I booked a Greeter on my first solo trip as a mom, and it changed the way I see solo travel
Becoming a mom didn't mean giving up her sense of adventure. When Stefany booked her first solo trip to London, she also booked her first Greeter and discovered that traveling alone doesn't mean traveling without support. Here's how a local guide named Katrina helped her rediscover herself, one London street at a time.
By Estephani Espindola
There are moments in life that quietly redefine you. For me, one of those moments began with a flight to Europe.
No detailed itinerary. No rigid schedule. Something completely out of the norm for me. Just an open mind, a suitcase, and a promise to myself that after becoming a mother, I would rediscover the version of me who has always been curious and traveled the world.
This wasn’t just my first solo trip in Europe, it was my first solo trip as a mom.
As any parent knows, taking time for yourself can come with a mix of excitement and guilt. But somewhere between boarding my flight and landing in London, I realized this journey wasn’t about escaping motherhood. It was about reconnecting with myself so I could return home even more fulfilled.
Since it was my first time visiting London, I decided to try something I’d been wanting to experience for a long time: booking a Greeter.
For those unfamiliar, Greether is a travel startup on a mission to make solo travel safer and more welcoming for women by connecting travelers with trusted local women who provide personalized experiences and companionship.
From the moment I booked my Greeter, the experience was seamless. Communication was effortless, and I immediately felt at ease. My Greeter, Katrina, took the time to understand what interested me instead of following a generic sightseeing checklist. The experience felt completely tailored to me, whether it was wandering through charming neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems, or simply enjoying London at a pace that matched exactly how I wanted to travel.
That’s one of the greatest gifts of solo travel.
You wake up when you want. You linger over coffee if you feel like it. You spend an hour inside a bookstore, wander into a museum on a whim, or change your entire day’s plans because something catches your eye.
"With Greether, every decision belongs to you, and there’s something incredibly empowering about realizing you don’t have to compromise your dreams or your schedule”
So many people postpone travel because they’re waiting for the “right” person to go with them. A friend can’t get the time off. A partner isn’t interested in the destination. Life gets in the way.
Before you know it, years have passed.
Solo travel teaches you that your dreams don’t have to wait.
Some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you step outside your comfort zone. You become more confident, more present, and more connected, not only to the places you visit but to yourself.
Knowing that services like Greether exist makes taking that first leap feel even more accessible. It’s reassuring to know there’s a community of local women ready to help you navigate a new city, share insider recommendations, and make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
On a more personal note, finally experiencing Greether was incredibly special.
Its founder, Vanessa, is one of my dear friends, and watching her build something with such purpose has been inspiring from day one. Seeing her vision come to life, and then experiencing it firsthand as a traveler, made me even more proud of what she’s creating for women around the world. Thank you
Greether isn’t simply about booking a local guide. It’s about creating connection, confidence, and community. It’s about women supporting women across borders, cultures, and languages.
My #1 tip for new moms hesitating about going on their first solo-mom-trip abroad:
For any mom hesitating, my biggest advice is to just start small if you need to, but don't wait for the 'perfect' time. Your confidence grows the moment you step off that plane, and that strength you gain is something you bring back to your family. It isn't about leaving them behind; it's about coming back to them as a more vibrant, fulfilled version of yourself. You deserve that space to reconnect with the person you were before, and the person you are still evolving into.
If you’ve ever talked yourself out of traveling alone because it felt intimidating, consider this your sign.
Book the ticket.
Take the leap.
Ready to experience London like a local?
Book a Greeter in London and discover the places, stories, and connections that most travelers never get to experience.
To connect with us: [email protected] or dm us at @greet.her
To connect with Stefany
Instagram: @wanderingstefany
Website: Wandering Stefany