The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Fellow Travellers
Casey in Samoa – officially the Independent State of Samoa – an island country in Polynesia in the South Pacific.
Casey Keller
Casey has had a sense of wanderlust for as long as she can remember – finally acting on it during the summer after her senior year of high school. “I packed a bag and flew to Europe for two and a half weeks, visiting Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. I divided my time between staying with people I knew and exploring alone, which gave me the perfect balance of connection and independence for my first solo trip. That trip opened my eyes to the joy of navigating the world on my own terms and set the tone for how I travel today.”
Where is home, Casey?
Charleston, South Carolina.
What kind of research did you do before your first trip?
My first solo trip was before there was so much information readily available online, so I relied heavily on guidebooks and maps. I planned out when I’d visit each location and how I’d get there (flying to Europe and then mostly travelling by train). I put together a list of the places I wanted to see within the areas that I was going. I also put together a rough budget to make sure I had enough money for the trip and figured out how to exchange money before I left.
What do you love the most about travelling solo?
What I love most about travelling solo is the complete freedom it gives me, the ability to follow my own schedule, linger where I want, and truly relax. I enjoy meeting new people along the way, but I also appreciate the quiet moments when I can refocus and notice little details that I might miss when travelling with others, like the carvings on a building or the sound of the ocean waves. My first solo trip gave me a deep sense of independence and confidence, and that’s something I now carry with me on every trip.
Exploring the Austrian Alps in the summertime.
What lessons you have learned about life by travelling solo?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely. In fact, when I’m by myself in a new place, especially outside my comfort zone, I tend to go out of my way to connect with others. As a shy introvert, that has been an important reminder that stepping out on your own can actually lead to more meaningful interactions.
Is there a destination you keep returning to, and why?
My list of places I’d love to return to keeps growing, but right now I’m prioritising exploring new destinations first. There’s so much of the world I haven’t seen yet, and I love the excitement of experiencing somewhere completely new.
Did you make friends that you met while travelling solo that remain in your life?
I’ve met friends while travelling solo that I’ve stayed in touch with for many years. Some of the people I have met have kept in close contact for quite a while, and it’s been so special to have those connections that started on the road.
Who inspires you in travel or in life more generally?
I’m inspired by travel bloggers and travelling nomads who have built lives around exploring the world. Their ability to embrace uncertainty, adapt to new places, and share their experiences with others motivates me to keep chasing my own adventures!
What is on your ‘Bucket List’?
My bucket list is extensive. I have well over 200 destinations as well as pages (in my travel journal) of towns, cities, activities, and events I dream of experiencing. Rather than narrowing it down, I like to think of it as a living list that keeps growing as I learn about new places. Every year I make a list of the places I want to go in the following two years. I then try to plan out when, in the upcoming year I may be able to fit them in. I also love throwing in a last-minute adventure when I find a cheap flight or an open long weekend.
What causes are you passionate about, and why?
I’m passionate about protecting nature and wildlife, as well as supporting animal welfare. Travelling has opened my eyes to how fragile many ecosystems really are. For example, when I was snorkelling in Bora Bora (a small South Pacific island in French Polynesia) with a marine expert, she shared that the local coral reef was dying because the ocean had warmed by just a fraction of a degree. That moment really stayed with me. It was such a clear reminder of how even small changes can have a devastating impact on the natural world. It’s why I try to make responsible choices when I travel, from supporting conservation efforts to choosing ethical wildlife experiences, so that future generations can experience these places too.
Up close and personal with a reef shark while snorkelling in Bora Bora.
Can you share your top 3 tips for success?
1. Stay adaptable. Plans will shift, life will throw curveballs, and that’s okay. Success comes from being able to pivot gracefully, learn from setbacks, and find new opportunities even when things don’t go as expected.
2. Build genuine connections. Whether in business or life, people matter most. Surround yourself with mentors, friends, and collaborators who inspire and challenge you and give the same energy back to them.
3. Keep learning. Growth happens when you stay curious. Read, ask questions, try new approaches, and don’t be afraid to fail forward, because every step teaches you something valuable.
With years of experience as a solo traveller, Casey publishes a blog and a Pinterest feed, where she and her partner welcome solo travellers to share their passion for exploring new places and provide valuable insights and highlights from their favourite destinations around the world.
