Entrepreneur Arzmy Hargreaves shares how solo travel helped him rediscover purpose, build confidence, and see the world – and himself – in a new light. His journeys show how stepping out alone can teach lessons that everyday life cannot.
Finding Ikigai on the move
WITH life settling into a familiar rhythm, entrepreneur Arzmy Hargreaves found that while the routines were fulfilling, they were also exhausting. As the day comes to an end and a new sun begins the next, he finds himself wanting an escape from the mundane aspects of life.
While travelling has always been part of his life, it often felt like a social ritual rather than a personal awakening. Nevertheless, during the pause brought about by the pandemic six years ago, Arzmy turned inward, diving into self-development and discovering Ikigai, the Japanese philosophy that life’s purpose lies in the intersection of passion, meaning and joy – something that makes you want to wake up excited every morning.
In 2022, he took the first step, heading to South Korea – initially still seeking a travel companion, a gentle transition toward independence. He then returned home with a new perspective on life, and when he embarked on his next solo trip to Japan, the transformation deepened.
“I was sitting alone on a bench, watching snowy rivers flow through a postcard-perfect landscape. The moment was emotional. Tears fell, but not from sadness, rather from perspective. The struggles, setbacks, and anxieties of everyday life suddenly felt small against the vastness of the world.” – The moment became a turning point.
Sharing more about his solo travels, Arzmy spoke with Sarawak Tribune about his journey, the life lessons, and his discoveries:
Q: What pushed you to travel solo?
A: What pushed me to travel solo was a combination of burnout and a deeper need for clarity. I was caught in an intense cycle of busy schedules and repetitive routines, and over time it began to feel mundane and unfulfilling. When COVID happened, everything came to a sudden halt; it felt like a global reset. That pause gave me space to reflect on my life, my direction, and my purpose. While traveling with family or friends is meaningful, I realised it often stays on the surface. Solo travel, on the other hand, forces you inward. It removes distractions, challenges you to rely on yourself, and creates room for genuine self-discovery. Ultimately, traveling alone became a way to break free from routine, reconnect with myself, and seize the moment rather than letting life pass by on autopilot.
Was there a moment in your life when you knew you needed to go alone?
Yes, there was a defining moment. I realised that to truly understand what I wanted next, I needed space, silence, and independence. Going alone wasn’t about isolation; it was about clarity. Solo travel became the way I could step away from external expectations, listen to myself more honestly, and move forward with intention.
How was your family when you said you wanted to go on a solo trip?
At first, there was slight scepticism and doubts – from both my family and, honestly, even myself. Concerns around safety, emergencies, and whether I could truly manage on my own naturally came up. But I realised growth starts with uncertainty. I began small, did thorough research, stayed alert, and learned to trust my instincts. As my confidence grew, my family became supportive, and once I took that first solo trip, everything changed – it became a transformative and empowering experience.
What scared you the most before your first solo trip?
Before my first solo trip, what scared me most was uncertainty – being fully responsible for myself in an unfamiliar environment. I worried about safety, getting lost, and handling unexpected situations alone. In the end, the fear became a breakthrough. I discovered resilience I didn’t know I had, learned to trust my judgment, and realised that most challenges are manageable with preparation and awareness. What began as fear turned into confidence, and that first solo journey became the foundation for how I now approach both travel and life – with courage, clarity, and intention. I’ve never felt so connected with myself.
What’s your plan like when going for a solo trip?
When I plan a solo trip, preparation is key. I research the destination thoroughly – from logistics and accommodations to local culture and safety considerations – so I can travel with confidence rather than anxiety. At the same time, I leave room for flexibility, because some of the most meaningful experiences happen unexpectedly. Having a clear plan allows me to be present and calm on the journey. It gives me structure, while the freedom within that structure is what makes solo travel both empowering and uplifting.
What’s one mistake you made that taught you a hard lesson?
One hard lesson I learned was the importance of staying grounded, especially in moments of excitement. Early on, I sometimes let enthusiasm take over and overlooked simple details. On one trip from Milan to Venice, I was so eager to explore that I accidentally left my luggage on the bus – and I never saw it again. While it was a difficult moment, it taught me resilience and perspective. I continued the journey with just my backpack and a calmer mindset. That experience reminded me that travel, like life, isn’t about perfection or possessions, but about adaptability and moving forward when things don’t go as planned.
How do you manage safety without letting fear dictate your journey?
I’ve learned to trust my instincts and make thoughtful decisions without overthinking every risk. When you respect safety but don’t let it dominate your mindset, travel becomes empowering instead of limiting. That balance allows the journey to unfold fully. I manage safety through preparation and awareness, not fear. I do my research, plan my routes, choose accommodations carefully, and stay mindful of my surroundings. That foundation allows me to travel confidently rather than anxiously.
What’s always in your bag, no matter where you go?
No matter where I go, I always carry a few essentials. Practically, that includes my passport, phone, camera, chargers, power bank, medications, toiletries, keys, and content tools like a tripod and gimbal. Beyond the basics, I also keep a self-empowering book and a travel diary with me. The diary is especially meaningful; it’s where I invite people I meet along the way to write a page of life lessons. It’s a reminder that travel isn’t just about places, but about the perspectives you collect along the journey.
What’s the kindest thing a stranger has done for you while travelling?
It’s hard to choose just one moment because in almost every country I’ve visited, I’ve experienced kindness in different forms. When you truly immerse yourself in a culture, you realise how generous people can be, even as strangers. One moment that stayed with me was when someone went out of their way to help me find the right location despite a language barrier. They ended up riding the same train with me, walking for miles even though they were originally headed in the opposite direction, just to make sure I arrived safely. It was simple, unspoken kindness, and incredibly heartwarming, a reminder that humanity often shows up when you least expect it.
Have you ever felt truly lonely – and how did you deal with it?
Traveling alone doesn’t necessarily mean feeling lonely. Sure, there are moments of quiet when it’s just you and your thoughts, but that space often becomes a source of clarity and reflection. What’s beautiful about solo travel is that it naturally leads to connections: you meet people along the way, hear their stories, and sometimes even make plans together. Rather than loneliness, I find those moments fulfilling and wholesome. Each encounter teaches me something new, and the journey becomes as much about the people I meet as the places I explore. Solo travel, for me, has never been isolating; it’s been empowering and enriching.
What place surprised you the most, in a good way?
Having travelled extensively, I’ve been fortunate to experience many incredible places, but my recent trip to China truly surprised me in the best way. Growing up in Malaysia, I had been exposed to certain media portrayals that painted a very different picture of mainland China. I had expected crowds, noise, and a degree of unwelcoming behaviour – but the reality was completely different. I found the people to be some of the kindest and most helpful I’ve ever met. Despite language barriers, every detour, delay, or problem I faced was met with generosity and guidance. The cities were remarkably safe and well-organised, far beyond the limited perception I had before. Experiencing China firsthand reminded me of the importance of seeing the world for yourself, rather than through preconceived notions. It was a powerful lesson – and a beautiful surprise – that travel can truly challenge and expand your perspective.
Has solo travel changed the way you see people – or yourself?
Absolutely – it’s changed the way I see both people and myself. Solo travel has a way of stripping life down to its essentials: you realise that most people are far kinder, more generous, and more willing to help than you might expect, even across language and cultural barriers. And as for myself, I’ve discovered resilience, curiosity, and a surprising ability to adapt on the fly. Traveling alone teaches you that the world is full of unexpected kindness – and that you’re capable of far more than you give yourself credit for. In a way, it’s like the universe handing you a mirror, showing you both the best of humanity and the best version of yourself. More importantly, traveling alone forces you to face yourself – your thoughts, your fears, your decisions – and in that space, you truly start to discover your strengths, capabilities, and what drives you. For me, it became a journey toward finding my Ikigai: understanding what gives my life meaning, what energises me, and how I can contribute to the world. Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places – it’s about seeing yourself more clearly and realising the power and purpose you already carry within.
What did solo travel teach you that everyday life never could?
Solo travel taught me lessons that everyday life rarely could, particularly the art of presence and perspective. Being alone in a new environment forces you to slow down, notice the little things, and truly experience moments instead of rushing through them. It can shift your mindset and inspire gratitude in ways a routine life often cannot. It’s a form of education for the mind and soul that only comes when you step entirely outside your comfort zone.
Is solo travel as glamorous as social media makes it look?
Solo travel isn’t as glamorous as it looks on social media. Sometimes it involves planning, carrying your gear, and figuring things out on your own. But that’s part of what makes it so rewarding: it’s authentic, raw, and fully in your control. For Instagram-worthy shots, I rely on a tripod, gimbal, timer, or even asking for help from kind strangers, but it’s more about capturing the story than the perfect photo. As for safety, being prepared, aware, and trusting your instincts makes the journey adventurous without being reckless.
What’s the least Instagram-worthy but most real part of solo travel?
The least Instagram-worthy part of solo travel is the quiet, imperfect moments – the long waits at stations, figuring out directions in a foreign language, riding a bumpy bus, a bad fall, falling sick, lost luggage, an aching body, or simply eating a packed meal from a convenience store alone in your room. Nothing looks glamorous, but these small challenges are where the journey truly shapes you. They teach resourcefulness, patience, and self-reliance, and they make the memorable adventures, and breathtaking views feel even more meaningful.
Where do you want to go next – and why?
I have quite a few trips already planned, but my travel bucket list is always growing. I’m not someone who travels just to tick off tourist spots – I want to fully immerse myself in the culture and truly understand the people and history of each place. I’d love to explore Mongolia and Tibet, and one of my dreams is to land at Lukla Airport in Nepal and trek to Everest Base Camp. I’m also drawn to the Balkans, the Nordics, and Africa. Ultimately, my goal is simple: to experience as much of the world as I can while I’m still young, learning and growing with every journey.
What’s your favourite place to visit and why?
It’s hard to pick a single favourite place because every place I’ve visited has its own charm, beauty, and lessons to offer. But if I had to highlight a few: Japan impressed me with how courteous and welcoming people are, always putting others first, and the sense of longevity and harmony in everyday life. Italy showed me the beauty of slowing down – how people truly savour life and enjoy the moment. Switzerland taught me the value of punctuality and precision, and China amazed me with the energy, determination, and selfless generosity of its people, alongside its remarkable ecosystems. Each place leaves a mark in a different way, and that’s what I love about travel – it’s never just sightseeing; it’s learning, reflecting, and growing with every journey.
Would you recommend solo travel to everyone?
Definitely. But, with all honesty, solo travel isn’t for everyone, and it can be scary at first. You’re stepping into the unknown, relying completely on yourself, and sometimes facing unexpected challenges. But that’s exactly why it’s worth it. Traveling alone pushes you to trust your instincts, embrace spontaneity, and really see the world and yourself – in a way group travel rarely allows. I’d encourage anyone curious to try it, even just for a short trip. Start small, plan carefully, but leave room for adventure. The growth, perspective, and connections you gain along the way are unlike anything else – you’ll come back with stories, lessons, and confidence that stay with you long after the journey ends. You will crave more after that, just like it changed me!
