I have learned that investing in yourself doesn’t always look like taking a class, hiring a coach, starting a business or putting money into your retirement account.

Sometimes investing in yourself looks like getting on the plane.

Travel has become one of the ways I pour back into myself. I’m on a mission to see the Wonders of the World, and in August, that mission took me from Texas all the way to Peru to see Machu Picchu.

And let me tell you right now.

I was NOT prepared for how cold Peru was in August.

Texas had me completely confused. LOL.

If you’re planning a trip to Peru in July or August, pack layers. Bring a warm jacket. Bring comfortable shoes. Bring rain gear. The temperatures can change dramatically depending on where you are and what time of day it is.

But the cold didn’t take away from this experience one bit.

Peru ended up being one of those places I didn’t expect to fall in love with.

And I absolutely did.

From Texas to Cusco, Peru

We flew from the United States into Lima, Peru, and from Lima took a much smaller plane into Cusco.

Cusco sits more than 11,000 feet above sea level, and let me tell you, that altitude is no joke.

One of the smartest things we did was give ourselves time in Cusco before heading toward Machu Picchu and some of the higher elevations.

Do not underestimate altitude sickness.

You may feel perfectly healthy at home, then arrive in Cusco and suddenly your body is asking, “Girl, where did you bring me?” LOL.

Give yourself time. Hydrate. Rest. Don’t plan to land and immediately start running all over Peru.

We stayed at the beautiful JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, a restored 16th-century convent right in the historic center of Cusco.

And the hotel was an experience all by itself.

The rooms are oxygen-enriched, which was wonderful while we were adjusting to the altitude. We drank coca tea, and the accommodations were absolutely beautiful.

But let’s talk about the REAL star of the JW Marriott.

Panchita.

Panchita is their adorable alpaca who comes into the courtyard, and I completely fell in love with her.

I mean…how often do you walk downstairs from your hotel room and have an alpaca waiting for her photoshoot?

Panchita and I had a moment. Several moments, actually.

Exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley

We explored Cusco and learned about the incredible history of the region, but one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip was our day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Pictures do not prepare you for this place.

The mountains seem to go on forever. The air feels different. You are surrounded by landscapes that make you stop talking for a minute and just LOOK.

One highlight was visiting the famous Maras Salt Mines, also known as the Salineras de Maras.

Thousands of little salt pools cascade down the side of the mountain, creating this incredible patchwork of whites, creams, and browns. Seeing them carved into the mountainside was fascinating.

Then came one of my absolute favorite memories.

We had a beautiful picnic overlooking the mountains of the Sacred Valley.

Little tents and tables were decorated in gorgeous Peruvian textiles. We were surrounded by mountains, llamas, and alpacas while eating outside in the middle of this unbelievable landscape.

It felt magical.

Not “Instagram magical.”

Put your phone down and realize how blessed you are to be standing here- magical.

Those are the moments I travel for.

After our picnic, we got on ATVs and headed out to see Moray, one of the most fascinating Incan archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley.

Moray looks almost like giant circular terraces carved down into the earth. Standing there makes you wonder how people hundreds of years ago created something so sophisticated without the technology we have today.

And getting there on ATVs made the experience even better.

Mountains. Open air. Peruvian countryside.

I remember thinking:

THIS is living.

The Day We Finally Saw Machu Picchu

Then came the reason so many people travel to Peru.

Machu Picchu.

And I’m going to warn you now.

Getting to Machu Picchu is an ADVENTURE.

Our morning started around 5 a.m.

We drove for several hours before reaching the area where we boarded the train. Then we rode the train for approximately an hour and a half into Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu.

From there, we boarded a bus.

For about 30 minutes, that bus wound its way up the side of the mountain.

In the rain.

Around curves.

Higher and higher.

At some point, you just have to stop looking over the edge. LOL.

And then you arrive.

Machu Picchu.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We had a guide take us through the site, explaining the history, architecture, and incredible ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

And when you finally reach those views you’ve seen in photographs your entire life, there really aren’t words.

The mountains.

The clouds.

The ruins.

The history.

It is breathtaking.

You realize that people built this incredible city high in the Andes more than 500 years ago, and somehow you are standing there looking at it with your own eyes.

That’s why seeing the Wonders of the World matters so much to me.

I don’t just want to see pictures of this world. I want to experience it.

If Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, plan ahead. Entrance tickets can sell out, particularly during high season, and there are different circuits and routes to choose from.

And one more very important Felicia travel tip:

USE THE RESTROOM BEFORE YOU GO UP.

There are no restrooms once you’re inside the archaeological site.

You’re welcome.

After hours exploring Machu Picchu, we did the entire journey in reverse.

Bus.

Train.

Automobile.

By the time we got back, it had been a LONG day.

But I would do it all over again.

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Cooking, Shopping and Experiencing Peru

The next day gave our legs a little break.

We took a Peruvian cooking class and went shopping for ingredients alongside the locals.

This is another reason I love traveling.

I don’t only want to see the tourist attractions. I want to understand how people live. I want to taste their food. Walk through their markets. Hear their stories.

Food tells you so much about a culture.

And Peru has some GOOD food.

Then We Woke Up at 2 A.M. for Rainbow Mountain

Yes.

2 A.M.

Because apparently vacation Felicia makes very different decisions than regular Felicia. LOL.

Our final big adventure was Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors.

It took us about four hours to get there.

Instead of hiking the entire way, we decided to ride ATVs for part of the journey.

BEST DECISION.

The ATV ride itself was about 20 minutes through absolutely gorgeous mountain scenery. After that, we still had about a 10- to 15-minute walk to reach the viewpoint.

And remember, you’re at a very high altitude.

That little 10-minute walk can suddenly feel like you are training for the Olympics.

Take your time.

Breathe.

And once again…

Carry Peruvian soles.

Especially if you want to use the restroom.

Let’s just say Peru taught me that access to a bathroom is a privilege and not a guarantee. LOL.

When we finally reached Rainbow Mountain and saw those colors stretching across the Andes, it was another one of those moments where I thought:

I am so glad I came.

Don’t Wait Until Retirement to Start Living

This trip reinforced something I have been thinking about more and more.

Stop waiting.

We tell ourselves we’ll travel when the business makes more money.

When the kids are older.

When work slows down.

When we lose the weight.

When we have more time.

When we retire.

But what if you finally have the time and money and your body says, “Absolutely not”?

Some of these places require walking. Climbing. Altitude. Early mornings. Long travel days.

Legs.

Knees.

Stamina.

I want to have experiences while my body can still carry me there.

That doesn’t mean you have to travel across the world tomorrow. It means stop believing that taking time for yourself has to be earned.

Rest is an investment.

Experiences are an investment.

Joy is an investment.

Seeing the world is an investment.

You are an investment.

As women, we can spend decades taking care of everybody else. Our families. Our careers. Our businesses. Our clients.

But I believe there comes a point when we have to ask ourselves:

When do I get to be on my own list?

This is something I talk about often, especially for women over 40 who are learning to prioritize themselves again. Read: Confidence Isn’t Found—It’s Built (Especially After 40).

For me, travel is part of that answer.

Peru Was the Trip I Didn’t Know I Needed

I never expected to fall in love with Peru the way I did.

The culture.

The history.

The mountains.

The food.

The people.

The alpacas. Definitely the alpacas.

From Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Maras, Moray, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain, this trip reminded me just how big and beautiful this world is.

And how much of it I still want to see.

I’m on a mission to see the Wonders of the World.

One down. More memories to make.

So if Peru has been sitting on your bucket list, this is your sign.

Book the trip.

Take the time.

Invest in the experience.

Invest in the memories.

And most importantly, invest in you.

What Does Investing in Yourself Look Like for You?

Maybe it’s finally booking the trip.

Maybe it’s starting the business you’ve been dreaming about.

Maybe it’s taking care of your body.

Maybe it’s creating boundaries.

Or maybe it’s finally stepping in front of the camera after years of being the woman behind it.

I believe confidence isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about allowing yourself to see, celebrate, and experience the woman you already are.

Read next: The Key to Confidence Is Seeing Yourself Through a New Lens.

And if one way you’re ready to invest in yourself is finally allowing yourself to be photographed and celebrated, I’d love to create that experience for you.

Explore the Felicia Reed Photography Luxury Photoshoot Experience or book your consultation.

Stop waiting for someday and start living a life you can experience today.

I’ll see you at the next Wonder.