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

Solo travel is no longer a niche. With one in three APAC travellers planning a solo trip in the next 12 months, the trend has become a full-blown movement. Whether driven by a desire for self-discovery, a break from routine, or the simple freedom to go at one’s own pace, solo travellers are reshaping how brands think about engagement, content, and conversion.

Scoot and YouGov’s latest study, “Unpacking the solo travel trend,” explores the mindset of solo travellers across six APAC markets — Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Australia — and what it means for marketers eyeing this growing segment.

The study found that solo travel skews younger, with 45% of respondents aged 18 to 34. Women make up a higher share of solo travellers at 56%, compared to 44% for men. In Singapore, the trend is particularly strong among Millennials, who are turning to solo travel for flexibility, emotional reset, and the opportunity to prioritise mental wellbeing.

Don’t miss: Report: 95% of APAC travellers eager for AI

The top reasons for going solo include the freedom to explore without compromise (50%), personal growth (38%), and the need to escape daily life (35%). One in five travellers also said they travelled solo because they had no one to go with, suggesting an untapped opportunity for community-based travel experiences or group-style solo packages.

Digital channels drive solo travel planning

Digital platforms are central to the solo travel journey. For accommodation, travellers turn first to online travel agency websites, followed by hotel sites and reviews. Most flights are booked directly through airline websites or apps, while OTAs and social platforms play supporting roles.

Social media plays a key role in food and activity discovery. Travellers often consult TikTok and Instagram to plan where to eat and what to do. Family recommendations and online reviews also heavily influence decision-making, underscoring the need for brands to maintain consistent and trusted digital footprints.

The study notes that solo travellers prioritise flexibility, peace of mind, and convenience. Offerings such as all-in-one insurance, rebooking flexibility, and integrated travel bundles help reduce planning friction. For travel marketers, this means going beyond awareness-building to remove practical barriers at each touchpoint.

Presence across channels is no longer optional. From OTA listings and hotel partners to influencer content and review platforms, brands need to be present where consumers already are. The solo travel journey is omnichannel and non-linear. Brands that show up with clarity, utility, and relevance are more likely to drive action.

With solo travel on the rise, brands that recognise the solo traveller as a distinct and valuable audience, rather than a secondary segment, will be better placed to capture loyalty, spend, and share of mind.

“While the findings do not represent the end to group and family travel, the way we travel expresses our individuality and allows for self-discovery. Scoot’s white paper sheds light on the behaviour, motivations, preferences and expectations of an emerging segment of travellers today,” said Agatha Yap, director of marketing, communications and loyalty, Scoot.

“With an extensive network especially in the Asia-Pacific, Scoot is excited to be able to play a role in enabling access to some of the most sought-after and yet-to-be discovered destinations, empowering more travellers, whether solo or group, to explore the world with greater confidence and enthusiasm,” she added.

Adding further context to the evolving travel landscape, Booking.com’s 2025” Global AI sentiment report”, unveiled at its Trust Summit in Singapore, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for AI among APAC travellers. The report, based on insights from over 37,000 consumers globally, found that 95% of APAC travellers are excited about AI’s expanding role in travel, with 82% already familiar with the technology and 93% planning to use AI tools in their future trip planning.

The report also points to a shift in trust, with travellers increasingly valuing AI assistants over traditional influencers or peer recommendations. Moreover, there is a strong interest in AI-driven solutions that support responsible travel such as avoiding crowded tourist spots and encouraging experiences that benefit local communities. This growing integration of AI complements broader travel trends focused on personalisation, convenience, and meaningful experiences, and signals new opportunities for travel brands to engage the tech-savvy solo traveller segment. 

Accelerate your brand’s growth with AI-first strategies, emerging tech and data-driven experiences. Join 500+ marketing leaders at Digital Marketing Asia 2025 Singapore on 24–25 September to uncover transformative trends, real-world wins and powerful ideas for 2025 and beyond. 

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Aussies are increasingly prioritising trips with the person closest to them, themselves! With solo travel becoming increasingly popular, Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, has today released findings that shed light on the rising popularity of solo travel across the Asia-Pacific region. 

The findings show that there’s one destination, travellers can’t get enough of.

Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the research surveyed over 5,000 people – including 1,017 Australians – to explore the motivations, behaviours and attitudes shaping this growing travel trend.

The insights, captured in Scoot’s inaugural white paper, delve into the demographics of solo travellers, their planning habits, destination choices, and the cultural nuances that influence their journeys—offering a timely look at the modern mindset of the self-guided explorer.

Top Five solo travel wishlist destinations (global) for Australians:

1. Australia (45 per cent) (domestic travel)
2. UK (15 per cent)
3. US (14 per cent)
4. New Zealand (13 per cent)
5. Canada (10 per cent)

With so many Australians boasting family connections in the likes of UK, New Zealand and US, it is also no surprise that visiting friends and family surged to the top of the list as a driver for solo travellers.

To reach all of these destinations, solo travellers continue to prioritise affordable air travel options, with almost two-thirds (62 per cent) opting for economy class and two in five (40 per cent) considering affordability as a top factor when choosing an airline. This underscores the importance of value for those navigating the world on their own.

Solo Travel Emerges as Mainstream Travel Choice

Once seen as a niche pursuit, solo travel in Australia has increasingly become a common lifestyle choice. Eight in 10 (81 per cent) of solo travellers in Australia went on solo trips in the past year, with more than half (54 per cent) undertaking two or more trips. The interest in solo travel is expected to continue, with close to nine in 10 (87 per cent) Australians planning to take a solo trip in the next 12 months.

A large proportion of respondents from Australia (83 per cent) are likely to recommend solo vacations to others. This growing trend is closely tied to broader lifestyle shifts, from increased demands at work and home to a rising emphasis on personal well-being.  A total of 56 per cent of solo travellers from Australia cite freedom and flexibility to plan their own itineraries as their primary motivation, while 45 per cent view solo travel as an opportunity to take a break and focus on themselves. Notably, another 44 per cent value the opportunity to pursue activities and hobbies they enjoy.

In Australia, solo getaways have become a modern ritual for self-care and self-discovery. Scoot enables these journeys by connecting Australia to popular Southeast Asian destinations such as Indonesia and Thailand – renowned for their wellness and personal growth experiences. Research also shows solo travellers continue to favour Asia for its affordability and rich experiences.

Scoot’s findings dovetail the rise in mindfulness, health and wellness, highlighting how travel, especially solo travel has evolved from simply being a leisure activity to one that travellers growingly seek for reflection and self-discovery.

“For many Australians, it’s no longer just about ticking off bucket list destinations, it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and embracing the destination. This white paper highlights the mindset shift towards solo travel. Australians are embracing solo trips not out of necessity, but out of choice. Whilst we still have amazing journeys with friends and family, solo travel sparks a sense of lone adventure where you can go your own way and choose a unique journey bespoke to you.” Adam Kelly, General Manager, Scoot Australia.

Whether they are setting off for wellness, wanderlust, or a bit of both, Scoot’s extensive network to over 70 destinations, products, and affordable fares allow travellers to explore the world confidently,” he added.

Research and planning are key priorities for solo travellers

While independence may be one of the core appeals, solo travellers in Australia today are far from impulsive. In fact, they are highly intentional in their approach with planning for their trips. Aside from booking flights, the main priorities for half or more of these travellers include accommodation selection (63 per cent), budget management (53 per cent), and safety considerations (45 per cent). They rely heavily on online travel agencies (32 per cent), hotel and airline websites or apps (54 per cent), and recommendations from family and friends (34 per cent) to help them make informed decisions with flight and accommodation bookings.

Japan, Singapore, and Thailand top Asia-Pacific travel wishlist

The white paper also revealed a trend for easy-to-reach APAC hotspots, with the likes of Japan, Singapore and Thailand named as some of the top solo locations for Australians to visit within the Asia-Pacific region.

Top 10 Solo Travel wishlist destinations in APAC for Australians (excluding Australia/domestic travel):

1. New Zealand
2. Japan
3. Singapore
4. Thailand
5. China
6. Vietnam
7. Malaysia
8. Indonesia
9. Philippines
10. South Korea / India (tie)

These choices indicate a desire for personal connections, vibrant cultures and nature escapes, reflective of the most popular types of solo trips: reconnecting with loved ones, visiting friends and family (55 per cent) beach holidays (39 per cent), culture and history (39 per cent) city breaks (34 per cent), and visting countryside and rural areas (34 per cent). This echoes the cultural shift towards experience-led holidays, where travel is seen as a form of informal education and cultural immersion, especially for those choosing to explore the world solo in pursuit of personal enrichment.

Overall, the white paper reveals a strong preference for destinations in UK, US and New Zealand as the top global destinations that Australian travellers would like to head to on a solo trip in the next 12 months.