Having got the travel bug from my parents as a kid, I started visiting places on my own in 2011 when I discovered the joys of solo travel. On World Photography Day, I share some of the best shots from my visits to countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Australia, 2015: Before venturing out on a three-week road trip from Perth, I spent a few days in Fremantle, a picturesque coastal city 30 minutes southwest of Western Australia's capital. I found it a quirky place with lovely cafes, bars and plenty of interesting activities you could take part in (I attended an ecstatic dance event, among other things). It also has some beautiful parks and beaches. This is a kite surfer and his dog having a good time on Mosman beach
All photographs by the authorAustralia, 2015: I was walking down to a natural pool at Karijini National Park in Western Australia when I encountered this goana. It was on all fours when I first saw the reptile. It stopped as it became aware of my presence, stood up on its hind legs with its tail supporting the body, looked around, and went back on all fours before slithering ahead and out of the walking trail. A magnificent creature!
Australia, 2015: It had rained the night before and all the red mud had flown into Fern pool, turning the clear green water into a rich yellowish-brown. But after a long and hot hike down to the pool in the humid weather, a cool pool to dive in is welcome, even if it's muddy! This is also in Karijini National Park
Thailand, 2011: I went to the Full Moon Party on my first solo trip, way back in 2011. Taking place on Haad Rin beach on the south of Koh Phangan island in the Gulf of Thailand, this is known as one of the world's largest raves. Between 10,000 and 40,000 people turned up each month to party here and dance to psychedelic trance being belted out by five or six DJs from their podiums on the beach. Fire games are a big part of the party, and you're welcome to participate, but only if you are willing to risk waking up the next morning with burn marks on your body
France, 2012: Back in 2012, when Nicolas Sarkozy was trying to win a second term as the President of France against challenger, François Hollande, I was spending a few days at a friend's house in a beautiful village in Normandy. My friend and her sisters drove me around to several pretty villages and towns along the English Channel. Etretat was the most beautiful of them, known for the elephant and needle rock formations. By the time I left Normandy, Sarkozy had accepted defeat in the polls and Hollande was set to take charge of France
Japan, 2014: They say Kyoto should be your first impression of Japan. I agree. Kyoto retains the flavour of the Japan of yesteryears. The calm, the zen gardens, the ryokans, the temples — you want to see them before experiencing the high-energy Tokyo or Osaka. This is part of the Imperial Palace Park
Japan, 2014: This tiny patch of sand you see is called Yurigahama and it surfaces only during low tide. During my stay on Yoron To island, the southernmost island of Japan's Kagoshima prefecture, I went on a day trip that included snorkeling (where I saw the most colourful of fish, and scores of clams) and a visit to Yurigahama
Venice (Italy), 2012: Murano and Burano are two islands in/around the main Venice lagoon. I visited both but loved Burano more for its colourful buildings and cute bridges that reminded me of Enid Blyton's Toyland!
Prague (Czechia) 2012 Prague is more than a city. It is an emotion, a romantic state of being. It is also the city of Franz Kafka, who is buried at the very green, peaceful and absolutely beautiful New Jewish Cemetery in the city
Prague (Czechia) 2012: A white peacock hangs out in the grounds of the Senate Building in Prague
Edinburgh (Scotland) 2023 Arthur's Seat is the main peak of an ancient extinct volcano overlooking the city of Edinburgh. It's a great site for hikers, but unfortunately, I didn't find the opportunity to hike up the rock during my two-week stay in the Scottish capital. But I like the idea of not doing everything at one go in a place. It makes me want to go back