Solo Adventure: Visiting the 7 World Wonders in 2017
Embarking on a solo journey across continents to witness the world’s most iconic landmarks is a feat few attempt, even fewer complete within a single year. This is the extraordinary story of one traveler’s quest to visit all 7 wonders in world 2017, navigating personal challenges and discovering resilience amidst global adventures. Shock Naue Entertainment News delves into the compelling narrative of this remarkable accomplishment, exploring the destinations and the driving force behind such an ambitious endeavor. The journey wasn’t just about ticking off a list; it was a profound experience of growth and coming to terms with life’s unexpected turns, transporting the traveler to [another world another time in the age of wonder](https://shocknaue.com/another-world-another-time-in-the-age-of-wonder/).
The catalyst for this ambitious undertaking arose as the traveler neared the end of a 2.5-year service with the U.S. Peace Corps in North Macedonia in early 2017. Faced with the prospect of returning to a conventional life in the States, a question emerged: “What exactly was I rushing back to?” This period coincided with navigating significant personal grief, prompting a desire for a path that offered space for healing and direction. The idea of visiting the places long dreamed of with a loved one began to take shape, leading to the booking of a trip to India. It was during research for this trip that an advertisement for the New 7 World Wonders appeared, sparking the inspiration for a grander adventure.
Traveler's decision point before solo journey to the 7 world wonders
The Quest for the New 7 World Wonders Solo
Inspired by the global vote that selected the New 7 World Wonders in 2009, the audacious goal was set: to visit all seven solo within a singular year, specifically from August 2016 to August 2017. This timeframe meant the majority of the quest, encompassing six of the seven wonders, would unfold throughout 2017. It was a challenging yet deeply personal mission. The traveler committed to documenting the journey, capturing moments on an iPhone that would later form the foundation for sharing this incredible experience. This pursuit highlighted the allure of the [8th wonder of the world 2017](https://shocknaue.com/8th-wonder-of-the-world-2017/) – the transformative power of travel itself.
View from airplane window, symbolizing solo travel adventure
The chronicle of visits unfolded as follows during the August 2016 to August 2017 period:
Colosseum, Italy (#1 of 7 – August 2016)
The journey technically began just before the self-imposed ‘year’ started. A visit to Rome in August 2016 included the Colosseum. Time in Italy also involved exploring the Amalfi Coast, Vatican City, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. The sheer scale and historical presence of the Colosseum, a constant fixture in the Roman landscape, left a lasting impression, stirring a sense of adventure even before the full quest was conceived.
Experiences in Italy: Pizza, Pompeii ruins, and the Colosseum
Taj Mahal, India (#2 of 7 – Early 2017)
The trip to India, booked as the initial step towards facing grief and exploring a new culture, brought the traveler to the Taj Mahal. Experienced at sunset from the gardens behind the monument, the scene was one of peaceful beauty, with soft light playing across the white marble. Visiting this iconic tomb, built as a testament to love, carried deep personal resonance during a time of loss. The journey through India itself was a rich, sensory experience, encompassing spirituality, vibrant colors, challenges, and profound kindness.
Exploring India: From freezing Darjeeling to the spiritual Taj Mahal, one of the 7 wonders
Petra, Jordan (#3 of 7 – February 2017)
Traveling through Jordan presented unexpected cold temperatures and even snowfall, forcing the traveler to bundle up against the elements. Petra, the ancient city carved into stone, evoked a sense of quiet awe and reflection. Walking the snow-dusted steps of this remarkable site highlighted the sophistication of the civilization that created it. The vast desert landscape offered a calming backdrop, providing space for contemplation amidst the grieving process. Highlights in Jordan also included floating in the Dead Sea and crossing into Israel on foot.
Journey through Jordan: Floating in the Dead Sea and exploring the ancient city of Petra
The Great Wall, China (#4 of 7 – April 2017)
China was not a destination the traveler initially intended to visit, citing concerns about air quality and population density. However, the pursuit of visiting the New 7 World Wonders necessitated the trip. Three different sections of the Great Wall were explored and climbed. Despite personal reservations, the traveler sought positives, enjoying quiet walks and local foods. A significant highlight was reuniting with a former Peace Corps colleague, adding a layer of meaningful connection to the visit.
Overcoming challenges while visiting the Great Wall of China, a world wonder
Machu Picchu, Peru (#5 of 7 – May 2017)
Peru offered a wealth of experiences, from ancient Incan remnants integrated into modern life to Spanish colonial architecture. Visiting Machu Picchu involved a challenging three-and-a-half-day trek on the Lares Trail through the Andes. The extreme altitude posed a significant physical hurdle, highlighting the unpredictable nature of high-altitude travel, even for experienced athletes. Reaching the summit through freezing conditions and physical strain was immensely challenging but ultimately rewarding. The breathtaking beauty of the ancient ruins, often shrouded in mist, inspired a profound sense of awe and wonder. This challenge at Machu Picchu was noted by the traveler as the most difficult but most rewarding of the entire quest to see the 7 wonders solo.
Trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, a challenging solo adventure to a world wonder
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil (#6 of 7 – June 2017)
Brazil, specifically Rio de Janeiro, was a vibrant cultural immersion. Exploring areas like Rocinha, experiencing local art, dance, and cuisine, and spending time on the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana defined the visit. The presence of the Christ the Redeemer statue, overlooking the city, served as a constant, embracing symbol. This part of the journey brought to the surface questions about the transient nature of a constantly traveling life, prompting reflection on the need for balance between adventure and stability. It also underscored the importance of self-acceptance, particularly regarding body image on the beaches.
Experiencing Rio de Janeiro and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil
Chichen Itza, Mexico (#7 of 7 – August 2017)
The final wonder on the list was Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, marking a return to North America and a reconnection with familiar Mexican culture. Exploring the Mayan ruins and learning about ancient sports provided a fitting culmination to the adventure. Visiting geological formations like cenotes and enjoying local food while practicing Spanish added to the experience. Reaching the seventh wonder brought a flood of emotions, primarily a deep sense of accomplishment and fulfillment after a year of intense travel and personal growth.
Concluding the journey at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan, the seventh world wonder visited solo
More information on the New 7 World Wonders selection process is available on the official sites such as World New7Wonders and New 7 Wonders. The adventure tour in India was facilitated by a provider found via sites like Gadventures.com.
Insights from the Solo Journey
Reflecting on the experience, the traveler highlighted the Taj Mahal as the most memorable due to the personal circumstances surrounding the India trip, while Machu Picchu was the most challenging and consequently the most rewarding, pushing physical and emotional limits.
The journey also offered profound cultural insights. India reinforced a deep sense of gratitude for opportunities available in a free nation, while also revealing the impact of witnessing widespread poverty and oppression alongside immense kindness. Peru’s dedication to preserving its rich ancient history was striking, and time spent in the Amazon awakened a humanitarian impulse, fostering advocacy for rainforest and indigenous community preservation.
Regarding what might constitute an “8th Wonder,” the traveler, while an avid globetrotter, deferred from making such a designation, noting the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island and even humorously mentioning a favorite burger joint there. The question of recognizing incredible feats continues, looking ahead to considerations like the [8 wonder of the world 2023](https://shocknaue.com/8-wonder-of-the-world-2023/).
Beyond the destinations, the solo journey provided invaluable travel lessons. Leveraging travel discount sites strategically and meticulous organization, especially when booking travel details, were emphasized as crucial. Packing light – reducing an initial pile of planned items by more than half – was also a hard-learned but essential skill for long-term solo travel.
Compilation of photos from visiting all 7 world wonders solo in one year
Solo female travel presents unique challenges and considerations. The traveler, drawing from over eight years of living abroad and traveling solo across six continents, gained extensive experience in navigating safety, logistics, and personal well-being on the road.
Checklist for helpful travel apps for solo adventurers
The experience underscored that strategic planning, while allowing for spontaneity, is key. From researching destinations and understanding cultural nuances to utilizing helpful travel applications and packing efficiently, preparation enhances the solo travel experience significantly.
World map showing destinations visited by a solo female traveler
Conclusion
This epic solo journey, encompassing visits to all 7 World Wonders, largely within the transformative year of 2017, stands as a testament to the power of human resilience and the pursuit of audacious goals. From navigating personal grief to confronting physical challenges at altitude, the traveler’s experience underscores the profound impact of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It serves as an inspiring reminder that the world’s wonders are not only historical landmarks but also catalysts for personal discovery and growth.
