Let me set the scene.
It was the middle of the pandemic. The world was on fire. Literally. Borders were closing, cities were shutting down, and inside my New York coop, I was in the middle of my own personal shutdown — a divorce. While the world hit pause, so did I. I was stuck in the same loop every day: wine glasses, Netflix seasons, experimental YouTube recipes, and learning every TikTok dance trend I could find just to distract myself from the fact that I felt completely… alone. For the first time in my life I was alone, no one was in the house with me and all of my friends was on lock down as well.
But one day, something inside me snapped. Or maybe awakened. I was done feeling “alone”. I was done waiting for life to feel “normal” again. I wanted to feel something new “something real”. I did something wild and exciting that I never did before. I dusted off my passport, looked up the few countries that were open, threw some swimsuits and books into a suitcase, grabbed my sunscreen, and I left.
Just me.
No wife! No friends. No plan, really. Just a deep hunger for adventure and healing.
I didn’t know it then, but that trip would become a turning point in my life. Solo traveling cracked me open in a way therapy couldn’t even touch at the time. It was terrifying at first ….the silence, the unfamiliarity, the lack of a safety net. But it quickly became the most liberating, beautiful, spiritual experience I’d ever had.
I realized something every woman should know: You don’t have to wait for someone else to join you in order to live fully.
We often wait for the right time, the right partner, or the perfect friend group to say yes to adventure. But solo travel taught me how to say yes to myself. It gave me time to reflect, connect with strangers, try things I’d never try at home, and learn who I was outside of my routines and relationships.
And honestly? Every woman should take an Eat Pray Love style vacation after a breakup (or even in the middle of one). There’s something about waking up in a new country, choosing your own itinerary, sipping mimosa on a balcony in silence, or diving into the ocean with no one watching. I promise you it will remind you how whole you really are.
So whether you’re healing from heartbreak, reinventing your life, or simply craving a reset, solo travel might be the key.
Here Are My Top Solo Travel Tips (Especially for Women):
1. Start With a Solo-Friendly Destination
Choose places known for being safe and easy to navigate solo like Portugal, Bali, Costa Rica, Iceland, or Thailand. Look for countries with good public transportation, solo traveler communities, and walkable cities.
2. Don’t Overpack — But Don’t Under-Prepare
You don’t need 12 outfits. You do need a solid itinerary, a power bank, copies of your passport, travel insurance, and some backup cash. Pack for flexibility, not anxiety.
3. Learn a Few Phrases in the Local Language
A simple “hello,” “thank you,” or “where is the bathroom?” goes a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for the culture.
4. Trust Your Gut, Not Just Google
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. This goes for that random alley shortcut, an invitation from a stranger, or even a sketchy Airbnb. Your intuition is your most powerful travel buddy.
5. Romanticize the Experience
Solo doesn’t mean lonely. Take yourself on dates. Dress up for dinner. Watch the sunset. Dance to live music. Journal. Take all the pictures. Fall in love with your own company.
6. Stay Connected, But Not Glued
Let someone back home know your travel plans and check in occasionally. But don’t be on your phone 24/7 — be present. The magic is in the unplanned moments.
7. Join Group Activities or Tours
Balance your alone time with social moments. Day tours, cooking classes, and group hikes are great ways to meet new people without the pressure of traveling with them full-time.
8. Be Open, But Be Smart
Say yes to conversations. Say no to anything that makes you feel unsafe. Flirt a little. Walk away when you need to. You can be open-hearted and sharp-minded at the same time.
9. Keep a Travel Journal
Write about what you’re feeling, seeing, eating, and learning. One day, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come — geographically and emotionally.
10. Celebrate the Power of Choosing Yourself
Solo travel isn’t just a trip — it’s a declaration. It says, I don’t need permission to take up space in this world. It’s healing, it’s bold, and it’s yours.
If you’re feeling the nudge to book that solo trip… this is your sign.
The world is waiting. So is the most unapologetic version of you.
Pack the swimsuit. Take the leap. You’ll come back new. I know I did and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure with or without PJ!
