Newly single, I spent NYE dancing in the Moroccan desert. It was pure, escapist joy

In the beginning of October, my boyfriend and I broke up after almost three years together. In the Canadian province of Quebec, where I live, the holiday season was coming up fast. I thought, “There’s no way I’m going to be here alone in my living room, just watching my Christmas tree.” 

And that’s how Flash Pack’s algorithm found me. Up to that point, I’d done a lot of solo travel but I’d always assumed group travel was something for much older people. Reading through Flash Pack’s reviews, however, I began to see it was different. I really liked the idea of traveling with other solos around the same age and in the same stage of life as me. 

One trip in particular stood out. I kept going back to look at Morocco Highlights, which ran over New Year’s Eve. At first, I told myself it would be irresponsible to book it. Flash Pack trips aren’t cheap, and I worried that my family would be mad at me for going away over the holidays. 

Fresh from my breakup, it felt so right to try something new

Then, out of nowhere on a cold and dark Friday night, I just went ahead and booked. It was a big gift to myself but I justified it by thinking about my friends with kids. They pay similar prices to stay at an all-inclusive family resort. So why shouldn’t I, as someone who doesn’t have kids, treat myself to my own kind of adventure? Having made the booking, I experienced real joy and excitement. When I put my mind to something, I go all-in. It felt so right, and thrilling, to commit myself to something new.

I was a little worried about the trip being English-speaking (I am Québécoise, so English is my second language). And I also wondered whether the schedule might be too crowded. When I travel alone, I like to go slow and take my time getting to know a destination. I’ll sit at a coffee place and watch the world go by, observing the rhythms of a place. Equally, since I live alone, I was keen to socialize and hang out with new people – and Flash Pack’s approach enables exactly that dynamic. 

Fast-forward to our welcome dinner in Marrakech, and I was surprised by how quickly our group felt comfortable together. We all came from different countries – the UK, the US, Canada and beyond – and each of us had our own journeys. Like me, other Flashpackers joined the trip fresh from life’s ups and downs. But, somehow, we were able to meet in the same place and connect.

I was surprised by how quickly our group felt comfortable together

It’s fun to be discovered by new people who don’t know squat about you. We arrived without any labels, which meant we could appreciate one another – and ourselves – through fresh eyes. For example, on the last day, one Flashpacker told me that I was a heartwarming person to be around. That particular day, I was maybe a bit quieter and in my head. So, the compliment struck me. It was so considerate of her. I thought, “You’re right. That’s true. I am that person.” We all have things to offer the world but sometimes it takes someone else – someone who is relatively new to you – to recognize that value.

As for the trip pace, it turned out to be such a fun and balanced way to travel. Hicham, our Pack Leader, went beyond any expectations I had for a guide. He was so kind and helpful, and shared so much knowledge about his country and Moroccan culture. He was more like a friend than a trip manager. 

One of my favorite experiences was a vintage sidecar tour through Marrakech. I was paired with another woman from Quebec, so our guide was able to speak to us in French – and he shared some great stories. The roads were crazy (traffic guidelines were more suggestions than rules, and we dodged a few donkeys enroute!). But it was such a great way to explore souks and discover the city’s local neighborhoods. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline, culture and fun. I felt so far away from home.

The trip was the perfect mix of adrenaline, culture and fun

Something else I loved was when we journeyed into the Atlas Mountains and stopped for a cooking session with a local female entrepreneur. She was incredible. She decided not to get married and instead took the place her grandfather created and turned it into a culinary workshop for tourists. In such a traditional setting, her story felt inspiring and progressive. 

Another highlight came on New Year’s Eve, and our trip to the Agafay Desert. To get there, we each had our own ATV; it felt like something out of Mario Kart. The ride was about 90 minutes long, and we passed through this spectacular, lunar-like landscape of desert and snow-capped mountains. Because of my situation with the breakup, it felt symbolic to be somewhere so remote and new – in order to let go of what had happened and start afresh.

That night we glamped in the desert, and live performances from local musicians turned into a desert rave. All of us were just dancing together under the stars – it was so liberating and maybe the best party I’ve been to in a decade or more. 

Forget the breakup haircut: I chose adventure instead

In today’s political era, there are so many divisions. But that night felt like what humanity is supposed to be about. We were simply living in the moment: having fun, being kind, dancing to club music together. That’s what life should be.

When I woke up on 1 January 2026, the sun was rising over the desert. I thought, “How crazy is it that I’m here, in this beautiful setting after one of the best nights of my life?” I felt humbled, lucky and excited. I saw it as a symbol of good things to come. 

So, forget the breakup haircut: I chose adventure instead. Joining a Flash Pack trip after my relationship ended was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made. I’m almost scared to go on another one in case it’s not as good! 

There is so much going on in the world that sometimes feels heavy – it was good to have a moment to step away and fill my cup with new experiences and fresh connections. My issues didn’t disappear but I returned home lighter, filled with a greater sense of peace, clarity and joy.

Roxanne Bélisle works as a buyer and teacher in the fashion industry. She lives in Quebec, Canada, and traveled with Flash Pack to Morocco.