A Travel Advisory

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I belong to a travel group comprised of seven women. I joined the group about 7 years
ago. The Group has traveled to beautiful places and done so many interesting and fun
things. Our trips have included: Vermont, Rhode Island, extended weekends in NYC, the
South of France, Tuscany, and Mexico. I also travel with my family, but there is just
something special about a women’s travel group.

For most women I know traveling with children, your spouse, significant other or
extended family is a lot of responsibility. Typically women plan family trips. By this I
mean that we suggest a list of places to visit and then can only hope that everyone agrees
on the destination selected. If not, we are the ones left to negotiate, cajole and do
whatever’s necessary to get everyone on board. After all that we are expected to handle
the logistics of the trip itself. We make all the travel arrangements, meal reservations and
plan all of the activities during the vacation stay. If our extended family joins us on the
trip there is a possibility of delegation, but not usually. Finally, you’ve arrived at your
destination, you’re exhausted from all of your prep work, and now your management
skills must really kick in.

TRAVEL ADVISORY – Find or Create a Women’s Travel Group

Here’s why women’s travel groups work. I won’t use the cliché that women are better
organizers. However, to complete tasks women tend to delegate responsibilities, reach
consensus on issues and then move on to the next thing. At the core of a good women’s
travel group are these skills and the ability to relax.

Find a good group of women and you are on your way to doing whatever you desire. Say
“no” to the planned events of the day and “yes” to a poolside seat with a Mai Tai, never
once getting up. Skip the walking tour and head to the spa. Go eat at that exotic restaurant
or climb 200 steps to get that special photo. Choose to be selfish, to see all the things
your spouse, significant other or family may quash because they’re not interested. The
point is that you can make choices based upon your needs and not the needs of others
because you are with other women who understand that this is your time to do what you
like.

But a trip with a women’s travel group is about more than going sight seeing,
the educational experience and the amazing food. It provides the opportunity to talk and
share experiences and get the support and encouragement from other like-minded woman
in an environment that’s perfect for reflection. Most women get together over coffee,
lunch, dinner, but often with time limitations. Traveling with a group of women creates
quality time to focus on ideas, dreams, and family issues that you may have wanted to
discuss with your female friends.

There are no rules for when to begin your travel group or where your first trip should be,
just start!

If you’re thinking about forming a travel group and you’re not sure how to start here are
some suggestions as well as links to travel agencies that specialize in women’s travel.