As a women’s travel company, we often witness firsthand the incredible power of female camaraderie. It’s almost as if women are inherently wired to connect deeply and form strong bonds, making us natural experts in the art of friendship.
Science actually backs this up: nurturing significant female relationships and bonding with both old and new friends is genuinely beneficial for our well-being. A fascinating article in the Seattle Times highlighted this, quoting Suzanne Dragge, 82, who eloquently stated, “With women, you can bare your soul. You don’t do that with your husband.” Suzanne and her friend Connie Smith, 85, have shared countless experiences, from volunteering at church to fly-fishing, over nearly a decade. Indeed, female friendships might just be the secret ingredient to a long and fulfilling life.
This brings us to the magic of women’s trips. At Girls’ Guide to Paris & Beyond, women-only tours are our specialty, and for good reason. But what is it about traveling in the company of other women that resonates so deeply?
For many women, particularly later in life, circumstances change. Divorce or widowhood might lead them to rediscover travel independently. Others may be single, finding it challenging to coordinate travel plans with friends’ schedules. And some, like myself, simply have different travel styles than their partners. While I cherish my husband of over 30 years, his patience wears thin when shopping or lingering in museums – activities best enjoyed with girlfriends.
Women’s trips cater to a wide age range, from women in their twenties to their eighties and beyond. Leading these tours is a truly heartwarming experience. The first evening often begins with a mix of excitement and slight apprehension, a reminiscent of the ‘first day of school’ jitters. However, a relaxed atmosphere with good food and wine, whether we’re in Mongolia or Montpelier, quickly dissolves any initial nervousness.
Soon, gentle laughter fills the air, evolving into hearty chuckles and eventually, uproarious roars. By the trip’s end, deep connections have formed, and we often feel like sisters who’ve known each other for years.
A common question from prospective travelers is about the age range of women on our trips. While some companies focus on specific age brackets, we’ve discovered a unique charm in blending generations, from twenty-somethings to seventy-somethings.
Many women in their seventies who embrace adventure travel, especially the small luxury experiences we curate, defy the stereotype of being “old.” They possess a youthful spirit, always eager for the next adventure, embodying the motto, ‘Never Act Your Age!’ Conversely, the younger women on our tours often exhibit remarkable wisdom and maturity.
This intergenerational bonding is profound and enriching. Each group discovers the depth of knowledge and understanding within the other, fostering wisdom, friendship, and common ground across age differences. These are the invaluable rewards of multigenerational women’s only tours – a truly magical phenomenon.
Stepping outside our daily routines and immersing ourselves in a women’s travel workshop, retreat, or adventure opens our minds to new perspectives. We begin to see the world, and ourselves, differently, creating fertile ground for forging new friendships. For me, the ultimate reward is witnessing the enduring connections and mutual support that blossom among these women long after the trip concludes.
They visit each other, engage on social media, and often plan future travels together, either with us or independently. Women Traveling Together simply works. It’s a unique form of women’s solo travel in a supportive group environment. The initial solo step is simply deciding to book the trip. Upon arrival, you’re welcomed into a circle of travel sisters where laughter and connection flow freely. It truly is a beautiful thing!
(Note: While travel might be challenging currently, better times are ahead. Girls’ Guide offers a RISK-FREE Booking policy, allowing you to plan future adventures with confidence. Explore our trips, adventures, and retreats here.)
