A world that opens up around you.
There’s something quietly powerful about booking a trip where it’s just you. No coordinating schedules, no overthinking where to eat, no waiting on anyone else’s “maybe.” Just you, your curiosity, and a world that suddenly feels a little more open.
As someone who spends most of her time creating experiences for women—planning, hosting, curating beautiful moments—solo travel has become my reset. It’s where I go to think clearly, to feel inspired again, and honestly, to remember who I am outside of the roles I play every day.
If 2026 is the year you’re even considering taking a solo trip, take this as your nudge to do it. You don’t need a big reason. Wanting to go is enough.
Let’s talk about where.
I'm a foodie and found myself some fresh produce!
Sámara, Costa Rica has a way of slowing everything down, in the best way.
The food scene is part of what makes it so special. Fresh produce and seafood is everywhere! Ceviche, and shrimp dishes that taste like they were pulled straight from the ocean that morning.
Costa Rica is for when you want to feel alive again. Waterfalls, jungle hikes, ocean dips – it’s adventure without feeling overwhelming. And there’s something about being surrounded by that much nature that shifts your perspective in the best way.
Other places to put on your bucket list.
Portugal continues to have a moment and for good reason.
It’s safe, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful. You can spend your mornings wandering quiet cobblestone streets, afternoons by the ocean, and evenings with a glass of wine and no agenda. It’s the kind of place that eases you into solo travel in the gentlest way.
If you’re craving something a little more tropical, Tulum offers that blend of relaxation and introspection. Think slow beach mornings, cenote swims, and days that unfold without pressure. It’s not just a vacation: it feels like a reset.
Italy will always be a classic...
In 2026 the real magic is found in slowing it all down and choosing places that let you actually live inside the experience rather than rush through it.
Regions like Puglia, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast capture that feeling in different but equally unforgettable ways. Instead of the fast-paced rhythm of Italy’s most visited cities, you’re stepping into a version of the country that feels more personal, more textured, and far more connected to everyday life.
In Puglia, it’s whitewashed towns, olive groves that seem to stretch forever, and evenings that unfold without urgency. Days aren’t structured around checklists—they drift. You wander through quiet piazzas, stop for espresso without watching the time, and let long golden afternoons lead naturally into even longer dinners.
Thailand & Vietnam for the Solo Traveller
Then there’s Southeast Asia, where places like Thailand and Vietnam bring a different kind of energy altogether. In Thailand, you’ll find a mix of calm island life, vibrant street markets, and temple-filled cities where everything feels both grounding and alive at the same time. Vietnam moves differently—early mornings in bustling streets, incredible food at every corner, and landscapes that shift from rice terraces to limestone bays in a matter of hours. Both places are easy to move through solo, with a rhythm that keeps you curious without ever feeling lost.
Together, these destinations all offer something slightly different—but they share the same thread: space to slow down, explore on your own terms, and reconnect with what travel is really supposed to feel like.
Now, let’s get practical, because what you bring matters more than you think.
Water shoes might not sound glamorous, but they are one of those items you’ll be so glad you packed. Rocky beaches, hidden waterfalls, slippery surfaces – you’ll use them more than you expect.
A waterproof phone bag is another must. Whether you’re on a boat, caught in a sudden rainstorm, or waist-deep in the ocean trying to capture a moment, it gives you peace of mind. And when you’re traveling solo, that kind of ease matters.
Bring a portable charger—non-negotiable. Your phone becomes your map, your translator, your safety net, and your camera. You don’t want to be watching your battery percentage drop while you’re trying to find your way back.
Pack simple, versatile outfits. Linen sets, easy dresses, anything you can throw on and instantly feel put together. Solo travel isn’t the time to overcomplicate your wardrobe.
And one thing people don’t talk about enough—a small journal.
There’s something about being alone in a new place that makes your thoughts louder in the best way. You’ll want to remember how you felt, what you noticed, the little moments that don’t always make it to your camera roll.
But beyond all of that, the most important thing you bring is trust in yourself.
Solo travel isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being willing. Willing to sit at a table alone. Willing to get a little lost. Willing to figure things out as you go. And in doing that, you build a kind of confidence that doesn’t come from anywhere else.
You start to realize you’re capable in ways you hadn’t fully tested yet.
And that feeling? It follows you home.
So if you’ve been waiting for the right time, the perfect plan, or someone to go with you—this is your reminder that you don’t need any of those things to start.
Pick the place. Book the ticket. Pack the water shoes.
The rest, you’ll figure out along the way. ✈️
Written by Melissa March Crowley
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