Reader’s Spotlight: Diana Mojica
Breaking traditional expectations, more Latina women are discovering the power of solo travel while maintaining strong family bonds and romantic relationships. Through our Reader’s Spotlight series, we share authentic Latina solo travel stories from partnered (coupled), engaged, or married Latinas and mothers who’ve successfully embraced independent travel. Diana Mojica‘s journey to become a confident solo traveler showcases how Latina women can overcome cultural barriers and create meaningful travel experiences on their terms.
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How did you decide to solo travel for the first time?
In summer 2016 I was working as part of the crew on a river cruise and I met a girl who had been to Greece and showed us her amazing pictures. I mentioned how that would be a dream, as if it was something I didn’t see myself able to do for a long time. She convinced me that I could and that it was far more affordable than I and most people thought.
After my 3 months aboard the ship came to an end, I went home that August and did some research. Joined a couple of female travel groups and realized traveling solo was more common than I thought. I put a deposit down for a Greek Islands hopping tour and started doing research which led me to begin my Greek adventure by first making a 4 day stop in Dublin, Ireland. It was the thought of doing something I did not think was possible before and being able to just go when I wanted that first fueled me to give solo travel a try, I knew no one I knew would be down to go so I had to make it happen for myself.
How did you bring up the idea of solo travel with your partner/family and what was their reaction?
To my parents, I just said something along the lines of “guess what?! I’m going to Greece”, my dad is always down for whatever I choose to do so he was sort of like “oh okay that’s cool” . My mom, I don’t think she thought I was serious until I actually left. She was very supportive once I was on the trip. To my now fiancé who was just my boyfriend then, I brought it up the same way, I already did a lot of things on my own like go on solo adventures around Connecticut and go out to eat and bars alone so he was not surprised. He was and still is very supportive when it comes to my solo trips.
What was the planning process like – did you take any special precautions or make any accommodations as a partnered solo traveler?
I asked a lot of questions about the female groups, got tips and encouragement from other females. It was one of the groups that gave me the idea to book my flight from JFK to DUB to then book DUB to ATH because financially was more affordable then but also gave me another city and country to visit, talk about “go big or go home”. As far as accommodations, I learned about hostels and realized I could do female only dorms, so I booked my Dublin hostel in a female only dorm which gave me, as well as my partner and parents, a sense of security. I shared my itinerary with family and sent pictures and checked in with them any chance I had wifi.
How did you find the solo travel experience compared to your expectations? What challenges or highlights did you encounter?
I was scared to be honest, I thought I would feel lonely. But once I arrived, I joined a free walking tour the hostel hosted and immediately I realized how easy it would be to meet people and not feel alone. I could find companions or be alone as much or as little as I wanted. I met up with a girl I knew via instagram and we spent about 3 days together. It was such a great experience to be able to meet people who lived on the other side of the world whom I otherwise would not have been able to meet. On the Greek islands hopping tour I met 22 other travelers from all over and loved learning about their lives and stories. My first solo travel experience was more incredible than I could’ve ever imagined.
What advice would you give to other partnered women/moms in the Latino community who might want to travel solo but are hesitant?
Do it at least once. No matter your budget you can do it, you can do a hostel in a shared female dorm but you can also do your own private room in said hostel and still meet people. If you still aren’t convinced about hostels, you can do a hotel or airbnb and join the free walking tours and get another chance at meeting people while also getting a feel for the city you’re in. Share your location with your loved ones for peace of mind. Never tell strangers you’re alone right away, there’s always someone waiting for you, when asked. Join travel groups and ask all the questions. Share your itinerary with your partner or family.
How did solo travel impact you personally and your relationships?
I feel that it made me more comfortable being alone. It’s taught me that just because I travel alone, I’m not actually ever alone, especially if I don’t want to be. It’s made me more outgoing, ever since I’m able to start a conversation with anyone, anywhere. I actually pushed my fiancé to take his first solo trip to Seattle back in 2022 because he had a couple of days off and had been wanting to go but I couldn’t make it. I told him there’s no reason he shouldn’t do something he wanted to do just because he didn’t have someone to do it with. Ever since, he takes a couple of solo trips a year.
What advice would you give to other Latinas who are partnered / moms considering solo travel for the first time?
To do it at least once. Solo travel can even be visiting a new city nearby. Take yourself out to eat, to a museum, to a new adventure in a city nearby. Do it more often. You can try a new state then a new country once you feel more comfortable, the same things you do alone here, you can do anywhere.
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Q&A
Favorite Solo Trip Destination?
Dublin because it was my first solo international trip. It was never in my radar and I loved everything from the city, the vibe, the food, the people. The people really did it for me, they were so friendly and welcoming. Then my second favorite would be Seattle, WA because it was a city I had dreamed of going to and it was sort of a “pinch me” moment for me.
Memorable Moment from a Solo Travel Experience?
Lots of memorable memories but if I had to share one, it would be Mexico City. I had stayed at a hostel nearby El Zocalo and met a girl from the Netherlands and we just vibed and spent time during our trip together back in October 2018. Fast forward to September 2022 and I planned a solo trip to Amsterdam for my birthday and I got to actually meet up with her that night and share a drink. She brought me a present, stroopwafels, I found it so thoughtful I got teary eyed.
Any Solo Female Traveler Safety Concerns?
I had an experience when I visited Paris solo in June 2019 where a guy followed me and I had to walk into a cafe for help. Thankfully, the owner ignored the guy who I assumed was saying he knew in French. I did not speak or understand any French so I tried my best to convey that I needed help in English and thankfully the lady understood me and sat me by the register away from the guy and had me wait until he left and had me order an Uber back to my hostel. I was shaken up but never let that experience deter me from solo travel. I’m just more aware of my surroundings now and always mention “I’m on my way to meet my fiancé” if I’m ever approached by someone I don’t get a good vibe from.
What are the Biggest Benefits You Gained from Traveling Independently?
The chance to visit places I never thought I would. Meet people that have taught me so much and have been able to share incredible experiences with.
Resource List
? To learn more about Diana and Her Solo Travels: Check out her website, Diana Janisbel.
? Find Diana on Instagram and TikTok.
? By sharing these stories here on The Queen of Trips, I am committed to showcasing diverse experiences, and if you have your own story to share, I invite you to fill out the form and become part of our empowering community. Let’s continue to shatter stereotypes and celebrate the richness of women’s travel experiences. Stay tuned for more readers’ stories.
? If this is your first time on my blog, make sure to read Why Latinas Should Never Solo Travel.
? If you would like to read about my reader’s stories, you can also read Elena’s travel story.
? If you want to solo travel but don’t know where to start, I have an entire Guide to help you Solo Travel.
? Make sure to subscribe to the blog and newsletter to stay up to date!
ES
What a great story , I love this!