Menorca Made Me Brave

My first solo trip (and the breakup that made it happen!)

In my last post, I mentioned just how comfortable I now feel travelling solo around Europe. But the truth is I never set out to be a solo travel girl. I was actually supposed to visit Italy for my 25th birthday with my then-boyfriend. Think OD’ing on Neapolitan pizza and limoncello on the Amalfi Coast. Dreamy, right?

He did hijack the planning—booked the flights and a hotel without checking with me first. Sweet, yes—but more than a little bit frustrating for this type-A, plans-everything-herself, first-born daughter. I wanted to spend one night in Naples before heading to the coast, but he locked us in Napoli for the whole trip. A nice gesture, I guess.

Two weeks before my birthday, the whole thing fell apart. We had one of those fights that laid bare everything that was wrong (and trust me, it was all wrong), and that was the end of it. I still could’ve gone, technically—but the thought of seeing him at the airport, being stuck between him and some stranger on the flight, even just sharing the same country? HARD pass. I say this, but for all I know? He could’ve cancelled my flight.

And yet, as my 25th was fast approaching, I wasn’t ready to let go of the idea of going somewhere. So…cue the hunt for an alternative. Only two requirements for this last-minute birthday trip: cheap flight and sunny September weather.

Now, I’d heard of Mallorca and Ibiza, sure, but not Menorca. I even had friends try to correct me when I said where I was going—“dO yOu MeAn MalLoRca?” But nope, definitely Menorca. Cheap flight?…✅…sunny weather…✅…and oh…East Midlands Airport!? (If you’ve ever lived in Leicester, you’d understand) Yes, yes, YES! It was official. I was going to spend my 25th birthday in Menorca—alone.

Google Search: Menorca

I made an itinerary so detailed I promise you it could’ve doubled as a Lonely Planet guide. I split my stay between Mahón and Ciutadella and booked two hotels. (Pretty adventurous for a first time solo traveller if I do say so myself.) I slotted in a winery tour, a ferry ride to the Hauser & Wirth museum, boat trips, and dinner reservations for one at all the top-rated spots. I left no room for boredom.

And honestly?…It was magical.

My first night, I went to a farm-to-table restaurant called Nonna Bazaar. It was gorgeous. What really struck me however, was just how kind the staff were. They noticed I was alone and made sure I was looked after. One even booked a taxi for me at the end of the night. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel seen. I didn’t feel alone…at least not really. And then I made a friend. Me…the introvert…on her first real solo trip…actually made a friend. A friend that I’ve now travelled abroad with multiple times. Then, two nights later, on my actual birthday, I had dinner with a British couple who invited me to their table…and bought me birthday cake. Even the memory warms my heart.

Me, 2 days before my 25th birthday at Nonna Bazaar, Menorca.

Menorca itself was everything. Something about it reminded me of South Caicos—small, quiet, familiar. Somehow, in all my planning, I missed that the signs would be in Catalan—and yet, between Maps and my limited Spanish, I found my way. I fell in love with tapas. With paella. (Though finding paella for one is a challenge in itself.)

And the beaches? Beautiful. (Coming from a TC-Islander, that should mean a lot.) The Balearic Sea was actually warm. Not bearable-warm…home warm. I’ve since gone back to Menorca (twice!), and it still retains its charm. My favourite beach destination away from home. And, to date, the only non-TCI water I’ll willingly swim in—though no one can rival our beautiful white sandy shores.

There was something about being there, completely on my own, that made it click for me. I thought this was new—but the truth is, I’d done this before.

I moved to Leicester alone for undergrad, and to London for my Master’s. I’d already found my way away from everything familiar. Twice. I just didn’t call it solo travel at the time. Menorca made me brave, but I was already brave. I just hadn’t realised it yet.

cheers to breakups that bloom into something beautiful,

birthdays that remind you who you are,

to trying to be brave,

and to later finding out you always were.

Talk soon,

Tally 🐛