Most leaders travel alone for work. But how many take a real solo vacation—just for themselves, not for business?

I recently took my first-ever solo trip through Peru and Ecuador, and it changed me. I reconnected with myself. I reflected deeply. I came back more grounded, clear, and confident as a leader.

In this episode of Reflect Forward, I share why every leader should consider a solo vacation, how it strengthens your leadership, and how you can plan a meaningful trip that resets your mindset and helps you lead with intention.

Why Solo Time Is Essential for Modern Leaders

1. Clarity requires solitude

2. Breaking routine unlocks creativity

3. Being alone builds self-leadership

4. Presence deepens connection

How to Take a Transformational Solo Vacation

• Choose a place that stretches you—culturally, spiritually, physically

• Unplug completely—no work emails, no “just checking in”

• Journal and reflect—capture what you learn

• Say yes to connection—talk to strangers, share stories

• Pay attention to your thoughts—notice what comes up in the stillness

Key Takeaways

1. Solo time is a powerful leadership tool

2. Travel breaks patterns and expands your thinking

3. Self-trust comes from being alone and handling challenges

4. Presence builds deeper, more authentic relationships

5. Insight and clarity are born in stillness, not hustle

Mic Drop Moment

“You cannot lead others from a place of internal chaos or disconnection. But when you take time to be alone, you find clarity, and that transforms everything.”

Call to Action

Book the trip. Go somewhere alone. Reflect. Get uncomfortable. You’ll come back more empowered, present, and effective as a leader and as a human.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Why solo vacations matter for leadership

02:30 – My first solo trip to Peru and Ecuador

05:12 – Creating my Dreams List and making the trip happen

07:45 – The emotional arc: excitement, fear, empowerment, loneliness

10:20 – How solo travel differs from solo business travel

13:05 – Reflection as the foundation of self-leadership

15:12 – Why clarity requires solitude (HBR statistic)

17:28 – Breaking routine to gain perspective and creativity

20:40 – What Columbia Business School says about novel experiences

22:30 – Strengthening self-leadership through solo challenges

26:00 – Realizing I like myself: processing growth and healing

28:44 – Presence, stillness, and the power of being with yourself

30:50 – Connecting deeply with strangers while traveling alone

33:20 – Why authentic presence builds better leadership

35:40 – The most common excuses leaders make—and how to challenge them

40:22 – How to take a transformational solo vacation: 5 tips

45:18 – Key takeaways from the experience

48:30 – Final thoughts and call to action: Book the trip

If you liked this…

Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok!

Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward

Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/