In this blog post, I’m excited to share the highlights of my solo travel adventures post-COVID. Setting off on solo adventures opens the door to all sorts of experiences. Each place has its own story to tell, full of history, culture, and excitement. It all started for me in Rovaniemi, a charming city nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland. That’s where my journey began, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure!
Rovaniemi – The Start of My Solo Journey
The origins of Rovaniemi’s settlement can be traced back to the Stone Age, a remarkable 8,000 years in the past. In the 1800s, it grew rapidly due to logging and gold mining, becoming the main business center of Lapland. However, during the Second World War, Rovaniemi was burned to the ground, with ninety percent of the city reduced to ashes. After the war, the architect Alvar Aalto designed the new city plan for Rovaniemi, signifying a pivotal moment in the city’s reconstruction and revival.


In the heart of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi rests, proudly known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, positioned directly on the Arctic Circle. Spanning over 8000 km², it holds the distinction of being the largest town in Europe.
My solo travel journey began in the first week of August 2021, to Rovaniemi. I cannot begin to express the joy I felt being able to travel again. I stayed at the heart of Rovaniemi center, at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus. As I explored the city, I encountered some remarkable sights.
Bridget Jones Moments: Riding the Bobsleigh on Ounasvaara Hill
One highlight was Ounasvaara hill, where I braved the bobsleigh track and enjoyed breath taking views from the ski elevator. Sliding down the bobsleigh track from Ounasvaara hill felt like a scene straight out of Bridget Jones’s diary. It was quite fast for my liking, so I took breaks every now and then just to enjoy the scenery. When I finally reached the bottom, I saw a few people waiting, looking a bit worried because my ride took longer than expected. Feeling embarrassed, I also had a fright when I spotted a rat on my way down, which made me scream.
After I pulled myself together from the experience, I decided to visit the KesäRafla restaurant, which is open only in the summer and conveniently located right next to Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets and Ounasvaara Ski Center. It was a great experience to chill at the wood-burning (unisex) sauna, which accommodates 35 people. This was followed by a refreshing dip (it was freezing cold!) to chill out at the Kemijoki river.
Arktikum was another fascinating stop on my journey, a science center and museum that offers great insights into northern nature, culture, and history. The building itself deserves applause – a majestic setup of glass and wood.
From there, I went to Santa Claus Village, where I couldn’t shake the feeling of being in a horror movie, despite the fun atmosphere. Christmas songs played non-stop and just handful of people due post COVID. In addition, it was surreal to think that I had received a fax from the village back in the ’90s, and now I was standing there in person.
In summary, while traveling around the town without a car posed some challenges, I still highly recommend Rovaniemi for a delightful trip in Lapland with a city feel. Exploring its cultural attractions was great, and I found myself fascinated by several other notable places that provided unique insights into the city’s heritage.
Next stop: Berlin – known as one of the coolest places in Europe!
In the same year, 2021, I travelled to Berlin and stayed for the first few days at Select Hotel Checkpoint Charlie, followed by a stay at Hotel Potsdam. The city’s diverse attractions and rich history made every moment memorable.


During my time in Berlin, I had the chance to visit some incredible landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Olympiastadion, Tiergarten, the Holocaust Memorial, KaDeWe, and Teufelsberg. Each of these places offered a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture.
Berlin is a city of beautiful buildings, amazing beer, rich culture, and history. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant cultural scene, every corner of the city offers something unique to explore and experience. During my time in the city, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of captivating places that each offered unique insights into the city’s history and culture.


One of the highlights was visiting the Olympiastadion, where I felt like I was stepping back in time. You could really feel the history, especially from the ‘Nazi Olympics’ era, as you walked around the stadium. It was fascinating to see how remnants of the past coexisted with modern sports facilities.

Another memorable experience was visiting Teufelsberg, a former US listening station perched at the top of a hill of rubble. From this vantage point, I enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views of Berlin’s landscape, which served as a reminder of the city’s Cold War history.


I also took some time to explore Tiergarten, a famous park in Berlin. It was a peaceful escape, with lots of trees and calm lakes. It used to be a hunting ground for kings long ago, but now it’s a popular place for people to relax, walk around, and enjoy nature.
Fourthly, I went to the largest Jewish museum in Europe, designed by Daniel Libeskind. The building itself is impressive, and inside, there’s a museum that tells the story of Judaism in Germany. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
Potsdam Playground: A Day in Prussia’s Past
The distance from Berlin to Potsdam is 25 km, 40min by train, and is definitely must-to-see location while visiting Berlin.


The city, with a history spanning over 1000 years became one of Europe’s grandest royal cities 300 years ago, serving as a picturesque oasis surrounded by gardens, palaces, and lakes. Until 1918, it stood as the residence of Prussian kings and the German Emperor. Despite its rich history, Potsdam faced numerous challenges, including a significant population loss during the Thirty Years’ War, Potsdam retained its significance. This was exemplified in the 20th century when it hosted the historic Potsdam Conference in 1945. During this pivotal gathering, leaders from allied nations convened to shape the post-World War II landscape of Europe.


Following the Second World War, many historic buildings in Potsdam, including some severely damaged during the conflict, were demolished. Additionally, Potsdam found itself situated just outside West Berlin after the construction of the Berlin Wall. This separation not only isolated Potsdam from West Berlin but also led to extended commuting times to East Berlin. The Glienicke Bridge served as a critical link between Potsdam and West Berlin and witnessed several Cold War exchanges of spies.
Amsterdam: Exploring the Vibrant Heart of the Netherland
In February 2022, I travelled to Amsterdam, fully experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Dutch capital. During my stay at the hotel next to Concertgebouw area, I went out to explore some of Amsterdam’s most iconic attractions.
Exploring art and history sites was a highlight of my trip to Amsterdam. Visiting the Van Gogh Museum was great experience of the stunning collection of artworks by the legendary artist Vincent van Gogh.


Additionally, the Rijksmuseum, a national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to showcasing Dutch arts, history, and heritage, offered a fascinating journey through Dutch culture.
Another memorable visit was to the Moco Museum, where I was captivated by the thought-provoking artwork of Banksy, adding a contemporary twist to my exploration of Amsterdam’s cultural scene. I still consider the museum the finest modern art museum I’ve ever been to. Seeing Banksy’s representation of unique dark humor and irony, delivering in context of social, political, and humanist messages to the world, is truly remarkable.



Heineken Experience attracts visitors from around the globe, offering a fascinating stories about how an Amsterdam brewery became one of the world’s leading beer brands. Learned about its heritage, innovations and brewing process. And had some nice beers.


A’DAM Lookout was one of “do I dare of not” -moments for me. Luckily I did. . Fortunately, I decided to go for it. On the rooftop, you’ll find Over the Edge: Europe’s highest swing. Swinging back and forth, thrill-seekers are suspended 100 meters above Amsterdam. With your feet hanging over the edge, feel the rush of adrenaline, but most importantly, take in the stunning view.
Discovering Haarlem, Amsterdam’s Picturesque Neighbour
Haarlem, one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, is a picturesque destination located just 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. Its rich history traces back to pre-medieval times, lending the city a unique and captivating charm. Over the centuries, Haarlem evolved into a significant hub for trade and fishing, capitalizing on its location near the North Sea and its convenient access to major trade routes. By the 12th century, Haarlem had gained prominence as a market town, attracting merchants and traders from far.


The heart of Haarlem is shaped by its historic old town, characterized by charming canals and picturesque gabled houses. I spent one day wandering the charming streets of the city, soaking in rich history and vibrant atmosphere as I explored its quaint alleys and historic landmarks.
Split Adventures



Split, Croatia’s second-largest city with around 160,000 residents, is a must-visit for those intrigued by history and culture. With two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Historic Center and the Diocletian’s Palace—Split’s streets and alleys feel like an open-air museum. Everywhere you look, there are statues, palaces, cathedrals, temples, and more, all contributing to the city’s rich history. Walking through Split, you can’t help but feel surrounded by the past.
I’ve written two posts from my trip – part of the “Once Upon a Time in Split” series, Once upon a time in Split part 1 – Jackinna of all Trades and Once upon a time in Split part 2 – Jackinna of all Trades.
In those posts, I shared my top sightseeing tips and explored the rich tapestry of culture and history. Croatia boasts a unique historical narrative, shaped by its pivotal position as a crossroad between Eastern and Western civilizations. However, one notable observation emerged: a subtle skepticism towards capitalism.
Notably absent from the old town of Split is the stark reality of poverty, despite nearly 1 out of 5 people in Croatia living below the poverty line. This stark contrast is intriguing, especially considering similar poverty rates in countries like Laos, Portugal, Peru, and Jamaica. While poverty may not be expected in Split, its absence rise into reflection on the city’s socioeconomic landscape. Going just a 15-minute bus ride away from the charming old town reveals a different world altogether. Split isn’t merely about its quaint cafés and colorful doorways; it serves as a raw, albeit honest, depiction of the city’s multifaceted reality. It embodies a duality, reflecting both its illustrious past and the lingering effects of post-socialism.
Travel isn’t always sunshine and rainbows though. I don’t usually consider myself as lonely, and I do appreciate having time to myself. However, the day trips from Split woke up various emotions, especially when island hopping. I often felt sad and alone amidst the bustling crowds of couples and families, as I ventured out solo.
However, there was one incident that stands out. It was the first time I felt uncomfortable while traveling. I woke up in the early hours of the morning, just after midnight, to the sound of glass breaking. My hotel room was located on the top floor, and as I opened my door, I saw people running from the lower floors to mine, with some shouting in the chaos. I quickly closed my door and waited. It took about an hour before I felt safe enough to open the door again, and by then, the commotion had subsided. I ventured out to the terrace on my floor, only to find drinks spilled on the floor and some discarded cigarettes. I ventured downstairs to investigate. It became apparent that one of the windows had been broken. I promptly informed the hotel host, who came to assess the damage in the morning. As I recounted what I had witnessed, I couldn’t help but feel like a bit of Miss Marple from the Agatha Christie novels. However, it seemed that the host wasn’t particularly interested in hearing my account.
The next morning, I was on a job interview through TEAMS after only managing to squeeze in about 2 or 3 hours of sleep. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well. Just bad luck, I suppose. Today, I feel reassured that it was the right decision not to pursue employment with that company, especially when I compare how happy I am in my current job.
In the end, this trip taught me a lot. It had its good and bad moments, but overall, it was a journey full of surprises and lessons. Now that I’m back home, I’ll treasure the memories I made and the things I learned and experienced along the way.
Christmas alone in Copenhagen
I have mixed feelings about Christmas. While I appreciate the cheer, the culinary chaos can be a bit overwhelming. Some of my holiday meals have felt like full-scale kitchen warfare with frantic last-minute preparations. It’s enough to give anyone bad vibes! Someday, I’d love to host a larger Christmas party, but all I really want is to create a relaxed and chill atmosphere. I believe that Christmas should be a time to unwind and enjoy the company of loved ones without any stress or pressure. One thing I also don’t like is overly complicated commercialism, as I believe that the holiday should be about spending quality time with loved ones, rather than getting caught up in the consumerism frenzy. Summing it up, simplifying the holiday season by focusing on cherished moments with loved ones rather than commercialism can lead to a more enjoyable and meaningful experience for all.
Made the decision to spend Christmas 2022 abroad by choosing Copenhagen as my destination. It’s a city I haven’t visited since a school trip 20 years ago when we stopped there briefly on our way to Karlskrona, Sweden. The only things I remember from that trip are the Danish smørrebrød sandwiches we had and some tall building we passed by. Once a foodie, always a foodie!


Christmas alone abroad sounded better on paper than in execution. I felt a bit lonely there, even though I tried to keep busy by exploring and doing activities during the day. Most of the museums and historical sights were closed, but luckily Tivoli Gardens was still open. Tivoli Gardens, also known simply as Tivoli, is an amusement park and garden located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It first opened its gates on 15 August 1843, making it the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Referring the place as just an amusement park may be an understatement, as it holds significant cultural heritage value.


During Christmas, Tivoli is filled with decorations, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to the park. The festive lights and ornaments raised my inner child spirit and filled me with joy and wonder.






Closing remarks
Looking back on my trips, I feel thankful for all the experiences and things I’ve learned. Traveling alone has its ups and downs, times of excitement, and times when you feel alone. But throughout it all, I’ve learned to be strong, discovered more about myself, and realized how important it is to approach life’s adventures with an open mind.
While money can buy many things, it cannot replicate the genuine excitement and fulfillment that comes from embarking on a journey.
As I returned home, I carry with me not only memories of the places I’ve visited but also a renewed appreciation for the world’s complexity. So here’s to the roads travelled and the paths yet to be explored, to the people met and the stories shared.
I’ve noticed that I cherish home the most when I return from the airport, and often, I begin dreaming of the next adventure.