Mar 8

Mar 8 10 Best Solo Trips in my 20s

Travel Blog, Europe, Greece, India, Italy, Israel, Japan, Rome, Asia, Bali

1) Living & Studying Abroad in Rome, Italy

Some girls dream of designer bags, but some broads dream of traveling long and far. Studying abroad was unfortunately delayed due to my dad’s tragic death but his passing made me more driven than ever. With lots of hard work, patience, and dedication, my dreams eventually became reality a few years later. I achieved more in my 2 years living in Europe than I ever did in my 27 years in New York. I travelled to 22 countries, got an MBA, picked up some italian, & even fell in love. Sometimes you need to leave home to reach the stars.

2) First Time Backpacking Europe in Athens, Greece

The first time I heard anything about a hostel was from the horror film “The Hostel”. So imagine the paranoia in my mom’s voice when I told her I was staying in a hostel dorm by myself in Europe. I remember staring at the Acropolis from the hostel’s rooftop thinking to myself “this isn’t too bad”. That first night in Athens became the start of many hostel backpacking nights in my 20s (sorry mom).

3) Traveling to the “Dangerous” Areas of Sicily, Italy

Not going to lie, night walks in Palermo scared me a couple of times. But it’s nothing that this New York gal couldn’t handle. Ladies, always keep your guard up while traveling solo but always remember you’re not alone. More often than not, most solo travelers are female - just scope out your hostel lobby.

4) Romantic Getaway With Myself in Santorini, Greece

Decided to solo travel to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Greece: Oia, Santorini. Santorini was high on my European bucket list and I couldn’t wait any longer for someone to come with me. So I watched the iconic sunsets over the Aegean Sea with the best person I know, myself. Who said solo-moons aren’t a thing?

5) Wandering Around San Juan, Puerto Rico

After 2 years living in Europe I was jaded, I couldn’t last at any 9 to 5 desk job. It was painful knowing there was more to life than a cubicle and keurig coffee. So long weekends abroad were the best I can do to temporarily feed my wanderlust. These solo travels in San Juan shed a lot of perspective to my life’s purpose - exploring abroad was truly where I belonged.

6) Finding Myself in Bali, Indonesia After a Toxic Corporate Job

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to realize that your job is sucking your soul away. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, things don’t work out for the better. Life didn’t make sense, but I knew I just wanted to be happy. So I channeled my “Eat Pray Love” and packed my bags to Bali, and it was exactly what my soul needed.

7) Getting Lost in Tokyo, Japan

I remember mornings at my cubicle daydreaming about drinking green tea in Japan. For so long, that dream felt impossible. How was I going to truly enjoy Japan with 1 week of PTO? Before I knew it, the universe answered my calling and I was drinking matcha in the middle of Tokyo just enjoying the calm in the chaos.

8) Staying in an Ashram in India for a Yoga Teacher Training

India was calling my name while Americans were calling it dangerous. More people were scared rather than excited for my trip to India so I was expecting the worst. To my surprise everybody was so damn nice the moment I arrived in Bangalore Airport, and this set the tone for my entire trip. I’ve never felt so at peace with myself and the universe than I did at the ashram. This experience was more than just a yoga teacher training, it was a time to just be and truly discover my inner self.

9) Mending my Heart in Santa Fe, New Mexico

When you loose yourself in a relationship, the only way to heal is by piecing yourself back together. Attending a wedding solo was terrifying (especially since the bride was the only person I knew). But challenging times like these will prove that you’re stronger than you think, and that you’re your best plus one.

10) Living My Best Life in Tel Aviv, Israel

Solo travel as a poor student is different from solo travel as a working professional. You actually have money to spare! So how does an almost 30 solo trip look like? Extending a night at a luxury hotel since the room is discounted with a bathtub, stuffing my face in hummus and falafel, partying like I’m in my early twenties, and oversleeping during checkout cause I was too hungover from 3 drinks (can’t hang).