By Nika Bosnic for Summersalt Yoga

I did my first solo travel one year ago. One week in Bali was long enough to get the first taste of how it feels to travel solo—but definitely too short to consider me a well-experienced solo traveller. Yet, I gained some valuable experience I’d like to share with you—not to teach, but hopefully to inspire you to do the same.

First things first: I think it was Rachel Wolchin who once said, “If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots.”

I’ve always loved travelling, especially the absolute freedom it gives you to do what you want and when you want. I believe that the happiest moments of my life are all somehow related to my travels, and one of my earliest childhood memories is our family journey to Greece. So, travelling has become an intrinsic part of my lifestyle—or even existence—and it’s no surprise that at some point solo travel crossed my mind.

Taking the Leap into Solo Travel

Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with travelling with your best friends, your better half, siblings, or family. I’ve tried all variations and cannot say (and will not say) which one is the best. Despite my urge to discover the world, it was only in my late twenties that I felt “ready” to go for the solo option.

I remember when I first shared this idea with my family and friends. Their reactions were, well… let’s just say I wasn’t thrilled:

• “Young and a blond woman travelling alone—are you crazy!”

• “You sure you wanna do this?”

• “Why, won’t you get bored?”

Sure, I was scared. I was travelling outside the EU for the first time, totally alone. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have doubts. Questions like “how will I know where to go?”, “what if I get ill all of a sudden?”, and “where am I going to meet new people?” crossed my mind at least a hundred times a day before my solo travel journey actually started.

But I knew myself well enough not to give up when I hit the first obstacle. My stubborn nature finally came in handy.

And so I did it. I survived. Here’s what I learned about solo travel.

How Solo Travel Changes You

It Helps You Grow Mentally

This one is obvious. You cannot avoid it. I remember my close friend once said that I will never be the same after my solo travel. As cliché as it might sound, she was right. Solo travel changes you—it defines you.

You learn how to negotiate, organize your day, master more or less pleasant tasks, stand up for yourself and, yes, manage your thoughts—which can be challenging. It takes time to start enjoying it, but once you do, you’ll never look back.

Solo Travel Sparks Creativity

If I expected personal growth, I surely did not expect my creativity to skyrocket. Solo travel lets you step away from routine, giving you space to try things you wouldn’t usually dare.

New events, cultures, and people you meet along the way push your boundaries. I did karaoke (even though I’m tone-deaf—it’s easier far from home), started writing a diary, and walked away with a bunch of new ideas.

You’ll Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

This one doesn’t need much explanation. Facing difficulties in unfamiliar environments among strangers forces you to adapt. As a result, you become more flexible, patient, and emotionally strong.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Meeting New People on Solo Travel

You don’t need to be an extrovert to meet friends during solo travel. In my experience, you meet even more people when travelling solo—you’re not anchored to a companion.

Hostels are goldmines for connection. Everyone is in the same boat, sharing advice and stories. If you prefer something slower, try retreats (like yoga retreats or surf camps). They offer the perfect blend of community, wellness, and independence.

The Beauty of Going with the Flow

Apart from the fact that you don’t have to go to work (and can eat chocolate for breakfast), solo travel teaches you to love spontaneity.

This was a hard one for me. I’m used to planning every detail. But when a boat to one of Bali’s islands broke down and I had to pivot my plans at midnight, I learned to take a deep breath and go with the flow.

That unexpected boat took me to another island where I ended up having the craziest days of the trip. You never know what’s waiting on the other side if you surrender to the moment.

How Solo Travel Transforms You: Final Thoughts

Solo travel is an invitation to step into yourself more fully. It’s challenging, rewarding, creative, spontaneous, and, most of all, empowering.

You won’t always have the answers. That’s okay. The journey is where the magic is—and that journey is yours alone.