'My paradise escape from toxic job and relationship is inspiring lots of women'

It's become more and more common to open a friend’s story on Instagram and see stunning images of a city-scape or the sun setting on a beach. It's become even more common for the taker of those pictures and videos to be travelling alone.

Since the conclusion of the pandemic, solo travelling has risen in popularity. Earlier this year it was reported that nearly half of Brits were planning a lone getaway, with young adults at the forefront of the trend.

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The growing solo travel market is being driven by women. Gabi Nowak-Jelonek, 25, is one of them - she found herself becoming more and more interested in the idea of travelling alone after the pandemic, before quitting her job to pursue it.

“After Covid I was in a job that wasn’t really fulfilling and was quite toxic," Gabi said. "I was in a relationship that I wasn’t happy with and there was an opportunity for me to go and work abroad in Thailand.

“I sort of took that as my way out and then I moved there, I was in that job for three months and got the travel bug while I was there. So I quit that job and I travelled around Thailand for a year and around Asia.

“When I was there working, I was young, I had all these savings and I felt like it was my time do something for myself and not just other people. I was allowed to take time off, spend time travelling and find out who I am - as cliché as it sounds, but it's true.”

A social media savvy millennial, Gabi documented her travels online - and also began giving tips after questions from her friends.

After a while her followers grew and she began getting questions from like-minded women who were interested in travelling solo but were apprehensive.

“I