Traveling alone can feel intimidating at first, but it opens the door to newfound independence, self-discovery, and the thrill of navigating the world on your own terms. Few people embody that truth more than Chelsea Gruber, whose journey from a personal low point to a life of adventure has inspired countless women to step outside their comfort zones.
Growing up in a home where travel was second nature, Chelsea always knew the world was vast and full of possibilities. But it wasn’t until she hit a personal crossroads that she truly embraced the solo travel lifestyle. Her first trip alone to Costa Rica was terrifying at first, but through solitude, connection, and courage, it became the defining experience that set her on a new path.
Now, through Chelsea Solo Travels, she’s helping other women find that same empowerment. In this conversation, she shares what it was like to take that first leap, the unexpected lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she believes travel is about the people you meet as much as the places you go. Her story is a testament to the power of exploration, not just of the world, but of yourself.
Can you start by telling us a little about yourself—where you’re from, what you do, and what led you to solo travel?
I grew up in a household where adventure was a way of life. My dad traveled often, and from an early age, I learned that stepping into the unknown could lead to the greatest rewards. After moving from Georgia to New York City after college, I fell in love with its diversity and energy, but I craved deeper connections and more freedom. Eventually, I hit a personal low and knew I needed a change.
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That’s when I took my first solo trip to Costa Rica. I was terrified, but through moments of solitude, connecting with other travelers, and embracing the freedom to make my own choices, I found strength. That experience sparked my deep love for solo travel and personal discovery, and now, through Chelsea Solo Travels, I help other women find confidence and empowerment through their own journeys.
What inspired you to take this particular trip, and why did you choose this destination?
My first solo trip to Costa Rica was inspired by a need for personal transformation. I failed at making it in New York, had moved to my parent’s house in Florida, and was at a low point and needed a fresh start, a challenge, and an opportunity to rediscover myself. Costa Rica felt like the perfect place—a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and a welcoming culture. I had no idea at the time that this trip would completely change my life and lead me to a career in helping other women experience the same empowerment through travel.
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What were your emotions like on the first day—was there a moment when you thought, ‘What have I gotten myself into?
I felt a wave of fear and doubt when I first arrived. On my first night, I cried the entire night and didn’t sleep because I was so afraid. The idea of being alone in an unfamiliar country was overwhelming, and there were moments when I seriously questioned my decision. But by the third day, everything changed. I went white-water rafting and met other solo female travelers who had been where I was—nervous but ultimately empowered. That moment flipped a switch in me. I realized that this wasn’t just about travel—it was about proving to myself that I was capable, independent, and stronger than I had given myself credit for.
Was there a specific challenge you faced during this trip? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from it?
Every solo trip I go on is a challenge, mentally, physically, and emotionally. One thing about solo travel, you really discover who you are at your core. Each trip unmasks more parts of myself I’ve been hiding or ashamed of, and it’s an emotional toll to work through it. But I come out the other end a better and more authentic version of myself. Anthony Bourdain of course is a huge inspiration for me, and he has a quote that says “Travel isn’t always pretty. Outside the resorts, past the polished safe zones where tourists lounge, travel does what it’s meant to do, it breaks you open. It forces you to see yourself in ways you can’t ignore. Your flaws, the ones you’ve spent years burying, suddenly become glaringly obvious.”
“Each trip unmasks more parts of myself I’ve been hiding or ashamed of, and it’s an emotional toll to work through it. But I come out the other end a better and more authentic version of myself.”
You’ve said that travel is more about people than places—was there someone you met on this journey who had a profound impact on you?
Yes! While traveling in Vietnam, I found a local gallery that supports victims affected by Agent Orange and gives them opportunities for work. A lot of them have severe physical abnormalities which makes it hard to lead normal lives. I met a local artisan who was a victim of Agent Orange. His name was Quang, and his story absolutely broke me. He was extremely talented and created the most beautiful silk painting that I have hung up at home. His resilience and kindness moved me deeply. Our conversation made me realize that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about the people we meet and the perspectives we gain. That moment reinforced why I value cultural immersion so much in my travels.
What was the most surreal or magical moment of this trip? A time when you truly felt present and connected?
I’ve had two extremely out-of-body magical moments on my solo travels. This first was camping in the Sahara Desert. I’ll never forget lying under an endless sky filled with stars, feeling so small yet so connected to everything around me. It was one of those rare moments of complete presence—where time slows down, and you feel truly at peace. That experience solidified why I love solo travel. It gives you the space to reflect, to appreciate, and to just be.
The other was the moment I summited Mount Kilimanjaro. It pushed me physically and mentally in ways I never anticipated, but reaching the summit was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I reached the top, looked around at the clouds surrounding me, and immediately started crying. I was truly so proud of myself. It proved to me that I’m capable of so much more than I thought. Since then, I’ve set a goal to do one extremely physically challenging solo trip each year. The year after Kilimanjaro, I climbed Mount Rainier (my first mountaineering experience), and this year I am running the Paris Marathon.
“Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about the people we meet and the perspectives we gain.”
Did this journey push you outside your comfort zone in ways you didn’t expect? If so, how?
Absolutely. Solo travel constantly pushes me outside my comfort zone. Whether it was navigating a foreign city, dealing with language barriers, or learning to trust myself in uncertain situations, I was always challenged in unexpected ways.
How did you navigate your feelings of loneliness?
I definitely had moments of loneliness, especially in the beginning. But I quickly realized that being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely. I learned to enjoy my own company, embrace solitude as a time for reflection, and be intentional about connecting with people along the way. I stayed in social accommodations, joined group excursions, and made an effort to engage with locals. Solo travel taught me that meaningful connections can happen anywhere, even when you start the journey alone.
How has solo travel influenced your current job or career path? Has it changed how you approach work or life in general?
Solo travel completely changed my life and career path. That first trip to Costa Rica sparked something in me, and now I run Chelsea Solo Travels, where I help other women gain the same confidence and independence I found through travel. It also changed how I approach life—I embrace uncertainty, trust my instincts, and know that I am capable of handling whatever comes my way.
Now that you’ve had time to reflect, how do you think this trip influenced your future travels and the way you live your life today?
That first solo trip was the beginning of a lifelong journey of self-discovery. It taught me that I am resourceful, brave, and capable. Now, every time I travel, I go into it with the mindset that challenges are just opportunities to grow. And beyond travel, that philosophy has shaped how I live my life—I take more risks, trust myself more, and encourage other women to do the same.
“I embrace uncertainty, trust my instincts, and know that I am capable of handling whatever comes my way.”
Chelsea Solo Travels is a travel consultancy dedicated to empowering women to embark on solo journeys. Founded by Chelsea Gruber, who has spent eight years exploring the world and now offers personalized guidance and curated experiences to inspire and support solo adventurers.
