Writer Wendy Altschuler at Bali Res Centre Tour, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud, Indonesia

This past September, I arrived at the most beautiful place in Bali, where the birds sing and balance on windblown palm fronds and it’s so sultry that your skin is always glowing. And, what did I learn while in Indonesia, on a solo trip to usurp all solo trips? I learned that traveling by myself, literally around the globe: Chicago—Hong Kong—Bali—Dubai—Chicago, affords the opportunity to look at the world from a new perspective, a new lens. I gained a certain confidence not only in my abilities to navigate and communicate while visiting new countries but also in my grit and gumption to trust and believe in myself and be comfortable in my own skin while alone.

New Experiences While Traveling Solo 

While in Bali, I also learned how to surf, while attending the Goddess Retreats. I actually popped up on a board and rode it to the beach! I feel so lucky to have traveled to a different side of the world, south of the equator, where I was given the indelible opportunity to bond with strangers—solo travelers from all over the planet—through newfangled experiences, spa treatments, delicious and healthy food, yoga and deep relaxation. The focus at the Goddess Retreats was not only on making inspiring friendships and having a ball in Bali, but also it was on hitting the reset button and remembering how important it is to take care of our own well-being. I couldn’t have asked for a better lesson.

Learn More About Yourself  

If you’ve ever thought about taking a solo trip, consider the below photographs for inspiration. Also, as an aside, I encourage you to dine alone, go to a movie by yourself or enjoy an adventure unaccompanied—without a book, technological device, or other distraction—and see what happens. What can you learn, discover or appreciate? What can you see that you didn’t see before? I think you’ll find that the answer, if you don’t know it already, is a positive one and that you too can be comfortable in your own skin while alone.

Surfing with Goddess Retreats and Rip Curl School of Surf, Bali
Surfing with Goddess Retreats and Rip Curl School of Surf, Bali

 

Baktik making, Indonesia
Baktik making, Indonesia

3 Luwak “poop coffee” beans

 

4 Regal, celebrated monkeys, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud, Indonesia

 

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Streetlife, spotted on a tour with the Bali Res Centre
Balinese babes
Balinese babes
An offering of flowers and insense, placed at this temple by my guide, to appease the spirits
An offering of flowers and incense, placed at this temple by my guide, to appease the spirits
Perhaps this is a solo female traveler?
Perhaps this is a solo female traveler?
Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud, Indonesia

Top Image: Wendy Altschuler at Bali Res Centre Tour, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud, Indonesia. All photos courtesy of Wendy Altschuler.

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Wendy Altschuler is a seasoned writer, editor and adventurer with many publishing credits under her belt. She writes regularly for several publications (print and web), churning out indelible lifestyle, travel, events and dining articles on the regular. Wendy spent over four years as a contributing writer and special correspondent for Sun-Times Media and while there she developed and wrote her own parenting column: Wendy City Mom. Wendy's stories have been published in: Tribune Brand Publishing, Forbes, TripSavvy, Chicago Parent, Blood and Thunder, Five on Five, Yoga Magazine, Yoga Chicago, Chicago Now, The Listen to Your Mother Show, The Association of Writers and Writer's Programs and more. Fun facts: Wendy was born and raised in Montana; while earning her undergrad in Chicago, she studied abroad in India; formerly, Wendy wrote itineraries and travel tips for a luxury, boutique travel company; and Wendy, A.K.A. Drew Grit, was an athlete and writer/editor for the Windy City Rollers—Roller Derby. She's always looking for an adventure — hello skydiving, trapeze, road trips, urban rappelling and parenthood — and she seeks out stories to write home about. www.wendyaltschuler.com Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/wendyaltschuler