Notes on Hosting My First International Group Trip

To be honest, I don’t really remember my life without wanderlust. The first thing I wanted to be, at the age of 5, was a world wildlife photographer. Once I was older, I realized that my passion wasn’t the animals, or even the photography – although, I do still love to document my adventures – but it was seeing new landscapes and meeting new people. Ever since a trip to Zion National Park that imprinted that gorgeous feeling of wonder in my mind at the age of 9 I have been obsessed with wandering as far, as wide, as frequently as I can.

As I got older, though, I have wanted to share the experiences around the world more and more. I’m always trying to plan trips with the people I love: my dad, my mom, Matt, our family of four, our extended families and friends. I want to show people my favorite places and connect over new experiences with them.

When I was given this opportunity to host my first group trip through Trova Trip I was floored. Not only did I have hardcore imposter syndrome, I was so scared no one would want to go with me, specifically. But then, as people got more and more excited about it and people started to sign up, then I had enough to confirm the trip and then some, I started to feel more and more confident. This is something I can do. This is the culmination of what I love: travel, adventure, empowerment and community. And I get to do it in Ecuador. A new experience entirely for me. I was ready for this adventure, this chapter of my life.

For me, this has become such a dream come true. I love connecting with people and building community. It’s something I’ve been working on for a few years now and I find it to be such a beautiful thing when people (my current groups have been more naturally suited to women) come together and share their lives, their stories and their time with each other. And that’s exactly what we did on this trip together.

We were absolutely the group of anyone laughing the most no matter where we went. Laughing at jokes, silly things we said, at Karen constantly inadvertently putting herself in danger of falling or being hit by a vehicle, or saying something so wild we had to add it to our ever-growing quote list for the week! I haven’t laughed that hard that consistently in such a long time. It was so magical.

I watched women in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s push themselves. Some of them came out of their shells, some overcame fears, some pushed through physical activities that were super challenging. Each and every one of them took on their own personal challenges by jumping in with both feet. It was a beautiful experience to be a part of. And anytime someone was uncomfortable or scared, there was another woman right around the corner ready to give comfort, encouragement and hype them up.

There were lots of really experienced travelers in my group, which was so amazing to know that even after traveling on their own, they trusted their time and money on me and this experience. Also, there were some relatively less-traveled women and getting to see so much newness through their eyes was so wonderful.

I personally experienced a whole new type of travel as a travel host. I learned a lot from this trip and am so glad that so many women were willing to do this with me knowing it was the first trip I had ever hosted. And while I walked away from this experience feeling really proud of myself, and feeling like this is something that I want to do so much more of, but I also had things I would do again, and others that I wouldn’t. I felt like I put a lot of myself and my time into this trip. I was working hard to keep everyone hyped, to make everyone comfortable and make sure our plans were clear.

All I know is that this trip awakened a love of travel in a new and different way. Being the person who brings people together in unforgettable destinations is so special to me and something I want to do for a long time. I experience the things for myself, but I also get to ensure that others are having the best experience possible and making friends along the way. It was the best.

These connections were deep, beautiful and true. I felt part of the nature we saw. Our guide encouraged us to take moments in powerful natural sites to feel connected to pachamama. I loved those moments, and I felt so part of something bigger, like a part of nature. I am nature.

We met locals and were soaked by waterfalls. We drank mojitos two at a time during happy hour and laughed when we gave Jenna all of our scraps and renamed her “Trash Panda” in the most affectionate way. We saw fog roll over and across Cotopaxi Volcano. We crashed bikes, soaked in natural springs and white water rafted while chanting silly things. It was 10 out of 10 and I’m so excited I get to do it all over again in new locations.

I have two trips already planned for 2027 and these are both co-ed trips, not women only. And I would love to have you on an adventure with me. First is Peru for the Salkantay Trek, Manchu Picchu and tours in Cusco. The second is a Christmas Market focused trip with several other day explorations in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania! Plus, here’s a teaser for 2028 – Patagonia in March! It would truly be an honor to get to connect with you, explore with you and make memories around the world with you.