"I enjoyed my previous group backpacking experiences but I've always been reliant on my travel partners for companionship and decision-making.
I've met many lone travellers on my trips and they have sold me the idea of a solo travelling experience.
My first year at work has left me feeling more independent and confident of embarking on new adventures.
I'm open to all living environments - countryside ruggedness or city living.
Sightseeing is great but it'd be nice to spice it up with some fun and meaningful activities.
"Lastly, I'd like to keep my adventure within Asia as I think it is diverse with much to offer."
What the experts suggest
Mr Rufus Tan from Quotient TravelPlanner: "For a rich cultural experience, try Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The scenery is beautiful, made up of jagged hill ridges running alongside mountain slopes, juxtaposed against the elaborate carved roofs of traditional houses.
Getting there is part of the adventure, as the journey from Makassar airport takes up to eight hours.
It is a scenic journey with mountains, steep terraced slopes and bamboo forests along the way.
At the end of your journey, you will be rewarded with exotic culture, exquisite burial sites and traditional architecture.
Since 2001, Unesco has nominated Tana Toraja as a designated cultural heritage site.
You should make a trip down this season, for very soon the place might be overrun with tourists.
Year-end is also the perfect time to visit as the largest annual festival - the Toraja Festival, an art and cultural event featuring handicraft exhibitions and traditional sports competitions - is celebrated on Dec 28 and 29.
Accommodation can be found at Toraja Heritage Hotel (rates range from $130 to $300), a four-star international hotel, perched 700m above sea level, with panoramic views of mountain ranges and rice fields.
First get to Jakarta, then take an internal flight (costing $180 to $330) to Makassar."
Approximate cost:
$1,500 (seven days)
Ms Alice Giam, marketing director of Divine International Explore & Treks (alice@ nepalexplore.com, www.nepalexplore.com): "Go on an eight-day Nepal trip covering Unesco cultural sites in Kathmandu Valley such as the Swayambuth Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The highlight in Kathmandu will be Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a 55-window palace of brick and wood.
There are interesting art galleries and pottery sheds aplenty. One can spend up to half a day or an entire day exploring this ancient city.
A good way to take in the sights and sounds is to sit at the topmost level of Nyatapola Cafe, have a cuppa and watch the world go by.
Also, have a leisurely stroll in Kathmandu's local market Asan Tol, where the locals get their fresh produce and mountain expedition teams gather goods for their camping needs.
Trek through the Annapurna mountain range including the majestic Daulagiri and Fishtail Mountain, and sip fragrant Nepalese tea at Nagarkot, one of Nepal's most popular hill resorts.
Reservations for a stay at Nagarkot can be made only through tour operators.
This period is the best time to visit because of the clear skies and good mountain views."
Approximate cost: $2,410 (eight days)
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 25, 2008.
