Traveling solo as a woman is no small feat—it’s a big deal, we can’t deny that. But for those of us who’ve embraced it, solo travel is one of the most enriching experiences we can have for our spiritual journey. The connection with nature, the exposure to new cultures, and the opportunity to see the world from a new perspective are all incredibly rewarding. And while it’s hard to explain, there’s something special about doing it alone—something that adds a whole new dimension to your spiritual growth.
So, if you’re just starting your spiritual journey or if you’ve been thinking about traveling solo, this blog is for you. Pssst, all the photos you’ll see in this post were taken during my solo trips. Enjoy! 🙂
What Is Solo Travel?
If you haven’t yet embarked on a solo adventure, I hope by the end of this post, you’ll feel inspired to give it a go. I haven’t looked back since my first solo trip, and it’s been life-changing. So, why not take advantage of the new year and start making plans to travel solo in 2025?
Solo travel is simply the experience of traveling on your own. It’s about the journey of self-discovery, not just the places you visit. Solo travel is a choice—one that empowers you to explore on your own terms, without the need for a travel buddy, even if you could have one.
Anyone can travel solo—whether you’re single, in a relationship, or married. Solo travel isn’t exclusive to singles, and that’s completely okay.
Why Choosing Solo Travel?
Traveling alone isn’t the same as traveling with someone else. If you’ve ever traveled with friends, family, or a partner, you know how different the experience can be. Solo travel is uniquely yours: it’s you and the road ahead. There’s no one else to check in with about your plans, your decisions, or the next destination. You’re in charge of your journey.
Personally, my solo travel experiences have been pivotal for self-discovery. Spending so much time alone, reflecting, journaling, and asking myself important questions has allowed me to connect with myself on a deeper level. I’ve faced my fears, dealt with insecurities, and learned more about what really matters to me.
“Living on the road is as much about exploring the world as it is about discovering my own capacity for growth, joy, and presence,” said Naomi Greenberg in her interview with The Better Normal.
If you’re still on the fence about solo travel, here are some reasons why it could be just what you need:
- You set the rules: You get to do things your way, at your own pace.
- Meet a part of you you didn’t know: Solo travel reveals hidden strengths and challenges.
- Find moments of silence and reflection: It’s just you, your thoughts, and the world around you.
- Strengthen your relationship with yourself: By the end of your journey, you’ll have a better understanding of who you are.
- Solo doesn’t mean alone: You’ll meet amazing people along the way.
How Solo Travel Can Transform Your Spiritual Journey
There are countless ways to embark on a spiritual journey, and solo travel is one of the most transformative. What matters most is staying true to yourself and finding what works best for your personal growth.
1. The Importance of Nature
For me, spending time in nature is one of my favorite ways to connect spiritually. Witnessing the beauty of the natural world—the vastness of the sky, the stars twinkling above, the wind blowing through trees—fills me with awe. It’s a humbling experience that reminds me of the power and beauty of the world around us.
2. Meditate
Yes, you’re going to spend a lot of time alone. And while it can feel like a lot, it’s also an incredible opportunity for reflection and introspection. The beauty of solo travel is that it allows you to meditate, not just in the conventional sense but by simply taking the time to be with your thoughts. These moments of stillness give you a chance to listen to yourself in ways you never have before. Use them to meditate and manifest your desires. These moments are your own, and only yours.
3. Reflect on Your Feelings
Managing our emotions is no easy feat, especially when you’re away from home. But it’s necessary to take time to reflect on how you’ve felt during your trip and how you experienced those emotions. Take a day or two to process, reflect, and come back to yourself before you dive back into your normal routine. Your future self will thank you for it.
Here are a few tips for your next trip:
- Pick a few books: Escape into a good read during downtime.
- Don’t forget your journal: Writing helps you process your experiences.
- Collect memories: Gather souvenirs like maps, rocks, flowers, or postcards.
- Take photos: But don’t go overboard—capture the moments that truly matter.
The Importance of Community
At The Better Normal, we consistently emphasize the importance of community. It’s about knowing we’re part of something bigger and understanding that we matter to others. This holds true in solo travel as well. While you might embark on your journey alone, you’ll encounter countless people along the way.
Community is essential because it provides support. As women, we know the value of having a safe space and a group of people who’ve got your back. Even in solo travel, we find a sense of community through the people we meet. The people you cross paths with will make your journey even more magical.
As Alexander Supertramp (from Into the Wild) once said, “Happiness is only real when shared.”
Journaling–Your Travel Ally
Writing heals, sisters. Keep that phrase close to your heart. Writing helps us put our emotions into words, making it easier to understand and process them. It’s also a way to detach from our feelings and look at them from a distance.
There will be moments when the words just flow, and all you’ll want to do is pour out everything you’re feeling. That’s when journaling becomes your best friend.
Always take your journal when you travel—you never know when it will be your ally in capturing those unforgettable moments. Here’s my journal. Yes, I know I’m not the best at drawing, but I really enjoy it.
Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health:
- Fosters self-reflection: Writing regularly helps you uncover your deepest desires and fears, contributing to personal growth.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Writing about your worries gives you a way to release them and regain peace.
- Enhances problem-solving: Journaling about challenges encourages creative thinking and helps you find solutions.
- Boosts memory and comprehension: The act of writing improves cognitive function and strengthens memory retention.
Solo travel is not just about visiting new places; it’s about connecting with yourself in a profound way. If you’re ready to embrace your journey and explore your spiritual side, the world is waiting for you—one solo adventure at a time.
