In my twenties, I had this big dream: to travel across Europe with my friends. I pictured us wandering cobblestone streets, eating croissants in little cafés, and standing in awe of the history we had only ever read about in books. But that trip never happened.
Why? Because as much as I wanted it, none of my friends shared the same goals. Some were tied down with school or work, others weren’t interested in traveling that far, and a few liked the idea of travel but not enough to actually commit. I kept waiting for someone to say “yes,” but that day never came. The thought of going solo totally intimidated me. I didn’t know where to start. And even if I figured out the logistics, the idea of navigating a whole new world alone felt more paralyzing than exciting. So instead of boarding a plane, I stayed home and let the dream sit on a shelf.
Over the years, I realized I wasn’t alone in this. So many people told me similar stories: the dream to travel was there, but the fear and stress of going solo—or the frustration of trying to coordinate with friends who never actually commit—always got in the way. That’s when it hit me: what if there was a way to make travel accessible to people like us? To create experiences where you didn’t have to do it all alone, but you also didn’t lose the freedom and independence that comes with solo travel?
That’s how Land + See Tours was born.
From the start, my goal was simple: to give people the chance to finally step into the adventures they’ve been dreaming about, without being held back by fear, planning, or the “what ifs.” And time after time, I’ve seen what happens when people take that leap.
I think about Yasmine, a nurse practitioner, who, like me, admitted she’d always wanted to backpack Europe but never made it happen. “Being the poor planner that I was and still am, it never happened,” she told me. When she finally joined one of our tours to Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, she not only fulfilled her dream, but she left with friendships that have lasted long beyond the trip. She said, “Many of these friendships will forever be my lifelong friends.” Hearing that reminds me exactly why I do this.
I think about Nathalie, a teacher, who came on her first Land + See trip determined to not just “see the sights” but to really connect with the culture. She told me, “Thanks to these experiences, my confidence to travel solo has grown tremendously. Land + See makes it their mission to cultivate safe, fun, and inclusive environments.” Watching her grow braver and more curious each day of the trip was inspiring—not just for me, but for everyone she traveled with.
And then there’s Avery, a veterinarian, who perfectly described what I always hoped these tours would provide: balance. “While I’ve always cherished the freedom of traveling on my own, I also love sharing adventures with friends—and Land and See offers the perfect balance of both.” That balance is at the heart of what we do: freedom when you want it, connection when you need it.
When I look back at my 20-something self—the one who let fear and overwhelm keep her from taking the trip of a lifetime—I actually feel grateful. Grateful, because that version of me planted the seed for what Land + See would one day become. I built this company for people like her (and maybe like you): dreamers who need just a little bit of structure and encouragement to finally step into the world and see what’s waiting there.
My good friend Angela once described what we do as supported solo travel, and I can’t think of a better way to say it. It’s not just about checking destinations off a list—it’s about having the freedom to explore on your own while knowing you’re supported every step of the way. It’s about growing in confidence, building community, and creating memories that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bag.
I’ve seen supported solo travel change lives—including my own.
So if you’ve been dreaming of travel but haven’t yet found the courage, the time, or the right people to go with, maybe this is your sign. You don’t have to do it all alone. With Land + See, you’ll have the planning, the support, and the community you need to finally take the leap—so you can experience the world in all the ways you’ve always imagined.
