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Inspiring women to transform their lives through solo travel

Welcome to The Queen of Trips, a space where solo female travelers find confidence, freedom, and adventure. This is where I share fearless travel experiences, real stories, and the tools to help you take control of your journey on your terms!

hey, friends!
Latina Solo female traveler in a white and red outfit standing by Virgin Voyages 'Solo Socials' sign, holding a glass of champagne and ready to connect with other solo voyagers.
Woman, enjoying the outdoor patio dressed in orange and white.

“Healing doesn’t always come in the form of medicine; sometimes it’s a plane ticket.” – Unknown

more about Me more about my story

Hey there! I’m Maribel, The Queen of Trips.

As a first-generation Latina and elder Millennial from Miami and Medellin, I greatly value my roots and heritage. Despite facing numerous challenges, including breast cancer, I’ve learned to seize every moment. Inspired by this, I set an ambitious goal to explore every country in the world before retirement, firmly believing in making the most of opportunities and living life to the fullest.  I have been solo traveling for work or pleasure since 2007 and have had the privilege of visiting 31 countries.

Travel has become a crucial tool in my recovery, helping me heal and rediscover myself. I want to empower other women with my journey, sharing inspiration, practical tips, and heartfelt stories that celebrate the beauty of travel and the resilient spirit within us.

Let’s break boundaries and conquer fears, navigate different cultures, savor diverse flavors, and cherish the magic of travel. Life is too short to wonder about ‘what ifs’—let’s make every moment count and show that dreams are attainable, no matter the obstacles.

My TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

These are the travel must-haves I rely on for every trip. I’ve curated a list of essentials that make packing easier, keep travel stress-free, and add comfort along the way.

  • Carryon bag with 4 Compass Rose Packing Cubes neatly packed in.
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Hi, I'm Maribel, The Queen of Trips!
I am a first gen Latina on a mission to explore every corner of this beautiful planet before retirement.
My mission is to empower fellow Latinas to take their first bold steps into solo travel, creating stories of bravery, savoring global cuisines, and making unforgettable memories.

Adventure awaits, and I can't wait to share it with you!
So, grab your virtual passport and let's go on this exhilarating journey together.
Vamonos!

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  • I was not originally sold on a weekend in Chattanooga. ‹It was nothing personal, I just could not picture it after having been twice before for work. ‹ WITS, the Women in Travel Summit moves to a new city every year, and honestly when I started to plan the tours I would take and saw the range of activities, I got excited about this conference.‹ Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee. An entire cave system hiding inside Raccoon mountain. Murals, rooftop views, speakeasies and a downtown area to explore on foot.‹ I came for the yearly reunion with my friends @poorinaprivateplane @diana.janisbel @avagailadventures and I left thinking of the trip back to Chattanooga. ‹ Which city won you over after you had already decided it would not? ‹I want to hear it.‹ The full guide, including how to do every bit of this without a car, is on the blog: thequeenoftrips.com/weekend-in-chattanooga/ Chao and Happy Travels 💋 ‹@witsummit @visitchatt #witschatt
  • My sister and I have dreamt of going to a World Cup at least once in our lives. But we’ve been doing this since we were kids. The jerseys, the tailgates, the yelling at the screen when Colombia scores and the silence when they don’t. Two girls from Miami and MedellĂ­n que se ponen la camiseta con mucho orgullo ❀. Colombia is playing right now and you already know we’ll both be watching, screaming at the TV in two languages. Haciendole fuerza al equipo. 2030 is in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I dream that the next one will be the two of us in the stands instead. Who are you rooting for in this World Cup?
  • This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
  • This year I will be at WITS for the 5th time. Kansas City taught me I belonged. San Juan taught me to launch what I’d been waiting to create and brought my first FAM trip Salt Lake City brought a long-term brand partnership born at a group dinner. Manhattan put me in rooms with travel journalists, PBS producers, and women running six-figure businesses. And underneath all of it, the women I only see once a year, who I now consider my creator friends, women who already understand what I’m building. Women who challenge me to create better content. Women who show up and who I can’t wait to spend a few days with will be there as a part of the community. If you’re considering your first WITS, this is your sign. The next one’s in Chattanooga. It happens next week!! I hope I meet you there!! @witsummit @visitchatt #WITS2026 #WomenInTravel #TravelConference
  • That LoterĂ­a on @VirginVoyages hits hard 😂 I definitely recommend not missing this activity on your cruise.
  • I lasted all day at Ulta Beauty World. Long enough to get the massive haul!! But the part I was impressed by? It was the people. People working the booths, holding that same level of energy all day like it was hour one. The ones who made you stop, even when you told yourself you couldn’t carry one more product in your bag. There are a few booths I’m still thinking about, and it’s not just because of what they gave out. It was great to connect with all of these brands in a single place. @peach_slices @bubble @ultabeauty @cleanskinclub @fhiheat @tonymoly.us_official @beis @dyson @rizoscurls @briogeo @maelys_cosmetics @tartecosmetics @carolinaherrera @squishmallowsfragrances
  • đŸ’„Which masterclass would you have been first in line for?? Ulta Beauty World’s Masterclass in Orlando was packed, but everything moved along. Lines were long, the room was full, and it still felt somewhat organized. Each session lasted about 20 minutes, 9 in total. Jonathan Van Ness Anastasia Beverly Hills Medicube Cecred HalfMagic Beauty Morphe Brushes Natasha Denona Saje Wellness Snif and the energy in that room was real. People showed up ready. But this unboxing? That was the moment. An iHome vanity case filled with a gift from each brand. I opened it and just paused for a second. And then seeing Anastasia in action to close things out
 yeah, that stayed with me. She is a master of her craft! So tell me, If you had to pick: JVN or CĂ©cred? #UltaBeautyWorld #Cecred #JVNHair AnastasiaBeverlyHills BeautyMasterclass
  • Before you say I didn’t tell you about it: IGNITE BROWARD Light projections + Immersive art + 3 locations + FREE Tonight is the last night. Save this. Share it. Go see it!! I’m looking forward to 2027’s IGNITE _______________________ Antes de que digas que no te lo contĂ©: IGNITE BROWARD Proyecciones de luz + Arte inmersivo + 3 ubicaciones + GRATIS Esta noche es la Ășltima. Guarda esto. CompĂĄrtelo. Ve a verlo! Tengo muchas ganas de ver el IGNITE del 2027.
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
I was not originally sold on a weekend in Chattanooga. ‹It was nothing personal, I just could not picture it after having been twice before for work. ‹ WITS, the Women in Travel Summit moves to a new city every year, and honestly when I started to plan the tours I would take and saw the range of activities, I got excited about this conference.‹ Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee. An entire cave system hiding inside Raccoon mountain. Murals, rooftop views, speakeasies and a downtown area to explore on foot.‹ I came for the yearly reunion with my friends @poorinaprivateplane @diana.janisbel @avagailadventures and I left thinking of the trip back to Chattanooga. ‹ Which city won you over after you had already decided it would not? ‹I want to hear it.‹ The full guide, including how to do every bit of this without a car, is on the blog: thequeenoftrips.com/weekend-in-chattanooga/ Chao and Happy Travels 💋 ‹@witsummit @visitchatt #witschatt
5 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/8
My sister and I have dreamt of going to a World Cup at least once in our lives. But we’ve been doing this since we were kids. The jerseys, the tailgates, the yelling at the screen when Colombia scores and the silence when they don’t. Two girls from Miami and MedellĂ­n que se ponen la camiseta con mucho orgullo ❀. Colombia is playing right now and you already know we’ll both be watching, screaming at the TV in two languages. Haciendole fuerza al equipo. 2030 is in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I dream that the next one will be the two of us in the stands instead. Who are you rooting for in this World Cup?
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
My sister and I have dreamt of going to a World Cup at least once in our lives. But we’ve been doing this since we were kids. The jerseys, the tailgates, the yelling at the screen when Colombia scores and the silence when they don’t. Two girls from Miami and MedellĂ­n que se ponen la camiseta con mucho orgullo ❀. Colombia is playing right now and you already know we’ll both be watching, screaming at the TV in two languages. Haciendole fuerza al equipo. 2030 is in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. I dream that the next one will be the two of us in the stands instead. Who are you rooting for in this World Cup?
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/8
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
This week was National Cancer Survivor’s Day. I was exhausted but I didn’t want to let the moment pass without commemorating it. I did 8 rounds of chemo. Multiple surgeries. An additional cancer scare with added surgery. Years of ongoing treatment (even to this day) But one thing I NEVER forget is the promise I made myself. I would never shrink myself again and I would live the boldest life possible! Swipe to see me keep this promise to myself âžĄïž
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/8
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
This year I will be at WITS for the 5th time. Kansas City taught me I belonged. San Juan taught me to launch what I’d been waiting to create and brought my first FAM trip Salt Lake City brought a long-term brand partnership born at a group dinner. Manhattan put me in rooms with travel journalists, PBS producers, and women running six-figure businesses. And underneath all of it, the women I only see once a year, who I now consider my creator friends, women who already understand what I’m building. Women who challenge me to create better content. Women who show up and who I can’t wait to spend a few days with will be there as a part of the community. If you’re considering your first WITS, this is your sign. The next one’s in Chattanooga. It happens next week!! I hope I meet you there!! @witsummit @visitchatt #WITS2026 #WomenInTravel #TravelConference
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/8
@thequeenoftrips
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•
Follow
That Lotería on @VirginVoyages hits hard 😂 I definitely recommend not missing this activity on your cruise.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/8
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
I lasted all day at Ulta Beauty World. Long enough to get the massive haul!! But the part I was impressed by? It was the people. People working the booths, holding that same level of energy all day like it was hour one. The ones who made you stop, even when you told yourself you couldn’t carry one more product in your bag. There are a few booths I’m still thinking about, and it’s not just because of what they gave out. It was great to connect with all of these brands in a single place. @peach_slices @bubble @ultabeauty @cleanskinclub @fhiheat @tonymoly.us_official @beis @dyson @rizoscurls @briogeo @maelys_cosmetics @tartecosmetics @carolinaherrera @squishmallowsfragrances
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/8
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
đŸ’„Which masterclass would you have been first in line for?? Ulta Beauty World’s Masterclass in Orlando was packed, but everything moved along. Lines were long, the room was full, and it still felt somewhat organized. Each session lasted about 20 minutes, 9 in total. Jonathan Van Ness Anastasia Beverly Hills Medicube Cecred HalfMagic Beauty Morphe Brushes Natasha Denona Saje Wellness Snif and the energy in that room was real. People showed up ready. But this unboxing? That was the moment. An iHome vanity case filled with a gift from each brand. I opened it and just paused for a second. And then seeing Anastasia in action to close things out
 yeah, that stayed with me. She is a master of her craft! So tell me, If you had to pick: JVN or CĂ©cred? #UltaBeautyWorld #Cecred #JVNHair AnastasiaBeverlyHills BeautyMasterclass
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/8
@thequeenoftrips
@thequeenoftrips
•
Follow
Before you say I didn’t tell you about it: IGNITE BROWARD Light projections + Immersive art + 3 locations + FREE Tonight is the last night. Save this. Share it. Go see it!! I’m looking forward to 2027’s IGNITE _______________________ Antes de que digas que no te lo contĂ©: IGNITE BROWARD Proyecciones de luz + Arte inmersivo + 3 ubicaciones + GRATIS Esta noche es la Ășltima. Guarda esto. CompĂĄrtelo. Ve a verlo! Tengo muchas ganas de ver el IGNITE del 2027.
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/8