Michelle’s group trip through Central America

After several trips with friends and family, both in and outside Europe, I decided it was time for my first solo journey. Vietnam was my destination, and I spent a month travelling across the country. While I met plenty of new people along the way, I noticed everyone quickly went their own way, while I was hoping to find travel mates for a longer stretch. This time, I wanted things to be different. So I chose a group trip-setting off solo, but sharing the experience. No hassle with planning, just the chance to meet great people and take time to build real friendships. And it worked! To this day, I’m still in touch with my travel mates, and we’re still reminiscing about all the special moments we shared. Like any travel lover, I can’t wait to plan my next adventure. Where to? I haven’t decided yet, but one thing’s certain: it’ll be another group trip, to a destination with a rich history. Because for me, travel isn’t just about seeing new places-it’s about getting to know the world and yourself.

From Playa del Carmen, we travelled on to Caye Caulker-a laid-back island in Belize. The vibe changes instantly: super relaxed and the locals are incredibly friendly. We hired bikes to explore the island and chatted with locals about why they moved here and what makes this place so special. The next day, we boarded a catamaran for a boat trip along the coral reef. The tour guides were fantastic, full of passion, and kept us supplied with fresh fruit and even a bottle of Belizian rum all day. But the highlight? Snorkelling among nurse sharks, colourful fish and stunning coral. Truly an experience you’ll never forget!

But that wasn’t all. In Guatemala, we explored the abandoned Maya city of Tikal, right in the heart of the jungle. Our guide brought the history and beliefs of the indigenous Maya tribes to life, showing us how they’re reflected in the ruins. To top it off, we ended the day with a zipline adventure through the jungle. What an experience!

At the end of our trip, the most adventurous activity was waiting for us: climbing the Acatenango volcano! It’s a two-day hike with an overnight stay at basecamp. The trek up was tough, but when we arrived we were rewarded with hot chocolate and a warm meal. At night, we woke each other up to watch the active Fuego volcano erupt-a magical moment. In the morning, we all enjoyed breakfast together and watched the sunrise. It was amazing to see everyone helping each other through the tough parts and keeping each other motivated. The breathtaking views made every bit of effort totally worth it!