Flying alone and looking out over the idyllic islands felt like staring at a Google Images search somehow dialled up to be even more breathtaking, if that were possible. After landing at Velana Airport and enduring a rocky boat trip, I arrived at my hotel, which resembled a lone but swanky hut tucked away in a dense, forest-like corner of the resort. The week gave me the chance to discover more about myself. Reading alone on the beach, pausing between chapters to watch the latest coming-of-age series on Prime, never lost its appeal. Having dinner by myself meant there was no one to fill the silence, which I sometimes appreciated but occasionally found embarrassing. That feeling quickly disappeared, though, when an out-of-this-world crème brûlée arrived with a spoon for one.

Snorkelling, a first for me, felt surprisingly natural, as though I was completely in my element. Striking up a conversation with strangers after an art class at the hotel led to a late-night gossip session with two women who turned out to be staying next door. What I missed most was having my best friends there to marvel at the exotic fish with me, our post-dinner debriefs, seeing the expressions on my loved ones' faces as they experienced the magic of the Maldives for the first time, and, admittedly, having someone to help me zip up a dress that required two hands - or take the perfect Instagram dump photos. While there were bittersweet moments, I returned home knowing more about myself, the hobbies I discovered I enjoyed, and how I connected best with strangers.

My biggest takeaway, though, was that there was nothing to lose by talking to someone new, even if it was only for a few minutes about the pizza on the menu or the book they were reading. I realised I had been the only person overthinking the fact that I was alone. Being open to new hobbies showed me that some experiences would become part of my routine when I got home (painting), while others I wouldn’t think twice about (wine-making).

But what if you're travelling as more of an extrovert? Toyosi, a PR who makes a habit of taking solo trips for her birthday and can strike up a conversation with just about anyone in sight (and, more importantly, genuinely enjoys it), shared the rules she followed every time she took to the skies:

I don't feel guilty about going on holiday alone. I choose to travel solo for a reason. While some people travel to make friends, don't feel bad about taking time for yourself to rest and recharge. Even as someone who can strike up a conversation with people from all walks of life, I know when I need time to myself.

I'm confident in my own company and don't need constant entertainment, so I'm happy to introduce myself and chat to strangers. Equally, I'm just as happy for those conversations to be one-offs. I never feel any pressure to make lasting friendships or keep a conversation going longer than it naturally should.

While it might seem obvious, it can be tempting to tell more people than you should that you're travelling alone. If you can, book a room for two people so others assume you're staying with someone else.

For Shanice, a social strategy director, last year's trip to Turkey was her first solo holiday. Here are her main takeaways:

1. As an introvert, I didn't want to be held back by having to coordinate with other people. This holiday was less about exploring and more about resting because I was burnt out. The trip centred on where I was staying rather than what I was doing. Plan the experience you want and choose what suits your vibe. Admittedly, I felt guilty about spending more time in my villa than outside it, but it was the right kind of holiday for me. There's no shame in knowing what you need.

2. I was nervous about being alone, but I chose to go for six days because it felt like the right amount of time to spend by myself. Finding a hotel that offered activities for solo travellers was key - mine had free cinema nights and yoga classes.

3. Don't assume you're the only person travelling alone. People are generally friendly, so say hello to others in the lift or by the pool!