If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of exploring, it’s that travel changes you. Sometimes it’s a shift in perspective, a new appreciation for the world, or a deeper connection with yourself. Over time, I’ve come to realize that there are certain places that leave a mark on your soul, places that continue to shape you long after you’ve left. Today, I’m sharing five destinations that changed me as a traveler, and, honestly, as a person. Throughout all these trips, I had a trusty “travel companion” by my side that made everything easier—booking.com. Not only that I could easily make spontaneous plans, but in case of cancellation the customer service was a real help.
1. Bali – the trip of my life
Back in 2016, I gathered every ounce of courage and asked for a month off from work. The plan? Dive headfirst into island life and see if I’d get tired of the sea after 30 days. Spoiler alert: by the time my last day rolled around, I had tears in my eyes, counting down every precious minute I had left on this incredible island. You hear it all the time—people talk about Bali like it’s a magical place, but I didn’t really understand what they meant until I felt it for myself. As soon as I stepped foot on the island, something shifted. Not only I was for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, but I realized I am in unique, place where life runs on different values like in Europe.
Loud and party Kuta was not what I was searching at that moment, soon enough I moved to Ubud. There I found myself wandering through endless green rice terraces, as if time had stopped. I did yoga and cried for the first time during a yoga class realizing how stressed I have lived my past years of my life. And that’s the thing about Bali—it invites you to pause, reflect, and just be. It taught me the beauty of mindfulness, and I left with a sense of peace I hadn’t known before.
Here are some things you get to do in Bali: drive a scooter (no license needed), visit temples, go to a Balinese dinner and watch local dances, drink Kopi Luwak – the most expensive coffee in the world, watch the stars from a volcano, hike Mt. Agung 3031m and look in it’s crater, have a romantic dinner at the beach, snorkel with turtles on Gili Air, do yoga in Ubud, do flying yoga at the beach, watch a sunrise with dolphins in Lovina, stay a night (or two) at a 5* starts hotel (prices are much cheaper than in Europe) and many more.
2. Aruba – One Happy Island
We spent 29 days and 18 hours in Aruba, leaving on the second-to-last flight that evening with a heavy heart. Our visa was up, and it was time to go. I’ve never seen beaches as vast, white, and powdery as the ones in Aruba—you can walk for kilometers, and they seem to stretch on forever. The sunsets over the ocean are nothing short of surreal, and nearly every evening, we were treated to a breathtaking show.
Aruba, the “One Happy Island,” really lives up to its name. There’s something about the way the sun shines brighter there or how the wind always seems to be just enough to cool you down. But what truly changed me was the simplicity of life on the island. In Aruba, I learned that happiness doesn’t need to be complicated—it can be found in the rhythm of the ocean waves, in the delicious pastry at the local bakeries, and in long walks at the beach. Don’t believe me, check this one day heritage tour through Aruba’s treasures.
3. Maldives – discover a new world: the underwater world
Now, let’s dive into the third destination that changed my life as a traveler: the Maldives, often hailed as the ultimate honeymoon spot. I could debate that cliché, but I’ll admit—my own honeymoon was in the Maldives too! 😉 I first set foot on this paradise in 2017, just five days before Christmas. Back then I volunteered on the local island Naifaru at the Atoll Marine Center, caring for injured sea turtles. This is what you need to know about traveling half a globe to be in service to marine life: Volunteering in the Maldives.
At that time, I was just beginning to understand the magic of snorkeling the turquoise waters. We returned in 2021 for our honeymoon, eager to experience a seaplane ride and the luxury of staying in an overwater bungalow. In 2023, we brought our first son along to introduce him to the wonders of the underwater world. In the crystal-clear, shallow waters, small reef sharks and a variety of fish could be spotted, even by a 2 years old.
But what I find most peaceful of all is the moment I plunge my head underwater to snorkel. The sound of my breath through the snorkel, the gentle waves caressing my back, and the warmth of the water enveloping my head create an unforgettable experience. I could hardly believe my eyes the first time I spotted an eagle ray, followed by the mesmerizing stingrays, the many reef sharks, and the graceful turtles gliding through the timeless sea.
4. Curaçao – inner peace
Small lagoons and turquoise water, sea turtles and colorful fishes, white beaches and green hills —this is Curaçao. After spending 30 magical days in Aruba it was time to move to the next destination. Just a short flight away, we arrived in the stunning Dutch Caribbean island, not knowing what to expect. And yet, Curaçao surprised us in the best ways. We uncovered hidden gems everywhere: colorful streets, European architecture, hidden beaches, delicious Dutch cheese, Caribbean dishes and heart welcoming people all over.
In Curaçao, I discovered the incredible flavors of freshly grilled tuna steak and red snapper. Dining at a local beach restaurant where fishermen were bring each morning the daily caught was an absolute hit. It was also the second destination, after the Maldives, where I could swim with sea turtles as often as I wanted at Turtle Beach in the north of the island. After a week of exploring the island, we decided to settle in Westpunt, where I found something completely unexpected: inner peace. Here are the unforgettable travel and life lessons I gained during this magical journey.
5. Malaysia – embracing diversity
If I had to sum up Malaysia in one word, it would be culture. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I quickly discovered a country that’s as rich in diversity as it is in beauty. Originally, I planned to spend just two nights in Kuala Lumpur and head back to Thailand with a new visa entry. But this is the good thing about solo travel – you make your plans on the go. Not only that I spend 2 weeks in spectacular Malaysia, but I explored 3 different islands in total.
From Kuala Lumpur’s urban energy to the traditional villages and temples, Malaysia is a cultural tapestry, of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. One moment, you’re savoring a nasi goreng, and the next, you’re opening a Chinese fortune cookie at the Chinese New Year or indulging an Indian street food roti. My favorite city was by far George Town, a British colony in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It was inspiring fascinating to see the blend of all these cultures coming along peacefully.
Things to do in Malaysia: island hopping, eagle watch, visit a floating restaurant, have your honeymoon in Langkawi, go to a local market, try traditional Chinese pastry, visit (with reservation in advance) Petronas Towers, get a Henna tattoo, go to Kuala Lumpur’s aquarium, visit Batu cave and other caves too, feed monkey, visit Hindu temples, go with the cable car, take local speed boats between islands.
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