The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Fellow Travellers
Jodi Finnan
Some solo travellers ease into the joy of their independence slowly, but for UK-born Jodi, it was a one-way ticket, a backpack, and a hunch that freedom would teach her what she needed to know that set her off on what would become a lifelong journey of discovery. Today, Jodi is a proudly independent traveller and entrepreneur who builds her world around choice, connection, and designing a life with intention.
What can you share with us about the first time you travelled solo?
I’ve been very blessed as an only child as my father worked for British Airways of 39 years, so I got into the travel game early. The first time I travelled solo I remember feeling equal parts excitement and fear – that delicious mix of freedom and uncertainty. I booked a one-way ticket to Australia with just a backpack, a laptop, and a vague plan to ‘figure it out’.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that I wasn’t just travelling, I was beginning a lifelong journey of self-trust. Every train and missed flight, every stranger who became a friend, and every quiet morning coffee in a new city taught me that independence isn’t about doing everything alone, but about backing yourself completely. I’m still a solo, independent travelling woman, and love it! I’ve built my business around travelling as it’s not just a job – I’ve built a business around freedom.
What kind of research did you do before your first trip?
I did the usual – read blogs, checked Instagram and the hashtags to see what the best places were to visit, checked flight deals, and looked up co-working spaces, but the best research came from conversations. I’d talk to people who had done it before – not just about where to go, but how to travel solo without losing yourself in the logistics. I’ve always believed that people are the best resource and that’s a belief that’s carried into my business life too.
What do you love the most about travelling solo?
Freedom. Absolute, unfiltered freedom. When you travel solo, every decision is yours – where to go, what to eat, who to talk to, and when to rest. There’s something deeply empowering about not needing permission to change direction. It’s also the best way to meet people when you’re alone – you’re more open, more curious, and more present.
What lessons have you learned about life by travelling solo?
That discomfort is the best teacher. The moments that scared me the most – getting lost in a foreign city, sitting on your own in silence, missing a flight, and sitting alone at dinner – are the ones that built my resilience. I learned that confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you earn through experience. Solo travel also taught me that connection doesn’t depend on proximity. Some of my closest friendships were born from random encounters on the road.
Those same lessons now shape how I work with business owners. Often, they’re so deep in their own business that they can’t see what’s holding them back and what’s missing in their business for everything to flow better. I help them step outside of the picture they are in, identify what’s missing, and create strategies that supercharge their direction – whether that’s in marketing, structure, or mindset. It’s a lot like travel – sometimes you need a fresh perspective to see the path clearly.
Is there a destination you keep returning to, and why?
Bali is my reset button. There’s something about the energy there that balances hustle with stillness. I love all the clubs there … they’ve got such great areas to go in, and you can spend the day there working or recovering. It’s where I go to reconnect with myself, recharge creatively, and meet other entrepreneurs who are building businesses that align with their lifestyle. I’ve built some of my strongest professional and personal connections there.
Did you make friends while travelling solo that remain in your life?
Absolutely. Some of my best friends started as strangers in airports, planes, and cafés. When you travel solo, you form deeper connections faster because the people you meet are also out of their comfort zones. I’ve built a global network of friends and collaborators people I can call in London, Lisbon, or Los Angeles, and that network has become the foundation of my business and my life.
Who inspires you in travel or in your life more generally?
I’m inspired by people who live with intention – those who design their lives instead of just reacting to them. Entrepreneurs who build businesses that give them freedom, not just profit. Travellers who seek meaning, not just destinations. And anyone who turns a challenge into an opportunity to grow.
What is on your ‘Bucket List’?
I’d love to do a long digital detox retreat in South America … somewhere remote, surrounded by nature and no Wi-Fi. Also, a month-long road trip through USA working remotely from different towns and connecting with local entrepreneurs. For me, travel is always about people and perspective, not just places. Oh, and I still need to do a safari, and I haven’t been to South Africa!
What causes are you passionate about, and why?
Empowerment – especially for women in business. I’m passionate about helping women see that success doesn’t have to mean burnout. You can build a business that supports your lifestyle, not the other way around. I also care deeply about mental wellness and community because no matter how far you travel, connection is what keeps you grounded.
Can you share your top 3 tips for solo traveller success?
1. Network with purpose. The right connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed, but it’s about genuine relationships, not transactions.
2. Stay adaptable. Whether in business or travel, flexibility is your greatest asset. Plans change, and your mindset determines how you handle it.
3. Invest in yourself. Growth doesn’t happen by accident. Read, learn, rest, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.