Support Emma's Solo Journey to Volunteer in Italy ‍

Hi my name is Emma. I’m 24 and for the first time in my life (and who knows, maybe the ONLY time) I’m going on a solo trip abroad - to Italy!! I am TERRIFIED. But that is why I must do it.

I will be volunteering for a few weeks on an organic Tuscan farm and spending some time alone in Cinque Terre from September - October 2024. I hardly know any Italian, have never solo traveled abroad, and many people have insisted I reconsider or bring a traveling companion, but I’ve got 3: me myself and I! They say you get to know yourself very deeply by solo travel. My goal is to build trust and a sense of home/security within myself, challenge my fear of bugs and snakes, support local organic farmers and growers, and experience Italian culture in Tuscany / the Riviera like a local. I have dreamed of this opportunity for years, but always went back and forth on it. “Do I have enough money?” “What about my job?” “What about my rent?” “I should just save money and pay off my debt…”

Honestly I’ve come to realize that debt is a financial reality living in the U.S. as a twenty-something year old, especially if you went to college like me! Thankfully I applied for as many scholarships and grants as I could while in school (GOD I miss that “free money”!) but there’s still quite a chunk of change staring me down. I had a really impactful talk with my Dad who gave me the permission I didn’t realize I was waiting for to take a chance. While I’m relatively commitment-free - no rent to pay, full-time salary job, a relationship, kids, or a home - GO TO ITALY! Do the thing. Live life. Take the risk. Because when will I be this free enough to do this again? You never know. ☁️

If anyone would like to contribute to my fund to help pay for this trip, I would HUGELY appreciate it, as this opportunity and decision means so much to me in my life. I’ve started this GoFundMe for those who would like to support me. This is all I want for my 25th birthday this year. These funds will go towards paying for my plane ticket, train tickets, food, and lodging :) Anything helps! I’ll be leaving in early September and will be back in the states early October. Like I said, this means the absolute WORLD to me. I’ve never invested so much time or money in a dream of mine, so THANK YOU FOR HELPING MAKE A YOUNG GAL’S DREAM COME TRUE! ❤️❤️❤️ :’)