Soul-o holidays are called soul-o because I believe they are great for our mind and soul. We forget all our sorrows, spend time with ourselves and feel fresh and rejuvenated before we’re back home to take on the world with renewed vigour.
A woman’s journey is a tedious one, whatever anyone says. Being the ideal daughter, sister, wife, mother or daughter-in-law can sometimes be exhausting. Because here ‘ideal’ means satisfying external expectations. And, that is definitely not easy. Not that I’m ‘ideal’ anything but you get my point! And, if you are like me, a woman who has never lived alone, or travelled alone; a woman who has always been with either parents or spouses or family, you will never understand the importance of a soul-o holiday until you experience one.
Last month, I got a chance to be on my own for three days and three nights in Barcelona, as my husband had to take a break from our couple’s trip and attend a work event. Trust me, though I may not want to go on long trips alone, I found that this short soul-o holiday was something I needed and probably should do at least twice a year.
When we’re on a soul-o trip, we don’t have to worry about meal time, potty time, bedtime, energy levels of others, kids’ safety, etc. Like when I was on my own, I walked 15000 steps and visited at least four to five tourist attractions each day; something that I could never do with kids. On one of the days, I was out rambling and randomly came across a flea market that wasn’t in my plan. But, I couldn’t NOT shop there. After I was done shopping, I walked back to the hotel, kept the items safe in my room, freshened up and went out again. Also, I was living merely on sandwiches and fruits, so I did not waste time sitting at a restaurant. Also, when I went up a tower, I was glad the kids weren’t with me or I’d always be worried they would fall from those old and narrow stairways with minimal railings. Phew!
Generally, I would always be tired on trips, either because I was holding my kids the whole time, pushing the stroller everywhere we went or carrying the baby bag filled with bottles, diapers, extra clothing, wet wipes, powdered milk, etc. But this time, I had only myself to carry wherever I went and carrying my own weight wasn’t tiring at all.
When on our own, there are no tantrums that we would need to handle. If you have a moody family or self-centred friends, you may understand what I mean. So, without having to deal with others for any reason whatsoever, the feel-good feeling and a perpetual smile on our faces come naturally.
When on a soul-o holiday, every moment is totally up to us. We are free to explore the places we want to visit without any hurry (unless you’re that bad with time management). I love visiting Cathedrals and Castles around the world, so when I was passing a Cathedral area (which I had already viewed twice from the outside), I took a U-turn to see the Cathedral again. I noticed a counter for tickets, so after checking, I bought a ticket on the spot and went leisurely exploring for two hours (out of schedule again). I was glad I did because there was so much to see and the ancient architecture was impressive. I took my own sweet time exploring each and every corner of it, sitting in the chapel and praying a little, admiring the intricate detailing on the sculptures and ceilings, appreciating the old choir area, etc. I felt I did a total paisa vasool there (got my money’s worth) 😉 Somehow, all this isn’t possible when you’re with other people because each person has different interests and wants.
Later, I continued strolling in all the crowded lanes of Barcelona, admiring the graffiti on the walls, clicking pictures with weird expressions, etc. It was fun!
When you travel with others, there is less chance of learning things than when you’re on your own. At least, it seemed to be like that with me. When with family, kids or friends, I barely notice things happening around me, but this time I noticed a few things like how the people at the bus-stop didn’t run to the bus when it was at a signal even though the signal and bus-stop were merely five metres apart. How the buildings under construction were neatly covered with a net. Also, with only Google Maps as my guide, I learned to get back to my hotel with public transport. Not knowing Spanish or Catalan wasn’t a big deal really though it helped that I knew my numbers in Spanish. And, I learned to be observant and aware at all times; for my own good.
Instead of always relying on someone else, soul-o holidays help us step out of our comfort zones, trust our instincts and confidently make decisions. Of course, I believe God was by my side at all times, too, because there were times when I wondered what would happen if I twisted my ankle in an almost deserted park. There weren’t many people around to call for help or get help immediately. But, because I believed in Him, I was able to confidently walk around most of the park while also watching my steps, especially on the slopes. I wouldn’t be able to handle another tailbone incident in the cold temperatures for sure.
For some visits, I had to be there at a particular time, but otherwise, I planned each day with enough time reserved for walking, travelling, exploring, admiring and more at my own pace. By 5 or 6 pm, I would return to the hotel, freshen up, chill, eat, write, read, pray, etc. I would sleep early (guilt-free) so I had the energy to wake up early and enjoy the whole of the next day, too. I realized that a soul-o holiday gives us enough time to think and indulge in lots of me-time.
I had never thought of going on a trip by myself. It was only when we planned a couple-vacation, during my husband’s work trip, was when I got to be by myself for a few days (the husband was just an hour away). But, those three days made me realize a lot of things that I had never even dreamed of before. I did not make new friends like most solo travellers do, but I did click pictures for other people in exchange for a non-selfie picture of myself. 😉 Sometimes, I would keep my mobile phone on a stand somewhere and click my own picture. That was the saddest part of my trip! Hahaha!
To conclude, what I’m trying to say is that, despite being a woman, with a plethora of responsibilities, if you get a chance to go on a soul-o holiday, even if it is just for two nights, I say go for it. And, while you’re at it, try not to control everything and everyone at home from your destination. As long as your kids are in safe hands, trust them and avoid making sure time-tables are followed, meals are eaten on time, etc. Give yourself the break that you need. A break from all those ‘wife, daughter-in-law and mom duties’. And, perhaps also a small break from expectations.
It’s important.
“This post is part of ‘Her Journey Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed“
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
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49 Comments
I’m glad to see you enjoying the pleasures of a solo trip. Ironically, my first ever solo trip was also to Barcelona!
Wow! That’s so cool!
I agree with every word you wrote in this post, Cindy. Travelling alone frees you from family tantrums, common decision making and so much more. Though, I haven’t travelled alone, reading your post made me dare and plan one.
You should, Geethica!
Wow! Bet it was awesome touring Barcelona! I can feel the excitement from your pictures. I also remember reading an article by Tahira Kashyap about a couples only vaction they took. It was reminiscent of these same points. But what could be even better than a couple only holiday? A solo mom holiday! I should suggest this to my mom, I know she needs it !
Yup, you should, Careena!
You have made this soul-o-holiday sound such fun. As they say, solitude is something that everyone should experience, as in contrast to loneliness which is the other side of the coin. Barcelona sounds wonderful. Here’s to many more soul-o and solo trips and may they all continue to help you evolve further.
Thank you, Deepti!
Your story about your solo trip to Barcelona truly resonated with me. It’s evident that you found immense value in taking some time for yourself away from the responsibilities and expectations that often weigh heavily on women. Your detailed account of the freedom and fulfillment you experienced during those three days paints a vivid picture of the benefits of a soul-o holiday.
I appreciate how you highlighted the importance of indulging in our own interests and passions without the constraints of others’ schedules or preferences. It’s inspiring to see how you seized the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow during your solo adventure.
Your reflections on becoming more confident and self-reliant through this experience are particularly empowering. Stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting our instincts can indeed lead to personal growth and empowerment.
Your narrative serves as a reminder of the significance of self-care and me-time, especially for women who often find themselves juggling various roles and expectations. Thank you for sharing your journey and encouraging others to prioritize their well-being through soul-o holidays.
Thank you, Monidipa!
I am glad you got to take this trip! your experiences really resonated. I agree taking a solo trip is good for your soul, its also a great way to get back in touch with yourself and relax into just doing your own thing 🙂
I never got a chance for a solo trip but after reading your adventurous trip, I am planning one. It is bit hard to leave little kids alone but will definitely try one day.
I have solo traveled but not for pleasure per se. Somehow, I need company while traveling. That said, never say never. Loved reading about your trip although I have seen a few pics on the Insta updates.
I’ve never been on a soul trip although I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time now. You surely packed a lot in three days, Cindy! Great pics, and the happiness shows on your face.
Solo trip is always In my bucket list ..waiting for such chance to materialize it soon.sucj trips gives us chance to have “me time ” treating ourselves as an individual…making is to realise many things.
Woah this sounds exciting Cindy. The whole idea of being on our own with no baggages seems awesome. I’m really hoping for one soon.
Cindy I really wish to go for a solo trip, even when I feel exhausted and stressed in life I feel like quitting from my current location and go to some place to relax and rejuvenate my mind with absolute peace and calmness. I miss those days when I travelled alone to Malaysia and Thailand, its true for an official trip my never enjoyed so much as a traveller. But now I am all surrounded with responsibility that even at this moment thinking of a solo trip is just impossible. But I promise I will come back soon and travel more as a solo traveller all I am waiting for the little one to grow up a bit to stay back for some days with his father to allow mom to get some personal moments to explore life better. The charm of solo travel is altogether a different level of experience, only the one knows who did it atleast once in their lifetime.
I totally get the need for a soul-o holiday now. Sometimes, we just need that time for ourselves, away from all the usual responsibilities.
Cindy, the brightness of your pictures says how much you enjoyed your Soul-O. TBH After we became parents even going out on a date used to make me feel guilty. The first time we went on a couple’s vacation, I had this huge cloud of mommy guilt hanging over me. Even now, I haven’t mustered up the courage to take a totally solo trip. Part of the reason is also the bad experiences I have had when alone, but also I think I will never be able to shrug off the mantle of mommy/wifehood after twenty years.
But yes, I hope one day, I can dare to.
You will, for sure, Harshita! Our kids are stronger than we think!
I have never really had solo holidays but lots of solo travel due to work – and I have always loved them. Even before I got married I loved solo travel. I always found a lot of peace in my solitude.
It’s evident from your reflection on your soul-o holiday experience in Barcelona that such trips are incredibly important, especially for women. Your blog beautifully captures the essence of why taking time for oneself is crucial for personal growth and rejuvenation.
Oh my God, Cindy! It’s like you’ve taken a peek into my life from 2018-2023 and written everything about my solo escapades around Europe and anywhere else. Even when I travel with my husband, family or with a group, I make it a point to do some solo exploring; even if it just a walk in the nearest park from the hotel. It gives me a chance to explore the place the way I want and like. Loved looking at your pics and reading about your experiences. Also, I’d recommend you and everyone else to do more solo-travels or as I like to call the mini-version of it, solo-exploring which is just going out for a day of exploring at the nearest touristy/place or something you feel you’ll enjoy like the library, the flea market, et al. It’s a totally therapeutic experience.
Lucky you, Manali. I will keep your reccos in mind!
Absolutely agree, Cindy! Soul-O holidays are like fuel for the soul, especially for us women. Taking that time out to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover ourselves is crucial in today’s hectic world. Can’t wait to hear more about your trip. I often worry about forgetting the route and feel nervous about going solo. I actually planned a trip for March, but it didn’t quite come together. I will keep this solo journey dream alive and make it a reality one day.
Hey, Anjali, I’m horrible with directions. It’s only Google Maps that did not let me get lost. Hahaha!
All my holidays are soul-o-holidays, as I love to travel solo, and if I travel with my family, that’s always in my soul-o-holidays. But as a mom, you pointed out some good points; I really loved them all.
Loved this post and most importantly I relate to it as I love solo travelling and have been doing so since 2019. Have visited many places like Ladakh, Manali, and Amritsar and gone Scuba diving to Koh Tao and Koh Samui, visited the lush landscapes and architectural wonders of Sri Lanka along with a dun girl hopping trip to Phi-Phi and Krabi. All of this wouldn’t be possible with kids and coz these were my bucket lists, hubby babysitted my children so that I could live my dreams and satisfy my soul. Yes soul-o-holidays are so important and essential for every woman.
Wow, that’s awesome, Zenobia!
Cindy what a way of words, solo trips wow… I hope it is empowered to the next level. Without having to worry about responsibilities and taking the present as it is must have been so comforting.
I am waiting for such Soul -O- holiday Cindy. The picture I saw on Instagram, from that day I wondered when I will go on such solo trips. No toddler tantrums, no pushing pram, ……I am planning for a trip but with toddler I am more frightened 😭😁
But Happy for you dear. And yes you are inspiring us. We should really have such holidays with ourselves only. Much needed.
You will as soon as your kids are a little older, Neeta! Have faith!
Soul-o holidays are truly a rejuvenating experience for us women. Being able to explore freely without worrying about schedules or others’ needs is liberating. These trips offer a rare opportunity for self-worth. After my own solo adventure in Kashmir, I can attest to the importance of taking time out for ourselves. It’s a chance to recharge and indulge in much-needed ‘me-time’.
Solo trip is something on my mind since last year. And I definitely plan to do it this year. Hopefully, I will and will also be able to blog about those days without kids, their bags, their tantrums, and anything and everything that comes from traveling as a family.
I must say, what a fab chance to enjoy Barcelona with yourself! I love the term ‘soul-o-holidays’. Yes, deciding your own routine is the best part. You can save time, do more, think less and enjoy more. As I am single, leaving the child bit, I think the rest is a great start. I often have days to myself and I enjoy this ‘soul-o’ time daily.
I’m in two minds rn, should I share it with my wife or not. I’ve never solo packed myself. So it is a mixed feeling. But the way you articulated is, even I want one now.
Hahaha! Surely, you both should try it.
Solo trip has it’s own charm though I like my people around me all the time but this is definitely going to be adventurous. I would like to go on a trip with my buddies first and then one solo trip to banta hai. You seems to have great fun:)
Never been on a solo trip ever!!! Thought of it makes me excited, but sceptical at the same time.
But I want to agree that, we would do what we want to do and no tantrums included when you have toddlers is the best part.
Of course mom guilt would come in here but then, I guess it is worth the try
I also tried not to think too much about what the kids are doing unless I was back at the hotel and chilling.
I am convinced of the power of going Soul-o! In fact, I think it is the most courageous thing to do especially when visiting a foreign land. Barcelona seems like a great destination looking at your pictures.
I’ve been exploring this idea of travelling solo for quite some time now. But the thought of travelling solo as a woman in India sounds scary to me. But it’s on my list for sure & I want to do that before I turn 40. I loved how you took the opportunity to use those 3 days away from your husband and decided to go on a soul-o holiday. You are looking great in all these pictures, it’s a proof that you had a fantabulous time in Barcelona.
I did. And you should, Neha! All the best!
It’s so inspiring to hear about your soul-o holiday experience in Barcelona! It really highlights the importance of taking time for ourselves to recharge and explore our own interests. Your adventure, especially the impromptu visit to the flea market and your leisurely exploration of the cathedral, sounds like a beautiful way to connect with yourself and the world around you. It’s a wonderful reminder for all of us, especially women juggling various roles, to prioritize self-care and personal growth.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Priya!
I love this post and the pictures are a testament to how much fun you had! I also love how you renamed solo to soul-o.
Thank you, Suchita!
Take me when you go for your next soul-o holiday Cindy… we will go together but won’t stay together😀.
I feel happy for you… apart from the places that u visited at your free will and the things that u did, u had some realizations about yourself and your life which is great. I think soul-o holidays are ‘evolving’ in that sense.
P.S: nice pics😉
Thanks, Kaveri. Yes, let’s make that happen soon!