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”