‘USA’ COVER EDITION - NOVEMBER 24 ISSUE
Photos: Yevhenii Trusov - @yevsonev
The special USA edition of Hooks Magazine features travel influencer Ingriddi Almêida on the cover, in an exclusive photoshoot conducted in New York City. Ingriddi began her international journey at the age of 19 while still a Tourism student. Since then, she has explored the world, accumulating transformative experiences in over 30 countries. One of her most memorable trips was to Israel, where she was struck by the contrast between the deep historical significance and the sense of peace she felt while walking through the streets of Jerusalem, reflecting on how diverse cultures coexist in such a symbolic space.
Traveling alone came with significant challenges, particularly loneliness. Accustomed to being surrounded by friends, she discovered strategies to overcome this obstacle by participating in local workshops, group tours, and other activities that helped her connect with new people. These experiences inspired her to create a project that organizes exclusive trips for women who wish to travel solo, fostering not only destination exploration but also building support networks among travelers.
Additionally, Ingriddi creates personalized itineraries tailored specifically for women, going far beyond simple travel guides. Every detail is carefully designed to provide safety, comfort, and enriching experiences, helping women feel confident as they explore the world independently. For her, traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone—it means enjoying the company of your best self.
Among her recommendations for beginners in solo travel, Portugal stands out as the ideal destination, thanks to the shared language, the hospitality of the local culture, and its affordability. Ingriddi also uses her Instagram, @ingridditrips, as a platform to share practical tips and encourage women to embrace the freedom of traveling.
Check out the full interview:
1: What inspired you to start traveling solo, and how was your experience on your first solo international trip?
From a very young age, at 19, I took my first international trip while I was still a Tourism student and an intern at the Amazonas State Tourism Company, in my hometown. That first experience made me certain that I wanted to work while traveling and discovering the world through my career.
2: What are the main challenges you faced while traveling solo, and how did you overcome them?
Loneliness was one of the most delicate challenges I faced. I’ve always been surrounded by many friends, so at a certain point in my travel journey, I found myself alone quite often. What helped me overcome this was participating in local painting workshops, guided tours, and other group activities. These experiences gave me the chance to meet new people and feel less isolated.
Additionally, this experience inspired me to create a project that organizes exclusive trips for women traveling solo. The goal is to connect women who don’t have travel companions and encourage them to start their journeys as solo travelers. This project is already underway.
3: Having visited 30 countries, which one left the greatest impression on you and why? Do you have an unforgettable story?
Without a doubt, the country that impacted me the most was Israel. It’s fascinating how a place with such heavy historical significance and the site of numerous religious wars can exude such a profound sense of peace. Walking through the streets of Jerusalem feels like diving into centuries of history, where every stone seems to tell a story.
What impressed me the most was witnessing the coexistence of people from different cultures, beliefs, and traditions sharing the same space in such a symbolic place. Israel made me reflect on how, even amid conflicts, humanity can find moments of harmony. It’s a place where the past meets the present in a magical way. I left with the certainty that spirituality and history have the power to connect us to who we are, regardless of where we come from.
4: How do the personalized itineraries you create help women feel more confident about exploring the world alone?
The personalized itineraries I create go far beyond simple travel guides—they are tools for empowerment. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of women who want to explore the world solo without compromising on safety, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.
For example, I select accommodations known for their safety and hospitality, activities that foster connections with the local culture in an accessible and reliable way, and restaurants that offer remarkable experiences. I also include practical tips, such as safe transportation options, useful apps, and information about local customs, so they feel like they have a comprehensive guide created by someone who understands the challenges and desires of solo travel.
More than that, these itineraries are designed to inspire confidence. They show that it’s possible to explore the world independently, have transformative experiences, and realize that traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely—it means being in the company of your best self.
5: What advice would you give to women planning their first solo international trip?
First, follow my Instagram @ingridditrips. There, I share plenty of tips for solo travelers and am organizing trips exclusively for women traveling alone.
When it comes to planning, it’s important to choose a destination that aligns with your profile, research and plan every detail carefully, select safe and highly rated accommodations, always prioritize safety, connect with other travelers along the way, and pack light with practical, comfortable clothing. Embrace the freedom, because you’ll never be the same after this experience.
6: What destinations do you believe are ideal for beginners in solo travel and why?
I always recommend Portugal as the number one destination for Brazilian beginners. Sharing the same language makes things much easier, as there’s no need to learn another language to communicate and enjoy activities there.
Additionally, Portugal is compact, has an efficient and affordable transportation system, and boasts an extremely welcoming culture. The Portuguese are very hospitable and kind, especially towards Brazilians. The cuisine is delicious and familiar, with many similarities to Brazilian food.
Cost-effectiveness is another advantage: compared to other European countries, Portugal is one of the most affordable options. It’s also considered one of the safest countries in the world, especially for solo travelers. The weather is pleasant, and regions like Lisbon and the Algarve have climates similar to Brazil.
Lastly, connections with Brazil are convenient, with direct flights from several Brazilian cities to Lisbon and Porto. All these factors make Portugal the ideal destination for those starting to explore the world solo.
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