All PostIn my first blog post, I shared how my idea for Wellness Wine & Wonder women’s trips started with a focus on using travel to shift the mindset of women still in their prime but who were stuck – feeling a sense of loss, loneliness, and isolation as a result of a divorce, death of a loved one, retirement, or other disruptive life situation. Travel can be such a wondrous, rejuvenating experience if only one can bring themselves to do it, and yet for women in these circumstances, there are many things holding them back. The partner they used to travel with is no longer around. Their children have moved on to their own adventures. Their friends are still in relationships and not up for a trip without their partner, or too busy with their jobs. Money may be an issue as well.
Women React Differently to Disruptions
Women impacted by these life disruptions vary greatly in their reactions. The nature and degree of the disruption, and the circumstances around it, heavily influence their response. Some sink themselves into their work as a distraction from their feelings. Others are fine emotionally, and in the case of divorce perhaps are even happy or relieved to be out of a bad relationship. Some put on a disguise and appear fine on the surface while suffering underneath their cover. Yet others are taken down into a mindset that is grieving, defensive, and negative, and it shows. Across this spectrum, many do today think about traveling, and join various Facebook forums and other groups focused on solo women’s travel. Yet they may be hesitant to travel alone and may not be comfortable with or interested in planning it on their own.
Where Does a Trip Come In?
A trip of some type together with other women going through similar challenges can serve as a form of self-therapy and self-care. Such a trip can be a good way to get started traveling again, with new and different travel partners. The right travel experiences can be an impetus to help women in these situations reframe their circumstances, rebuild their confidence and revitalize their lives. This was the genesis of Wellness, Wine & Wonder trips. These are not group therapy trips, and not for those in the immediate aftermath of the disruption, but geared to women who are past the early phases and ready to “reset” – to move on with their lives. There are many flavors of small and large group women’s trips available from many different providers, and even individuals organizing trips more informally, all with different destinations and themes.
Give Yourself A Gift
If you find yourself working your way through one of these disruptions, recognize your needs and your value, and give yourself a gift. Travel. Take a look at the range of options, and find one that is right for you.
