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12 Trips in 12 Months: Make Your Own Solo Travel Magic
Bestselling author Jen Ruiz takes readers on a trip around the globe in 12 Trips in 12 Months, defying societal expectations of what a woman is supposed to be—and empowering others to do the same.
The year before her thirtieth birthday, Jen Ruiz decided to change everything. Despite being professionally accomplished and contributing to the world as an attorney at a nonprofit, she had yet to achieve the most important goal, according to becoming a wife and mother. So, after more ghostings than a graveyard, tired of dating apps and sitting in a windowless office, Jen embarked on an epic challenge to send her twenties out in style.
Twelve months, twelve trips, no excuses.
She started booking flights instead of swiping right, teaching English online to cover costs. Over the course of the year, Jen descended into a volcano in Iceland, volunteered at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, called in sick to fly in a hot air balloon, and went scuba diving at an underwater museum in Mexico.
She ended up taking twenty trips, almost double her original goal.
In a moving and inspiring story, Jen invites readers along through the year wherein she decided to stop waiting for others and start living for herself, discovered the power of solo travel magic, challenged herself physically and emotionally, made meaningful connections … and learned that she could feel fulfilled and happy on her own.
The year before her thirtieth birthday, Jen Ruiz decided to change everything. Despite being professionally accomplished and contributing to the world as an attorney at a nonprofit, she had yet to achieve the most important goal, according to becoming a wife and mother. So, after more ghostings than a graveyard, tired of dating apps and sitting in a windowless office, Jen embarked on an epic challenge to send her twenties out in style.
Twelve months, twelve trips, no excuses.
She started booking flights instead of swiping right, teaching English online to cover costs. Over the course of the year, Jen descended into a volcano in Iceland, volunteered at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, called in sick to fly in a hot air balloon, and went scuba diving at an underwater museum in Mexico.
She ended up taking twenty trips, almost double her original goal.
In a moving and inspiring story, Jen invites readers along through the year wherein she decided to stop waiting for others and start living for herself, discovered the power of solo travel magic, challenged herself physically and emotionally, made meaningful connections … and learned that she could feel fulfilled and happy on her own.
210 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2024
53 people are currently reading
3625 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
December 30, 2024
I would recommend 12 Trips in 12 Months if you:
1. Liked Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray Love
2. Are interested in how to quit your job to become a full-time travel blogger or social media influencer
3. Want to read about a woman freaking out over turning 30 and trying to sort out all the opposite sex relationship hang-ups and psychological minutia she is fostering and wants to fix by a making traveling around the world a "project" that will magically finalize her desire to want a man to be the be-all-end-all definition of what she thinks means the pinnacle of achieving adulthood is
Do not read this book if you:
1. Are interested in how a woman about to turn 30 travels independently around the world (she doesn't)
2. Want to learn more than 2 practicable travel tips
The helpful travel tips you will learn:
1. Before taking photos, ask if a permit or permissions are needed for that area/site
2. Look online for price typos on flights and hold the airline to them (I question if this will work nowadays)
Tips that some people may find helpful:
1. If you can't afford lodging, invite a couple of friends along so that you can split the cost two or three ways
2. When in a country where the language is foreign, sexually engage with a man who has a car and command of the language/area so you can get around in comfort and style.
3. Stagger your fake callings in sick to the office so that the management does not catch wind that you're not really sick, just trying to squeeze that extra trip in over a long weekend because you only can afford it by being comped or by getting low rates by booking at the last minute
This is my fault, thus a three-star (rounded down to 2.5) rating.
I went back and looked at when I added this book to my tbr: it was the day after my 44th birthday. I imagine I was thinking of the year ahead, about some personal goals, and experiencing some wanderlust. I added it after reading one very nice review. And so: on me, on me.
Jen Ruiz makes a successful transition from attorney to social media travel blogger and good for her. She finds a niche lifestyle that she finds more enjoyable than sitting in a cubicle or office for the rest of her life.
My core issue with the 12 Trips in 12 Months project is that to me it seems that relationships with people are a means to an end. Her sights are set on getting that perfect shot for the 'gram or blog rather than on the people that are part of her life at the time.
For example, her trip to Iceland really shocked me. She invited two college friends and gushed at how that trip "cemented their friendship" but admits she only invited them because she could not swing the cost of lodging solo. Each woman had significant life changes and the three of them don't even talk/catch up until four days into the trip. Ruiz also did not do much research about dining in Iceland and the restaurants that they could get seated in were $$$$, perhaps more than her friends wanted to spend.
My second beef with her is that she rarely travels alone. She has a nice trip with her parents--that was sweet. A couple of trips with friends. The ones where she departed alone consisted of mad dashes to hook up with a man so that she would not be alone.
My third beef is her lack of respect for her job, or coworkers. While she flounces off I'm sure the other partners/staff are pulling her weight. She thinks she is superior to them because she's found this quirky way to travel and they're stuck at the office.
Oh yeah, a fourth beef: while in Thailand she volunteers at an elephant rescue to help feed the elephants. I think that was a good and giving decision on her part. I thought it demonstrated maturity and that she did think about things other than herself. However, the night before she stays out too late with a man she just met and drinks too much. She's hungover for the volunteer work she offered to do. Okay, then. The elephants weren't a priority for that trip.
No; I have one more: Ms. Ruiz signs up for all of these adventurous experiences while she's traveling but fails to do enough research about them. Time and again she does physical activities that's she not physically nor mentally prepared for and it inconveniences the other guests around her/the instructor/staff.
She mentions that she's had a handful of experiences where she "sees black dots" and then passes out. She laughs them off and normalizes them. I'm no medical expert but I think she should seek medical attention for what could be too low of blood pressure/nutrition deficiency or another underlying condition. Passing out like that is too dangerous for her and for others.
Oh, yeah, and the Che Guevara comment. Do a little research first, Jen!
My impression is that Ms. Ruiz all her life has tried to fit into what she thinks are societal or her family/social circle's expectations are for her instead of seeking out her own expectations. She's trying--I'm not sure she's achieved that as yet.
This is one of those books that I think are best to be published on a blog or website, not on physical paper.
I'll go check out her blog in a couple days once I distance myself from her book. She mentioned the name of her blog several times in the book (and wrote in on a boulder in Grand Canyon National Park) so that a reader like me would not forget. I'm sure it's a very nice blog and she probably 'translates' better on social media than in book-form, if that makes sense.
1. Liked Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray Love
2. Are interested in how to quit your job to become a full-time travel blogger or social media influencer
3. Want to read about a woman freaking out over turning 30 and trying to sort out all the opposite sex relationship hang-ups and psychological minutia she is fostering and wants to fix by a making traveling around the world a "project" that will magically finalize her desire to want a man to be the be-all-end-all definition of what she thinks means the pinnacle of achieving adulthood is
Do not read this book if you:
1. Are interested in how a woman about to turn 30 travels independently around the world (she doesn't)
2. Want to learn more than 2 practicable travel tips
The helpful travel tips you will learn:
1. Before taking photos, ask if a permit or permissions are needed for that area/site
2. Look online for price typos on flights and hold the airline to them (I question if this will work nowadays)
Tips that some people may find helpful:
1. If you can't afford lodging, invite a couple of friends along so that you can split the cost two or three ways
2. When in a country where the language is foreign, sexually engage with a man who has a car and command of the language/area so you can get around in comfort and style.
3. Stagger your fake callings in sick to the office so that the management does not catch wind that you're not really sick, just trying to squeeze that extra trip in over a long weekend because you only can afford it by being comped or by getting low rates by booking at the last minute
This is my fault, thus a three-star (rounded down to 2.5) rating.
I went back and looked at when I added this book to my tbr: it was the day after my 44th birthday. I imagine I was thinking of the year ahead, about some personal goals, and experiencing some wanderlust. I added it after reading one very nice review. And so: on me, on me.
Jen Ruiz makes a successful transition from attorney to social media travel blogger and good for her. She finds a niche lifestyle that she finds more enjoyable than sitting in a cubicle or office for the rest of her life.
My core issue with the 12 Trips in 12 Months project is that to me it seems that relationships with people are a means to an end. Her sights are set on getting that perfect shot for the 'gram or blog rather than on the people that are part of her life at the time.
For example, her trip to Iceland really shocked me. She invited two college friends and gushed at how that trip "cemented their friendship" but admits she only invited them because she could not swing the cost of lodging solo. Each woman had significant life changes and the three of them don't even talk/catch up until four days into the trip. Ruiz also did not do much research about dining in Iceland and the restaurants that they could get seated in were $$$$, perhaps more than her friends wanted to spend.
It was back at the apartment that night, after my date, that the more important developments happened. With our trip almost over and no task on the itinerary for the next day except the Blue Lagoon before our flight, we finally had a night of girl talk. Allie confided in me that she had beaten ovarian cancer...Tara confided in me that she was pregnant...page 139.
My second beef with her is that she rarely travels alone. She has a nice trip with her parents--that was sweet. A couple of trips with friends. The ones where she departed alone consisted of mad dashes to hook up with a man so that she would not be alone.
My third beef is her lack of respect for her job, or coworkers. While she flounces off I'm sure the other partners/staff are pulling her weight. She thinks she is superior to them because she's found this quirky way to travel and they're stuck at the office.
Oh yeah, a fourth beef: while in Thailand she volunteers at an elephant rescue to help feed the elephants. I think that was a good and giving decision on her part. I thought it demonstrated maturity and that she did think about things other than herself. However, the night before she stays out too late with a man she just met and drinks too much. She's hungover for the volunteer work she offered to do. Okay, then. The elephants weren't a priority for that trip.
No; I have one more: Ms. Ruiz signs up for all of these adventurous experiences while she's traveling but fails to do enough research about them. Time and again she does physical activities that's she not physically nor mentally prepared for and it inconveniences the other guests around her/the instructor/staff.
She mentions that she's had a handful of experiences where she "sees black dots" and then passes out. She laughs them off and normalizes them. I'm no medical expert but I think she should seek medical attention for what could be too low of blood pressure/nutrition deficiency or another underlying condition. Passing out like that is too dangerous for her and for others.
Oh, yeah, and the Che Guevara comment. Do a little research first, Jen!
We stopped at the famous art installation of Che Guevara on the side of the building and pulled into a lot across the street so I could take a picture. I didn't realize the photos I took there would be deeply offensive to my friends who detested the Cuban revolutionary because he was a murderer. While he's been immortalized and equated with rebellion on countless T-shirts and memes, his legacy was one of bloodshed and brutality.(page 121).
My impression is that Ms. Ruiz all her life has tried to fit into what she thinks are societal or her family/social circle's expectations are for her instead of seeking out her own expectations. She's trying--I'm not sure she's achieved that as yet.
This is one of those books that I think are best to be published on a blog or website, not on physical paper.
I'll go check out her blog in a couple days once I distance myself from her book. She mentioned the name of her blog several times in the book (and wrote in on a boulder in Grand Canyon National Park) so that a reader like me would not forget. I'm sure it's a very nice blog and she probably 'translates' better on social media than in book-form, if that makes sense.
June 28, 2024
I found this book pretty disappointing, though I possibly may have liked it more were I reading it rather than listening to it. As regards the narration: I found the author’s voice pretty annoying and overly peppy, not conveying much emotion. I have never sped an audiobook up past 1.25x and went up to 2x at times on this one.
As regards the book itself… I found the insights to be pretty shallow in each location. The author comes across very privileged, not just because she takes more than 12 trips in a year because she is, boo hoo, 29 and single, but also just regarding her general vibe in each of the places she visits. It does seem like she learned some good things in some instances, like about the treatment of elephants in Thailand, though it does seem like most of her revelations were about her relationships with men.
As someone who loves to travel and has loved traveling both alone and with others, I was hoping for actionable tips and to hear more about the locations she visits. I perhaps should have realized that the aggressive schedule of 12 trips in 12 months means these are pretty quick trips! My experience traveling has often been that many of the places I have spent the least amount of time in have become places I want to travel to again because I feel like I missed the full experience, but the author doesn’t seem to feel that way, so our travel vibes may be different, though I did relate hard to overscheduling! Overall, this book just wasn’t for me because it felt a little bit like a really perky Eat Pray Love, but hopefully others will like it more.
As regards the book itself… I found the insights to be pretty shallow in each location. The author comes across very privileged, not just because she takes more than 12 trips in a year because she is, boo hoo, 29 and single, but also just regarding her general vibe in each of the places she visits. It does seem like she learned some good things in some instances, like about the treatment of elephants in Thailand, though it does seem like most of her revelations were about her relationships with men.
As someone who loves to travel and has loved traveling both alone and with others, I was hoping for actionable tips and to hear more about the locations she visits. I perhaps should have realized that the aggressive schedule of 12 trips in 12 months means these are pretty quick trips! My experience traveling has often been that many of the places I have spent the least amount of time in have become places I want to travel to again because I feel like I missed the full experience, but the author doesn’t seem to feel that way, so our travel vibes may be different, though I did relate hard to overscheduling! Overall, this book just wasn’t for me because it felt a little bit like a really perky Eat Pray Love, but hopefully others will like it more.
July 17, 2024
I was excited to read this book because I love to travel and learn things about new places. This book just… didn’t do it for me. This author claims that this book is great for the solo traveler and helpful for tips on how to travel alone affordably.
Here are her tips: become an influencer, put it on your credit card and pick up another job. Literally a quote from the book,
“Charge it!”
Ruiz’s instagram looks appealing, I hadn’t heard about it before but the pictures inspired the appropriate amount of wanderlust for the viewer. Knowing now what I know about the debt and absolute entitlement that this author has changes the way I view the pictures.
The absolute privilege in this book, the audacity of the author and the way she treats her work- it’s honestly astonishing.
“I’d practiced calling out so much that year, I had it down to a science. The key was to not ask for permission for a sick day, but rather to state it matter of factly.”
“I was playing hooky from work at Disney, hoping my boss wasn’t watching the show, or that no one would spot us on a replay.”
“Because life is about living and enjoying your worthwhile experiences, not sitting in your cubicle or windowless office until you die.”
To boil this to brass tacks, this author claims to go on a journey to find herself and discover her happiness by taking 12 trips in a year and though it may start that way, it seems to turn into “how much can I get for free?” And “I deserve this- my credit card will pick up the expense!”
If you’re looking for depth, personal discovery, coming-of-age stories, or even solo travel tips that you can ACTUALLY use… keep looking.
June 9, 2024
At 29, author Jennifer Ruiz felt lonely and dissatisfied with her personal life. While she doesn’t share much her work life except that’s she’s a lawyer and switched from the corporate to the nonprofit world. I got the sense that her job gave her very little satisfaction. Her personal goal to find a partner and become a mother has so far eluded her. She decides to shake things up and travel solo and 12 trips in 12 months - the title of the book. This is what drew my interest - the solo travel odyssey around the globe. But while there was a good part devoted to the travel part, it felt more like superficial travel - parachute in to a destination, do a couple of activities, take photos of famous sites, post to social media, then race to the next destination. There was little about the culture, people, history of the places - disappointing, but lots about guys she met at various locations that she hoped would be potential partners. It got a bit old after a while. So overall 3 out of 5 stars for this read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 26, 2024
⭐️ 5/5. First off, I am a sucker for an audiobook that is narrated by the author (as long as the author has a nice speaking voice and reading fluency), because they truly know the best way to convey the tone and stories in the book. On this front, and many others, Jen delivered!
This story takes readers through many challenges that women face—specially women who are not in committed relationships. Issues of dating, men not putting effort into relationships, situationships, lack of confidence, career/life balance, pressure to have children, and more. Jen is raw and real with her emotions and the lessons she learned along the way.
Not only that, but there is so much interesting information about female solo travel, becoming a travel blogger, and different cultures and experiences. It reads a lot like a detailed diary but with humor and a good pace.
There’s a few places I would have loved even more detail, or some information on the safety of female solo travel, but overall it was an interesting read with good life lessons that are relevant to many women of many most all ages.
This story takes readers through many challenges that women face—specially women who are not in committed relationships. Issues of dating, men not putting effort into relationships, situationships, lack of confidence, career/life balance, pressure to have children, and more. Jen is raw and real with her emotions and the lessons she learned along the way.
Not only that, but there is so much interesting information about female solo travel, becoming a travel blogger, and different cultures and experiences. It reads a lot like a detailed diary but with humor and a good pace.
There’s a few places I would have loved even more detail, or some information on the safety of female solo travel, but overall it was an interesting read with good life lessons that are relevant to many women of many most all ages.
August 22, 2024
Just before her thirtieth birthday, Jen Ruiz found herself with two plane tickets to NYC and no date to accompany her. So she swapped the tickets for a round trip ticket to Greece. She decided to make one trip a month to celebrate her last year in her twenties. She actually ended up taking twenty trips. Including Iceland, Cambodia, Quito, and Arizona.
At the years end, she decided to trade her career as a lawyer and become a full time travel blogger. She is now a best selling author and blogger.
I really enjoyed this memoir of Jen’s year of travel and self discovery. She is much more adventurous than I am and I liked traveling vicariously with her.
At the years end, she decided to trade her career as a lawyer and become a full time travel blogger. She is now a best selling author and blogger.
I really enjoyed this memoir of Jen’s year of travel and self discovery. She is much more adventurous than I am and I liked traveling vicariously with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2024
Jen Ruiz is a non-profit lawyer turned full-time professional international travel blogger extraordinaire. I can’t say I’ve ever read a travel memoir before, but I absolutely adored this one and lived vicariously through it!
Jen found herself nearing her thirties, love interest-less and childless, looking for some purpose. Following her first solo trip, the idea to do twelve trips in twelve months was born (which she ended up doing almost double that amount in the end) and this book was later written in fascinating detail about her adventures, a little about how she did it, and a lot about why. You can follow along with her on adventures through Iceland, Italy, Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Canada, and more. I completely understand the public interest burnout as a government lawyer myself and wish I had the courage to quit my job and travel to see the world like Jen did! For now, I’ll enjoy armchair travel seeing the world through her eyes, a strong, independent, and happy female. Jen is very raw, humorous, and well-written and I breezed right through this book in a few days!
For audiobook listeners, she reads her own memoir which is super cool and I always appreciate 🎧
Thank you so much to Jen & her fabulous PR team for sending me an awesome themed PR box for this release and Blackstone Audio & NetGalley for the audiobook! ✈️
Jen found herself nearing her thirties, love interest-less and childless, looking for some purpose. Following her first solo trip, the idea to do twelve trips in twelve months was born (which she ended up doing almost double that amount in the end) and this book was later written in fascinating detail about her adventures, a little about how she did it, and a lot about why. You can follow along with her on adventures through Iceland, Italy, Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Canada, and more. I completely understand the public interest burnout as a government lawyer myself and wish I had the courage to quit my job and travel to see the world like Jen did! For now, I’ll enjoy armchair travel seeing the world through her eyes, a strong, independent, and happy female. Jen is very raw, humorous, and well-written and I breezed right through this book in a few days!
For audiobook listeners, she reads her own memoir which is super cool and I always appreciate 🎧
Thank you so much to Jen & her fabulous PR team for sending me an awesome themed PR box for this release and Blackstone Audio & NetGalley for the audiobook! ✈️
August 3, 2025
If you’re into self-discovery journeys, especially the kind where women reclaim their power without needing a man to do it—this book is a gem. 12 Trips in 12 months by Jen Ruiz is an honest, light, and motivating read that reminded me we don’t have to wait for the “perfect time” to start living life on our terms.
Jen’s writing is real—like actually real. She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, and I loved that. From using her sick days to travel (yes, queen!) to embracing the discomfort of doing things solo, she made it feel not only possible, but exciting.
My favorite sentence?
“Being ready is an illusion — you gotta just start.”
That line alone lit a fire in me. I’ve been putting off things I wanted to try, waiting until I felt “more prepared.” This book gave me the push to finally go for it and start my own hobbies—on my own, for me.
Perfect for anyone craving inspiration, independence, and a reminder that you are already enough.
Jen’s writing is real—like actually real. She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, and I loved that. From using her sick days to travel (yes, queen!) to embracing the discomfort of doing things solo, she made it feel not only possible, but exciting.
My favorite sentence?
“Being ready is an illusion — you gotta just start.”
That line alone lit a fire in me. I’ve been putting off things I wanted to try, waiting until I felt “more prepared.” This book gave me the push to finally go for it and start my own hobbies—on my own, for me.
Perfect for anyone craving inspiration, independence, and a reminder that you are already enough.
June 18, 2024
Travel blog/influencer Jen Ruiz narrated her journey from a cubicle to traveling the world. This juxtaposition could be presented as something truly inspirational but instead felt like a Kardashian recount. Nothing goes deep in her travel and her assessment of various cultures or lack of knowledge is presented as just that. Several troubling situations she wrote off as luck or using feminine attributes when another woman without her privilege would find herself far less fortunate. Were her trips interesting and somewhat entertaining? Yes. Beyond a mindless foray into travel and terrible relationships, do not expect anything amazing to transpire.
May 14, 2025
This was a cute account of the authors last year in her 20s and the solo travelling she embarked in. While the book was fun it wasn’t anything I had heard before but definitely made me want to travel more than I already want to now!
December 26, 2024
I would have loved to read more about Jen’s experiences in the places she visits and what she’s learned in each.
December 10, 2024
Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace for this book, but it made me super depressed with how she kept talking about her age and not being desirable. And how she should've been married and was chasing shitty men. I understood that the repetitiveness was all for the grand finale of her quitting her job, becoming a full-time travel influencer, and being more confident, but it just made me depressed with all the self-deprecation.
I did enjoy her story about her travels and when she talked about traveling with her family, though.
I did enjoy her story about her travels and when she talked about traveling with her family, though.
December 1, 2024
I never give 1-star reviews but this book was BS. It was cheaply written and has nothing to do with YOUR solo travel magic, just the author's. This isn't a book about self-discovery. It's not about transformation. It's about how the author magically got a whole bunch of expensive excursions comped because she already had a successful travel blog but she definitely won't tell you how she accomplished that. This isn't even really about solo travel because the author spends most trips traveling with friends or traveling to meet up with some guy or another. Live your life how you want, but that's not solo travel. And it's certainly not instructional for those who may be interested in traveling solo but are scared.
But I'm glad we spent so much time hearing about all the ways in which she flagrantly broke the rules that exist to protect sacred and historic sites for that perfect picture. She's professionally "that tourist" who destroys the experience for everyone else. She doesn't like to walk with her GPS out so she doesn't look like a tourist but she'll take every cringe tourist trap photo and sell it like that is how you experience a country. She's also incredibly judgemental about what things are "worth" it and then expresses regret about how she missed out on this or that amazing thing because she wrote it off. And let's not mention the missed FREE excursions because of poor time management.
And I have to take great exception with how she describes Cuba, in particular. Yes, Cuba has its issues but I walked around Havana just like she did and I don't know what kind of crumbling and decay she saw but the buildings there are incredibly well-maintained. The number of people who found out that I was American and stopped to thank me for visiting and coming to see what Cuba is really like was astounding. These were not sought out or prompted but just people on the street. I also visited places outside of Havana and they are equally stunning. Cuba is complicated and there are a lot of strong feelings on both sides but the way the author portrays it, it's as if everyone in Cuba is unaware of the world around them. They are not nearly the sheltered people fed only propaganda that she makes them out to be.
The author shows no actual character growth over the course of the 12 months. In fact, she writes herself this beautiful letter about all the things she's going to leave behind - self-pity, shame, etc. - and then immediately fails to do that. I am glad that she's no longer angry and jealous of her friends who are getting married and having babies when she isn't, but I think 12 months of therapy would probably have been more constructive. Though perhaps less monetizable.
The author is an attorney who is unfulfilled in her career and loves traveling, cool. But in her efforts to complete her goal of 12 trips in 12 months, she really abuses the trust of her employer. I'm a lawyer too and when attorneys flake, especially non-profit attorneys, people can get really hurt. I'm glad she's no longer practicing because her clients deserve better and someone who actually wants her job can fill that role.
I'm glad the author found her calling and is happy and found a way to make money traveling but do yourself a huge favor and skip reading about how she got there. If you really want to learn about her travel experiences and get inspiration, just go to her blog.
But I'm glad we spent so much time hearing about all the ways in which she flagrantly broke the rules that exist to protect sacred and historic sites for that perfect picture. She's professionally "that tourist" who destroys the experience for everyone else. She doesn't like to walk with her GPS out so she doesn't look like a tourist but she'll take every cringe tourist trap photo and sell it like that is how you experience a country. She's also incredibly judgemental about what things are "worth" it and then expresses regret about how she missed out on this or that amazing thing because she wrote it off. And let's not mention the missed FREE excursions because of poor time management.
And I have to take great exception with how she describes Cuba, in particular. Yes, Cuba has its issues but I walked around Havana just like she did and I don't know what kind of crumbling and decay she saw but the buildings there are incredibly well-maintained. The number of people who found out that I was American and stopped to thank me for visiting and coming to see what Cuba is really like was astounding. These were not sought out or prompted but just people on the street. I also visited places outside of Havana and they are equally stunning. Cuba is complicated and there are a lot of strong feelings on both sides but the way the author portrays it, it's as if everyone in Cuba is unaware of the world around them. They are not nearly the sheltered people fed only propaganda that she makes them out to be.
The author shows no actual character growth over the course of the 12 months. In fact, she writes herself this beautiful letter about all the things she's going to leave behind - self-pity, shame, etc. - and then immediately fails to do that. I am glad that she's no longer angry and jealous of her friends who are getting married and having babies when she isn't, but I think 12 months of therapy would probably have been more constructive. Though perhaps less monetizable.
The author is an attorney who is unfulfilled in her career and loves traveling, cool. But in her efforts to complete her goal of 12 trips in 12 months, she really abuses the trust of her employer. I'm a lawyer too and when attorneys flake, especially non-profit attorneys, people can get really hurt. I'm glad she's no longer practicing because her clients deserve better and someone who actually wants her job can fill that role.
I'm glad the author found her calling and is happy and found a way to make money traveling but do yourself a huge favor and skip reading about how she got there. If you really want to learn about her travel experiences and get inspiration, just go to her blog.
Read
January 3, 2025Don't bother picking this up if you're looking for a guide to executing solo trips or even simply to read travel writing. It's closer to memoir than anything else, and not a particularly deep or engaging one. The author seems nice enough, but her preoccupation with men and getting the perfect photo for Instagram bummed me out more than anything.
September 6, 2024
As a travel enthusiast I found many of Jen's experiences relatable! She had a nice perspective on seeing incredible sights but less so as she became a known travel blogger.
August 13, 2024
Jen is a lawyer who is about to turn 30 and decides to take 12 trips in 12 months. This book is about self discovery, personal growth and traveling alone. Each chapter is about a different trip and includes words of wisdom and life lessons.
What was so interesting is how she challenged herself physically and mentally which helped her find where she wanted to be at this stage of her life. I enjoyed this travelogue and think this book is an inspiration for women of all ages.
What was so interesting is how she challenged herself physically and mentally which helped her find where she wanted to be at this stage of her life. I enjoyed this travelogue and think this book is an inspiration for women of all ages.
June 19, 2024
I had never heard of Jen or her adventures before; I found this book by searching "available now" in my library's audiobook catalog. But this book spoke volumes to me: feeling lost in your 20s when everyone else seems to be doing something else, diving into travel as a way to find yourself, realizing the happiness on the other side. I did the same thing in my 20s--but I made a goal to see all 50 states in 5 years. It is still one of the amazing accomplishments of my life and I yearn to do it again.
Her trips are described in lots of different ways, and I appreciated learning of her tours and travels. Her stories also talk about the guys she meets, which may be out of place for a book about travel, but this is also about her discovering herself and her self worth, and so I think those parts are important to have.
I need more books like this.
Her trips are described in lots of different ways, and I appreciated learning of her tours and travels. Her stories also talk about the guys she meets, which may be out of place for a book about travel, but this is also about her discovering herself and her self worth, and so I think those parts are important to have.
I need more books like this.
April 22, 2024
Everyone who travels alone or a lot think they have what it takes to become a travel writer.
Everything felt a bit passe to me except for the way she delighted in comparing everything to Disney films.
That said I’m probably not the target age group as I’m over the hill and have already done heaps of travelling. But this might incentivise those on the fence, especially if they are bland middle of the road types who think non stop instagram posting is proof of personality
Everything felt a bit passe to me except for the way she delighted in comparing everything to Disney films.
That said I’m probably not the target age group as I’m over the hill and have already done heaps of travelling. But this might incentivise those on the fence, especially if they are bland middle of the road types who think non stop instagram posting is proof of personality
June 9, 2024
Every woman needs to read this book!!!
This book is a must read for every woman, but especially the ones that are asking themselves: Is this it? No, it's not and Jen shows it. What I loved the most about the book is how raw and authentic Jen shares her story. She shares her "one step forward, two steps back" development that makes this story so real and relatable. But yet, all the small changes she did eventually put her on the right trajectory to follow her dreams. Great book!!!
This book is a must read for every woman, but especially the ones that are asking themselves: Is this it? No, it's not and Jen shows it. What I loved the most about the book is how raw and authentic Jen shares her story. She shares her "one step forward, two steps back" development that makes this story so real and relatable. But yet, all the small changes she did eventually put her on the right trajectory to follow her dreams. Great book!!!
January 30, 2025
Here are the secrets to solo travel, according to the author: write a blog so that you get hotels and resorts to comp your travel, get romantically entangled with your tour guides, then write a book with extensive descriptions of your lifelong violent motion sickness, which for some reason flared up after you rappelled down a cliff. The girl certainly can write, but maybe she shouldn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
Definitely not what was advertised 😭.
The book description describes 12 Trips in 12 Months as an almost feminist commentary on the pressures of aging as a woman in relation to the need to get a husband and kids once you hit your 30s, and how to live beyond those societal expectations.
Instead this book is about all of the author's situationships/hookups in 1 year, how to win the worst-employee-ever award at your law office by ditching your boss (who is described as a kind person), how to recklessly accumulate debt to get airline miles to go on flights, and follows the author's journey to quit her job and become a travel influencer to get free stuff.
Is the writing poor? No.
But it definitely didn't explore the deeper issues that it claimed it would.
I would reccomend this book if you enjoy reading the beginning parts of recipes online (you know, the ones 90% of people skip?), listening to Spotify ads, or watching house tour videos. It feels like a very surface level take on feminism/living without needing the approval of men and even the travel content doesn't seem to be very indepth as the trips the authors is taking are typically only for the weekend.
Perhaps reframing the book as a memoir maybe have been more accurate to its actual content and would have lead to more positive ratings.
The book description describes 12 Trips in 12 Months as an almost feminist commentary on the pressures of aging as a woman in relation to the need to get a husband and kids once you hit your 30s, and how to live beyond those societal expectations.
Instead this book is about all of the author's situationships/hookups in 1 year, how to win the worst-employee-ever award at your law office by ditching your boss (who is described as a kind person), how to recklessly accumulate debt to get airline miles to go on flights, and follows the author's journey to quit her job and become a travel influencer to get free stuff.
Is the writing poor? No.
But it definitely didn't explore the deeper issues that it claimed it would.
I would reccomend this book if you enjoy reading the beginning parts of recipes online (you know, the ones 90% of people skip?), listening to Spotify ads, or watching house tour videos. It feels like a very surface level take on feminism/living without needing the approval of men and even the travel content doesn't seem to be very indepth as the trips the authors is taking are typically only for the weekend.
Perhaps reframing the book as a memoir maybe have been more accurate to its actual content and would have lead to more positive ratings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
That was a whirlwind of a book and I loved every moment. The theme of taking life's lemons and turning them into lemonade was lived out very well in this account of an influencer who decided to change her circumstances instead of cry over them. The author's writing style is carefree and sprinkled with humor. She also had moments of real honesty as to her own flaws regarding men and life choices based on her upbringing which was tough in and of itself. Some reviewers gave it a lower rating and I'm not sure why. I know Ms. Ruiz has other how to books, but I hope she continues to write travelogues or the like. I feel like I just got home from vacation :)
April 3, 2025
A self proclaimed "Disney Princess" calls in sick to her law job and trawls for discounted flights to enable her to clodhop around the world and be delighted with herself falling into every tourist trap she can find.
The narrative voice must be aimed at preschoolers, must be a Disney princess thing.
Highlights include being awed at the sight of children eating REAL FRUIT, feeling honoured about sampling ACTUAL HAM, and reminding herself that if she didn't get a photo, she wasn't actually even there.
People, don't get your "travel tips" from an influencer. They're hardly unbiased.
One extra star for making us laugh out loud.
The narrative voice must be aimed at preschoolers, must be a Disney princess thing.
Highlights include being awed at the sight of children eating REAL FRUIT, feeling honoured about sampling ACTUAL HAM, and reminding herself that if she didn't get a photo, she wasn't actually even there.
People, don't get your "travel tips" from an influencer. They're hardly unbiased.
One extra star for making us laugh out loud.
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June 20, 2024i really enjoyed this! i love reading books about travel and particularly loved reading about jen’s journey. i loved seeing how jen made travel work on a budget AND with a 9-5 job. she also gave a lot of tips on how to make the most of your trips and how to get cheap flights. reading about all of her trips was so much fun - i loved the details about all the places and how her blogging journey took off a long the way! she also mainly solo travels so that was very inspirational as well! definitely recommend especially if you like travel books ☺️
July 28, 2024
Jen Ruiz is a 29 year old lawyer who, being unmarried and childless, decides to do 12 trips over 12 months. Off she goes on her adventures. I was turned off by the privilege Ruiz shows. Not everyone has the money to spend on travel as she does, although I admit she got some good deals. I particularly didn't like when she called in sick to work and she was already out of town. This happened more than once. She also put her safety at risk several times. A few times she does travel with friends, although she really doesn't make much of an effort to catch up with them. It's not until they are about ready to return home that she finds out one of her friends is pregnant.
August 26, 2024
It was an interesting book and she's a good writer but it was unrealistic. She's able to do all of these trips and make cool memories around the world bc she's a blogger and doesn't have to pay full price for everything. It's a good read and it's very inspirational and had great moments but it's a very ambitious and unrealistic goal for most people.
July 28, 2024
DNF. I made it about halfway through this one before I finally decided I was super bored and not interested in finishing.
A travel blogger details some trips she went on by herself. She had some random hook ups. I don’t know what I was expecting but this was definitely not for me.
A travel blogger details some trips she went on by herself. She had some random hook ups. I don’t know what I was expecting but this was definitely not for me.
September 22, 2024
This book INSPIRED ME. I identified so so much with Jen and am seriously considering taking on the challenge myself
October 9, 2024
Inspired me to keep seeing the world all by myself!
January 6, 2025
Ready to start my 12 trips in 12 months!!!!
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