Why women should travel and what we can do to inspire others

by Carolyn Ray

There is no question that we are living in uncertain and stressful times. While we’d like to think there’s no connection between politics and travel, it’s just not true. As a result of United States (U.S.) government policies, the U.S. is suffering from a free fall in tourism, and a looming shutdown presents risks that could affect travel and safety within and to the U.S.

On October 18, 2025, millions of people around the world participated peacefully in the ‘No Kings’ demonstrations, in protest of the current U.S. administration. All who marched showed not only their love and respect for the United States but also their support for the ideals of democracy. Democracy isn’t just an American product, it belongs to the world. Yet we are seeing it diminished everywhere because of the actions of an administration that is pursuing its own goals, not those of the people.

Knowing that change takes time, in the meantime, women need ways to sustain our optimism, our mental health and our friendships with other nations. This is why women, as citizens of the globe, need to travel, now more than ever before.

Why women travel: Travel improves longevity and health

Science shows that travel has beneficial health and societal effects, especially as we age. The Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA) has data that shows travel improves longevity through mental and physical stimulation. The GCOA’s research shows that travel enhances physical health, cognitive resilience, and social engagement – key parts of healthy and healthful aging.

According to Michael Hodin, CEO of GCOA: “The travel sector, like healthcare and financial services, should be booming as the world’s age 50+ population grows. It’s time to reposition travel as an essential part of healthy aging and economic growth, rather than just a recreational activity.”

The Global Coalition on Aging’s  latest white paper says that regular travel is linked to a 36.6% lower mortality risk and up to a 47% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease through activities that promote movement, cultural engagement, and community connection.

When we travel, we gain perspective and wisdom that we can’t get from a TV show or reading a book. We can witness with our own eyes the impact of climate change in Antarctica and its effect on ecosystems and habitats. We can lift a shovel arm in arm with local communities in Costa Rica building nesting areas for endangered turtle populations. We can taste and smell the street food in Sicily that has been cultivated over centuries, blending cultures and histories. There is simply no substitute for travel.

More reasons why women should travel

1. Travel broadens our perspective

In these times, I’m reminded of Mark Twain’s famous quote: ““Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

Travel to places with different cultures than our own world helps us develop understanding and empathy. Living without curiosity is akin to being trapped in a bubble. We do not live in isolation of the rest of the world. We may feel as if the war on Ukraine may not directly affect us here in North America, but it’s having a significant impact on Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Not only has Putin’s invasion of Ukraine threatened the stability of Europe but it has also impacted food and energy security globally, not to mention refugees fleeing violence and inflation worldwide. It affects all of us.

It’s only by seeing the tragic “Shoes on the Danube” in Budapest or touring the Jewish quarter of Prague that we even begin to comprehend the travesties that Jewish people have endured for centuries. Shockingly, nearly 1 in 4 Americans considered three recent violent incidents against Jewish Americans understandable, according to a report published in July 2025 by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). I believe travel could change this.

2. Travel is an antidote for isolation and loneliness

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection 1 in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness. “In this age when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Canada’s National Institute on Aging says that “43% of Canadians aged 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation, and up to 59% have experienced loneliness.” (The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) 2024 Survey)

When we travel, we meet others, connect and share experiences. It’s impossible to be lonely when you travel, especially if you’re in a group.

3. Through travel, we create life-long friendships

Travel is one of the ways to meet like-minded women who share the same values. When you’re on a safari in South Africa, with women who care deeply about conservation, wildlife and protection, there is no better emotional connection. The memories you create on a trip can sustain you for years, while building long-lasting friendships.

4. Travel provides an escape from the stress of everyday life

Life is anxious, even when you’re not on social media or watching the news. We’re caregivers, mothers, daughters, decision makers, volunteers… the list goes on. How we, as women, find time for ourselves?  Prioritizing our own wellness is a wonderful act of self-care. Have you ever met anyone who invested in a wellness retreat or holiday who didn’t feel more relaxed afterwards?

There are many women leading retreats to help us reinvent and get re-inspired – like our partners Advivum Journeys, Goddess Retreats, Global Family Travels, Jeni’s Global Yoga Trips or Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife retreat. Find more retreats here.

5. Travel helps fulfill our life’s purpose

Midlife is a time when we are often wondering what our next step will be, and defining our legacy. We know that life doesn’t stop at retirement, nor should travel. If anything, midlife is a time to reinvent ourselves, look for new ways to serve others. It’s not a time to slow down.

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to live in another country, learn a new language or volunteer with wildlife. This is your time to do that, without any barriers.

6. Travel heightens a sense of awe

There may be no better place on earth than Egypt to feel a sense of awe. Giza’s pyramids and the Sphinx are a place to start, but my real awakening was in Abu Simbel, where the massive 60-foot temples were moved above the water line of the Nile when the Nassar Dam was built. Standing at the feet of a 60-foot Ramses is of one my most awe-inspiring moments, not only a recognition of the past, but an engineering feat beyond belief.

7. Travel helps us stay physically active

When I travel, I tend to be more active. I walk more than at home, according to my Oura Ring. I also choose my trips differently, choosing hiking, walking or more adventurous activities to push me out of my comfort zone. Even if you’ve never done a walking or hiking trip before, there are many trips with slower pace like those from Explore! that accommodate women of all ages and mobility.

8. Travel gives us hope and sustains our optimism

When we travel, we see that change can happen, especially when people use their voices. There may be no better place to learn about authoritarianism than the countries of Eastern Europe. When I visited Romania earlier this year, I saw the remnants of a brutal dictatorship. It has been less than 40 years since the Romanian Revolution, when the people rose up and communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena ran away to their country palace and were executed by a firing squad in 1989.

What we can do as women who love travel

1. Encourage Americans to travel outside of North America

If not to learn, Americans need to travel to show the world that the American values being diminished by its leaders still exist in its people. I have yet to meet an American on my travels who is not kind, empathetic and generous. Most are horrified at what is happening in the US and apologetic, particularly to Canadians, knowing the close friendship and ties that exist between our two countries. This situation will come to an end, and when it does, Americans need to help repair their relationships with other countries.

2. Invite all Americans to get passports

Despite being free to travel almost anywhere in the world, only 51 per cent of Americans have passports. The American passport is valuable, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, but passport dropped out of the top 10 in the rankings to number 12. According to the company, “reciprocity plays a big role in a country’s rankings, pointing out that while US passport holders can currently access 180 destinations visa-free, the US itself allows only 46 other nationalities to enter its borders without a visa.”

If you know someone who does not have a passport, we’ve written an article here that can be shared with them to get them started.

3. Women who travel can bring non-travellers with them

If you know someone who is fearful of travel, or has not travelled in the past, why not invite them to join you on a trip? Group travel can be a great way to get started, particularly if you’re feeling anxious or aren’t sure where to start. There are many women-owned and women-led group tours that create safe travel experiences for women and create environments that push and challenge a woman’s sense for adventure, with less ego and less competitiveness. When we feel safe, we can push our boundaries and fuel our freedom and independence. Surrounding yourself with women can be empowering and educational. There are many options to travel with vetted companies in our Women’s Travel Directory, many with no single supplement.  

4. We can seek out and support women-owned businesses

This is a pillar of JourneyWoman’s ethos; by supporting a woman-owned business you can support a community, a city, a village and ultimately a country. Women tend to hire female guides, tour directors, look for women-owned hotels. It’s a circle of support and compassion. Chances are good that there is a woman-owned business that travels to the country you want to explore. Find a woman-owned business here.

5. We can be kind to other women

In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed an uptick on negativity and toxicity on social media. Many people are withdrawing from social platforms as a result. This week, I received an email that questioned my values and integrity as a woman and business owner. If you have an unkind thought, consider how that will impact another person’s well-being. As someone who has dedicated my life to uplifting others, I am stunned to see unkind behaviour among women. We are all on the same journey of life, learning and adapting. Negativity is energy we don’t need to bestow on others, and in the end, it’s usually a reflection of the person giving it, not receiving it.

A final thought on why women should travel

For many of us, travel is central to our lives. Not only does it teach us about ourselves, it teaches us tolerance, compassion, empathy, generosity and gratitude. Travel helps us adapt to change, and teaches us to be resourceful and resilient.

We recognize that travel is a privilege experienced by few, not many, and honour the role of women as role models and influencers to create positive change, while showing gratitude for the gift of travel to broaden our perspective and outlook. In a world that sometimes feels chaotic, travel is the gift we give ourselves to stay sane and in the moment, reducing our anxiety and increasing our happiness. Expressing and sharing our gratitude for moments both large and small keeps us focused on what really matters, and what we can control – ourselves.

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