7 Wonders, 7 Chapters of Becoming: A Solo Journey Through Healing and Discovery

There was a time when visiting all seven of the modern Wonders of the World felt distant—more like a passing thought than a real plan. Life was full and unpredictable, and my energy was focused on getting through each season as it came. But deep down, I always believed in the idea of following curiosity, of going wherever something meaningful might be waiting.

In 2021, I was in the middle of a personal shift. A relationship ended, and I was navigating an emotionally heavy season. I stayed open to small moments of clarity—and one arrived unexpectedly, in a dream.

I dreamt of Machu Picchu. The image was so vivid, and something about it stayed with me. Soon after, I booked a solo trip to Peru.

That journey didn’t erase the challenges, but it gave me a new perspective. I began traveling with more intention—choosing destinations that felt aligned, allowing space to reflect, and welcoming the kind of experiences that shape you quietly but deeply.

While in Peru, I joined an Airbnb Experience and met other fellow solo travelers who felt instantly familiar. During a conversation, someone in the group asked how many wonders I had already seen. That question sparked something. I began to realize this wasn’t just one trip. It could be a series—a personal journey marked by the seven wonders, each one a chapter of becoming.

Here’s how that path unfolded.

1. Colosseum (Italy) – 2012

This was the very beginning, even before I knew it. I visited with my family, and I remember being in awe of the history and magnitude of it all. That moment planted the seed of wonder.

2. Chichen Itza (Mexico) – 2017 or 2018

One spring break, I had the chance to visit Chichen Itza. While the exact year blurs, I clearly remember the warmth of the sun, the intricacy of the ruins, and the quiet power of the place. It was an early reminder of how ancient spaces still hold energy.

3. Machu Picchu (Peru) – 2022

The turning point. This was the first trip I booked just for myself, following a dream and a deep gut feeling. Hiking through the clouds, I felt connected to something bigger. That experience opened my heart in new ways and gave me the courage to keep going.

4. Petra (Jordan) – 2023

Petra delivered a sense of awe that’s hard to put into words. Walking through the Siq and arriving at the Treasury was breathtaking. The pink stone, the depth of history—it felt cinematic and deeply grounding all at once.

5. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil) – 2024

Rio carried a vibrant spirit, full of movement and color. Visiting Christ the Redeemer brought a sense of peace I didn’t expect. Looking out over the city, I felt present, steady, and grateful.

6. Taj Mahal (India) – 2025

India gave me contrast—beauty, energy, tenderness. Visiting the Taj Mahal was deeply moving. Sharing part of the trip with a close friend made it even more memorable. The experience felt like stepping into a love letter carved in stone.

7. Great Wall of China (China) – 2025

The final stop. A quick layover before meeting my family, but a milestone that felt incredibly symbolic. I chose the Mutianyu section for its serenity. After walking the wall, I ended the visit with a toboggan ride down—joyful, lighthearted, and full of closure.

Each destination gave me something unique. With every trip, I felt more rooted, more connected to who I was becoming.

This year brought growth in new and unexpected ways. I’ve been adjusting to a shift in my career, and more recently, changes in my family dynamic that I first began to sense last year. It’s been an emotional process, one that has asked me to move with compassion—for others and for myself. Through it all, I’ve stayed open to clarity, choosing to keep going with intention and care.

I now travel differently. I choose presence over pressure, joy over perfection, and movement as a way to reflect. I also feel incredibly supported in this season. I share life with someone who encourages my independence and celebrates my solo adventures—cheering me on every step of the way. That kind of emotional support brings so much ease and confidence.

Traveling alone has never meant being alone. Along the way, I’ve met people who’ve inspired me, shared conversations that shifted my mindset, and had moments of stillness that brought peace.

To anyone moving through change—career transitions, relationship shifts, or identity exploration—please remember this: you’re allowed to start fresh. You’re allowed to take the scenic route. You’re allowed to dream again.

Each wonder reminded me that becoming isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about staying curious, grounded, and open to the path ahead.

Now that all seven wonders are complete, a new question emerges: what’s next?

Maybe I’ll visit the honorary eighth—the Great Pyramid of Giza. Or maybe I’ll follow a new theme. Food capitals, soul cities, spiritual landscapes, or a Silk Road journey. I’m staying open.

Whatever comes next, I’ll bring with me the lessons I’ve learned: to walk slower, breathe deeper, and move with intention. This chapter was filled with awe, and I know the story is still unfolding.

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Have ideas for what I should explore next? I’d love to hear them—drop a comment or message me.