A few years ago, my cousin moved to South Africa for a volunteer experience. I was still in college at the time, and I remember thinking how incredible it was that she was traveling to a completely different continent on her own. Her adventure sparked something in me—I knew I wanted to travel to Africa one day too.
Fast forward a bit, and while scrolling through social media, I stumbled across Bookbag Tours. Not only did they offer trips to Africa (several, actually!), but their page was filled with testimonies from teachers who were traveling, exploring, and stepping outside their comfort zones. I followed the company for quite a while, thinking, Wow—these are my people.
I tried to recruit friends to join me for a Kenya trip, but no one could commit. Eventually, I decided to sign up solo. Any nerves I had quickly faded after our initial Zoom meetings, and by the time I met some of my group members at the airport, all fear had completely disappeared.
I’ll never forget sitting at the gate wondering what these strangers would be like—and then suddenly hearing voices calling out, “Claudia!” through the airport. In that moment, I knew: this was going to be an amazing trip.
From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. Some of my favorite moments included:
- City tours
- School visits (and having the opportunity to jump right in)
- A sunrise hot air balloon ride (BOOK IT!) followed by a bush breakfast
- An incredible day on safari
- Bike rides, boat rides, and learning that hippos are not my favorite animal
Bookbag Tours planned every detail with intention and care. Their global partnerships opened doors for experiences I never would have had on my own.
The group I traveled with was a perfect mix of first-time and repeat travelers. Many of us came alone, but from the very beginning everyone made each other feel welcome and seen. We laughed, collaborated, and embraced every moment of being immersed in a new culture—especially getting to witness firsthand how education is prioritized in Kenya.
My time in Kenya is something I’ll carry with me forever. It pushed me, inspired me, and connected me with incredible people. If you’ve ever considered traveling solo or joining an educator-focused trip abroad, this is your sign. It just might become one of the best decisions you ever make.
