In this episode of the Why We Travel podcast, Claus Lauter chats with Doni Belau about small group adventures for women.

Created my Doni Belau Girls’ Guide to the World offers unique, small group adventures that foster authentic connections between women and cultures.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why small group adventures offer a safe entry point for solo female travelers
• How cultural immersion and personal growth are integrated into Girls Guide to the World tours
• What makes a 6-10 person group size ideal for bonding and individual connections
• Why having a private room is essential for women's group travel experiences
• How Girls Guide to the World ensures trip participants are a good fit for group dynamics
• Why flexibility and a positive attitude are crucial for enjoying travel experiences
• What unique frameworks are used to create themed trips like art-focused tours in European cities
• How meeting local women and supporting their initiatives adds depth to travel experiences
• Why early booking is recommended for popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Paris
• What role the Girls Guide Traveling Sisterhood Facebook group plays in empowering female travelers

Doni Belau is the founder of Girls' Guide to the World, a women-only tour company offering 60 tours across 40 countries. With over 15 years in the travel industry and having visited more than 80 countries, Doni crafts diverse, transformative journeys that blend cultural immersion, adventure, and personal growth. Her background in TV production and humanitarian work informs her approach to creating meaningful travel experiences for women of all ages.

You can learn more about Doni Belau at https://www.girlsguidetotheworld.com/

Visit our website at https://whywetravel.net/

In this episode of the Why We Travel podcast, Claus Lauter chats with A.B about mindful travel beyond mere exploration and why she promotes immersive exploration and support for local businesses.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How AB's grandmother inspired her passion for travel
• How AB started her travel journey after finishing high school
• What challenges AB faced as a digital nomad and small business owner
• How the pandemic impacted AB's remote working lifestyle
• Strategies AB used to settle in and get up and running in a new place
• Why AB believes immersive travel is different from being a visitor
• How AB integrates into local communities and support local businesses while traveling
• What AB's perspective is on balancing luxury and budget travel experiences
• Advice AB offers to those wanting to start a balanced travel lifestyle

About our guest: A.B. is a well-seasoned hospitality professional with 20+ years of luxury travel and hospitality experience. She has an extensive background in large-scale event production, strategic partnerships, the culinary arts, luxury travel clubs, and lifestyle social clubs. She has worked across the U.S. and Southeast Asia, building upon her knowledge of hospitality and culinary. She started traveling at age 7 and has been going ever since!

You can learn more about A.B. at https://www.balancedtravel.com/

Visit our website at https://whywetravel.net/

In this episode of the Why We Travel podcast, Claus Lauter chats with Kelsey Schaefer about the transformative power of travel and why it's more than just a break from routine—it's an investment in personal development.

Kelsey shares her experiences of traveling extensively, especially her eye-opening trip to Thailand.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Kelsey's Journey to Thailand
• Teaching English Abroad
• Culture Shock and Adaptation
• Personal Development
• Solo Female Travel
• Embracing Challenges

About our guest: Kelsey Schaefer believes there is so much more to life than working in a cubicle and waiting until retirement to see the world. She feels that travel has taught her more about herself and the world than any degree or job ever could. Her goal is to help others step out of their 'stable' situations and take the leap to become the version of themselves they’ve always wanted to be. She truly believes that traveling helps achieve this transformation. Kelsey emphasizes that stepping out of our comfort zone is the key to becoming a better version of ourselves. It allows us to decide who we are when we're not surrounded by the things that typically define us.

You can learn more about Kelsey at https://inspired-idiots.beehiiv.com/p/travel-to-progress

Visit our website at https://whywetravel.net/