When I travel solo, one of the things I cherish the most is the opportunity to capture each moment—whether it’s through photos, writing, or simply reflecting. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best memories aren’t always the ones that can be framed or shared on social media. It’s the small, quiet moments that make the journey truly unforgettable. I’ve come up with a few creative ways to preserve my experiences, and they’ve not only helped me hold onto those memories but also allowed me to connect more deeply with the places I visit.
One of my favorite ways to capture moments is by journaling. On each trip, I make it a habit to carry a small notebook where I jot down my thoughts, observations, and feelings. Sometimes it’s just a few sentences about the people I meet or the places I explore, but other times I write entire pages reflecting on the day’s adventure. In Lisbon, I spent an afternoon wandering through the Alfama district, and instead of just snapping photos, I took a seat at a quiet café and wrote about the sounds of the city—the chatter of locals, the clinking of cups, the distant hum of a tram. These words often bring me back to the essence of a place in ways a photo can’t.
Of course, I still love taking photos, but I’ve learned to approach it differently. Instead of just trying to capture the iconic landmarks, I focus on the details—the small moments that tell the story of a place. Whether it’s a close-up of a street vendor’s colorful fruit, a vibrant sunset, or the texture of an old brick wall, I find that these photos often evoke stronger memories. In Prague, I spent a day photographing the city’s charming, narrow alleys, capturing the quiet beauty that most tourists overlook. Years later, those photos still transport me back to that peaceful, hidden world.
I also love creating small video clips to document the experience. Whether it’s a time-lapse of a sunrise or a quick video of a local dance performance, these clips bring the energy and movement of a moment to life. On a trip to Iceland, I filmed a clip of me standing by the crashing waves at Vik, the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocks blending with the wind. Watching that video again, I can feel the rush of the moment.
I’ve started creating travel-inspired art. I’m not an artist by any means, but I love sketching or painting small things I see—flowers I find in a garden, or the colorful buildings in a coastal town. This creative process helps me capture the essence of a place in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
Solo travel has shown me that there are countless ways to capture a moment. Whether through words, photos, videos, or art, it’s about finding what resonates with me and creating something that reflects my unique experience. Each time I look back at these memories, I’m reminded of how special those moments were—and how they shaped my journey.
