A married mother of three took eight solo trips this year.

Next up on our adventure is a glimpse into the life of Huda Alvi, a devoted mother of three who has taken the time to embark on eight incredible vacations this year. Some may question her decision to leave her family behind for each trip, but Huda has no regrets. In fact, she believes that her solo getaways make her a better wife and mother.

At 39 years old, Huda has learned the importance of prioritizing "me time" during her thirties. She sees her trips as an act of self-love, a way to recharge and fill herself back up. "Travelling in my 30s is the best thing I've ever done," she shares. "It makes life more fulfilling and I'm more sure of myself now than ever."

Huda's love for solo travel began in November 2018, with a USA road trip through Malibu, Los Angeles, and Monterey. After going through a divorce at the young age of 22, Huda moved back in with her parents in Toronto, Canada. As a newly single mother of two, she worked as a realtor and navigated the challenges that came with it. "Being from a Muslim background, divorce was and still is considered a taboo subject," Huda explains. "I felt a sense of failure and it took a toll on my confidence. But I focused on myself and my children and built it up brick by brick."

In October 2007, Huda met her husband, Yehhia Bub, a firefighter, and they got married five years later. Now, they live together with Huda's children, who are now 17 and 19, and her stepson, who is 18. Huda's solo trips have taken her to far-flung destinations like Morocco, Italy, Colombia, Costa Rica, Vietnam, and Paris, and her husband has always been supportive. "Travel is a part of my DNA," she says. "I don't need my husband's permission to book a solo trip as he knows that I need to do it for my well-being. Everyone around me sees the effects traveling has on me – it makes me a better mum and wife. I'm more refreshed and emotionally available."

Huda's solo trips also serve as an opportunity for her to explore and be independent. "There is something freeing about traveling alone because you can tailor a trip to you and explore at your own pace," she says. "And besides, when traveling solo, you're not truly alone. I love to talk to people and make friends as I go." She is unbothered by what others may think about her decision to leave her family behind for a solo trip. "Some people may find it strange that I leave my kids and husband to go on holiday alone, but it doesn't bother me," she shares. "I refuse to listen to society telling me that I can't do that because I'm a mom. I don't care what others think, and I'd recommend any moms who are curious to do the same, to just book that trip."

Huda's solo trips range from paragliding in Guatemala to jaunts in Paris, and dreamy cruises exploring Vietnam. She spends around £4,000 on each trip and has a very healthy budget for her travels. "Backpacking around Colombia and Costa Rica was one of the most incredible experiences because I had to keep my wits about me," she recalls. "To stick to my budget when I'm traveling, I keep money in envelopes labeled 'food', 'activities', and 'emergency'."

Despite her love for solo travel, Huda and Yehhia also make sure to take at least two trips a year alone without the kids to "keep the spark alive". They also enjoy one big trip a year with their kids as a blended family. "I love solo traveling, it's something I'll never stop doing, but taking trips with Yehhia is just as important," Huda shares. "We're going to a festival in Tulum, Mexico in January next year to feel young again. Me and my daughter have started taking trips together too. We went to Portugal last year and Italy this year. It's great for us to spend one-on-one time together and is building her confidence with traveling. It even inspired Yehhia and his son to take a road trip from California to Las Vegas this year."

Huda documents her travels on social media, where she has over 97k followers on TikTok. She shares her tips for solo traveling as well as her activity recommendations. She also runs a travel company with her sister, Sana Alvi, called The Girls Trip, which helps women in their late 20s, 30s, and mid-40s experience solo travel. "We want to show women how empowering it is," Huda says. "It doesn't have to be far, you can always build up distance with time. Solo traveling might not be for everyone, but it makes me feel alive. I've got four trips planned for 2025, and I can't wait."

Huda has checked off some bucket list experiences on her solo holidays, such as a luxury cruise to Halong Bay in Vietnam, motorbiking around Costa Rica, a massage at the Dior Spa in Paris, and paragliding in Guatemala. She encourages others to follow her and her sister's journey on Instagram @the.girls.trip. "Do you have a story to share?" Huda asks. "Get in touch by emailing us."

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