Solo travel | My Experience & Thoughts

My Travel Story: From Small-Town New Zealand to the Big Wide World

I didn’t grow up with a passport full of stamps. Unlike many lucky Europeans who have a buffet of countries right at their doorstep, I grew up in beautiful, but faraway New Zealand - literally at the bottom of the world. 

Apart from a three-hour hop to Australia, international travel wasn’t really within reach for my family. We didn’t have the kind of funds for overseas holidays, so instead, we road-tripped around New Zealand during the summer holidays. One year we’d head north, the next year south, and we'd stay at campgrounds - and I’m honestly so grateful for that. I’ve been lucky enough to explore Aotearoa from tip to toe, and I wouldn’t trade those childhood memories for anything.

But the desire to explore beyond our shores was always there. At 22, I finally saved up enough for my first big overseas adventure - a four-week trip to Australia. And that was it. I was hooked. The thrill of discovering somewhere new, seeing how different life could be just across the Tasman... I knew travel would always be part of my life.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve travelled to over 20 countries across Europe and Southeast Asia. I love everything about travel - the food, the languages, the history, the way it challenges you and shapes you. One of the most empowering things I ever did was take the leap into solo travel. It changed me. It made me braver, more independent, and gave me memories I’ll never forget.

My Solo Travel Experience

As many of you might know, I lived in Germany for six months during an exchange at the University of Konstanz. Before and after my semester, I travelled as much as I possibly could, squeezing every drop out of Europe while I was there.

After the semester wrapped up, I embarked on the biggest adventure of my life: two months of solo backpacking across Central and Eastern Europe. I started in Konstanz and travelled to Vienna, Budapest, through Slovakia, up to Krakow, and then across to Prague - all by bus!

My solo travel, from Konstanz to Prague & all the stops along the way

Travelling by bus in Europe is super affordable (though not always the most comfortable), but watching the changing landscapes and cultures roll by outside your window is part of the magic. I went old-school- no roaming data on my phone, just printed maps and notes to guide me to each new accommodation. I was nervous at first, especially heading into places where I didn’t speak the language, but that feeling quickly turned into excitement and pride.

Highlights Along the Way

Vienna welcomed me - it felt familiar, with German spoken widely and a vibe not too different from Germany. I soaked up the grand architecture, wandered the streets, and treated myself to delicious Apfelstrudel and Wurst. I visited Schönbrunn Palace, the world’s oldest zoo (to see the pandas!), and did a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which also came with a walking tour and river cruise -  highly recommend.

Meeting the pandas at the world's oldest zoo in Vienna! (Yes I asked a stranger to take this pic for me!)

Budapest was a little tougher. The streets were crumbling, my accommodation was hard to find, and English wasn’t as common. I felt a bit out of place, but I still managed to enjoy the sights, amazing local food, and dirt-cheap beer. I kept to well-populated areas and made sure to be home before dark - just to be safe.

Krakow was incredible. I stayed for five nights and joined a free walking tour, where I met a lovely French solo traveller. We ended up meeting again for dinner and drinks - proof that solo travel doesn’t mean being alone! On a local food and drink tour, I ended up hanging out with the guide and other travellers at a bar with €1 pints. (Fun fact: the guide was a massive Lord of the Rings fan and had even been in NZ media dressed as a goblin trying to get cast in The Hobbit! - I had heard of him!)

My tour guide & I in Krakow

From there, I made my way to Prague, where I stayed four nights. I explored the castle, wandered the fairytale streets, and joined another food and drink tour. I love how solo travel still leads to connection - our whole tour group went out for dinner and drinks together, and I had some of the best conversations with people from all over the world.

The Journey Continues…

After Prague, I flew to Dublin and met up with two friends living in London. We had an epic long weekend before heading back to the UK. I then joined a Contiki tour through France and Spain, finishing in Barcelona, where I explored on my own again for a few more days. I fell in love with Gaudí’s architecture, devoured paella, and admired the Magic Fountain light show (even if navigating the packed subway solo was a little nerve-wracking!).

Gaudi's work, Barcelona

Next, I flew to Athens to start another Contiki - this time around the Greek and Turkish islands, which was a dream. After the tour, I spent a few more days in Athens solo before three of my Kiwi friends arrived to join me for the final leg through Italy, ending in Munich for Oktoberfest (which was a bucket list dream come true!).

After nearly 8 months abroad, it was finally time to fly home. But those months changed me. That trip - particularly the solo parts - taught me so much about who I am and what I’m capable of. Travel isn’t just about places. It’s about perspective. It’s about pushing yourself, surprising yourself, and collecting stories you’ll tell forever.

If you’re considering travelling solo - even just for a few days - I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. You’ll grow in ways you never expected, and you’ll realise how strong, adaptable, and adventurous you really are.

And if you're just starting out, I’ve shared some helpful tips here:
Travelling Solo | My Top 20 Tips

Thanks for coming along for the ride. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever travelled solo or are thinking about giving it a go - I’d love to hear your story too!

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