Solo Journey to Istanbul

For many days before my trip, I was busy packing. I folded clothes,placed important items in my suitcase,and made lists so I wouldn't forget anything. Each time I ticked something off my list, I felt closer to the day of travel. My feelings were mixed, I was excited and nervous. This was going to be solo journey abroad, something I hadn't done after my marriage since before my marriage my solo journey was from Lahore to United States.

Travelling alone feels very different, almost like discovering new side of yourself.

I always felt safer when flying even with your children,baby or toddler around me. It may sound strange, but their presence gives me comfort.

What about your feelings???. Please do comment. I love to read my readers comments.

Let's continue the story.

This time I was on my own and I had to depend on my own strength.

I wanted to save money, so I decided to travel with a budget airline. From the last week of November 2025 until the first week of December, I searched for tickets. My plan was to book ticket when schools were still open,so the price would be lower.

I noticed that the ticket prices changed a lot not only from months to months but from days to days.

Last year I flew with my daughter by Wizz airline.

Now I want to try some thing new. After comparing the airlines, I chose Pegasus.

To make my flight comfortable I booked two different packages,Saver and Complex Flex.

I wanted to see the difference between them.

I also chose comfort flex because I knew I would need more relaxation after my dental treatment.

By December three months before my appointment I had booked my ticket.

Finding the right hotel was another challenge. I wanted a place with good price, easy access to public transport, close to the historical sites, restaurants takeaways and shopping areas.

Searching for all these requirements gave me headaches, but I kept looking. Finally, I found one what I wanted, the Merreto Hotel Istanbul Old City. I booked room for ten nights, with breakfast and free cancellation three days before my staying dates. It felt like perfect choice.

At the last day of travel arrived. My excitement grew, but so did my nerves. From Taplow we drove to Stansted airport. We tried Mid Stay parking,left car there and took the shuttle bus. That was when I truly started to enjoy my journey with excitement and nervousness. The airport atmosphere, the busy travellers and the feeling of moving forward all added to the adventure. After finishing check-in and the security, I took APM train to my gate.

By Tuesday night, I landed in Istanbul. The city welcome me with its bright energy. I felt thankful for the journey that had brought me here.

In my hotel, I began writing my story, determined to share each detail with my readers. Everyday since, I have been exploring and writing. From busy streets to quite corners, from small Turkish food to the history in the Old City, Istanbul has opened itself to me like a living book.

This solo journey is more than travel. It is chance to rediscover independence,to learnt about myself, and to share my experience with others. Each day brings something new and I look forward to continuing story with new title

Travelling Solo after many years gave me courage I didn't know that I still had. Writing about this journey helps me capture not only the places I saw but also the feelings of independence and discovery. I hope my story inspired others to take their steps towards adventure.

Your support and comments encourage me to keep sharing my experience.