She Goes Anyway: Why Women Deserve the World (and How to Start Exploring It Now)

There’s a little spark in many of us — a moment when we hear the name of a faraway place, or scroll past a breathtaking view and think, "I want to go there." But for women, especially those who wear multiple hats — mom, partner, caregiver, professional — that spark can quickly be buried under the weight of responsibility or fear.

I’ve felt it too. As a mom and small business owner, the idea of leaving my daily responsibilities behind for a week (or even a weekend) felt selfish at times. But here’s what I’ve learned: travel isn’t an escape — it’s a homecoming. A return to the you that existed before the to-do lists, the diaper changes, or the late-night conference calls. And that woman deserves to be seen, heard, and inspired by the world around her.

Whether you’re a young mom with toddlers, an empty nester rediscovering your freedom, or someone who has always dreamt of going somewhere — this is your nudge.

1. Why Women Don’t Travel — And Why We Should

Let’s start by naming it: fear. Fear of traveling alone, of something going wrong, of leaving our families, of spending money on ourselves. Sound familiar?

According to a 2023 study by Condé Nast Traveler, 72% of women express an interest in solo travel, but far fewer actually go. Time, safety concerns, and guilt are the main culprits. But here’s the thing — travel doesn't have to mean disappearing for weeks in Bali. It can be a weekend road trip to a nearby winery, a solo cruise, or a girls’ getaway.

Travel builds confidence. Research published by the Journal of Travel Research found that travel improves emotional well-being and cognitive flexibility. Translation? It helps you breathe deeper, problem-solve better, and reconnect with your sense of self.

2. You Don’t Have to Go Alone (But You Can)

One of the most powerful travel moments I’ve ever experienced was standing on a quiet beach in St. Lucia, just me and the waves. I wasn’t lonely — I was full. Full of gratitude, clarity, and peace.

That said, traveling with others can be magical too. Virgin Voyages, for example, is a favorite of mine for women in all stages of life — especially moms who want a no-kids getaway. (Check out our blog post on their restaurants here). Whether it’s a best friend, sister, or travel group, finding your people can ease the fear and double the fun.

3. Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

One of the biggest myths is that travel is only for the wealthy or retired. Not true. With smart planning, even international travel can be accessible. A few tips to start:

• Travel in shoulder seasons. Prices drop significantly just before or after peak travel times.

• Use travel rewards credit cards. (We love this one to track points and perks — affiliate link.)

• Set fare alerts. Google Flights and Hopper are great for this.

• Cruise! It sounds counterintuitive, but cruises can be cheaper than many land-based trips, especially with meals and entertainment included.

We’ll share a more detailed “How to Travel for Less” guide in our next blog post — stay tuned.

4. For Moms, Empty Nesters, and Every Woman in Between

If you're a mom: traveling sets an example. Our kids watch us. When they see us value our joy, our friendships, our sense of curiosity — they learn to do the same. Whether it's a weekend with girlfriends or a family trip that includes a moment just for you, every mile matters.

If your kids are grown: this is your moment. You've given so much to others — now it's time to re-meet yourself. What better way than with a passport in hand?

If you’ve never traveled much: it’s never too late. Start small, start smart, but start. Join a group trip, pick a destination close to home, or follow a favorite travel blogger (like us!) for tips and ideas.

5. Practical Ways to Begin

• Start a travel fund. $10 a week adds up fast — and you deserve it.

• Make a vision board. Seeing your dream destinations daily can fuel your motivation.

• Join travel communities. Facebook groups, Instagram pages, and local meetups are great ways to connect with like-minded women. Of course, we are fans and encourage you to join us at www.facebook.com/shutterandcompass or at our group page, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shutterandcompass

• Pack smart. You don’t need 12 outfits — you need 3 that mix and match. We have found these packing cubes for keeping things organized - we were skeptical, but have grown to see true utility in them!

She Goes Anyway

You don’t need permission to see the world. You don’t need the perfect time, a fancy wardrobe, or a travel partner. You just need a spark — and a little courage to fan the flame.

So here’s your sign. Take the trip. Book the ticket. Or at the very least, start dreaming louder.

And when you do, we’d love to hear about it. Share your story with us at @shutterandcompass on Instagram, or tag us in your travel photos. Let’s build a movement of women who go — and grow — together.

Until next time, keep exploring.

xo,

P.S. Don’t miss next week’s post: “Affordable Adventures: Travel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank”

How to Cruise to the South Caribbean Stress Free

Sailing the South Caribbean with Virgin Voyages: Packing Tips, Pro Tips, and Unforgettable Moments

If you’ve ever dreamed of an adults-only cruise where luxury meets laid-back vibes, Virgin Voyages is calling your name. We—Shelby and Megan—recently set sail on an adventure through the stunning South Caribbean, with stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, and a departure from Puerto Rico. December was the perfect time to cruise—warm breezes, turquoise waters, and just the right amount of holiday spirit on board.

So, grab a cocktail, kick back, and let us take you through our trip, plus some handy pro tips and packing must-haves to make your Virgin Voyages experience seamless!

Packing Tips: Essentials You Won’t Want to Forget

Let’s talk about packing smart. Virgin Voyages cruises are all about effortless style and comfort, so packing light (but right) is the way to go. Here are some must-haves:

• Packing Cubes – Keep your suitcase organized and easily find your outfits for every occasion. Check out our favorite set here: https://amzn.to/4jK3Vy6

• Sun Hat – The Caribbean sun doesn’t mess around. A stylish, packable sun hat is a lifesaver for beach days. We love this one – it was so easy to fold in our travel bags, yet still super accessible: https://amzn.to/3Q5qRdp

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Whether you have health issues that require medication or if you just like to be well-prepared for any illness scenario, we love this Travel Pill Organizer! https://amzn.to/3QbRXj2

• Waterproof Phone Case – Perfect for those catamaran rides and snorkeling trips. https://amzn.to/4gptPEq

• Comfortable Sandals – You’ll be doing plenty of exploring, so comfy and stylish sandals are a must.

• Portable Chargers – These are a MUST during travels! Ours came in handy numerous times (shocker – we took a lot of pictures, videos, notes and all things for this content!) https://amzn.to/40Mre1o

• Swimwear & Cover-Ups – Pack a few so you’re always ready for a spontaneous beach stop or a dip in the ship’s pool.

• Casual Chic Outfits – No need for formalwear, but having some trendy yet comfy outfits will keep you feeling great for dinner and entertainment onboard.

• Sea Sickness Bands or Ginger Chews – Just in case those waves get a little too friendly.

Pro Tips for Sailing with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is all about breaking the mold of traditional cruising. Here’s what we learned to make the most of the experience:

• Download the Virgin Voyages App ASAP – This is your lifeline for booking restaurants, excursions, and activities. Popular spots fill up fast!

• No Buffets Here! – Unlike traditional cruises, you won’t find massive buffet lines. Instead, The Galley offers a trendy food hall experience with everything from ramen to fresh-made salads.

• Late-Night Eats Are a Thing – Craving a burger at midnight? The 24-hour diner has you covered.

• Take Advantage of the Included Fitness Classes – Whether it’s sunrise yoga or a high-energy HIIT workout, the ship’s fitness options are next level.

• Don’t Skip Scarlet Night – Pack something red and get ready for a night of fun, dancing, and surprises.

• Book Spa Time on a Port Day – You’ll get a better deal, and the ship is quieter while most passengers are off exploring.

Our Favorite South Caribbean Moments

Tortola to Jost Van Dyke: A Slice of Paradise

One of our favorite days was hopping on a catamaran from Tortola to Jost Van Dyke. The ride itself was breathtaking—crystal-clear waters, salty breezes, and an instant feeling of relaxation. Our main destination? Ivan’s Stress Free Bar.

Let’s just say, the name says it all. Picture yourself sipping on a Painkiller cocktail, toes in the sand, reggae music floating through the air, and zero worries in sight. If you’re looking for an authentic Caribbean beach bar experience, this is it.

Barbados: Shipwrecks & Stingrays

We set out on an excursion with Tranquility Cruises in search of sea turtles. While the turtles were a bit camera-shy that day, we still had an unforgettable underwater adventure. We swam alongside stingrays, schools of vibrant fish, and even explored a shipwreck! The clear, warm waters of Barbados made every second feel magical.

Antigua: Local Charm & Stunning Beaches

The glorious infinity pool view from Sheer Rocks, at Ffryes Beach in Antigua. The weather, the view, and those turquoise waters don’t get any better than this!

Antigua quickly became one of our favorite stops, thanks to our incredible taxi driver and impromptu tour guide, Chocky. He took us on a cultural tour of the island, stopping at local shopping spots and scenic viewpoints before dropping us off at Little Ffryes Beach, a perfect slice of paradise. We also made time to visit Sheer Rocks at Ffryes Beach, where we sipped cocktails and enjoyed the most spectacular ocean views from their cliffside lounge. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Antigua!

St. Maarten: Thrills & Chills

St. Maarten was all about beachside relaxation and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Watching planes land at Maho Beach was a wild experience—where else can you be sunbathing while jumbo jets fly just overhead? But the real rush came from zip lining at the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman at Rainforest Adventures, an absolute must-do for thrill seekers!

Why Virgin Voyages is a Game-Changer for Adults

If you’re looking for a cruise that feels elevated yet fun, Virgin Voyages is a winner. From the modern, boutique-hotel vibe of the cabins to the incredible dining options (all included—no upcharges here!), this is the perfect cruise line for adults who want a mix of relaxation and adventure.

The best part? No screaming kids, no rigid schedules—just pure, unfiltered vacation bliss.

So, if you’re thinking about your next getaway, let Virgin Voyages take you on an unforgettable journey. And if you need a few essentials to make your trip even better, don’t forget to check out our packing recommendations above!

Stay tuned! Throughout February, we’ll be adding more detailed posts about our specific cruise experiences. But that’s not all—we’ll also be sharing tips on how to best enjoy travel and all things Virgin Voyages. You won’t want to miss it!

Until next time—cheers to adventure, exploration, and stress-free travel!