Travelling overseas has helped me to grow the most for one reason alone. This is because, when I have travelled alone, I have had to rely on myself and no one else. I have had to make sure I get to the plane on time, make sure that I’m safe when I’m there and then get back home safely too.

Whether that was going to Hong Kong at twenty, scared beyond belief at the idea at the time but I laugh at myself now-just because I did it and I’ve travelled further since and because I’m now twenty years older and wiser.

While I have travelled further by myself since, that trip to Hong Kong was so important. It proved that I could and if you know that you can, the world is your oyster and there really is no stopping you.

Now, travelling by myself is a lot easier. Sometimes though, you do need a reminder that you can. Travelling again to Asia recently has again reminded me that I can. Going to Ho Chi Minh City with all its fabulous chaos, friendly, but no nonsense, residents has been fabulous.

So travelling solo has done me the world of good, several times over.