Why Kelly's Dolomites Adventure With SurfYogaBeer Was The "Best Decision"

Meet SYB alum Kelly! What started as a sign from the universe about a last-minute opening on a trip through the Italian Dolomites turned into one of the "best decisions." From hiking to refreshing beers and bites at the refugios, Kelly collected not just steps and miles, but also new friends, future travel plans, and business inspiration.  

When "just browsing" turns into actually booking the trip

There are many options out there when it comes to booking trips as a solo female traveler. You want a solid itinerary, like-minded people, the kind of price tag that won't make you question all your life choices, and a trip where safety isn't something you even have to think about.

I'd been quietly stalking aactive and social group company SurfYogaBeer's itineraries online for months before finally thinking, "Okay, fine, I'll put myself on the waitlist for the Italian Dolomites trip and let fate decide."

A month before the trip, I got an email: "A spot opened." And in my 30 years of existence, booking that spot was absolutely a top-five life decision.

Finding my people

I'm the friend who always says yes to a trip first before I've checked PTO or my bank account. But let me tell you…on this trip, I found my people. Somehow, 40 strangers felt like lifelong friends within 48 hours. Everyone was funny, outdoorsy, welcoming, and the type to say, "Let's book another trip!" and actually follow through.

Spoiler! It's been months since that Dolomites trip, and I already have three international trips planned this year with SYB friends. That's how you know the vibes were immaculate.

Okay, now onto the actual trip

Let's start with this: even if you don't like hiking…this trip is still for you.

There were challenging hikes for the mountain goats (looking at you, Annie), and perfectly valid "I will be at the refugio drinking beer and flirting with Italian men" options (hi, Tori). Win-win.

The scenery? Ridiculous. Unreal. And having professional photographers on the trip to capture those views was an added bonus.

Getting to know everyone on the trails was one of my favorite parts. Everyday I ended up hiking with someone new, and suddenly, I was out of breath while learning about the best books to read and movies to watch from Kyle; how Liz is saving the environment as a badass lawyer; Tim and the sauna…enough said; Pablo's cooking skills; Nat's Hyrox training tips; and Matt, who had me literally stopping on the trail because I couldn't breathe from laughing.

The refugios: A love story

But the refugios… chef's kiss. After a long hike, nothing hits quite like a cold beer. And the food? Pure comfort. Whatever delicious carb your body is screaming for, schnitzel, cheese dumplings, nona's homemade pasta, pizza, gelato, strudel, it's there.

I'd like to think the trip offered a perfectly chaotic life balance: daily yoga, run club, hiking, mixed with minimal sleep, copious Aperol spritz consumption, and a steady rotation of gelato and limoncello. We celebrated all the birthdays, and somewhere in the middle of it all, getting blessed by Mother Dylan in the mountains may or may not have fixed my entire life.

Lake Garda: The dreamy finale

Then came Lake Garda for the last two days, easily one of the top five favorite towns for me. Picture a tiny California surfer town that accidentally fell into Italy and decided to stay. Wind surfing, biking, hiking, boat days…more activities than there were hours. Which is why I may have extended my trip here…

Final takeaways from the Dolomites

I came to the Dolomites for adventure and left with lifelong friends, mild dehydration, and a business plan (patent pending; investors welcome).

The #SYBDolomites trip wasn't just a vacation. It was a glorious, joy-drenched adventure I'd repeat in a heartbeat.

Here's to mountain climbs, boat day, new friends, and Pocket Goulash™️.

SurfYogaBeer is an active and social travel company focused on global, local, and private adventures, offering group trips for people of all ages and fitness levels. We're all looking for adventure. Travel with us–change your life.