June 12, 2025
There are countless reasons why people choose to travel solo. For me, it was about stepping out of a negative cycle and discovering more about myself and the world. My first solo travel experience came at a time when I was focused on everything that wasn’t going right in my life. A good friend noticed my struggles and suggested volunteering. She thought it might help shift my focus from my own problems to helping others. She was right, but I decided to take it a step further and volunteer internationally, combining my love for travel with my desire to make a difference.
After some research, I found a reputable volunteer organization and was excited to choose my destination. Although India was my first choice, I worried about the heat. I wanted my first solo trip to be enjoyable and not overly challenging. I knew if I was uncomfortable I would never volunteer like this again. I needed this first trip to be easy, short, and cold! After much consideration, I decided on Peru. It was only a six-hour flight, had a plethora of activities, and it was winter there, which meant cooler temperatures. Plus, the opportunity to take a Spanish immersion class and travel for a week after volunteering sealed the deal.
I quickly secured my spot, paid the very small fee for room and board and started planning. Despite my excitement, I had my worries. What if I was the oldest person there? What if I was placed with a family and it was just me and them? What if I hated it and wanted to leave? But I had committed, and I was determined to see it through.
With my suitcase, Tory Burch tote, and new crossbody purse in tow, I headed to Peru. After landing in Lima and a long layover, I caught an early morning flight to Cusco. I had researched and knew exactly how to get a taxi to Pisac in the Sacred Valley. In hindsight, this wasn’t the smartest move. Luckily, my taxi driver wasn’t a murderer, and I arrived safely at my little cottage for the weekend before my volunteer work began.
The Sacred Valley was everything I hoped for: beautiful, peaceful, and spiritual. I met people from all over the world, many of whom were on their own spiritual journeys or backpacking through South America. It was a lovely weekend, but I took no chances with my return to Cusco, asking the property manager to call a car for me.
Arriving at the volunteer HQ in Cusco, I was taken to my volunteer house and pleasantly surprised. Patty, the host, had a four-story house with volunteers occupying the second and third floors. I paid extra for a private room and quickly felt at home with my fellow volunteers, who ranged from a retired teacher to a recent high school graduate.
The next day, we shared a taxi into town for orientation. My assignment was at a boys’ orphanage, working the afternoon shift from 2:00-6:00 PM. Early the next morning, I attended my Spanish class, which was fantastic. I learned so much in that week and wished I had signed up for a month.
However, the orphanage experience wasn’t as I expected. We were advised not to bring valuables due to theft. After the first day, it was dark when we finished, and my colleagues wanted to take the bus. Reluctantly, I agreed and was pickpocketed. Lost and unfamiliar with the area, I sought help at a café where an American girl offered her phone. The volunteer office came to my rescue, and my housemates helped me cancel my cards and get some cash wired.
Despite this setback, I didn’t quit. I spent my afternoons exploring Cusco, enjoying my Spanish class. When the week ended, three housemates and I embarked on a week-long excursion. We took an overnight bus to a small town, then a boat on Lake Titicaca to visit the floating islands of Uros and stay with a local family on another island. This was my first time roughing it, with no running water or electricity, but I embraced the experience. The sight of thousands of stars in the Milky Way that night was unforgettable.
After exploring Lake Titicaca, we took a long overnight bus back to Cusco, gearing up for the grand finale: Machu Picchu. We took a train to Aguascalientes and an early bus to the site. The moment I saw Machu Picchu, it took my breath away. It was exactly like the pictures but more awe-inspiring in person. We spent hours exploring and learning about the Inca civilization from our guide.
Leaving Peru the next day, I knew I wasn’t the same person. I felt alive, grateful, proud, and at peace with my life. Since then, I’ve taken several solo trips, each one teaching me something new. If you’re contemplating a solo trip, take that leap of faith. You’ll be glad you did.
And yes, as soon as I got home, I immediately bought a proper backpack so I would be ready for my next adventure!
I made a free one-page Solo Travel Confidence Checklist to help you feel ready and excited to go—just the essentials, plus a few words of encouragement for the road.
Grab it here