12 Trips in 12 Months - by Jen Ruiz (Paperback)

About the Book

"Bestselling author Jen Ruiz takes readers on a trip around the globe in 12 Trips in 12 Months, defying societal expectations of what a woman is supposed to be--and empowering others to do the same. The year before her thirtieth birthday, Jen Ruiz decided to change everything. Despite being professionally accomplished and contributing to the world as an attorney at a nonprofit, she had yet to achieve the most important goal, according to society: becoming a wife and mother. So, after more ghostings than a graveyard, tired of dating apps and sitting in a windowless office, Jen embarked on an epic challenge to send her twenties out in style. Twelve months, twelve trips, no excuses. She started booking flights instead of swiping right, teaching English online to cover costs. Over the course of the year, Jen descended into a volcano in Iceland, volunteered at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, called in sick to fly in a hot air balloon, and went scuba diving at an underwater museum in Mexico. She ended up taking twenty trips, almost double her original goal. In a moving and inspiring story, Jen invites readers along through the year wherein she decided to stop waiting for others and start living for herself, discovered the power of solo travel magic, challenged herself physically and emotionally, made meaningful connections...and learned that she could feel fulfilled and happy on her own." --

Book Synopsis

A LibraryReads pick for Notable Nonfiction

One of Book Riot's 10 Best New Nonfiction Books for Adults

Bestselling author Jen Ruiz takes readers on a trip around the globe in 12 Trips in 12 Months, defying societal expectations of what a woman is supposed to be--and empowering others to do the same.

The year before her thirtieth birthday, Jen Ruiz decided to change everything. Despite being professionally accomplished and contributing to the world as an attorney at a nonprofit, she had yet to achieve the most important goal, according to society: becoming a wife and mother. So, after more ghostings than a graveyard, tired of dating apps and sitting in a windowless office, Jen embarked on an epic challenge to send her twenties out in style.

Twelve months, twelve trips, no excuses.

She started booking flights instead of swiping right, teaching English online to cover costs. Over the course of the year, Jen descended into a volcano in Iceland, volunteered at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, called in sick to fly in a hot air balloon, and went scuba diving at an underwater museum in Mexico.

She ended up taking twenty trips, almost double her original goal.

In a moving and inspiring story, Jen invites readers along through the year wherein she decided to stop waiting for others and start living for herself, discovered the power of solo travel magic, challenged herself physically and emotionally, made meaningful connections ... and learned that she could feel fulfilled and happy on her own.

Review Quotes

"12 Trips in 12 Months is a refreshing memoir that reminds you just how amazing life can be when you step outside of your comfort zone and bet on yourself. Jen Ruiz has given us the blueprint on how to navigate life on our own terms and the courage to book that dang trip!"

-- "Melissa Jean-Baptiste, financial educator and author of So This Is Why I'm Broke"

"Vibrant [and] insightful...Throughout her narrative, Ruiz's enthusiasm and determination shine, infusing each chapter with the infectious joy of someone who is turning dreams into reality. Even amid challenges, her passion resonates."

-- "AudioFile"

"This book [inspires] everyone to find adventure."

-- "Travel Books and Movies"

"Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and galvanized to set off on your own adventures to find extraordinary experiences as you accompany Jen Ruiz in her remarkable odyssey."

-- "Lisa Niver, author of Brave-ish"

"This appealing, conversational memoir/travelogue/relationship title will be relished by travel buffs, solo women travelers, and women exploring life's options."

-- "Library Journal"

"The purposeful traveler discovered that being alone is not a curse; in fact, she came to see it as a 'superpower.'"

-- "Kirkus Reviews"