My journey has broadened my horizons a lot. Now I believe that you should try everything if you have a dream. Even if something doesn't work out, at least you can say that you did your best. You only live once - and in the end you shouldn't have any regrets.
Jenny traveled through Peru, Colombia and Guatemala - an experience that would shape her forever. She improved her Spanish in Cusco, worked in a hostel in Colombia and enjoyed nature on an eco-farm in Guatemala. She visited impressive places such as Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountains and Tayrona National Park. New challenges such as hiking at great heights and her first jump from a 12-meter tower made the trip unforgettable. But the most valuable thing was the encounters with people - warm locals and inspiring travelers. She learned that happiness does not depend on possessions and that traveling strengthens courage and independence.
Now she is already planning her next adventure - because once you travel alone, you want to do it again and again.
I already had the desire to go to Latin America during my A-levels. I wanted to see something of the world after my A-levels and take a break from studying. As I didn't want to be on my own, I found this organization and decided to plan my trip with WanderWorld. My parents also agreed and supported me.
WanderWorld gave me very good advice, as I didn't know which projects would suit me at the beginning. Once I had made my decision, I received all the information about the projects and my trip. The packing list was very helpful. A health list with recommended vaccinations also helped me to prepare.
I could also call or write an e-mail at any time if I had any questions or concerns. That helped me a lot and gave me courage.
When I arrived in Lima, I immediately felt very welcome. Everyone was very nice. I also got to meet two other volunteers on the induction day. They were super nice, which made me feel optimistic about my upcoming adventure. The introductory event was informative and we had a lot of fun. I was only able to see Lima for one day, but I still felt very much at home. Of course, it was completely different from the European cities and you have to get used to it first. Nevertheless, it didn't feel foreign.
The biggest difference I noticed immediately on arrival was the traffic. It was a bit of a culture shock, as the roads were much busier, there was a lot of congestion and everything seemed pretty disorganized. The "faster you go, you win" driving style is considered normal there. But it's a different culture. You also get used to it. There are also many other differences, and it's exciting to explore them.
I did a language course in Cusco for two weeks. The language school was in the center and not only offered language courses, but also a lot of activities where I got to know many people from different countries. It was a great time. I was able to improve my Spanish and socialize at the same time. The teachers were all really nice too.
In Colombia, I worked in a hostel. At the bar, I learned how to mix cocktails and put my Spanish to the test. I worked with a Colombian man with whom I only spoke Spanish for four weeks. During this time, I learned at least as much as I would have in a school year. The hostel staff were also all very supportive if I had any questions or comments. Even if you want to visit another city for a short time and maybe can't work, you can always find a solution together.
Everything was also very relaxed on the eco-farm in Guatemala. As it is a volunteer project, I had a lot of freedom and was able to go on numerous excursions. During my time on the farm, there were many other volunteers from WanderWorld, but also from other countries and organizations. The farm also offered activities such as volleyball or an afternoon of games. I lived together with two other WanderWorld volunteers in a guesthouse - a beautiful house with a roof terrace from which you could not only watch the town, but also the active volcano "Fuego".
On my trip, I got to know an incredible number of people with whom I did a lot of things. Sometimes you meet people you only spend two or three days with and yet it feels like you've known each other for much longer. It's super easy to meet and get to know people, especially when you're traveling alone. At first I was afraid of having to do a lot on my own, as I didn't have the courage to approach other travelers. But this worry disappeared immediately. There are more solo travelers than you think, who may have the same worries. Many people approached me and after a while I became more open and just sat down with people.
Cusco had a lot to offer in terms of tourism: Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountains, Pisac, the 7 Lagoons and of course the city itself. All travelers have roughly the same destinations. You can always find someone to go on an excursion with, as long as you keep an open mind and remain spontaneous.
Colombia also has a lot to offer, such as Minca, Palomino, Tayrona Park, Medellín and Cali. I surfed in Palomino for the first time - it was a great and unforgettable experience!
There are many tourist destinations near Antigua that can be reached in a few hours by bus, such as Lake Atitlán, El Paredón and Guatemala City. At Lake Atitlán, I dared to jump into the water from a twelve-metre-high diving platform for the first time - an exciting experience!
As many travelers and backpackers have the same destinations and routes, you often meet them several times on your way, which always leads to funny and beautiful coincidences.
The people in Latin America are very nice and friendly. They give you a warm welcome. It was a great experience to get to know the locals. They know best what you can do in their country, what you should see and which places you should avoid. You also learn a lot from them and can of course improve your Spanish.
I found that the people are very cheerful despite the many challenges they face. They also love to party - there's always a reason to celebrate. That was also super fun. Of course, I was able to get to know Latin American music. It is not yet so widespread in Germany, but in Latin America there is hardly any other type of music.
The culture is very different from that of Germany. This can be seen, for example, in the fact that people there give little thought to who they spend time with - even if they are strangers. That's why it's so easy to make new friends in Latin America.
There were many moments that I will always remember. I can't decide which one was the best. In general, I think the best thing about traveling is meeting different people and taking them into your heart after just a short time. At the same time, it's also the hardest thing, because you know that you'll soon have to say goodbye again and will probably never see these people again.
Nevertheless, it's worth it because it's the natural course of life and everyone goes their own way. Saying goodbye has always been difficult for me, but on my journey I realized how hard it really is. But I knew that I would always meet new people - and that's what a journey is all about.
When traveling to Latin America, you should always be open to new things and meet people with open arms. You shouldn't be afraid to simply approach strangers - because you won't usually be rejected. I learned this on my trip and eventually found it completely normal to come into contact with others in this way.
Of course, it is also important to have the desire to explore new cities and areas. It's completely normal to feel doubt or even fear at the beginning of traveling alone for so long. Being far away from family, friends and familiar routines takes courage. But once you've arrived, you get used to the new circumstances and realize how easy it can actually be.
Once you have traveled alone, you often want to do it for the rest of your life.
I have one moment in particular in my memory. I met a British man with whom I hiked to the Rainbow Mountains. As I'm not really the hiking type, it was a big challenge for me. Even though the hike isn't very long, you still reach your limits as the Rainbow Mountains are around 5,000 meters above sea level - a huge strain on the body. But we motivated each other. Our group was also friendly.
When we got to the top, it was a huge relief. We even walked further to Red Valley, which in my opinion was even more impressive than the Rainbow Mountains themselves. There were hardly any people there and the landscape was breathtaking. My favorite photo was taken right there - with a view of a huge, red valley stretching out below us.
There are many negative preconceptions about Latin America. Even my parents weren't enthusiastic at first when I told them I wanted to travel there. But the decision to travel with WanderWorld was a good idea - despite the potential dangers and worries, I was able to realize my dream.
On site, I quickly realized that it is actually safe as long as you stick to a few basic rules. I always felt safe myself, even when I was traveling alone. Of course, you should never be out alone at night and you shouldn't be gullible. I always avoided arguments on the street or in other situations. You can easily avoid such problems if you stay alert.
If you remain friendly, don't provoke an argument and don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself, you can easily stay out of trouble in most situations. Of course, being in a group is always safer - but not essential.
My journey has broadened my horizons enormously. Today, I believe that you should try everything if you have a dream. Even if something doesn't work out, at least you can say that you did your best. You only live once, and in the end you shouldn't have any regrets.
I now have a much more optimistic outlook on life. There is always a way to fulfill your wishes or make compromises. My perspective has changed particularly because I was able to see how people in Latin America live. They often have much less than we do - and yet I had the feeling that they are happier. That made me think.
I also realized how little you really need to live. I only had a small amount of luggage with me and yet I had everything I needed. When I came back to Germany, I really realized how much luxury we live in. I now appreciate many things much more that I used to take for granted.
I am proud to have planned my trip myself, to have traveled alone through Latin America and to have overcome many challenges on my own. This experience has allowed me to mature. I am now much more open to new things and experience things that I might have missed out on in the past.
If you want to experience an adventure and get to know a different way of life, you should travel to Latin America. The people there are different - they live differently. They are open and full of life. I have visited four great countries and am already planning my next trip to other regions. There is so much to discover. I only recently found out that Colombia alone is almost four times the size of Germany. So I still haven't seen everything - which is of course not possible. But I definitely want to go back.
I met many people on my trip who told me about their experiences and gave me new inspiration and ideas. I was able to gain many valuable experiences, learn from others and develop personally.
Of course, there were also negative experiences. I didn't always make the right decisions and not everything went as planned. Nevertheless, I have learned from my mistakes - and will never repeat them.
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
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