Solo Traveling in Nicaragua: Trusting the Flow

Traveling solo can feel intimidating, especially when you’re landing in a new country with no set plans and no familiar faces waiting on the other side. I never thought I would be the type of person to go on a trip alone. I love being social and having my friends join me on surf trips, so I was nervous to try this by myself.

Stepping off the plane in Nicaragua, backpack strapped on, surfboard bag dragging behind me, I had no idea what the next few weeks would look like.

One of the things I leaned into before this trip was trust, manifestation, and positive energy. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, I focused on what I wanted to happen: smooth travel, kind people, fun waves, and unforgettable memories. And it all unfolded better than I could have imagined.

Arriving at the Airport Solo

The moment I walked off the airplane, reality hit: I was officially on my own. Old habits crept in. Thoughts like What if I can’t find my ride? What if I don’t have enough money for the cab? What if I get lost? What if I get hurt? started to loop in my head, and panic began to rise.

Instead of spiraling, I reminded myself of what I had been working on: You are safe. You are happy to be here. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

That mindset shift changed everything. When the line at customs moved slowly, I didn’t stress about my ride leaving. I told myself, I’m supposed to be the last one to clear customs because it’s setting me up to have the best experience.

Sure enough, when I came out, my driver was right there waiting. The ride was calm, and by the time we started the two hour drive to Popoyo, I felt the excitement of my solo journey kicking in.

Arriving at the Hostel

By midnight, we pulled into my hostel. My reservation had technically been for earlier that day, but since my flight was later, I wasn’t sure how check-in would work. The place was dark, quiet, and empty. For a second I thought, Well… that pool lounger could make a decent bed.

But I didn’t panic. I just let the moment be what it was. Right as I started to settle in, a flashlight beam cut across the room and a security guard was coming over to me. He asked if I was checking in, and before I knew it, I had been shown to my dorm and tucked into a real bed. A long travel day, finally complete.

Days in Popoyo, Nicaragua

Throughout the trip I kept affirming: This trip is going to flow. I’m going to meet good people. The universe has my back. It wasn’t about forcing things, it was about staying open and trusting that Nicaragua would welcome me. And it did.

I stayed at Tukasa Surf Hostel in Popoyo, hands down the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in. For just $20 a night, I shared a dorm with eight other girls, and it instantly became a community. From the moment I walked in, it felt like the right place. Hammocks filled with travelers, surf stories swapped between sessions, and easy friendships that formed quickly. New people were coming and going which kept it fresh and exciting.

One thing that stood out: the number of solo female travelers. The men, whether solo or in couples, were actually the minority. It was interesting how many women I met had just come out of long-term relationships. Their stories were similar: their partners were good guys, just not THE guy for them. So they booked a one-way ticket, grabbed a board, and decided to live the travel lifestyle they’d always wanted. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s stories: how they balanced work and travel, how some decided to stay until their money ran out, or even began working at the hostel for housing.

Most of my days were spent surfing, pushing myself to improve, and enjoying the consistent swells. Tukasa kept the energy alive with group surf trips by boat, yoga, bonfires, parties, and live music. No matter your surf level (from total beginner to seasoned) there was a wave for everyone.

I met incredible people and built many memories with them, yet I never felt tied down. Even when I ventured to the beach solo or enjoyed a nice meal by myself, there was always someone back at the hostel inviting me to join something new.

Final Thoughts

Traveling solo to Nicaragua was more than a surf trip, it was proof that mindset shapes experience. I arrived not knowing a soul, yet by trusting the flow, keeping my energy positive, and believing everything would align, I found ease, connection, and adventure waiting for me.

If you’ve been nervous about traveling alone, here’s what I’ve learned: the only way past the fear is to just go. You don’t need to have every detail figured out. Some of my best memories came from the unexpected. Solo doesn’t mean lonely, and you might be surprised by how many doors open when you take that leap.