Stories from Our DLG Girls: Selin

Finding inspiration to start without feeling “ready” 

"Stories from Our DLG Girls" are back! In this series we share the journeys of the women who join Dream Life Getaway, from what life looked like before the trip, to the experiences they had with us, and where life has taken them since.

For this edition, meet Selin💛

Originally from Turkey and now living in the Netherlands, Selin has spent the past few years building a life abroad, embracing new experiences, and pushing herself outside her comfort zone. When she joined our very first Sri Lanka trip, she was looking for adventure and connection, but she came home with something unexpected: the confidence to finally start the thing she’s been thinking about for years; creating content.

Here's her story <3

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? What brought you to the Netherlands, and what has your journey of moving abroad been like?

My name is Selin, I'm originally from Turkey, and I've been living in the Netherlands for the past three and a half years. I moved here to study Clinical Psychology and eventually decided to stay after graduating. Building a life in a new country has been one of the most rewarding but also challenging things I've ever done. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to become more independent, and made me realize how much personal growth comes from saying yes to new experiences.

2. What was life like before joining Dream Life Getaway?

Before joining Dream Life Getaway, I was already enjoying my life in the Netherlands. I was working as a psychologist, traveling whenever I could, and I'm naturally someone who likes to challenge herself and step outside her comfort zone. But I wanted to do something even bigger for myself. I had been wanting to travel more without waiting for friends or the "perfect moment." Instead of waiting for someone to join me, I decided to just go for it. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've made.

3. What made you decide to book a Dream Life Getaway trip? What pushed you to say yes, and why did you choose Sri Lanka?

I had always wanted to try solo travel, but honestly, I didn't feel ready to do it completely alone. Dream Life Getaway felt like the perfect balance, you still have the adventure of traveling somewhere new while sharing the experience with like-minded women. Sri Lanka has been on my bucket list for a long time because it offers such a mix of beaches, nature, wildlife, surfing, hiking, and culture. It felt like the perfect destination to push myself while still feeling safe.

4. What was your first impression when you arrived and met all the girls?

I remember feeling surprisingly comfortable almost immediately. Everyone came from different countries and backgrounds, but we were all there for similar reasons: to experience something new, make friends, and step outside our comfort zones. There was no pressure to be anyone other than yourself, which made connecting with everyone feel really natural.

5. Looking back on your time in Sri Lanka, what moment or memory stands out to you the most, and why?

There are so many memories that stand out, but if I had to choose one, it would definitely be the sunset mangrove tour. I don't think any of us expected it to be such a highlight of the trip. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and because it happened so early in the trip (night 1), it became the moment where everyone really started connecting.

The funniest part was the monkeys. Half of the girls wanted to get as close to them as possible, while the other half were trying to move as far away as they could. Since we were all in one small boat together, it turned into complete chaos in the best possible way. We laughed so much that evening, and it became one of those memories we kept talking about for the rest of the trip. It really felt like the moment we went from being strangers to already feeling like a group of friends.

Another unforgettable experience was the safari. Seeing elephants, crocodiles, and so many wild animals in their natural habitat was something I had never experienced before. It was such a special reminder of how diverse and beautiful Sri Lanka is, and it made the whole trip feel even more adventurous.

6. After returning from Sri Lanka, you started your content creation journey. What inspired you to take that first step, and what role did Dream Life Getaway play in giving you the motivation or confidence to start?

Before Sri Lanka, creating content was something I had been thinking about for a long time but never actually started. Of course, not everyone on the trip was creating content, but because we were traveling, a lot of the girls enjoyed taking cute vacation photos and videos to capture the experience. Some also shared that they were doing UGC or creating content as a fun creative outlet.

What inspired me most, though, was being surrounded by women who were simply taking action in different areas of their lives. Some were building businesses, some had moved to new cities or countries, and others were pursuing creative passions alongside their regular jobs. Everyone encouraged each other, whether it was helping take photos, cheering on someone's idea, or celebrating each other's wins.

Being in that kind of environment made me realize I didn't have to wait until everything was perfect or until I felt completely "ready." I came home feeling inspired and confident enough to finally start sharing my own life and experiences online.

7. How did the trip influence your confidence or motivation to keep creating content once you returned home?

It completely changed my mindset. Instead of worrying about what other people would think, I became much more focused on simply creating and enjoying the process. The trip gave me the confidence to just start. Looking back now, I'm so glad I did because it opened doors to opportunities I never expected.

8. Dream Life Getaway is all about connection and community. How has that sense of community continued to show up in your life back in the Netherlands since Sri Lanka?

One of the nicest surprises was that the connections didn't end when the trip was over. We still keep in touch, support each other, celebrate each other's milestones, and even meet up when possible. Moving abroad taught me how important it is to build your own community, and this trip reminded me that genuine friendships can form incredibly quickly when everyone is open to connecting.

9. Finally, what would you say to someone who's thinking about joining their first Dream Life Getaway but is feeling a little nervous?

I would tell them that being nervous is completely normal, almost everyone arrives feeling that way. But that's exactly why these trips are so special. Everyone is stepping outside their comfort zone together, and that immediately creates a welcoming atmosphere. If you're waiting until you're no longer nervous, you'll probably never go. Sometimes the best experiences begin with a little uncertainty.

10. What would you say to someone who's been dreaming about starting something of their own but keeps waiting for the "right time"?

There probably isn't a perfect moment. If I've learned one thing this year, it's that confidence comes after you start, not before. Whether it's traveling solo, starting a new project, or creating content, you'll never feel 100% ready. Taking that first small step is what creates momentum. Looking back, I'm so grateful I stopped waiting and simply gave myself permission to begin.

Selin, we’re SO lucky that we got to share this trip with you. 

Your journey is a beautiful reminder that courage doesn't always look like having everything figured out. Sometimes it's simply booking the trip, taking the first step, or pressing "post" for the very first time.

Thank you for sharing your story here, you’re beyond inspiring & watching you continue to grow, both personally and creatively, has been such a joy. We can't wait to see where your next adventure will take you!!🧚🏻