Empowerment through Travel: A Conversation with Doni Belau
Exploring the World with Girls’ Guide to the World
In the latest episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner talks with Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World, to discuss the empowering nature of travel for women. Their conversation touches on the importance of knowledgeable guides, the benefits of small group travel, the allure of specific travel destinations, and insights on traveling solo as a woman. Here’s what you can look forward to hearing in this enlightening episode.
Empowering Women through Travel
Doni Belau emphasizes the transformative power travel holds, especially for women. Doni’s organization, Girls’ Guide to the World, curates women-only tours designed to empower participants by providing authentic travel experiences. Doni explains that travel is an investment in wellness, not just a luxury. It contributes to a sense of fulfillment, mental well-being, and even longevity. By creating a supportive platform, her organization enables women to explore the world without feeling constricted by societal expectations.
Importance of Knowledgeable Guides
A key focus for Doni is ensuring that travelers are guided by individuals with a broad worldview and extensive local knowledge. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Mexico City or the serene landscapes of Namibia, having a guide who understands and appreciates the local culture enriches the experience. This approach goes beyond mere sightseeing; it involves deep engagement with the destination, from dining with a female chef in Slovenia to learning pottery in Japan’s Kyushu Peninsula.
Authentic Travel Experiences
For Doni, authentic travel means immersing oneself in the local culture and making meaningful connections with the people. She cites trips to destinations like Oaxaca, Mexico, and Zambia, where the focus is on unique, culturally immersive experiences rather than tourist-centric activities. Authentic travel also means being mindful of one’s impact, avoiding over-tourism by visiting less crowded places and times, and showing respect for the local environment and traditions.
Upcoming Trips with Girls’ Guide to the World
Doni shares exciting details about future trips with Girls’ Guide to the World, including mindfulness retreats in Maui, Hawaii, and holiday-themed journeys to Charleston, South Carolina. Her organization also plans unique wine-tasting tours in the fertile Willamette Valley of Oregon and the famed vineyards of Sonoma and Napa. Each trip caters to a small group, typically between six and ten participants, fostering a sense of community and closer connections among travelers.
Small Group Dynamics and Personal Safety
Amanda and Doni delve into the dynamics of small group travel, noting the advantages of intimate groups that ensure no one feels left out. This approach allows participants to form lasting friendships, with many returning for future trips. Small groups also make it easier to travel in comfort, like in luxurious Mercedes Sprinter vans, and stay in unique, locally-owned accommodations.
Safety is a primary concern for solo female travelers. Doni emphasizes that her tours are designed with safety in mind, using experienced local guides and focusing on destinations where infrastructure and support are robust. Moreover, the trips are open to English-speaking women over 21, promoting an inclusive yet secure environment.
Solo Travel as a Path to Empowerment
The statistics Doni shares are telling: 85% of the women who join Girls’ Guide to the World tours travel solo, with most participants being over 45 years old. Many are motivated by recent life changes, such as divorce or widowhood, and find traveling solo to be an empowering and life-affirming experience. The trend reflects a societal shift where traveling alone is not only accepted but encouraged as a form of personal growth.
Amanda echoes this sentiment, sharing her own ambitions to visit all 50 U.S. states and highlighting her dedication to meaningful, authentic travel.
Join Me and the Magic in Alaska in 2025!
As the episode draws to a close, Amanda invites listeners to consider joining the upcoming Me and the Magic group cruise to Alaska in July 2025. Set to sail on the Celebrity Edge from Seattle, this seven-night adventure promises spectacular scenery and shared experiences, reinforcing the message that travel, especially in an empowering community, is a journey worth taking.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting, the insights shared by Amanda Bauner and Doni Belau remind us of the beauty, diversity, and empowerment that travel can offer.
Connect with Doni Belau
Connect with Doni Belau and Girls’ Guide to the World at the official website, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
