Solo Travel Made Simple: My Sozopol Escape with Getaway Genie

7 May 2025
admin_paul

Planning a solo trip felt overwhelming – I found peace, simplicity, and surprise with Adele’s help

If you’ve ever tried booking a solo trip, you’ll know it can quickly spiral into chaos. With hundreds of options, too many opinions, and no clear winner, it can be overwhelming. I found myself stuck in that exact loop – wanting something new, peaceful, and a bit random – but not knowing where to start. That all changed after a chance encounter with Adele from Getaway Genie. She didn’t just help me book a holiday; she transformed the entire experience.

The Search for Somewhere New

I had been dreaming of going somewhere I’d never been before. A destination that felt a little bit secret, somewhere quiet, away from noisy crowds and hectic tourist traps. I wasn’t looking for all-inclusive madness or the same overdone resorts you see in every search result. I wanted a break. A real break. The kind of place where you can read a book by the sea, sip a cocktail without hearing “Sweet Caroline” on loop, and maybe even rediscover yourself a bit.

But as anyone who’s ever Googled “quiet holiday destinations” knows, it’s a minefield out there. Reviews are contradictory, prices fluctuate by the second, and you never really know what you’re getting until you’re already on the plane. Eventually, I gave up. I shelved the idea entirely – until a totally random chat with Adele flipped everything.

A Chance Encounter with Adele

I met Adele through a friend, and within ten minutes of chatting, I knew I’d struck gold. I told her exactly what I was looking for: something new, not too touristy, safe for a solo traveller, and – most importantly – easy. I didn’t want to deal with the stress. She listened, asked smart questions, and then worked her magic.

Within a short space of time, she came back with two options that I honestly wouldn’t have found on my own. I was torn – both looked amazing – but even just having those tailored suggestions gave me the confidence I needed to commit. It had been a while since I’d travelled abroad on my own, so having someone like Adele in my corner felt like a real comfort.

My Stay at Hotel Selena

Adele suggested Hotel Selena, located just outside the charming old town of Sozopol. Nestled in the quieter Budjaka district and only 50 metres from the beach, it offered the perfect balance of serenity and accessibility. From the moment I arrived, I felt at home.

The hotel has a peaceful, welcoming vibe. The rooms were spacious and spotless, with views that made morning coffee on the balcony something to genuinely look forward to. There were two swimming pools, a lovely garden, and the Moderato restaurant served some of the best food I had during the whole trip. The staff were incredibly warm and helpful, which made a big difference as a solo traveller.

Discovering Sozopol

Sozopol was like stepping into a storybook. This ancient town on the southern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is full of cobbled streets, old wooden houses, and a relaxed coastal charm that makes you instantly slow down and breathe. It’s one of the oldest towns in the country, founded over 2,600 years ago, and still holds onto its heritage in the best possible way.

I spent my days wandering through the Old Town, visiting little galleries and local markets, and taking long walks along the coast. The beaches were peaceful and clean, and there was no shortage of hidden coves to explore. I even caught a glimpse of the local arts scene during the tail-end of the Apollonia Arts Festival. Every day felt effortless – exactly what I’d hoped for after a few difficult years.

If you’re curious to learn more, here’s a great Sozopol Travel Guide that captures the town’s magic.

The Getaway Genie Difference

What truly made this trip stand out wasn’t just the destination – it was the experience of getting there. Adele and the team at Getaway Genie handled everything, from flights to transfers to recommendations on where to eat. Nothing was too much trouble, and her attention to detail meant I could just relax and look forward to my holiday, instead of stressing over every tiny decision.

It’s rare to find someone who actually listens to what you want and delivers exactly that—but Adele did. She took away all the pressure and uncertainty, and I’ll be forever grateful for that. It felt like having a friend plan your holiday, but a friend who knows the travel industry inside out.

Spreading the Word

The holiday was everything I needed: peaceful, uplifting, and a real mental reset. Since returning, I’ve been singing Adele’s praises to anyone who’ll listen. I’ve already passed her details on to several friends, including my dad – who’s now all booked up for a trip to Tenerife in November, thanks to her help.

If you’re dreading the hassle of booking a holiday or simply don’t know where to begin, do yourself a favour and give Adele at Getaway Genie a shout. Whether you’re going solo like me or planning something bigger, you’ll be in brilliant hands.