One thing that I did not expect to hit me whilst I was travelling was homesickness. Ever since I moved out of my mum’s house, I was not really a home girl. When I was living in London I would go home every couple of months. I am nearly 5 weeks into my travels and I have never missed home so much.

I think this is because my travel batteries need recharging. I have always been a very independent person and love my own space. The fact that I have constantly been with people has drained me. Don’t get me wrong, I have met so many incredible people and made lifelong memories – I wouldn’t change anything, but I came solo travelling for a reason. I have been so scared of not being able to make friends, that I constantly put myself out there and have had no time to myself.

When speaking to a wise friend of mine about how I was feeling, she said that this is part of my journey. That I am getting to know myself again. That it won’t be easy but it is worth it.

She was so right, if I can get over my fear of hospitals I can stay in a quiet hostel and not speak to anyone for a few days. I don’t need to constantly meet people in new places. Drinking, socialising and not having your own space can be very draining. You start sounding like a broken record having the same conversations with people you meet like ‘Where are you from’, ‘Where have you been’ and ‘Where are you going next’. It is difficult to develop this conversation further unless you travel together as we are all constantly moving to different places.

Missing home is not a vulnerability and needing your own space is not selfish. Everyone travelling has decided to go on a journey for their own reason. The great thing about travelling is that you can run away/ move to another country when you need something new or are feeling down.

Coffee Shop Hoping around Vientiane has made me feel 10 times better. It is nice to have decent coffee and peacefulness for reading and writing. I am so excited to spend a couple of days in Bangkok in a nice hotel to recharge.