relationships, even if they are financially independent. Although financial independence can help, it does not eliminate the societal pressures and emotional dependencies that keep individuals in abusive relationships.”
Healing begins with friendship
Returning to her hometown in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, she was weighed down with guilt and grief. “I feared judgment because I had rushed into the marriage. But my friends became my lifeline.”
One friend organised a surprise birthday trip to Dharamshala. “Sitting on a balcony with chai, trekking through mountains—I felt like a free bird again. People saw the photos and said I looked like my old self.”
These moments were the first signs of healing. They reminded her that life outside abuse was not only possible but worth living.
The second blow: A marriage of surveillance
In 2021, she remarried—an arranged match with a physician. But soon, old patterns resurfaced.
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“There were CCTV cameras watching me at all times. I was subjected to constant criticism, control, and eventually violence,” she says.
Through this period, Dr Aninda underwent three IVF and two IUI cycles, enduring two miscarriages.
“It was the hardest and most isolating time of my life. My in-laws pressured me to have a male child or twins. There was no emotional or financial support. I stayed with my parents through the cycles, alone in pain.”
She adds, “Any failure was blamed on my weight and supposed incapability to bear a child. My career was secondary to my reproductive role.”
The final turning point came when she discovered evidence of infidelity. When she confronted her husband, his violent outburst was met with silence from his family. That was the day she walked away.
“I finally found the strength to walk away—not just from a marriage, but from a life defined by fear.”
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A new beginning: therapy, writing, and solo travel
Recovery didn’t happen overnight. “In my first therapy session, I asked: ‘Was it me? Was I the problem?’” Her therapist replied, “You were never meant to be caged. Abuse is never your fault.”
Those words marked the beginning of a new life.
Dr Aninda began journaling and writing blogs. “The reflective power of words became my therapy. I discovered a podcast of a woman who had also survived two abusive marriages. Her story gave me hope. I thought, if she can rise, so can I.”
At the encouragement of her uncle, Dr Ravinder Sharma, she planned a solo trip to Iceland. Speaking with The Better India, Dr Ravinder says, “I reassured her that once she stepped out of this toxic environment, she would gain a new, positive perspective. After several conversations, Aninda decided to take action. She organised her trip, managed her bookings, and made her way to Iceland.”
Dr Aninda returned with a renewed sense of freedom. “That trip changed everything. I laughed with strangers, posed for pictures, felt fully alive. That trip wasn’t about sightseeing—it was about reclaiming joy.”
Rebuilding life, brick by brick
Today, Dr Aninda works at a prestigious medical college in Rajasthan, combining her professional expertise with lived experience.
She is passionate about creating awareness around domestic violence, especially among educated, professional women who often suffer in silence due to social stigma.
“No one should go through what I did.”
She is working toward establishing a nonprofit for survivors of domestic abuse, focussing on emotional rehabilitation, legal awareness, and peer support. “I want to create a safe space where women can speak without fear.”
Her advocacy now extends to public platforms, where she shares tips for identifying red flags in relationships, from love bombing to subtle control tactics.
“You can always start over. Your worth isn’t tied to a relationship.”
Support systems that helped
Dr Aninda highlights three key pillars that helped her rebuild:
1. Therapy: “Therapy helped me unlearn the guilt and recognise the abuse for what it was.”
2. Community: Friends and family played a major role in reminding her of her worth. “Support doesn’t have to fix things; sometimes it just needs to sit beside you.”
3. Solo experiences: From travelling to writing, reclaiming space for herself allowed her to reconnect with joy.
She also advocates for professional helplines, support groups, and legal literacy workshops to be more accessible to survivors.
What you can do if you’re in a similar situation
- Recognise red flags: Isolating you from your loved ones, controlling your finances, mocking or belittling your career, or pressuring you into silence are all forms of abuse.
- Reach out: Confide in a friend, seek professional help from a therapist, or contact local women’s support groups.
- Know that help exists: Helplines such as 1091 (Women Helpline) and the National Commission for Women (7827170170) are available.
- Have an emergency plan: Keep important documents, some cash, and contact information readily available.
A story of hope
Two marriages. Two miscarriages. And a life once marked by fear.
Today, Dr Aninda’s story is not one of what she lost, but of everything she found in herself. Strength. Voice. Purpose.
“Every scar tells a story—of not just pain, but of strength and the capacity to rebuild. Resilience is not the absence of fear or pain, but the determination to rise anyway.”
Her journey reminds us that healing is not a linear process, but it is possible. That we are never truly alone. And that even in the darkest chapters of our lives, there is always a way forward.
If you or someone you know is facing abuse, don’t stay silent. Reach out. Help is always closer than you think.
All images courtesy Dr Aninda Sidhana
As the Faroes become increasingly popular with international travelers—a trickle of visitors has turned into more of a cascade in recent years, particularly since 2023—there is a greater need for creatively expanding infrastructure, while prioritizing the needs and lifestyle of locals. The Faroese are essentially asking themselves: How can we invite visitors into the home we love, without losing what we love about it?
I hoped to find out. In April, my husband and I flew into the airport on Vágar, the third-largest island, with a plan to drive to the Northern Isles before slowly making our way back through Eysturoy and Streymoy. It was a route that would allow us to also travel through those undersea tunnels, while also being conscious of the number of pricey tolls we’d rack up from using them. We hoped to also tap into the Faroese rhythm of daily life. What would it mean to take cues from the people who know these wild landscapes best?
On our first day, we beelined for the Visit North tourism office in Klaksvík, a small city of brightly colored houses on a spit of land between the open ocean and a sheltered bay of fishing boats. Reni Heimustovu, who staffs the front desk, smiled when we asked about hiking that day. “Last time someone wanted to go hiking in weather like this, we told them, ‘Choose life!’” she laughed knowingly. Outside, the long grass was blown flat on the surrounding mountains.
And so we learned our first lessons of traveling in the Faroes: One must always be adaptable.
We climbed back into the car, and ditched the hike, instead driving along a muddy road toward Klakkur Viewpoint, below which the sea yawned expansively. In scenic, rural parts of the islands, which describes just about everywhere in the Faroes, a source of tension with rising tourist numbers has come from the fact that visitors aren’t always prepared for sheep on the road. There are so many of the animals here, that in 2016, locals used their ovine population to map areas not yet canvassed by Google Maps’ cars; famously, the Faroes have more sheep than people, and their wavy wool provides a living for many locals. New signage on roads like these gently reminds visitors which grazing lands are off limits to hiking and sightseeing: the sheep have the right of way.
My favorite way to bond with a city is by running through it—whether it’s casual 5K races from San Juan to San Jose or double-digit-miles runs from Rio de Janeiro to Richmond, British Columbia, there’s no better way to get to know a destination’s stride than by pounding the pavement.
But there’s one major challenge that comes with running outside of your home turf: packing the best running shoes that will keep you going while you’re traveling. After all, when you only have so much room in your luggage, choosing the right pair becomes more important than ever.
I learned just how essential the right sneakers are when I suffered a foot injury four years ago and a podiatrist told me to throw away all my shoes, scale back my travels, and never run again. Resigned to a lifetime of armchair travel, I was at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, when a sports medicine orthopedic specialist took one glance at me and told me to get a pair of Hokas and just keep running.
I did just that, and by some miracle (and a wise physical therapist), I went from sharp aches with every step to crossing the Boston Marathon finish line pain-free last year while wearing Hoka Cliftons. That’s when I realized just how crucial footwear choice is to support you on your strides.
With so many popular brands out there, it can be difficult to know which pair of kicks is right for you. To kickstart your search, we’ve rounded up some of the best running shoes on the market, tailored to a variety of needs and terrains, with recommendations from both casual runners and professionals alike—starting off with some of our editors’ favorite running shoes.
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FAQ:
What should I look for the in the best running shoe?
Running shoes come with different criteria than walking shoes: It’s important to consider the type of running you’ll be doing, your foot shape and arch, and the overall weight of the shoe. “A great fitting running shoe should have a snug fit in the heel and midfoot with a roomy toe box,” says Shawn Marlovits, owner of Fleet Feet Hoboken. “This gives the foot some good support in the heel and around the arch while allowing the toes to breathe. It should lace up the foot evenly and not put pressure on the instep of the foot.”
What’s the difference between an athletic sneaker and a running shoe?
While the initial appeal of running seems to be that you can strap on any old pair of sneakers and head out, that can wreak havoc on your feet, as I learned the hard way through unsupportive footwear. Many times, off-the-shelf athletic footwear will not provide enough support, shock absorption, and stability,” for running Dr. William Spielfogel, a podiatrist and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store, says. “Adding a quality pair of arch supports to your footwear of choice can prevent unnecessary pain and alleviate the discomfort associated with increased activity.”
What brand makes the best running sneakers?
Finding the right running shoe is a bit of a Cinderella dilemma—everyone’s foot shape and contour are unique, and thus each individual has their own specific needs. When I first graduated from casual 5Ks to long-distance running about a decade ago, I had stopped in at my hometown Fleet Feet and was lucky enough to meet Marlovits. Not only did he take precise 3D images of my foot, but he also watched my gait in motion, pointing me to Brooks Adrenaline GTS, the shoes that got me through my first marathon.
As my needs and distances have changed over the years, so have my preferred brands. I’ve had periods of favoring Asics, New Balance, Hokas, and even unlikely running shoes from Lululemon and Allbirds. All of these brands make shoes that are mindfully designed for runners. It’s all about finding the right match for you at the moment.
How do I find the right size for my foot?
Marlovits suggests going up a full shoe size, no matter the brand. “You should have about the width of a thumb from your longest toe to the end of the toe box when you are standing in your running shoes,” he says. This rule of thumb takes into account that feet often swell while running. Spielfogel concurs, suggesting trying on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.
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This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Paris Wilson.
Solo Travellers
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Japan Solo Travel Explosion Unleashes New Wave Of Empowered, Independent, And Budget-Savvy Explorers Across Asia-Pacific
Monday, August 4, 2025
The solo travel trend is surging across the Asia-Pacific, with countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan witnessing an unprecedented rise in independent, empowered, and budget-conscious explorers. This new wave of travelers—led predominantly by millennials, Gen Zs, and increasingly women—are driven by a desire for personal growth, flexible itineraries, digital nomad lifestyles, and cost-effective experiences. Fueled by visa-free access, safety enhancements, social media influence, and an expanding ecosystem of solo-friendly accommodations and activities, these nations are rapidly becoming hotspots for self-reliant adventurers seeking both introspection and immersive cross-cultural journeys.
Solo travel has surged in popularity among Malaysians, especially younger travellers who are eager to explore the world on their own terms. What used to be a niche activity has become a mainstream trend, with recent data revealing that six out of ten Malaysians took at least one solo trip in the past year. Even more striking, nearly a third of these travellers completed three or more independent journeys during the same period.
Millennials lead this movement, representing 38 percent of those who currently travel alone or plan to do so soon. Their enthusiasm signals a broader cultural shift toward valuing personal freedom, self-discovery, and tailored experiences over conventional group travel.
This insight comes from a comprehensive survey conducted across five Asia-Pacific countries—Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia—by YouGov on behalf of a leading low-cost airline. The survey polled over 5,000 respondents and provides a clear window into the mindset and motivations driving today’s solo travellers.
Among Malaysian respondents, 86 percent said they would recommend solo travel to friends and family. This widespread endorsement reflects changing lifestyles marked by heavier work demands, more complex home responsibilities, and an increased focus on mental and emotional well-being. Many people now view travel as an essential part of self-care, offering a chance to recharge away from everyday pressures.
When asked about their primary reasons for travelling alone, 56 percent of Malaysians cited the freedom to plan their own itinerary. Solo travellers relish the flexibility to choose what to do and when to do it without needing to compromise with others. Nearly as many, 53 percent, emphasized that solo travel allows them to take a break and focus fully on themselves.
The value of independence shines through clearly: 49 percent appreciate the opportunity to explore new destinations at their own pace. Without anyone else dictating the schedule, solo travellers can linger in places that fascinate them or move on quickly if something doesn’t capture their interest.
The survey also highlights how solo travel encourages Malaysians to reconnect with personal interests. Forty-seven percent said travelling alone motivates them to engage in hobbies and activities they truly enjoy, a figure notably higher than the regional average of 43 percent. This trend suggests that solo travel serves as a powerful means of escaping routine or social expectations and rediscovering passions.
What do Malaysian solo travellers prioritize as they plan their trips? The data shows they approach their journeys with care and intention. A vast majority—95 percent—reported that they actively plan their travel in advance. This planning goes well beyond simply booking flights. Over half of solo travellers focus on managing their budget carefully, securing safe and comfortable accommodation, and ensuring their personal safety throughout the trip.
To make smart decisions, Malaysian solo travellers rely heavily on digital resources. They frequently visit online travel agencies and hotel websites and trust user reviews on dedicated platforms to assess flight and lodging options. For discovering the best places to eat and things to do, social media plays a critical role, offering recommendations from fellow travellers and influencers alike.
When it comes to choosing destinations, Malaysians show a strong preference for exploring within the Asia-Pacific region. Nine in ten respondents plan to travel within this area in the coming twelve months. Many still prioritize domestic travel, with 21 percent intending to stay within Malaysia exclusively, while 71 percent remain open to combining both domestic and international trips.
Among international destinations, Thailand tops the list with 25 percent planning visits, followed closely by Japan at 23 percent and Indonesia at 22 percent. These countries attract Malaysian travellers for their vibrant cultures, beautiful landscapes, and diverse experiences.
The kinds of trips Malaysian solo travellers seek also reveal their interests. Cultural and historical explorations lead the way, chosen by 46 percent of respondents. City breaks follow closely at 43 percent, as many enjoy urban adventures that offer entertainment, shopping, and dining. Beach getaways appeal to 42 percent, providing relaxation by the sea, while nature holidays attract 41 percent, emphasizing the desire to connect with the outdoors.
Despite the enthusiasm and range of travel experiences sought, affordability remains a key driver for solo travellers. Seventy percent of Malaysians flying alone opt for economy class tickets, demonstrating their focus on value. Meanwhile, 28 percent prefer low-cost carriers to keep expenses manageable. These choices reflect practical budgeting considerations for independent travellers who often handle all aspects of their trips themselves.
The rise of solo travel in Malaysia signals more than just a growing leisure activity—it represents a shift in how people view travel as a tool for personal growth and fulfillment. Many now prioritize experiences that promote independence, self-reflection, and freedom, away from the constraints of group expectations.
In addition, the ability to plan trips deliberately and access reliable information online empowers solo travellers to feel confident and safe. This independence encourages them to take more frequent trips, explore varied destinations, and customize their journeys to fit their evolving interests and lifestyles.
As the trend continues, travel providers and tourism boards in Malaysia and across the Asia-Pacific will likely see increased demand for products and services catering specifically to solo travellers. These might include tailored travel packages, safety-focused accommodations, and platforms designed to facilitate connections among independent explorers.
A powerful solo travel boom is sweeping across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, driven by rising demand for personal freedom, digital nomadism, affordable travel options, and safer, more accessible experiences tailored to empowered and independent explorers across the Asia-Pacific.
In conclusion, Malaysian solo travellers today embrace their freedom with enthusiasm and purpose. They are intentional planners, budget-conscious, and motivated by a desire to discover the world on their own terms. With their preference for nearby regional destinations and diverse types of trips, they contribute to a vibrant, evolving travel landscape that celebrates individuality and personal well-being.
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