A Journey She Was Meant to Take: Sednima Finding Herself in Peru

After years of rebuilding her life and putting work first, Sednima finally chose herself.

Her journey to Peru with Other Way Round Travel became more than a trip; it became a turning point.

After my divorce in 2019, life took a very different turn for me. I became a workaholic—completely immersed in rebuilding my life from the ground up. I entered the medical field as a phlebotomist, and over the years, with my educational background and growing leadership experience, I steadily climbed the corporate ladder. Within just four years, I went from an entry-level technician to a managerial role at the very company where I had started.

On paper, it looked like success. And in many ways, it was. I loved my job, I loved the impact I was making, and I took pride in how far I had come. But working full-time in such a fast-paced, high-pressure medical environment comes at a cost. Slowly, almost without realizing it, I lost my sense of balance. My life became all about work. My passions, my joy, my sense of self—they all took a back seat.

That was the moment I knew something had to change.

“SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR TRIPS ALWAYS STOOD OUT TO ME — THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL, THE AUTHENTICITY, THE SENSE OF ADVENTURE”

I made one of the boldest decisions of my life: I stepped away. I chose to take a year off—not because I was lost, but because I wanted to find myself again. I wanted to reconnect with the parts of me that had been buried under responsibility and routine.

During that time, I leaned fully into my passions. I entered the fitness industry full-time, became a certified personal trainer, and pushed my physical limits by running long-distance races. Fitness became more than just a profession—it became a form of healing, a way to rebuild my strength, both physically and emotionally.

But there was still one dream that had quietly lived inside me for years: traveling the world.

I had come across Other Way Round Travel years earlier through Instagram and Facebook ads. Something about their trips always stood out to me—the attention to detail, the authenticity, the sense of adventure. I subscribed to their newsletter, followed their journeys, admired the photos, and read their blogs. I kept telling myself, one day.

But life kept me busy. There was always a reason to wait.

Until I decided to stop waiting.

When I consciously chose to prioritize my dreams, everything shifted. I finally gave myself permission to say yes. And that’s when I booked my trip to Peru.

Answering a Calling

I have always been fascinated by ancient civilizations—their strength, their wisdom, their connection to nature. The idea of visiting Peru, of walking the paths of the Inca civilization, of hiking up to Machu Picchu, felt almost surreal to me.

At the same time, I had very limited experience traveling internationally on my own. So while the dream was strong, there was also uncertainty.

When I booked the trip, it was almost impulsive. As the departure date approached, I still wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. Friends and family admired my courage, but not everyone shared the same enthusiasm.

I was asked questions like:

• Is it safe to travel alone?
• Can you handle the altitude?
• It’s a third-world country—are you sure it’s wise?
• Is it worth the cost?

For a moment, those questions tried to plant doubt in my mind.

But I made a conscious choice: I put all those fears in a box and moved forward anyway.

Because deep down, I knew this was something I needed to do.

This trip didn’t feel like a vacation. It felt like a calling.

A Sign From the Universe

Just days before my trip began, something unexpected happened.

Although I am a U.S. citizen, I was born and raised in Bangladesh, where much of my extended family still lives. A few days before departure, I called them to check in—and to my surprise, I learned that my uncle was in Lima, Peru, attending a government conference.

Out of all places in the world… Lima.

That moment felt like more than coincidence. It felt like confirmation. Like the universe was gently telling me, you are exactly where you are meant to be.

Suddenly, my anxiety about traveling alone faded. I wasn’t stepping into the unknown anymore—I was stepping into something aligned.

“THE ENERGY OF THE CITY, THE WARMTH OF THE PEOPLE, THE VIBRANT CULTURE — IT ALL FELT ALIVE”

First Impressions of Lima

I arrived in Lima at 3 a.m. on March 28th. After checking into the hotel and getting a bit of rest, I spent my first day reconnecting with my uncle. We explored the city together, taking a tour bus through Lima.

And I instantly fell in love.

The energy of the city, the warmth of the people, the vibrant culture—it all felt alive. The food, the markets, the parks—everything captivated me.

Our hotel was perfectly located in the heart of Miraflores, near Kennedy Park. That park quickly became one of my favorite places. It was filled with hundreds of well-cared-for stray cats, peacefully roaming around, being fed and loved by the community.

For someone like me, who finds joy in simple, soulful moments, sitting there—petting cats, watching artists sell their work, feeling the breeze from the nearby coast—was pure happiness.

Miraflores stole my heart on the very first day.

The People Who Became Part of My Story

Later that day, I met my roommate, who had traveled from the UK. Earlier in the morning, during breakfast, I had briefly met our tour leader, Manny.

But it was during the official meet-and-greet dinner that everything truly came together.

Manny chose the perfect venue. The food, the ambiance, the energy—it was all thoughtfully curated. That dinner became the perfect icebreaker for our group.

We arrived as strangers. But something shifted that night.

There was ease. There was openness. There was a shared excitement for the adventure ahead.

Our group was beautifully diverse—young professionals and explorers from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. And yet, over the course of the trip, we became something more than just a group.

We became part of each other’s journeys.

As someone who has traveled solo for a long time, I had my concerns about fitting into a group dynamic. But those worries quickly disappeared. Everyone was kind, respectful, and incredibly accommodating.

We found a natural rhythm—being together when it mattered, and giving each other space when needed. There was no pressure, no forced interactions—just mutual respect and understanding.

I participated in most group activities (except the bike ride—I don’t know how to ride a bike!), but I also carved out time for myself. I explored the city solo, went souvenir shopping, even took a Zumba class in Lima, and spent quiet moments reflecting in city squares.

Manny’s planning made that balance possible. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to give us both connection and independence.

“EVERY ACCOMMODATION WAS STRATEGICALLY CHOSEN AND INCREDIBLY COMFORTABLE”

Comfort, Cuisine, and Carefully Curated Experiences

One of my initial concerns was the logistics—changing hotels multiple times over a 12-day trip sounded exhausting.

But it turned out to be the opposite.

Every accommodation was strategically chosen and incredibly comfortable. Each location offered something unique.

My absolute favorite was the lodge in the Amazon rainforest. Nestled beside a river, surrounded by lush greenery, it felt like a dream. The infinity pool overlooking the forest, the hammocks swaying gently, the vibrant flowers, the peaceful atmosphere—it was the perfect escape into nature.

Another standout was Lizzy’s Lodge in Cusco. The mountain views were breathtaking, and the gardens were so beautiful I couldn’t stop taking photos. And yes—there were llamas in the courtyard, adding a magical touch to the experience.

When it came to food, Peru exceeded every expectation.

Each hotel offered excellent breakfast buffets to fuel our days. The included meals were always arranged at top-quality restaurants, giving us a chance to experience the richness of Peruvian cuisine.

One of my favorite moments was a buffet lunch in Cusco at Tunupa, where I tried llama meat for the first time. It was a unique and memorable experience.

Even during free time, food was never an issue. Peru is incredibly affordable, and having unstructured time allowed us to explore local restaurants and discover hidden gems.

“I COULDN’T HELP BUT FEEL GRATEFUL FOR HOW SEAMLESSLY EVERYTHING WAS ARRANGED FOR US”

A Perfectly Designed Adventure

Throughout the trip, I met other travelers who had planned their Peru journeys independently.

And while their experiences were meaningful in their own ways, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for how seamlessly everything was arranged for us.

Other Way Round Travel created a complete, immersive experience.

From visiting local farmers’ markets in Lima, to participating in a cooking class led by an expert chef, to guided hikes along the Inca trails, to insightful city tours—every moment felt intentional.

They didn’t just show us Peru.

They allowed us to experience it.

“THE MOST POWERFUL MOMENT OF MY JOURNEY WAS HIKING THE INCA TRAIL”

The Moment That Changed Me

The most powerful moment of my journey was hiking the Inca Trail.

As a personal trainer preparing for my first marathon, I considered myself strong. But the Inca Trail humbled me in ways I didn’t expect.

The altitude, the terrain, the intensity—it tested every part of me.

The local Peruvian people, born and raised in high altitudes, carried a strength that was truly inspiring. And with the support of Manny and our guide Stephanie, we pushed through.

Nine miles later, we made it.

Standing there, surrounded by the remnants of an ancient civilization, high in the mountains, I felt something shift within me.

A deep sense of humility.

A profound respect for the Inca people—their resilience, their wisdom, their connection to nature.

It felt like a place you don’t just visit—it’s a place you are invited to.

And I felt honored to be there.

A Poem from the Soul

On the day I visited Machu Picchu, I wrote this:

Somewhere in a land far away,

tucked high in the mountains,

lived a civilization from centuries away.

Blessed are those who get to visit.

This magical place,

with treasures quietly tucked away,

a land of abundance—

Machu Picchu

tells a story of resilience.

The Inca trails,

the forty-three steps,

the rooms and columns of the palace—

all whisper of a lost time,

of a wise civilization

that lived as one with nature,

that honored Mother Earth.

As you walk through the terraces,

you don’t just pass through—

you become part of a story untold.

Whether you come for a getaway

or a simple weekend tour,

this is no place for the weak-hearted.

It pulls you in,

teaches you strength,

and leaves its mark

deep within your soul.

“IF I COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO ANYONE CONSIDERING A TRIP LIKE THIS, IT WOULD BE SIMPLE: DON’T OVERTHINK IT”

If You’re Thinking About It… Just Go

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone considering a trip like this, it would be simple:

Don’t overthink it.

Life is short. If you have a dream—go for it.

You cannot go wrong with Other Way Round Travel. They take care of everything, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of a new country, a new culture, a new version of yourself.

I came back home with more than just memories.

I came back with a piece of Peru in my soul.

And this?

This is just the beginning.

I cannot wait to see where the rest of the world takes me.