Jo-Ann Strauss shares her top tips to boost body and mind with solo travel

Sometimes taking a break from life around you and enjoying a solo travel experience can do wonders for your soul. Jo-Ann Strauss, businesswoman and public speaker, says "As a mother and running a business, someone always needs you. Travelling alone can be so relaxing to know the only person you need to take care of is you. Over time, you can become out of touch with yourself and mentally taking a break is necessary to energise yourself to deal with all of life's demands. And I'm very fortunate to have access to Vitality Travel, not only because of the fabulous travel discounts and other convenient features, but to be able to make all my travel bookings in one place."

How Jo-Ann makes the most of her solo travels

Always choose a destination where you will feel safe. "Your choice of destination is important so that you know you are not walking into the lion's den," says Jo-Ann. "And knowing that my international travel is covered by free travel insurance from Discovery Bank also gives me added peace of mind."

The trip to your destination is as important as the holiday itself. It doesn't matter which class you fly. But, says Jo-Ann, "When you travel alone, treat yourself and make it first class if you can!" It's part of the experience and it's possible to save when you use rewards such as those offered by Discovery Bank. "If you can access a lounge before you board, choose one with good healthy food and great coffee - like The Lounge by Discovery Bank and SAA. And you can quickly and seamlessly make your way through security clearance by using Discovery Bank's Priority Fast Track lanes at OR Tambo and Cape Town international airports."

Your holiday starts from the moment you get on the plane. "I love that I can catch up on movies that I have been keen to watch. To have that first glass of wine and not worry whether everyone is strapped in. Sometimes it's nice to just be able to offer a helping hand to another mom who needs a bathroom break - these little things all form part of the trip."

Invest in experiences. "The older I get, I realise, the less I want to spend money on things, but rather on experiences. Whether you're spending money on your wellbeing or on things you will remember, that is important. So, when I travel, I try to immerse myself in the culture and do things that create good memories."

Make the most of your trip, even on a budget. "In addition to the many rewards available through Vitality Travel, I also have access to other features that help me make the most of my travel but not overspend. Recently, while in Basel in Switzerland, I used the Vitality Money Financial Analyser to set spend alerts, which really helped me stick to my budget!" Jo-Ann loves Switzerland and says you must investigate the best places to make the most of your spending money. "I always joke that I lose weight while I'm there because I can't afford to eat or drink."

Make time to do nothing and be physically and mentally present in your surroundings. A little-known fact is that Jo-Ann loves to just sit and watch people. "I try to put things in place so that I know everyone, and everything is taken care of while I am away. This ensures I can also limit my phone time. It's easy to feel you must micro-manage everything from a distance on your phone with everything that can happen remotely.

Jo-Ann says the words on the aircraft to secure your own oxygen mask before helping others are very true. "The same applies to making travelling part of your wellbeing and to have a break from life's responsibilities - it's like putting on your own oxygen mask and filling your lungs with clean air again to take the best care of yourself and those around you."