The #1 desire of many women, particularly once they become empty-nesters, is to see the world. Women over 55 have become one of the fastest growing audiences for travel. But what happens when some women do not have a partner with whom to share their travels?
Recently, I had a chance to meet with Phyllis Stoller, founder of
The Women's Travel Group. When she wanted to travel the world but her husband was busy working, she decided to fill the void, often discovered by women who find traveling solo to be daunting, by creating
The Women's Travel Group offering "smart luxury tours" for women.
The mission of The Women's Travel Group is "To give women insightful travel experiences, as well as new travel friends with whom to share the memories. We see countries as our mutual destinies not just vacation destinations." Their goals are:
- To exceed your travel expectations with unique experiences alongside area highlights.
- To help you appreciate the nuances of a society and country.
- To fill each day with anticipation, and each evening with friendly conversation.
- To leave you with a new world perspective, shared with new travel friends
The group specializes
in exotic destinations where women may not feel comfortable traveling on their own: China, India, Mongolia,Argentina, Chile,
Morocco, and others. Itineraries are designed to cover both highlights
and extras: such as new artsy districts in Beijing, a yoga lesson in
India, or extra time in souks in Marrakesh. Hotels and restaurants are
hand picked for comfort, safety, location and size of room. Trips cover
hidden sides of a country, often with outspoken speakers and private
visits to homes. All groups are accompanied by a guide and/or escort.
An important aspect of The Women's Travel Group is its inclusive camaraderie. Phyllis described groups of women, who had previously been strangers, banding together while on their trip to help those who might need a little assistance. Indeed, many women make life long friends with the other women in their group. Sometimes women who have recently lost a spouse or suffered a difficult breakup feel their relationship status becomes their identity - starting out fresh with a new group of travel buddies offers a chance to emphasize other aspects of one's personality beyond their "solo" status.
Upcoming
2015 trips include India and Turkey in November, Paris at Christmas, and a Rhine river cruise for New Years.
Plans for 2016 include a South African Safari, Cooking in Tuscany, Ethiopia, Colonial Mexico, Iran, China and Christmas in Morocco.
We all know someone who
wants to experience the world, but is single, widowed, divorced or who has a husband who works all the
time and cannot travel as often as they would like. Please pass this post along to them and have them email me - they will surely thank you for it!
