u/blimpyk26

hi there! I'll be taking my first solo international trip to Guatemala soon, and while I'm really excited, I'm also a little nervous.

I'm not staying in hostels - I've booked private hotels/Airbnbs because I know I'll appreciate having my own space to recharge and nervous about bed bugs and stuff loll. That said, a few of my accommodations are close to hostels (for example, I'm staying within walking distance of Free Cerveza at Lake Atitlán), so I'm hoping I can still be social when I want to be.

I can be a little shy when I'm by myself, but my plan is to join a few group tours, hang out at casual bars or social spots, and just be open to meeting people. I'd love to hear from anyone who traveled solo to Guatemala without staying in hostels. Was it still easy to make friends?

My current itinerary is:

Antigua: 2 nights

Fly in early and explore.

Daytime volcano hike the next day.

Explore a bit on the third morning before taking a shuttle to Lake Atitlán.

Lake Atitlán: 3 nights

Relax and explore the different lake towns.

Staying within walking distance of Free Cerveza.

Shuttle back to Guatemala City, then fly to Flores.

Flores: 3 nights

Relax after arriving.

Tikal tour the next day.

Possibly do a sunset boat tour (I'm not a big drinker, but it looks fun).

After that I'll either spend one night in GC or just catch my flight home after flying back from Flores.

Originally I wanted to include Semuc Champey too, but it seems like a lot of travel for a 9–10 day trip. For anyone who's done a similar itinerary, do you think this is a better balance? Would you change anything?

I'd especially love to hear from anyone who tends to be a little introverted or shy while traveling solo.

33F Guatemala Itinerary – Lake Atitlán to Flores/Tikal vs. Semuc Champey

Hi all! I’m planning an 8–9 day trip to Guatemala in January or February and have most of the first half of my itinerary planned. I’m hoping to get some firsthand advice on the best use of my remaining days, particularly when factoring in travel time.

My itinerary so far:

Day 1 – Antigua: Arrive around noon and explore
Day 2 – Antigua: Full day in Antigua
Day 3 – Antigua → Lake Atitlán: Travel to Santa Cruz and check in
Day 4 – Lake Atitlán: Explore the lake and stay in Santa Cruz

For Santa Cruz, I chose a private hotel near Free Cerveza. I like having my own private space but also want the option to walk somewhere social and meet other travelers.

For Days 5–9, I’m currently deciding between a few options:

• Spend another night or two exploring a different town on Lake Atitlán, then head to Flores/Tikal
• Leave Lake Atitlán and visit Semuc Champey
• Visit Fuentes Georginas before continuing elsewhere
• Spend 2–3 days in El Salvador before flying home

For those who have traveled these routes, which option makes the most sense logistically for only 8–9 days? I’m especially interested in whether Flores/Tikal or Semuc Champey is worth the additional travel time on a relatively short trip.

I’m also curious about Casa del Mundo. I considered staying there for one night, but since I’m already staying in Santa Cruz, I’m not sure moving hotels would add much to the experience. For anyone who has stayed there, did you feel it was worth it, or would you recommend visiting/exploring another lake town instead?

My travel style is a mix of exploring on my own and joining group activities where I can meet other travelers. I’m not much of a partier or big drinker, and I prefer a private room rather than a hostel dorm.

I’d especially appreciate advice from anyone who has done a similar route and can share how the travel times felt in practice. I’d rather choose fewer places and actually enjoy them than spend a large portion of the trip in transit.

33F Guatemala Itinerary – Lake Atitlán to Flores/Tikal vs. Semuc Champey

Hi all! I’m planning an 8–9 day trip to Guatemala in January or February and have most of the first half of my itinerary planned. I’m hoping to get some firsthand advice on the best use of my remaining days, particularly when factoring in travel time.

My itinerary so far:

Day 1 – Antigua: Arrive around noon and explore
Day 2 – Antigua: Full day in Antigua
Day 3 – Antigua → Lake Atitlán: Travel to Santa Cruz and check in
Day 4 – Lake Atitlán: Explore the lake and stay in Santa Cruz

For Santa Cruz, I chose a private hotel near Free Cerveza. I like having my own private space but also want the option to walk somewhere social and meet other travelers.

For Days 5–9, I’m currently deciding between a few options:

• Spend another night or two exploring a different town on Lake Atitlán, then head to Flores/Tikal
• Leave Lake Atitlán and visit Semuc Champey
• Visit Fuentes Georginas before continuing elsewhere
• Spend 2–3 days in El Salvador before flying home

For those who have traveled these routes, which option makes the most sense logistically for only 8–9 days? I’m especially interested in whether Flores/Tikal or Semuc Champey is worth the additional travel time on a relatively short trip. I love hiking and exploring nature! Sunset/sunrise excite me. Would be cool to take a cooking class too (papusa's in El Salvador would be so great)!

I’m also curious about Casa del Mundo. I considered staying there for one night, but since I’m already staying in Santa Cruz, I’m not sure moving hotels would add much to the experience. For anyone who has stayed there, did you feel it was worth it, or would you recommend visiting/exploring another lake town instead?

My travel style is a mix of exploring on my own and joining group activities where I can meet other travelers. I’m not much of a partier or big drinker, and I prefer a private room rather than a hostel dorm.

I’d especially appreciate advice from anyone who has done a similar route and can share how the travel times felt in practice. I’d rather choose fewer places and actually enjoy them than spend a large portion of the trip in transit.

Hi everyone! 32F from the U.S. I’ve only traveled outside the country to Mexico, the Bahamas, and Canada, and those trips were always with friends or family.

I’ve been really wanting to see more of the world, and I’m thinking of making 2027 the year I finally take my first solo international trip. Most of my friends are getting married or having kids, so planning a bigger trip together isn’t very realistic anymore. I’ve looked into group tours, but I think I’d actually rather do this completely on my own (plus many of them are $2k+ before flights).

My tentative itinerary is:
Ireland – 2 days
UK – 2 days
Copenhagen – 3 days
Amsterdam – 2 days
(9 days total)

Or, if that seems too rushed:
Ireland – 2 days
UK – 3 days
Copenhagen – 3 days
Amsterdam – 3 days

Does this seem realistic, or am I trying to squeeze too much into one trip?

I’m also open to swapping destinations. Ireland is the one place I’m not super set on but the flight is a little shorter from the U.S. I’ve never been on a plane longer than 4.5 hours soooo that’s the toughest challenge for me mentally.

I’d love any advice for a first-time solo traveler to Europe. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! 32F from the U.S. I’ve only traveled outside the country to Mexico, the Bahamas, and Canada, and those trips were always with friends or family.

I’ve been really wanting to see more of the world, and I’m thinking of making 2027 the year I finally take my first solo international trip. Most of my friends are getting married or having kids, so planning a bigger trip together isn’t very realistic anymore. I’ve looked into group tours, but I think I’d actually rather do this completely on my own (plus many of them are $2k+ before flights).

My tentative itinerary is:
Ireland – 2 days
UK – 2 days
Copenhagen – 3 days
Amsterdam – 2 days
(9 days total)

Or, if that seems too rushed:
Ireland – 2 days
UK – 3 days
Copenhagen – 3 days
Amsterdam – 3 days

Does this seem realistic, or am I trying to squeeze too much into one trip?

I’m also open to swapping destinations. Ireland is the one place I’m not super set on but the flight is a little shorter from the U.S. I’ve never been on a plane longer than 4.5 hours soooo that’s the toughest challenge for me mentally.

I’d love any advice for a first-time solo traveler to Europe. Thanks in advance!