I thought traveling alone would be awkward or boring — but my first solo trip proved me wrong with its surprising perks

• I'm an extrovert who loves being around others, so the idea of solo travel felt awkward to me. • However, on a recent trip on my own, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the freedom it offered. • I loved having the hotel room to myself, and being alone made it easier to control my budget.

"How many?" the host asked as I walked into the restaurant. I swallowed and responded, "Just one."

It felt strange to say, and even weirder to walk into the bustling restaurant by myself, heading to a small table in the corner.

As an extrovert, I've never preferred doing things solo.

So when I planned my first real trip alone, I was nervous. Sightseeing with no one to talk to, sitting by myself at dinner, and going back to an empty hotel room all seemed … awkward.

Postgrad life has a funny wa