Do I like travelling solo? Yes and no. My husband and I fly, drive and visit places together, almost always. We are compatible travel buddies. Of course, we have our share of arguments and misunderstandings on our trips. But we manage to laugh away frustrations and annoyances, most times. I think we are better together than not. This year was a little different. We did solo holidays by choice and by default.

In June, my husband and his mate flew to the US to do a motorcycle tour on Route 66.  On their rented Harleys, they rode from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles, covering close to 3,000 km. The 10-day motorcycle holiday was organised meticulously over a period of time as it involved planning the route, motorbike rentals, luggage space in the panniers, hotel bookings and so on. It worked out well as he enjoyed every stop along Route 66 including Amarillo, Sante Fe, Gallup, Williams and Laughlin, sans me.

November was my turn. Due to last minute work commitments, I travelled, minus my husband, to Brisbane and Sydney. Like him, I too enjoyed doing it alone. Particularly as it was invaluable time spent with my family.

The main reason for the trip was my nephew’s wedding. The marriage ceremony and reception, without a doubt, were beautiful and memorable. Also to do was meeting my recently born grandniece and grandnephew. Babies are a wonderful treat. Especially as I knew these little people’s parents when they were little people themselves. Expressive little face, tiny hands and feet. A bundle of joy to watch and to hold. Thirdly, being with my mum and my sisters’ at their homes in Brisbane and Sydney. Family was fun, but as usual, a little complex. Different characters and expectations. A gamut of feelings emerged – happy and a little sad at times, enthused and a little disillusioned, nostalgic but generally nice.

Being with my sisters was easy. It was equally comfortable with my nephews and their families. Although I don’t meet up as often as I would like, WhatsApp helps keep us connected and abreast with what’s happening in the family. Staying at sisters’ number two and four’s homes was convenient. Under one roof, I was able to spend a lot of time together. Chatting under the moonlight with gleeful abandon. Going for walks in the neighbourhood and to the beach. Doing a drive-by one evening, and shouting out,“ We love you On” to our nephew, the then groom-to-be, as he entertained friends in his house in a quiet neighbourhood. And, spontaneously one morning, dancing to 60’s music and doing the twist to Chubby Checker’s ‘Lets twist again’ while my mum slept on the sofa. She did break into a little smile when she awoke. Kind, generous and caring. My sisters bought too many chocolates, cakes and ice-cream for my own good. Naturally, my reputation preceded me, and I didn’t disappoint.  Six stars for hospitality.

The holiday was relaxing and undemanding. To be honest, my plan was not to have a plan but to go with the flow. Retrospectively, it worked out well for me. Sister number three and I did a train trip to Brisbane city. We visited a few touristy spots – the Anzac Square with its iconic rotunda building, City Botanic Gardens where Kookaburras sang to us and Queens Street where retail therapy thrived.

Also, sister number one, three and I hiked up Mt Coolum, thanks to the newly-weds, who invited us along. The 208m volcanic dome shaped mountain, located between Noosa and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, offered beautiful views of the coast from the top. The 1.6 km return hike started with a walk through bushland and forest. Then, rock steps led us all the way to the summit. For a job well done, we treated ourselves to a sumptuous breakfast at Mooloolaba Beach. This was followed by a visit to the Buderim Forest Park. The subtropical rainforest of tall trees, meandering roots, running creeks, natural rock pools and waterfall, known as Serenity Falls or Buderim Falls, reminded me of the many parks we have at home in Malaysia. Nice.

On my solo Brisbane-Sydney journeys, I became a little more Type A with the flights, luggage, Uber and train schedules. I took extra notice of directions, surroundings and people.  Not unusual, as I had to do everything myself, including lugging my luggage. I missed my husband as he usually does the heavy lifting for me. I also missed not being and sharing with him.

That said, I did enjoy this solo holiday. Will I do another? Yes, if it’s with family.