Hey, it’s Bri from Miik! Last October, I packed a single carry-on suitcase and headed to Europe for a month on my own. It was my first solo trip, and it turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
From my first hostel bunk in Edinburgh to wandering through art-filled streets in Italy, solo travel changed how I see myself, my independence, and even my wardrobe. And the thing I heard most from people along the way? “I wish I’d done a solo trip, too.”
If a solo trip has been on your mind (or quietly sitting on your bucket list), here are five reasons I’m so glad I finally went, why it’s never too late for you—and how you can enter our giveaway to win a $1,000 Miik gift card + tour of Portugal to make it happen.
1. Independence: You get to design your own days
On a solo trip, you’re the one calling the shots. That might sound a little intimidating at first, but it quickly becomes one of the best parts.
In Scotland, I got to decide exactly how to spend my days. I stayed in my first hostel in Edinburgh, wandered into live music and comedy shows, and spent an afternoon making my own bag complete with Harris Tweed. I tried haggis (and loved it), then rented a car and drove myself through the lowlands to go bookshop-hopping in Scotland’s National Book Town.
No one else’s schedule. No debates over where to go next. Just me, my curiosity, and a map.
Solo travel hands you real independence in small, everyday ways:
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You choose when to get up and when to sleep in.
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You decide whether tonight is for live music, a quiet walk, or an early night with a book.
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You pick which cities, museums, or cafés actually matter to you.
That kind of practice—checking in with what you want and then actually following through—can spill over into everyday life long after you’re home.
2. Self-growth: Proving to yourself you can handle more than you thought
Solo travel has a way of gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) pushing you out of your comfort zone.
On my trip, that looked like figuring out new transit systems, checking into a hostel on my own, renting a car in a new country, and navigating unfamiliar streets. None of those moments were perfect or glamorous—but each one reminded me that I could handle more than I gave myself credit for.
You don’t have to paraglide off a cliff or backpack for months to experience this. Self-growth can look like:
Asking a stranger for directions instead of panicking.
Sitting alone at a café and realizing you’re actually enjoying your own company.
Booking a day trip you’re nervous about—and coming back proud that you went.
Bit by bit, you build evidence that you’re capable, adaptable, and resourceful. That feeling doesn’t stay in the airport when you fly home; it comes with you into work, relationships, and the choices you make about what you want next.
3. Confidence: Things go wrong—and you figure it out anyway
Here’s the honest version of solo travel: something will go sideways. A train is delayed, a booking falls through, or you sign up for something that doesn’t go quite how you imagined.
On my trip, that moment was a drive-your-own-Vespa tour outside Florence. I showed up ready for my cinematic Italian movie moment…and ended up crashing the Vespa during the test drive. The good news? I was okay. The other good news? I did a drive-your-own Fiat tour instead.
It was humbling and a little embarrassing, but it also became one of my favourite stories from the trip. I still got to enjoy the scenery, eat incredible food, and make memories I’ll be telling for years.
Those "less than perfect" moments are where your confidence grows most. You learn that:
You can ask for help when you need it.
You can change plans without the whole day being ruined.
You can laugh, regroup, and keep going.
By the time you return home, you’re not just proud of the beautiful photos—you’re proud of how you handled the messy in-between parts, too.
4. Being in the moment: Noticing the little things again
One of my favourite parts of solo travel was how it pulled me back into simply being in the moment.
Without the usual routines and distractions, it’s easier to really notice where you are: the sound of bells echoing through a valley, the way a city looks just before sunset, or the simple comfort of a good meal after a long travel day.
On my trip, that looked like pausing to watch waterfalls in Switzerland, taking my time on a self-guided walking tour in Belgium, or sitting on a bench in Italy just people-watching. None of these moments were complicated, but they felt grounding.
When you’re travelling solo, there’s more space to check in with yourself:
How does this place make you feel?
What are you genuinely excited to see next?
Do you want to slow down today or squeeze in one more adventure?
That habit of paying attention—of really being in the moment—can come home with you. It might show up as noticing the light on your regular walk, savouring your morning coffee, or choosing outfits that make you feel good instead of just “getting dressed.”
5. Travel versatility: Packing light so you can enjoy the experience
Before I left, I made the decision to go carry-on only for an entire month in Europe. It took planning, but it made the whole trip easier.
Having a small, thoughtfully packed suitcase meant:
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I never had to worry about lost luggage.
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Plane trips, train transfers and cobblestone streets were so much more manageable.
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Getting dressed each morning was simple because I knew everything mixed and matched.
This is where clothing really supports your experience instead of distracting from it. Versatile, comfortable pieces that layer well, wash easily, and work for day-to-night outfits let you focus on the actual trip—the people you meet, the places you see, and the memories you’re making.
At Miik, that’s exactly what we think about when we design collections like our travel-friendly pieces: soft, durable fabrics, silhouettes you can wear multiple ways, and styles that feel good from a walking tour to a nice dinner. Building a small “getaway” capsule before you go can take a lot of stress out of packing.
It’s never too late to go
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I’d done a solo trip,” consider this your gentle reminder: it’s not too late.
Your version of solo travel might be a month abroad, a week in a new city, or even a weekend away somewhere close to home. What matters most isn’t how far you go—it’s giving yourself the chance to step away from the usual routine, listen to what you want, and see what you’re capable of.
If you’re dreaming about your own adventure, you can:
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Start a little savings fund or pick a future date on the calendar.
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Build a small travel capsule wardrobe that makes packing less stressful.
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Look into small-group tours designed with solo travellers in mind, so you have support and community along the way.
Whenever and wherever you go, know this: you deserve to take up space in your own life—and solo travel can be a beautiful way to practice that.
Ready to go? Enter our giveaway below for a chance to win a $1,000 Miik gift card and a tour of Portugal. Learn more about the trip here!
We partnered with Explore!, a global adventure travel specialist, to bring you this exciting giveaway! One winner will receive a $1,000 Miik e-gift card to build their ultimate travel wardrobe, along with their choice of Portugal tour experience for one, for a total value of up to CA$4,000, flights not included. You'll go solo, but the trip is guided and amongst a small group of travellers. It's the perfect way to getaway, stress-free—the trip is planned for you by Explore!
Good luck! I hope you win the trip of a lifetime.
Xoxo, Bri
