Hi everyone, I’m Pradnya, a life coach from busy Mumbai. In the daily rush here, it’s easy to lose touch with our own thoughts and feelings. For many years, I’ve helped other people grow, face their challenges, and chase their dreams. But the best lessons, I believe, come when we experience things ourselves.
That’s why I decided to take a solo trip to Europe – just me, no friends or family at first. I went to Paris (full of romance), Amsterdam (free and creative), and Spain (full of passion and energy). What began as a simple break for peace and thinking turned into something much deeper. There were surprises along the way that felt like little signs from life itself – almost like destiny was quietly guiding me.
Why I Chose Solo Travel In my coaching work, I always tell people: Step out of your comfort zone to grow. Traveling alone is the perfect way to do that. No one else to decide the plan, no one to talk to all the time – just you and your thoughts. I picked these three places because each one matched something I wanted to feel more of: romance in Paris, freedom in Amsterdam, and inner strength in Spain. I had no idea the trip would teach me so much about myself.
I packed 2 bags, my journal, and an open mind. On the flight from Mumbai, I felt excited but also a bit scared. “What if I get lost?” I thought. Then I reminded myself: Sometimes getting lost helps us find who we really are.
Paris: Lights, Reflection, and Inner Peace I started in Paris. The cool air felt so fresh after Mumbai’s heat. I stayed at the Prince Albert Montmartre hotel (booked through KLOOK), a charming little place in the Montmartre area. It’s close to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with narrow streets full of artists, cafes, and that classic Parisian vibe. The room was cozy and quiet – perfect for a solo traveller to relax after a long day. Tip: When booking through KLOOK, it’s easy and often comes with good deals or extras.
To explore the city efficiently, I booked a Paris day tour through KLOOK that included access to 30 top attractions. It was a walking tour with entry to places like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre (skip-the-line), Notre-Dame (exterior views), Arc de Triomphe, and more. I didn’t visit all 30 in one day, but it gave me the freedom to pick what I wanted without standing in long queues.
One fun highlight was shopping at Primark – yes, I made time for it! I hopped off near one of the Paris locations and met a friend who took me around, grabbed some affordable clothes, accessories and little gifts. After shopping I went for dinner to my friend Aishwarya’s place where she had invited her lovely friends for chit-chat. Aishwarya’s fiancé made Tiramisu which was simply awesome and one friend had prepared Biryani which was too satiating and tasty. It was a nice, light-hearted break from all the sightseeing and reminded me to enjoy simple pleasures even on a deep, reflective trip.
I spent my days walking without a strict plan, just following what felt right. I walked by the Seine River and saw couples putting love locks on bridges. Being alone made me think about my own life and relationships. That night, I had dinner by myself at a small restaurant – snails and red wine. The waiter said, “Traveling alone? You’re brave!” I smiled and said, “Being brave means facing yourself.” Lesson: Being alone isn’t lonely – it’s a chance to talk honestly with yourself.
At the Louvre museum, I stood in front of the Mona Lisa for a long time and wrote in my journal. I met people on a walking tour, including a young artist from Brazil. We shared stories, and she reminded me to enjoy the moment. Paris showed me that opening up to new people can bring beautiful surprises.
At sunset on the Eiffel Tower, the city lights twinkled below, and I felt calm and happy.
The Lovely Eurostar Journey from Paris to Amsterdam From Paris to Amsterdam, I took the Eurostar train – and what a beautiful experience it was! The high-speed train was comfortable and smooth. I had a window seat and spent most of the journey just gazing out at the peaceful European countryside rolling by. There were classic windmills turning slowly in the fields, horse stables with beautiful horses grazing, and charming little villages with red-roofed houses and green landscapes. It felt so calming and dreamy – like a moving painting. That quiet ride gave me time to reflect, write in my journal, and feel grateful for the moment. Traveling between cities doesn’t have to be rushed; sometimes the journey itself becomes one of the best parts.
Amsterdam: Freedom, Creativity, and Beautiful Experiences Next, I arrived in Amsterdam. The city felt light and free – bikes everywhere, pretty canals, happy people. I rented a bike and rode through parks. Everything felt easy and mindful.
To make the most of my time, I booked a few experiences through KLOOK – they were easy to book online and saved a lot of hassle. First, I got the Keukenhof Gardens ticket with a hop-on hop-off bus from Amsterdam. It was the season of tulips, so I was excited to see the famous fields! Even though the outdoor tulip fields weren’t fully in bloom yet (tulip season peaks in mid-April to early May, and blooming depends on the weather), the gardens were still peaceful and beautiful with autumn colours from the trees and other plants.
The bus ride was comfortable, and it was nice to explore without worrying about transport. I also booked a skip-the-line ticket for the Rijksmuseum – home to amazing Dutch art like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. I also participated in painting workshop and learnt new art form! I spent hours there, quietly admiring the paintings and feeling inspired by the creativity on display. And one of my favourite evenings was the Amsterdam Canal cruise I booked through KLOOK. Gliding along the water at sunset, seeing the houseboats and old bridges light up, felt magical. I sat quietly, letting the city wash over me, and it was the perfect moment to reflect and let go.
I visited the Anne Frank House and felt deeply moved by her strength during hard times. It reminded me that tough moments make us stronger. I tried something new: a pottery class. My pot was wonky, but it was fun. The teacher said, “Life is like clay – shape it, but let it surprise you.” That stayed with me.
I met nice people at a small café, including another traveller from India named Kiran. We talked about life and he told me about a book called The Alchemist. Amsterdam helped me feel more creative and freer.
Spain: Passion, Strength, and a Big Surprise – Plus Time with Friends Last stop: Spain – I stayed in Spain with my friends Navnish and Roweena. It was wonderful to share some days with them after traveling solo. Roweena and I took a special day trip together to two amazing places near Madrid.
First, Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures” because Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together peacefully for centuries. The old city sits on a hill surrounded by the Tagus River, with narrow streets full of history. We explored the grand cathedral, ancient synagogues, mosques-turned-churches, and the Alcázar fortress. Walking there felt like stepping back in time – the mix of cultures and beautiful views made it so special. It reminded me how different backgrounds can create something strong and beautiful together.
Next, Segovia, famous for its incredible Roman aqueduct (still standing strong after almost 2,000 years with no mortar!) and the fairy-tale Alcázar castle that looks like it came straight out of a storybook – some say it even inspired Disney’s castles. We wandered the old town, admired the massive Gothic cathedral, and enjoyed the views from high up. The aqueduct towers over the city like a giant bridge, and the castle felt magical.
These day trips with Roweena added so much joy and connection to my journey. Sharing laughs, photos, and quiet moments made the experiences even richer.
One special moment in Madrid was exploring the Puerta del Sol area with Navnish – a lively central square that’s the heart of the city. We joined a casual Madrid Sol tour (walking around the bustling plaza), saw the famous Kilometer Zero marker (where all Spanish roads start), the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, the clock tower famous for New Year’s celebrations, and the equestrian statue of King Charles III. We went to a garden to watch sunset and have some light snacks with locals sitting in the garden chitchatting and lazing around. It was fun wandering the historic streets, soaking in the energy of locals and tourists, and feeling the pulse of Madrid.
During our time there, I visited a nearby church (one of the historic ones close to Sol) and had the chance to meet Father. We had a nice, heartfelt talk about Jesus, faith, and life. He shared insights on the belief behind the confession box (also called the confessional). In Catholic tradition, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession) is a beautiful gift from Jesus for healing and forgiveness. The confessional provides a private, sacred space where a person can honestly confess their sins to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ. Through sincere sorrow, confession, and absolution, sins are forgiven, grace is restored, and the person is reconciled with God and the Church. It’s about mercy, inner peace, and starting fresh – something that really touched me during our conversation. That quiet moment of spiritual connection added a deeper layer to my trip.
What I Learned Back in Mumbai, I felt different – lighter, clearer, and more alive. Paris taught me self-love. Amsterdam taught me creativity and freedom. Spain taught me passion, resilience, and to trust life’s surprises – especially when friends join the adventure.
My simple advice:
- Enjoy being alone – it’s the best way to hear your inner voice.
- Look for lessons everywhere – write them down.
- Trust the unexpected twists – they often lead to good things.
- Share moments with friends when you can – it makes the memories even sweeter.
If you’ve been thinking about a solo trip (or one with friends), start small. The real journey isn’t the places – it’s who you become.
Thank you for reading my story. What’s one small step you’re ready to take for yourself? Share below – let’s support each other.
With love and good wishes, Pradnya