With some half a million followers on Instagram, Brooke Saward is somewhat of a guru when it comes to traveling solo. The name behind the successful travel-blog-turned-brand World of Wanderlust, the 30-year-old blogger is committing to sharing her adventures online through carefully curated photos and thoughtful entries. Through her blog, she aims to inspire others to travel more often and to more places—but also, to travel solo.
“The scariest part is actually booking the ticket,” she admitted in an interview with Redbrick, where she shared her experiences as a solo traveler. “When you land, you will quickly become a problem-solver and there’s nothing you can’t overcome.”
Saward puts her money where her mouth is. Having traveled to some 80 countries altogether, she estimates she travels alone 90% of the time.
“Before I started traveling solo I was a very shy, introverted person,” says Saward. “But when you are forced into situations that you need to figure out yourself (often with limited time), you really grow into yourself and come out of your shell. Solo travel is single-handedly the best thing I have done in my life so far.” According to Saward, the experience is well worth the effort and she encourages others to give it a try.
In fact, her blog offers detailed solo travel guides that include tips, hacks, and general advice. According to Saward, she makes sure to only ever recommend places she’s tried and tested herself.
Her number one tip? Travel like a local. “I think you really have to immerse yourself in wherever you are,” says Saward. “Go to museums, watch a live gig, meet locals, try a cooking class… the list is endless. If you feel homesick, think about how fortunate you are to be where you are, and remain present. I always say ‘I never know when I’ll be back here so I might as well make the most of it!'”
Amongst her favorite tourist destinations, she counts the French countryside, the Swiss Alps, and Russia. But coming originally from Australia, she also notes her home state of Tasmania as home to some of the most underrated scenery in the world. In fact, her most recent travels have been back home, in Australia. You’d do well to take note!
