The Trip That Changed My Direction

I wasn’t always someone who dreamed about travel. Most of my life happened within a 10-kilometre radius — same school, same friends, same hockey rink on weekends. I liked the routine, but I also felt like I was living on repeat.

That started to shift when our teacher announced a school trip to Costa Rica with Evolve Tours. I didn’t sign up right away — honestly, I didn’t think I was the “adventurous” type. But a few of my friends convinced me, and something about the idea of ziplining through the jungle or seeing real volcanoes just stuck in my mind.

A few months later, I was stepping off a plane into thick, warm air that smelled like rain and fruit trees. It felt unreal.

The days that followed didn’t go as planned — in the best way possible. One morning, we were supposed to visit a local school for a cultural exchange, but when we arrived, a downpour flooded the road. Instead, the local kids invited us under the shelter of their gym. We ended up teaching each other games, songs, and a little bit of language. I still remember trying to explain “floor hockey” to them with no words — just laughter and broken Spanglish.

That day wasn’t on the itinerary, but it became my favourite memory of the whole trip. It reminded me that travel isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about human moments you can’t plan.

Later that week, we helped plant trees on a reforestation project near La Fortuna. My hands were covered in mud, sweat stung my eyes, and I had never felt more connected — to the earth, to my group, to myself.

When I came home, I noticed a big shift. I was suddenly more curious, more open, more patient. Things that used to stress me out — a change in plans, an unfamiliar situation — didn’t bother me anymore.

That trip made me realize how capable I actually am. It made me see that the world is bigger than my bubble, and that real learning happens when you step out of your comfort zone.

If you’re even thinking about joining an Evolve Tour, my advice is simple: go.
Go even if you’re nervous. Go even if you don’t know anyone. Go because the version of you who comes back will be stronger, calmer, and more alive than the one who left.

📞 Let’s Start Planning
Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com