Stories from Our DLG Girls: Andrada

Finding perspective beyond the classroom

Welcome to Stories from Our DLG Girls, a new series where we highlight the women who joined Dream Life Getaways and share their journeys, from what life looked like before the trip to their experience with us and where they are now.

For our first story, meet Andrada.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Andrada, 24 years old, from a small town in northern Spain. Before Morocco, I had just returned from London, where I’d been working as an au pair. Coming back home felt strange. It’s one of those towns where everyone knows everyone, and after being abroad, life suddenly felt very small. Things were familiar, but I had changed. I had new experiences, a broader perspective, and it was hard to slip back into my old routine.

Soon after, I was offered a full-time job teaching English at a high school. It was secure, well-paid, and the kind of offer people told me I shouldn’t pass up. At first, it felt like the practical next step, but stability alone wasn’t enough. I knew this path wasn’t making me feel excited, and I was scared I’d get trapped in it long term.

Why did you decide to join us at Dream Life Getaway?

By August, I was drained and craving a change of pace. I like to keep busy, so I filled my summer with plans, one of which was a trip to Sicily with friends from London. That trip reminded me how alive I felt outside of my routine. One evening, a friend told me, “You’re such a curious, adventurous person, you should live that way.” That line really stayed with me.

A few days later, I came across Dream Life Getaway on Instagram. I scrolled through the page and thought it would be the perfect chance to do something for myself. It also lined up with the very last bit of free time I had before the school year started again, so the timing felt right. I booked the trip to Morocco.

What was it like arriving and meeting the group?

Honestly, it was such a relief. From the start, it felt like everyone understood each other. Some of the girls had just gone through breakups, while others were moving to new cities or changing jobs. We were all in transition, each in our own way, and that created an instant sense of connection. The energy in the group was so free and encouraging; being around it was incredibly inspiring.

What stood out to you most about Morocco itself?

Before going, I’d been warned to be cautious, but what I found was the complete opposite. The kindness everywhere really struck me. Alexis, for example, started each morning with the most beautiful breakfasts: fresh, colourful, and prepared with great care.

And then there was the atmosphere: the vibrant streets, the rich food, the colours everywhere. One of my favourite parts was the kittens wandering through the cafés and alleyways. I loved them so much that the group often had to wait for me to catch up because I kept stopping to play with them. All of it together made the week feel so alive and welcoming.

Were there moments that made you look at your life differently?

Yes, a few stand out clearly. One was a conversation with Roos. Listening to her share how she had left behind a traditional path in psychology, followed her love for surfing, and even moved here for love, I was struck by how brave that was. She had created a life on her own terms, built around freedom and connection. Every time we spoke, I felt inspired. It was a reminder that you don’t always have to follow the “safe” path to end up somewhere meaningful.

Another moment that stood out was during our vision board night. My roommate, who was always so supportive, gently pointed out how negatively I sometimes spoke about the future, especially about feeling stuck in Spain and in teaching. She reminded me it didn’t have to be that way. It was such a simple comment, but it really stayed with me.

On the final night, we had the cacao ceremony. I pulled the “Freedom and Liberation” tarot card, which symbolizes breaking free from what holds you back. Just twenty minutes later, my phone rang; it was my boss, calling to tell me my teaching contract had ended. At home, that news would have felt like a huge setback, and I know I would have been devastated, especially with the school year starting in just two days. But in that setting, surrounded by such a supportive group, the reaction was completely different. The girls celebrated and said, “Congratulations, you’re free!” Hearing that shifted everything. What could have felt like an ending instead felt like the start of something new. Honestly, I don’t think I would have had the courage to quit otherwise, but in that moment, it became an exciting turning point.

What does life look like for you now, back in Spain?

Right now, I’m calling this my “slow season.” With more space in my days, I finally have the chance to explore things I didn’t have time for before. I’ve started a master’s in digital marketing, I’m applying for an internship in Brussels, and I’m giving myself permission to enjoy the small things I used to push aside: yoga, pilates, long walks, cooking, and catching up on the books that had been sitting on my shelf.

The biggest change is in my rhythm. Teaching had me on autopilot: wake up, rush to school, come home, do more work, and spend weekends too tired to enjoy them. Now, my mornings start with intentional stretching, walking, and preparing simple meals with care. Slowing down hasn’t always been easy after years of constant busyness, but I’m starting to appreciate how much those quieter moments matter.

Where do you see yourself heading next, and what are you hoping for in the future?

At 24, I already had the certainty of a secure job, but what I want now is growth, challenge, and change. By the end of the year, I’d like to pack my bags and begin again abroad. I don’t know exactly where yet, possibly through an internship or more travel, but I feel open to new opportunities and excited for whatever comes next.

Do you have any advice for other people who might be in a similar position?

There’s a Spanish saying I really like: “Si dudas, no hay duda”, if you doubt, there is no doubt. For me, it means that when you find yourself constantly second-guessing a decision or situation, it’s often a sign that something isn’t right. Listening to that doubt can be the first step toward making a change that feels more aligned with who you are and what you want.

A big thank you to Andrada for sharing her story with us. She truly is sunshine in human form, with a loud, contagious, and beautiful laugh that made our week so much more joyful. We’re excited to bring you more inspiring stories from our DLG Girls in the next edition.