Set Off on a Solo Journey to Reconnect with Yourself, Recharge, Embrace New Experiences and Rediscover Joy in Your Own Way

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – As travel becomes less about simply changing destinations and more about spending meaningful time with oneself, solo travel is gaining popularity among today's travellers. From working professionals and lifestyle travellers to those seeking time to rest, recharge and find new inspiration, more people are embracing the freedom to shape their journeys around their own interests, pace and preferences.

This trend reflects ONYX Hospitality Group's "More of What You Love" philosophy. As a leading hospitality management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences across the Asia-Pacific region, ONYX believes that memorable journeys are shaped by experiences throughout every stage of travel. Beyond accommodation, this includes enjoying local cuisine, discovering destinations, experiencing local culture and making time for the small moments that give each journey meaning. For solo travellers, these experiences offer the freedom to create a journey at their own pace and discover what brings them joy in a way that suits their individual lifestyle.

For solo travellers, choosing where to stay is no longer simply about comfortable accommodation. Confidence in the standards and quality of a property, convenient locations, safety, access to public transport, restaurants, cafés and attractions, as well as opportunities to experience local communities and ways of life, all play an important role in creating a journey filled with memorable experiences.

Those planning a solo journey can choose from ONYX Hospitality Group's diverse range of destinations and stays, from exploring the energy of the city and relaxing by the sea to connecting with nature and travelling based on personal interests. Each destination gives travellers the freedom to spend time at their own pace and create experiences that reflect their lifestyle and the things they love.

Travellers looking to begin their journey by exploring the city will find Amari Bangkok located in the Ratchaprasong area, with convenient access to shopping destinations, restaurants, cafés, attractions and public transport. It is well suited to discovering new sides of Bangkok, trying restaurants of interest or returning to the hotel to relax and enjoy wellness experiences, including Breeze Spa or time by the hotel's swimming pool.

Another way to experience city living is at Shama Yen-Akat, which offers flexibility for those looking to combine work and relaxation, whether staying for a short or extended period. With serviced apartment-style accommodation, spacious living areas and a warm, home-like atmosphere, it provides a comfortable setting for travellers to create their own daily rhythm. Meanwhile, Oriental Residence Bangkok offers a calm and private setting in the heart of the city, ideal for those looking to spend quality time with themselves. Thoughtful and discreet service, with every detail carefully considered, creates a sense of relaxation and comfort throughout the stay.

When it is time to trade the pace of the city for the coast, resort destinations near Bangkok offer another way to experience solo travel. Amari Pattaya invites guests to discover the energy of a vibrant seaside city, with easy access to the beach, cafés, restaurants and local attractions. Meanwhile, Amari Hua Hin captures the relaxed character of a classic seaside destination, ideal for slowing down, taking a walk along the beach, discovering local restaurants and enjoying Hua Hin at one's own pace.

Those looking to travel further and connect with the natural beauty of the Andaman coast can stay at Amari Phuket, which offers views of the Andaman Sea and convenient access to the vibrant atmosphere of Patong Beach. OZO Phuket is just steps from Kata Beach, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy beach walks, cafés, restaurants, night markets or trying their hand at surfing. For those looking to slow down and reconnect with nature, Amari Vogue Krabi offers a peaceful setting on Tubkaek Beach, surrounded by views of the sea and mountains, providing an ideal place to relax and enjoy time alone.

Travellers choosing Koh Samui as their destination can stay at Amari Koh Samui, which combines a relaxed seaside setting with opportunities to discover the character of the island. Meanwhile, OZO Chaweng Samui is located on Chaweng Beach, surrounded by restaurants, cafés and vibrant nightlife, making it well suited to travellers looking to enjoy an energetic beachside lifestyle while still setting the pace of each day for themselves.

Beyond city and seaside escapes, solo travel can also begin with a personal interest or passion. Amari Buriram United, located near Chang Arena and Chang International Circuit, offers travellers an opportunity to experience the energy of Thailand's sports city while exploring the local culture of Isan, sampling regional cuisine and visiting key attractions in Buriram. It adds another dimension to solo travel, showing that a journey does not have to be solely about relaxation but can also be an opportunity to discover new experiences through the things one loves.

Solo travel is not about being alone. It is an opportunity to discover new perspectives, connect with local people and cultures, and live at a pace of one's own choosing. Whether stepping into a small café for the first time, exploring an unfamiliar neighbourhood or simply sitting back to take in the atmosphere of a city, every moment can become part of an experience that inspires, refreshes and makes each journey meaningful in its own way.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands - Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence - catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

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Set Off on a Solo Journey to Reconnect with Yourself, Recharge, Embrace New Experiences and Rediscover Joy in Your Own Way

With 1.93 million tertiary-educated workers in roles below their qualification level, employment alone may no longer be an adequate measure of career progress.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Malaysia's labour market has remained resilient, with overall unemployment falling to 2.9% in the first quarter of 2026. However, the figures may conceal a deeper challenge faced by qualified workers who may be employed without meaningfully progressing in their careers. During the same period, 1.93 million tertiary-educated workers, or 35.2%, were employed in semi-skilled or low-skilled roles.

This points to a gap between employment and career progression, particularly whether the workers' qualifications and experience are helping them move into more skilled, complex and higher-values roles.

"We need to shift the conversation from employability to career mobility. Being employed is not the same as progressing," said Lim Bee Ing, Centre Director of The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre. "For experienced professionals in Malaysia, progression increasingly requires the ability to lead across functions, make strategic decisions and navigate change. Purposeful postgraduate education can help build those capabilities."

Evidence across Manchester's MBA programmes also points to rising cross-field mobility rather than individual employment factors like qualification alone. Its latest MBA employment report found that 59% of the 2024 class changed sector, while 27% changed country, industry and job function.

Experience alone does not guarantee progress

For working professionals, career mobility depends on more than time spent in a role. Both workplace experience and postgraduate education can support progression when they help build broader capabilities, prepare professionals for more complex work and lead to greater responsibility.

Experience builds capability when professionals encounter new problems, assume higher responsibilities and make increasingly complex decisions. Years spent performing largely the same scope of work, however, may not translate into equivalent professional growth.

Similarly, a Master's can support progression when it is linked to a clear career transition, such as moving from a specialist to a managerial role, changing functions or industries, taking on regional responsibilities, or leading digital and organisational transformation. It is less likely to deliver meaningful results when pursued as a standalone credential or with the expectation of an automatic promotion or salary increase.

"For experienced professionals, the value of an MBA is not simply in acquiring more knowledge, but in seeing their experience through a broader business lens," said Xavier Duran, Global MBA Programme Director at Alliance Manchester Business School. "That broader perspective can help prepare them for the next stage of their career, whether that means moving into leadership, changing function or industry, or even taking on greater international responsibility."

Preparing professionals for changing employer needs

Employer expectations are also evolving. Communication, problem-solving and strategic thinking remain important, while organisations increasingly require professionals who can interpret data, understand technology and navigate the impact of artificial intelligence.

As these demands reshape the workplace, an individual can remain technically qualified and continuously employed while becoming less prepared for their next role.

Studying while working can help bridge this gap by allowing professionals to apply new concepts directly to live organisational challenges. It also enables them to examine their experience critically and connect their existing expertise with wider areas such as strategy, finance, people and technology.

The Manchester Global Part-time MBA follows this model through flexible learning, interactive workshops and practical business projects for experienced professionals. Their applicants enter with an average of 12 years of professional experience, including six years in management, underscoring that the programme is designed to build on established careers rather than replace workplace experience.

Postgraduate education is not for salary increase alone

Career progression should be looked at beyond just salary benchmarking. More meaningful indicators include movement into higher-skilled work, broader decision-making responsibility, access to regional or international opportunities and the ability to lead more complex projects.

Malaysia has made progress in helping graduates enter and remain in the workforce. The next priority should be to turn employment into sustained progression, ensuring that talent continues to develop and move into work that makes fuller use of its capabilities.

More information on the MA in Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) is available at www.manchester.com.my/ma-educational-leadership-in-practice/.

Hashtag: #UniversityofManchester

http://www.manchester.com.my/ma-educational-leadership-in-practice/

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About The University of Manchester & Alliance Manchester Business School

The University of Manchester is ranked 35th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026, 5th in the UK research powerhouse in REF 2021 and 2nd in THE Impact ranking 2025. With as many as 26 Nobel Prize winners, the University’s academic pedigree is among the best globally.

Alliance Manchester Business School, part of the University of Manchester, is one of the UK’s leading business schools and holds triple accreditation from AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS. The university has a global alumni network and more than 60,000 graduates across 176 countries.

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