The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Fellow Travellers
The dog-friendly Reflections Jimmys Beach Tiny Home. Photography: Jessica Ward.
Jessica Ward
Jessica is passionate about supporting accessible regional tourism and sustainable stays, especially tiny homes, eco-accommodation, and dog-friendly options. “As someone who grew up by the coast, I also care deeply about protecting natural spaces. That’s why I love seeing tourism operators and social enterprises – like Reflections Holidays – leading the way. With a strong focus on sustainability and thoughtful regional experiences, they make it easy to enjoy meaningful holidays that tread lightly on the environment and support local businesses.”
What can you share with us about the first time you travelled solo?
My first solo trip was a mix of nerves and excitement – I did it purely to prove to myself that I could. I was about 25 at the time and didn’t have a lot of travel experience apart from family holidays. I was craving independence and wanted to see how I would handle being out in the world alone and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with that feeling. Once you realise you can do it all by yourself – navigate, make decisions, stay safe – it becomes addictive. You start to see yourself differently and grow so much as a person.
While travelling solo might feel scary at first, it will shape you in the best ways. You don’t have to start with something huge – just give yourself the chance to do one thing on your own and see how you feel. You’ll be surprised at how much you grow.
Jessica solo travelling in New Zealand. Photography: Jessica Ward.
What kind of research did you do before your first trip?
When I first started travelling, my main preparation went towards finalising flight details and booking the first couple of nights’ accommodation. Apart from that, I created the plans as I went. I had a naïve confidence that everything was going to work out, and luckily for the most part, it always did.
I was staying in hostels or couch surfing, so I knew I’d make friends along the way and gain travel tips from them or even create a plan to do some of the trip together. It was such a fun way to travel, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way, but now that I’m older, I put a lot more thought into where I want to go and what I want to see.
What do you love the most about travelling solo?
The freedom. There’s something so empowering about waking up and deciding exactly what you want to do that day – no compromises, no plans you’re not excited about. I also love how it forces you to be present and to do things that you normally wouldn’t do. It takes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to experience situations that you might be a little nervous about or you would have relied on others to help you with. Travelling, no matter if you are doing it solo or with people, can be exhausting and stressful – so I love the fact that at the end of the day I can spend my time decompressing or just having a quiet night, as opposed to having to make conversation or be social.
What lessons have you learned about life by travelling solo?
That you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for. Travelling solo teaches you to be adaptable, resilient, and open. You learn to trust your gut and make decisions based on instinct. It’s also taught me how to slow down and be okay with solitude. All of this can be confronting at first, but it ends up being one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Is there a destination you keep returning to, and why?
New Zealand is one that always calls me back. It feels like home, just as much as Australia does. I never get sick of being there. I think it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the feeling I get from travelling around the country makes me feel so calm and grounded. It’s also super solo-travel friendly, so it’s the perfect place to travel to on your first solo trip or if you just aren’t as comfortable with solo travel yet. I also love exploring locally here in Australia. Natured-based holidays that focus on resetting at beautiful locations like Reflections Jimmys Beach are perfect for those finding their feet travelling solo.
“New Zealand always calls me back. It feels like home, just as much as Australia does.” Photographer: Jessica Ward.
Did you make friends that you met while travelling solo that remain in your life?
Yes! Some of my favourite travel memories are with people I met by complete chance, and we now have this shared, unique experience to remember each other by. I’ve made some meaningful connections with people throughout the years, and I now have friends all over the world that I can visit if I’m ever close by or ask for help if I need it. Making friends when travelling must be one of the best parts about solo travelling. I think about these people all the time! You’ve been brought together almost randomly and now you have this tied memory together – I love it!
Who inspires you – in travel or in your life more generally?
Anyone who lives life with intention and doesn’t wait around for the ‘perfect’ moment. In travel, I’m inspired by women who just go – who book the ticket and figure the rest out later. You can’t wait around for someone to join you, so anyone that lives a life of independence, especially women, is incredibly inspiring.
What is on your ‘Bucket List’?
I don’t have a ‘Bucket List’ country, but I’d love to redo a lot of my past trips, to experience them differently. In my 20s, I travelled as cheaply as possible so that I could see more and this was perfect for me at the time, but now that I'm older, I’d love to go back and visit certain stays or restaurants. I have a passion for staying in unique and character-filled places like Reflections Norah Head Lighthouse and its cottages. These kinds of stays have become even more appealing to me as I travel, and I often seek out beautiful hotels and Airbnbs. I would also go back to locations that I rushed, so that I could slow down and experience them properly. I’m more about slow travel in my 30s and I want to be able to appreciate the beauty that countries have to offer.
What is the greatest life lesson you learned from travelling solo?
That everything you need is already within you. Solo travel strips away the noise and distractions, and what’s left is your own voice – and the confidence to listen
Can you share your top 3 tips for success?
1. Back yourself – even if you don’t have all the answers yet or have a strong support network.
2. Stay curious and never stop learning.
3. Create a life that feels good for you, not just one that looks good on paper.
Australia’s Reflections Holidays recently became a ‘Certified Social Enterprise’, which means that they reinvest profits into public nature reserves, community facilities, and the local culture they are keen to protect so we can enjoy it for many years to come. Jessica’s two favourite Reflections Holidays destinations are the spectacular Norah Head Lighthouse and Cottages, and the dog-friendly Jimmys Beach.
