Embarking on solo travel adventures may seem intimidating to some, but for 27-year-old Chelsea Yap, it's a source of empowerment.

Since 2021, Chelsea has explored 10 countries on her own, including India, Vietnam, Germany, and France. With an average of eight solo trips per year, she has found that solo traveling has profoundly impacted her life.

As an account manager in the tech industry, Chelsea's passion for travel was not only fueled by a desire to venture beyond Singapore but also inspired by her sister, an enthusiastic solo traveler who has explored various destinations across Central Asia, Europe, Africa, and India.

Reflecting on her solo travel experiences, Chelsea shared, "Solo traveling really changed my life in so many ways. I think if I did everything I did but with people, it would have been so different."

'Travel humanised me'

Chelsea embarked on her first solo trip in 2021 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. A communications student at Nanyang Technological University, she decided on a 20-day solo journey to Europe after her student exchange to Germany was cut short due to the pandemic.

Despite initial fears and uncertainties, Chelsea navigated cities like Nice, Lyon, Strasbourg in France, and Frankfurt and Berlin in Germany. However, midway through her trip, she contracted Covid-19, presenting her with unexpected challenges.

Recalling the experience, Chelsea shared, "I was so flustered about what I should do. This was supposed to be a getaway from Singapore, but I ended up being stranded in a new country alone."

Despite the setback, Chelsea adapted her plans, recovered in her hotel room, and extended her trip. This incident reinforced her resilience and ability to handle uncertainties independently.

Since then, Chelsea has continued to embark on solo adventures, often revisiting destinations like Bali, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. She emphasized that while she doesn't compromise on travel quality, she strives to keep her trips budget-friendly.

Among her memorable journeys, Chelsea highlighted her volunteer trips to India in 2025 and South Africa in 2024, where she gained hands-on experiences and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures.

Driven by a quest for authentic experiences, Chelsea's encounters with locals in different countries have broadened her perspectives and enriched her worldview.

Wake-up call

Chelsea's transition to a dedicated solo traveler marked a shift from a past focused on accumulating work experiences during university to embracing a more exploratory lifestyle.

Her decision to prioritize travel over work was influenced by personal growth realizations, including a shift in perspective following job rejections and reflections on identity beyond professional achievements.

Amidst the tech industry layoffs in 2022 and 2023, Chelsea recognized the importance of diversifying her identity beyond her career to avoid being solely defined by her job.

Her evolving mindset underscored the significance of embracing change and exploring opportunities outside conventional career trajectories.

Staying safe as a female solo traveler

With over 20 solo trips under her belt, Chelsea shared valuable tips for solo female travelers, emphasizing the importance of honing instincts and exuding confidence while navigating unfamiliar territories.

She advised solo travelers to trust their instincts, maintain a confident demeanor, and avoid disclosing personal information to strangers to ensure safety while traveling alone.

Encouraging individuals hesitant about solo travel, Chelsea suggested starting with small solo activities to build confidence gradually before venturing into international solo trips.

Through her solo travel escapades, Chelsea has not only discovered her inner strength and resilience but also cultivated a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and human connections.