For the past three years, I’ve been living out of a suitcase – destination often unknown, intuition fully exercised and strengthened with every passing border. But my journey with simplicity and solitude began long before that. In 2013, I lived in a tent in Whistler, BC. I had a full-time job at a café and owned very little, yet I remember being profoundly happy. The simplicity, the immersion in nature, the freedom – it gave me the space to breathe, to think, and to truly feel alive.
That feeling stayed with me. What does it mean to feel truly alive? For me, it was the combination of simplified living and solo travel. While the world continues to spin stories of fear and uncertainty, my own story has been one of deep healing, empowerment, and self-discovery through traveling alone.
Solo travel is not just about seeing the world. It’s about finding your place in it. It’s about shedding the layers of who you thought you were and discovering who you really are. It has been a tool that allowed me to drop patterns that no longer served me, while strengthening the muscles of self-trust, courage, and clarity. There are so many moments I look back on and think, I did that. I got through that. Whether it was booking a flight to a country I knew nothing about or navigating a challenge in a foreign language, every experience became a rite of passage in returning home to myself.
That said, solo travel isn’t about running away or being careless. There’s an art to it. It’s a sacred exchange – a giving and a receiving. You offer yourself to the unknown, and in return, you receive wisdom, insight, and sometimes, the most unexpected magic.
How to Pick a Destination for Solo Travel
With over 50 countries under my belt, I’ve planned trips in all kinds of ways – from spinning a globe and seeing where my finger landed, to falling into a YouTube rabbit hole and stumbling across my next adventure. But what I’ve found most powerful is to begin with how you want to feel.
Sit with your current emotions, your fears, your desires. What are you seeking? Adventure? Stillness? Healing? Expansion? Choose destinations that mirror those qualities. Trust that the right place will find you when you’re honest with yourself about what you need.
Here are a few places where I’ve felt the deepest connection to myself – destinations I return to in memory when I need reminders of my own strength:
1. Croatia
My ancestral home and a perfect balance of quiet countryside, raw nature, and vibrant coastal cities and villages. Easy to navigate, safe, and filled with kind locals. Great for anyone wanting both solitude and culture.
2. Melbourne, Australia
For the seekers of stimulation and creativity. Melbourne expands with art, music, and movement. Endless free galleries and events make it perfect for solo travelers looking to be inspired.
3. White Rock, BC, Canada
A sleepy border town with just enough to do, and plenty of room to be. Ideal for slow solo walks and introspective time.
4. Kalabaka, Greece (Meteora Monasteries)
Spiritual, quiet, inspiring and often underrated against the islands and larger cities. A tiny town nestled beneath stunning rock formations and ancient monasteries. Ideal for seekers, hikers, and those craving perspective.
5. San Francisco, USA
I moved here in my early 20s knowing no one. It was my first experience with “finding myself”. A beautiful blend of nature, art, and eclectic communities. Great for long, reflective walks and spontaneous connections.
6. India
For the brave and the open-hearted. India changed me. I arrived not knowing what I needed – just that I needed to shed my skin. If you’re seeking depth, transformation, and spiritual rebirth, this land has a way of holding you and challenging you at once.
Solo travel isn’t always easy – but it’s always worth it. It’s a mirror, a mirror that shows you the fullness of who you are. So, whether you’re booking a ticket to the other side of the world or taking a solo weekend close to home, trust yourself and be open.
