Malayalam actress Saniya Iyappan, known for her transition from a child artist to a leading star, has opened up about her experiences with solo travel and how her outlook on life has changed since becoming single. 

In an interview with the YouTube channel I AM with Dhanya Varma, the ‘Empuraan’ actress spoke candidly about personal growth, meeting new people, and an unsettling experience while travelling alone.

Saniya shared an important lesson for women who travel alone, urging them never to disclose that they are travelling solo.

"During my trip to Kenya, I realised something crucial that all solo female travellers should know. When meeting new people, we often say that we’re travelling alone. That should never be done. I always tell people that my friends are in the room. I never reveal that I’m travelling alone. Some people might say it out of excitement, but it’s best to avoid it," she advised.

Recalling an unsettling moment in Thailand, she explained how a seemingly casual conversation changed unexpectedly.

"Actress Shaun and I travelled to Thailand for a promotional event. Later, I spent two more days in a different location. At a club, I told some people that I was travelling alone and that it was my last day there. Their behaviour changed afterwards. They tried to buy me a drink, but I declined. They didn’t do anything bad, but their attitude became more observant. After that, I decided never to say that I’m travelling alone," she said.

Saniya, who is highly active on social media and often shares travel updates, reflected on how the past year of being single has given her newfound peace and confidence.

"It's been a year since I became single. I feel at peace and happy. Over the past year, I started travelling solo and meeting new people. After becoming single, I started engaging more with people around me. Before, I had a habit of keeping my distance when approached, but now I’m more relaxed. Earlier, I wouldn't talk much if someone came up to me, but now I’ve become a lot more easy-going," she said.

The actress also spoke about a surprising experience she had while travelling in Turkey.

"Turkish men are very romantic. While in Turkey, I met a young man who was incredibly kind. He took me out like it was a mini picnic. We had only known each other for a day or so, but he held my hand while walking. Even in my past relationship, which lasted two to three years, my partner never held my hand while walking down the road. That was a unique experience in Turkey," she recalled.

Her solo trips have also helped her become more open to new experiences. "Solo travel allows you to interact with more people. In Thailand, I met a group of girls who were also travelling. Through these experiences, I’ve learnt to welcome people into my space," she added.