Featured image: The JourneyWoman Awards celebrate women over 50 changing the travel industry for the better | Photo by  halfpoint on Envato

Award 1: The JourneyWoman Solo Travel Wisdom Award

This JourneyWoman Award is given to a solo traveller over 50 who generously shares her wisdom gained through travel, and inspires other women to discover the transformative power of independent travel for women by sharing her stories and experiences. This woman uses her voice to inspire others, challenges status quo thinking and exemplifies the values of a JourneyWoman – kind, generous, grateful and courageous. She knows that solo travel is not a ‘new trend’ but rather an evolving movement and may have been part of JourneyWoman since its founding in 1994. While this woman may have a travel business, we are really seeking an ‘everyday’ woman who is following her heart and passion to make her dreams happen, and is willing to be a role model for other women over 50 by sharing her wisdom and experiences. Nominations were received from JourneyWoman readers, with the finalists chosen by solo travellers from our Women’s Advisory Council.

What her nominators said:

I’m reaching out to you to nominate Adriane Berg, who at age 75 started The Ageless Traveler podcast, blog, and YouTube channel, to empower people over the age of 60 to travel and break down barriers to lifelong travel. By sharing her insights and experiences, (she has travelled to 110 counties, and will add six more before the end of 2024), she inspires listeners of all ages to travel with enthusiasm and embrace the possibilities of the fabulous decades ahead. On her media outlets, Adriane addresses issues like loss of companions, reluctance to travel solo, lowered mobility, travel burnout, caregiver responsibilities and money matters and gives solutions to make lifelong travel easy. Adriane is passionate about reshaping perceptions of aging and empowering older adults to lead fulfilling lives through travel. Together with The World Tourism Network she is launching the first Age-Friendly Certification program for the tourism industry, and is dedicated to promoting age equality and fostering a culture that celebrates the vibrancy of later life.

Adriane partnered with AmeriCorps Senior to create The Ageless Ambassador program to train people to volunTOUR and take their skills back to their community. Through her efforts at promoting age-friendly travel, the renowned SILVER ECO Conference in Cannes will include tourism for the first time on their agenda, with Adriane presenting on the importance of the 60+ traveller. She wrote a State of the Industry report highlighting that people over 60 will take 1.6 trillion trips in the next 25 years, and that the largest consumer of premium travel are women over 60. In 2024 Adriane presented the report before the WTN, Pass It On Network and the International Federation on Ageing on tourism as an antidote to loneliness a stimulus to life-long adventure, self-confidence and longevity.

What her nominators said:

Elaine Lee, Esq., is a globetrotter and emancipatory travel journalist. She has visited 69 countries and completed two solo trips around the world. She is also the editor of the pioneering black travel book “Go Girl: The Black Woman’s Book of Travel and Adventure”. Elaine Lee created the first black travel book of the modern era. She provided the first forum for the voice of the black women’s travel voice to be heard and more than likely helped to launch the current black travel movement. “First there was the Green Book, then there was Go Girl, the first black travel guide of the modern era. Elaine Lee is a legend who continues to inspire. The New Black Travel Movement owes everything to her and her work.” – Faith Adiele, award-winning author of Meeting Faith.

What her nominators said:

Two years ago, I discovered a YouTube channel called Butterfly Tracks, produced by a 73-year-old nomad who travels around the US in her Chrysler Pacifica. I’ve watched her growth as an individual, seeking to be free and living life to the very fullest, and as she’s grown, she has built a tribe of followers who are also seeking to do the same. Now, instead of being alone as she travels, she coordinates meet-ups with other solo travellers and they caravan to various places at different times of the year. Her courage and helpful spirit have given other senior women the courage to get out and live, explore, and savour all we can. Such an inspiration. Her channel is Butterfly Tracks here.

Award 2: The JourneyWoman Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur Award

This JourneyWoman Award is given to the leader of a woman-owned or led travel business who is over 50 and is intended to support small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and women over 50 who have followed their passion and purpose to create a business in service to women. This audacious entrepreneur works to build a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all through travel.

This woman is an activist and community-builder – she anticipates the needs of women over 50, advocates for positive change in the travel industry and empowers women 50+ to travel with intention as a way to reach their full potential. This woman uses her business to create meaningful change. She hires women in her business, collaborates with women on in local communities, and supports causes that she is passionate about. This woman was nominated by JourneyWoman readers, with finalists selected by the JourneyWoman Women’s Advisory Council and expert advice from Alessandra Alonso, CEO, Women in Travel CIC, our 2021 JourneyWoman Award winner.

What her nominators said:

Advivum Journeys is the creation of Tania Carriere, who has taken her experience travelling to 77 countries, 25 years of hosting retreats, and created Advivum Journeys into a magical, transformative travel experience. Anyone can tell stories of their travels and life experiences, Tania has made her stories come to life for others.

Tania masterfully creates a travel experience with intention and detail that leaves the recipients transformed. As a multi-retreat alumni I go into these weeks beaten down by the stress of a demanding work life, crazy upside down world we have experienced and just searching to rejuvenate. Tania and her artistry has not disappointed. Each adventure had helped me stretch myself to a new way of thinking, a new way of being. Tania does not see this as a job, it is her passion…one she would gladly share with the world! No better recipient than Tania in my humble opinion.

Tania is a community of women builders, especially in midlife, creating amazing content rich retreats that inspire women to travel, maybe for the first time on their own. I know firsthand the wisdom shared and curated by the expertise Tania and her team bring to the retreat experience. I have seen women arrive as one person and transform, bloom and grow in front of each other and together. The post retreat alum connection is strong and enduring, providing continual encouragement and learnings. As a participant in a variety of workshops and retreats, Advivum Journeys have a next level opportunity of value, especially for the over 50 woman, who has wondered where they fit in this time of life. I have participated in two, with one scheduled and look forward to more beautiful wisdom gatherings in the future with Tania and Advivum.

What her nominators said:

Travels with Talek Tours focus on cultural immersion by meeting with local artists, entrepreneurs, farmers and more. In the host countries, Travels with Talek hires, works with and supports women’s groups and entrepreneurs. This helps both the tour guests to better understand the culture and the locals with female empowerment through economic independence.

Talek’s passion for Cuba and dedication to providing enriching experiences for travellers have not gone unnoticed. Her ability to immerse people in the vibrant culture, history, and beauty of Cuba is truly remarkable. Through her expertise, travellers have had the privilege of exploring the hidden gems of this captivating destination, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Her commitment to excellence sets a high standard for the travel industry, and her impact on those you guide is immeasurable. Her passion for sharing the wonders of Cuba has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all who have had the pleasure of embarking on a journey with her.

Talek provides women over 50 with travel tips and a platform where we can share experiences in an open forum. She empowers people to participate and reach their full travel potential. She has helped me shed any fear I might have had to travel on my own and helped me see there is a universe out there to explore. I can’t not thank her enough.

What her nominators said:

At 63, Sara took on WalkingWomen with her sister Ginny. She had just become a granny and her husband had just retired. She wanted to be able to offer women like her the chance to travel and adventure in later life. Stay active, stay curious and be inspired. Sara is a role model inspiring woman.

Ginny Lunn deserves a JourneyWoman Entrepreneur Award for her excellent service in her company WalkingWomen. Her philosophy of providing women transformational and sustainable travel experiences is shown in all that WalkingWomen provides. She empowers women of 50+ years to travel and reach their full potential in a more equitable world.

My recent experience with WalkingWomen was when I walked the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago which made me a stronger and more confident woman of 73. Having travelled solo for a number of years, I benefited from the services provided: an excellent and personable guide, great accommodations and food, as well as experiences and sights that I might not have discovered on my own. Ginny’s professional and quick replies to any and all questions, and the encouragement from my fellow women travellers went above and beyond the value of all that I obtained in this trip.

Award #3: The JourneyWoman Innovation in Women’s Hospitality Award

This JourneyWoman Award is given to a woman who owns or manages an accommodation and creates safe, unique and memorable experiences for women over 50. Considerations such as mobility, accessibility, and safety are paramount. To be eligible, this woman must be a business owner listed on a third-party booking site such as booking.com or similar, as opposed to individuals renting a private property. Private Airbnb owners are not eligible. Nominees were recommended by JourneyWoman readers, with the final selection by the JourneyWoman Women’s Advisory Council, with counsel from expert judge Emily Goldfischer, Editor, hertelier and Laura Fairweather, Switzerland Tourism.

What her nominators said:

Tierra del Volcan is an exceptional destination for women, offering a safe and supportive environment that fosters empowerment and well-being. Their equine therapy program is transformative, providing unique healing experiences through the gentle connection with horses. It’s a place where women can truly relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover themselves.

Maria and her husband Jorge own Hacienda el Porvenir in the mountains of Ecuador, an amazing place of wellness and care. I participated in Maria’s equine therapy session, as endangered condors flew above our heads and rode on horseback to the mountain top with Cotapaxi in the distance. Staying at her hacienda felt safe and comfortable (after all it is a family home) and I wouldn’t hesitate to return nor to recommend it to another woman, solo or in a group.

What her nominators said:

As the current president of Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, Sarah exemplifies the qualities of a true leader and visionary in the hospitality and environmental stewardship sectors. For over 30 years, Sarah has tirelessly nurtured and expanded the 80 acres of gardens at Rancho La Puerta, transforming the landscape into a lush, vibrant oasis that captivates and nourishes the soul of every visitor. Her dedication to preserving and enhancing natural beauty is further demonstrated through her 30 year+ stewardship of a 2,000-acre conservation area, and her management of a diverse organic farm.

Sarah’s contributions to Rancho La Puerta extend beyond her environmental and culinary endeavors. The 4,000-acre nature preserve she oversees is a sanctuary that offers a magical experience to all who visit. With each casita uniquely designed, guests can find their perfect retreat, whether it includes a cozy fireplace or a tranquil garden view. The extensive list of activities, from hikes and Pilates to yoga and kickboxing, ensures that there is something for everyone. The wellness paradise spa, with its luxurious massages and facials, further enhances the guest experience. Safety and well-being are paramount at Rancho La Puerta, and Sarah’s leadership ensures that these values are upheld. The gated and guarded environment reflects her unwavering commitment to protecting the health and safety of guests and the community. Sarah Lucia Brightwood Szekely is a visionary leader whose work has touched the lives of many. Her dedication to hospitality, environmental conservation, and community well-being makes her a deserving candidate for this inaugural award.

What her nominators said:

Diana Stobo is absolutely deserving of this award for her unwavering dedication to helping women heal and transform their lives through the holistic (mind-body-soul), compassionate offerings at The Retreat Costa Rica, which she founded in 2016. The 59-year-old gets it. Her passion to make a difference in women’s lives stems from personal struggles with physical challenges that conventional medicine could not resolve.

At The Retreat Costa Rica, the celebrity chef, best-selling author, health and wellness life coach has created a truly transformational wellness facility where guests can escape daily chaos and stress, restoring their internal balance in a safe, nurturing and gentle environment. And Diana really understands what women who are 50+ need. Newer offerings at the luxury resort include “The Big M: Mastering Menopause”, a seven-day package that helps women overcome the physical and emotional challenges caused by hormone changes during one of the three stages of menopause. Participants leave with learnings that help them improve their dietary and physical health, and motivation to priortize their mental health, with an emphasis on mindfulness and the present moment. Through Mastering Menopause, Diana empowers women to be goddesses emerging with tremendous wisdom, grace and peace to offer the world. She is an inspiring trailblazer.

About the JourneyWoman Awards

The JourneyWoman Awards celebrate the wisdom and influence of women over 50 in travel and present women of all ages with role models, while creating a more equitable and inclusive travel industry. The first new Award, the JourneyWoman Evelyn Hannon Solo Travel Award, was given out on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024 to Joy Fox, from British Columbia, Canada. 

In JourneyWoman’s most recent global study, “The Influence and Affluence of Solo Women 50+ in Travel”, 70% of women over 50 said they felt undervalued and ignored by the travel industry. Women also expressed concern about the lack of age-appropriate and diverse photography, a desire to see more appropriate terminology to describe older women and more emphasis on mobility and accessibility requirements.

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