Backpacker, I had something "similar" but from the other way. I wanted to experience a flight or two, to get an idea of what I liked, and visited a few clubs just to scope them out. I was offered a free flight from a couple of members, but declined at the time.
It's one thing stepping into an airplane with an instructor, or someone you know and trust. Its another with a complete stranger. I'm sure that the PPL weeds out those who really can't fly, but do you want to be in a plane with someone you don't know, who may have only just passed their test, and then not flown for a month?!
She dreams of flying, its worth investing some of that money you have spare in paying for instructors to take you flying. The experience will be wonderful, rather than nerve-wracking
:-)