Stepping away from our daily lives helps us appreciate what we have and move beyond the cycle of seeing the glass as half-empty. This trip wasn’t just about discovering a new place, it was about finding and rediscovering myself in a new environment.
Sukriti Taneja
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They say travelling solo doesn’t mean you are alone, instead, it makes you someone who is brave enough to discover yourself alone. As someone who always dreamt of solo travel, the thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. Each time I thought about ticking solo travel off my bucket list, a million doubts clouded my mind. Would I enjoy my own company? What if I got bored or felt lonely? Do I like myself enough to spend a few days in solitude?
Yet, amidst personal and professional turmoil, I found myself gathering the courage to embark on this adventure. Seeking to prove my independence and resilience, I booked my flight to Malta, an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea.
On my way to Manchester Airport, with only a hostel booking and no set itinerary, I hoped for a sign to turn back. To my surprise, what could have been a tedious 30-minute wait at the Ryanair counter turned into a swift breeze, thanks to the unexpected perk of needing a visa check. Even more astonishing, all my gadgets, cameras, and even my drone sailed through security without a hitch – an almost magical turn of events for someone accustomed to the usual double scans and delays. Despite my overthinking, it felt like the universe was giving me the green light to embark on this journey.
As I prepared to board my flight, I called my friend with a nervous laugh and said, “Well, I guess it’s too late to back out now.” She chuckled on the other end and warmly replied, “Ja aish kar.” (which literally translates to “Go have fun”.) Her words were the comforting nudge I needed.
Day 1: Embracing the unknown
Upon arrival in Malta, the warmth of the island greeted me, both literally and figuratively. I was welcomed by an exceptionally kind cab driver. When he learned that this was my first solo trip at 22, he enthusiastically exclaimed, “You have balls of steel!” We laughed, swapped cultural stories, and he even helped me jot down some itinerary ideas. By the time we reached Inhawi, my first-ever hostel experience, I was feeling more at ease. Since I arrived around 10 pm, I assumed I’d grab a beer to cope with the intense humidity and call it a night.
To my pleasant surprise, I quickly made a new friend while unpacking in the eight-bed dormitory – a lively and elegant single mom, solo traveller, and, quite literally, my night saviour. Our shared interests led us to grab a drink together, which soon turned into a spontaneous pub hop. We danced, sipped on cocktails and met new people by a random beach near our hostel. At 3 am, we retired to our bunk beds.
Day 2: A day of spontaneous connections
The next morning, she, almost like my solo trip mentor, woke me up for breakfast at her favourite spot. After battling hangovers and heat, we tried the beach but found it too rocky, so we headed back to our hostel for a refreshing dip in the pool. Energised, I was ready to explore while she packed for her next adventure in Poland. Before leaving, she gifted me a link to a boat tour of Malta’s Blue Caves, the highlight of her trip. I eagerly took her word for it. (And yes, we’re still in touch!)
I embraced the freedom of exploring without a set plan, releasing my anxieties and welcoming the unexpected. Engaging with locals and fellow travellers unveiled the beauty of human connection, transforming loneliness into a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar place. As I set off to explore Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua via the Three Cities ferry, the photographer in me couldn’t resist capturing the moment. I spotted a woman in a flowing red dress and a sunhat by the sea. I approached her with a warm compliment and asked her to model for me. We shared stories, snapped photos, and connected over our solo adventures. Though we eventually parted ways, the spontaneous encounter added a vibrant start to what was meant to be a solitary day of exploration.
Wandering through the charming streets of Vittoriosa, I captured photos, picked up souvenirs, and soaked in the rich history etched into the narrow stone pathways and colourful windows of the brick-hued buildings. I found myself at Bebirgu, a stunning restaurant with a hidden courtyard that took my breath away. Sipping chilled white wine and reading Rumi while awaiting my prawn pasta, I received a message from my ferry companion. She joined me, and we lost track of time, sharing stories and laughter until nightfall. Unexpectedly, we parted with plans to explore Valletta together the next day.
Strolling through Valletta with my Bollywood playlist on, I found comfort in the sea breeze and the freedom of wandering solo. It was a gentle reminder that happiness is found in the present, unburdened by the past. As I walked, ‘Der Lagi Par Ab Maine Jeena Seekh Liya’ from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara played, perfectly capturing my mood. After a 45-minute walk to the bus stop, I returned to the hostel, where familiar faces welcomed me. Over beers, we exchanged stories about Indian, Pakistani, and Italian cultures, ending the night on a high note.
Day 3: Unveiling the heart of Malta
The next day, we reunited to explore the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta where the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour were as breathtaking and as the gardens iconic cannon show. Our taste buds were treated to some local Pastizzi (every bit as delightful as promised) and a refreshing açai bowl – because who says you can’t enjoy a bit of healthy indulgence while travelling? (Fake it, till we make it)
Our quest for a sandy beach led us to a hidden gem, where the cool water provided a much-needed respite from the scorching sun. As we relaxed, a magical moment unfolded before us – a surprise beach proposal. I mustered the courage to offer my photography services, and the joy and excitement of the family were palpable. Capturing that perfect moment felt like the universe rewarding me for embracing the journey.
As the day drew to a close, we said our heartfelt goodbyes, each promising to keep in touch. With new friendships forged and countless memories made, I returned to my hostel with a deep sense of contentment.
Day 4: A splash of serenity and self-discovery
The next morning, I woke up early, eager yet anxious about the day’s adventure. Having spent the previous three days with fellow female solo traveller’s, I was curious to see what the tour would bring. Thankfully, the group was filled with warm, kind-hearted adventurers, with at least eight of us venturing solo. The day promised something truly special.
Imagine this: gliding through the crystalline waters of Malta with 16 strangers from around the globe, snorkelling in vibrant blue lagoons, and exploring the stunning Gozo Island and Crystal Lagoon. For the first time, I captured the magic through GoPro footage and drone shots from the boat’s deck. Spending four hours exploring the caves in the open sea, surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters and accompanied by complete strangers whose lives were as unknown to me as mine were to them, turned out to be a form of therapy I hadn’t realised I needed. Though I’ve always felt a deep connection to water (once a water baby, always a water baby), this adventure revealed just how profound the call of swimming with fish in those serene, teal-blue waters truly was.
It was an adventure that came with the perfect package of adrenaline rush, tranquility, peace, calm and an inane appreciation for all that I do have, as opposed to focussing on all that I didn’t before I embarked on this journey.
Water has this incredible way of calming and revitalising us. Swimming through it, with its endless blue and gentle rhythm, feels like a deep, soothing embrace. Looking back now, I believe that it is a lot like solo travel in one sense – both offer a chance to heal and recharge.
Our guides surprised us with a detour to a nearby island, renowned for its rejuvenating sand. We donned our gear and swam to this sandy paradise, where we covered ourselves in olive-green mud, laughing and comparing ourselves to Shrek and the Hulk as the sun dipped below the horizon. This playful moment washed away every ounce of self-doubt, paving way for a newfound self-love.
Back on the boat, we toasted with Maltese wine and enjoyed Kapunata (A Maltese take on bruschetta), savouring the day’s beauty. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for everything around me and within me. The simple joys of breathing freely, the sun warming my face, and the water splashing on us as we sunbathed on deck made me realise how much I had taken for granted. Sometimes, stepping away from our daily lives helps us appreciate what we have and move beyond the cycle of seeing the glass as half-empty. This trip wasn’t just about discovering a new place, it was about finding and rediscovering myself in a new environment.
After all, this trip gave me more than just new friends and tan lines – it offered me a chance to meet myself. I discovered a sense of self-love I’d been withholding and found the key to my happiness just a few feet underwater. Much like swimming, where progress comes only when you actively move your arms and legs, true happiness and well-being require effort and a willingness to work on ourselves. It’s a reminder that we hold the power to conquer our inner battles and that our greatest challenge is often the fight we have with ourselves. In the end, it’s simple: as Dory wisely said in Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming.”