Although she has lived in Warsaw for 7 years, Estera Walska still feels a strong connection to her hometown of Bolesławiec, where she grew up and received her education. A psychologist by training, she combines her work on the internet with a passion for solo trips. She regularly travels alone, treating travel not only as an adventure, but also as an opportunity for reflection and personal growth. She spoke about her travels on the popular breakfast program "Dzień Dobry TVN."
– When I travel alone, I choose places with good local transportation, says Estera Walska explaining how to avoid the cost of renting a car while traveling. – Traveling independently is an alternative way of traveling. In my case, it is a choice of one type of trip. My first solo trip was to the Hel Peninsula, and the weather happened to be nice. Later, while living in Madrid, I explored Spain, Portugal and Morocco, Estera recounted her beginnings in solo travel.
The traveler also has ideas for feeling comfortable on one’s own in places full of groups and families.
– Especially in southern countries, when I feel overwhelmed by the fact that people go to restaurants and bars in large groups and with their families while I am alone, I opt for street food to feel comfortable in that situation, Estera says.
Estera Walska’s biggest project is Varsovia Society – a women’s community in Warsaw that she founded to counter loneliness and build authentic relationships. Thanks to her psychological education, she regularly organizes personal development workshops and meetings that support women’s mental well-being.
Estera shares her passion for solo travel and psychology on Instagram: @esterawalska. More about Varsovia Society’s activities can be found on the profile @varsoviasociety.
Estera Walska and Teresa Bancewicz: the women travelers from our region
On this occasion, it is worth remembering Teresa Bancewicz, a traveler and artist who is no longer with us, but who also discovered the beauty of independent travel and the extraordinary freedom it offers. In a world without the internet, translators or Google Maps, she traveled freely and for the proverbial one dollar.
– The essence of traveling is waiting for what may happen to me. It is adrenaline, surprise and the unexpected. I have no obligations. I am free. My desire is to get to know people at every latitude, traveler Teresa Bancewicz told TVP in 2016.
Teresa Bancewicz wrote about her travels and life:
"As far back as I can remember from childhood, I always see myself walking alone, and earlier with my mother. (...) My desire is to get to know people at every latitude, their customs and traditions, how they live and dwell. I am interested in the culture of generations that have passed and those who are creating the living present. (...) In Poland I bought a \"International Youth Hostel Card\" – these are the cheapest international hotels. At my request, the Polish Embassies in Finland and Sweden sent maps showing the locations of the hotels that interested me. Further organizational matters included gathering dictionaries and phrasebooks, and geographical and historical information.
From Przejęsław I set off by hitchhiking on August 29, 1996.(...)."