Mel visited Salcombe during her trip (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Although holidaying with family or close friends can be delightful, occasionally a solo getaway is precisely what’s required. One travel influencer embarked on a 24-hour escape to one of the UK’s most picturesque regions and shared the adventure on Instagram.
Mel Fielding, who boasts more than 26,000 Instagram followers, documented her maiden solo UK break on the social media platform. She said: “Although I’ve done a few solo trips abroad over the years, and love exploring the UK, I’ve never really been on a solo trip in the UK before, so last week I decided to head to Devon for one night on my own.” Initially, she travelled to Hope Cove, five miles west of Salcombe, where she dined out, admitting she “felt super self-conscious at first”.
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“I knew I wanted to watch the sunset but I had two hours to wait, so I headed down to the beach on my own,” she said. “I read my book and felt myself relaxing as I watched the sun go down. I felt so happy that I’d pushed through the awkwardness and stayed until the sun had set.”
Mel spent the night in her van, having reserved a pitch at the nearby Bolberry House Caravan and Camping Park, which she said “felt really peaceful”. She continued: “I survived my first night along in the van and slept surprisingly well!
“It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be! Isn’t it funny how things usually feel worse in our minds than they actually are.”
The following morning she made her way to Salcombe and took in the sweeping views from Snapes Point, reports the Mirror. “By this point, I felt like I’d relaxed into the trip so I headed on a solo sea swim,” she said.
“No one else was swimming and I did feel a little self-conscious at first, but knew I’d regret not going for a dip on such a beautiful day. I made coffee on the beach afterwards and realised that, although I’d done a few solo trips before, doing stuff solo is a bit like exercising a muscle. You have to keep using it to keep it strong.
“I consider myself a pretty adventurous person, but I also realised it’s okay to feel nervous before doing things you don’t do that often. I ended up having a really wonderful 24 hours and it was a good reminder to feel the fear and do it anyway. Now I’m already planning my next solo overnight adventure.”
In the video description, she further noted: “I know that to some people this won’t be a big deal, but I also know that to some, it will, so if you’re in the latter group and would also love to go on a solo break in the UK this year, but feel nervous about it, I hope sharing this helps in some way!”
Viewers flocked to the comments section to share their own solo travel stories. One remarked: “I have been single for seven years, so I decided a while back to do whatever I wanted to, even by myself. My biggest challenge was camping in my tent in Wales last summer… best thing I ever did.
“I was adopted by a lovely family for drinks around the campfire. You’re never truly alone. But the feeling of accomplishment when you do these things alone, immense! Makes you remember you can conquer anything.”
A further commenter remarked: “I have never done a solo trip ever. If I ever get better I have promised myself a trip to Florence.
“Not having anyone else dictate where I am going. I always put others first. So it would be an amazing dream. Good on you! More of us need to lead by your example.”