How to Make the Most of Your First Women-Only Group Trip (Even If You're a Bit Nervous)
So, you’ve booked the trip. Maybe to Bali, maybe to Scotland, maybe to somewhere you’ve never even dreamed of. You’re going solo—but also not. It’s your first women-only group travel experience, and you’re excited... but also a little anxious.
Totally normal.
Whether you're neurospicy, shy, independent, or just someone who hasn't done something like this before, here’s your gentle guide from Anne Scott to making the most of it.
1. Set Your Own Expectations (and Release the Rest)
Group trips are beautifully unpredictable. You might:
- Instantly click with someone over coffee.
- Find your rhythm on Day 3.
- Prefer solo beach walks or quiet journaling.
- Stay up late dancing with new friends.
There’s no one “right” way to experience it. Set your intention to stay open, and give yourself full permission to rest, connect, explore, or retreat.
2. Start Small With Conversations
You don’t need to be the loudest in the group to be part of the vibe. Try:
- Sitting next to someone new at breakfast.
- Joining a smaller breakout or side quest.
- Asking someone what brought them here (a perfect, easy opener).
If you’re neurodivergent, socialising in short, intentional bursts can help.. plus, many others feel the same way (even if they’re good at hiding it).
3. Share Your Needs with Kindness
You don’t owe anyone a full explanation, but giving your trip host or a buddy a heads-up can be helpful:
- "Hey, I tend to get overwhelmed after a lot of peopling, so I might dip out early. Just FYI!"
- "I might need extra time in the mornings before I talk to anyone - nothing personal."
Kind communication sets the tone for a supportive, respectful experience. Before our trips we send you out a questionnaire only seen by our hosts so you can share what you wish with them. This way you can feel safe and relax knowing the host knows about your personal needs without you having to have a 1:1 on arrival (which can still totally do of course!)
4. Bring Comfort Anchors
First-time nerves are real. Pack:
- A book you love
- A cozy scarf or hoodie
- Headphones (I can't go anywhere without my noise cancelling ones!)
- Snacks that make you feel safe
- A grounding object (crystal, photo, journal)
You don’t need to fully "escape" into these items, but knowing they’re there can help.
5. Find the Magic in the Little Moments
Not every moment needs to be epic to be memorable. Watch for:
- Shared laughter over a travel mishap
- Deep chats while waiting for coffee
- That one sunset that hits different
- The feeling of belonging, even in silence
6. Make Peace With Alone Time
You don’t have to join every group dinner. You don’t have to say yes to every plan. Your time is your own. Sometimes, stepping away is what makes space for deeper connection later.
7. Let Friendship Unfold Naturally
You might walk away with a new best friend, a group of mates to travel with in the future or go visit in their home country - or just a few lovely memories and Insta buddies. All are wins. Don’t force anything. Let people surprise you.
8. Be Proud of Yourself
You did something big. You stepped into the unknown. You booked the trip, showed up, and shared a moment of your life with strangers who might become something more.
That’s powerful.
P.S. You are not too quiet, too sensitive, too old, too quirky, too anxious, too anything. You are exactly the kind of woman who belongs here.
here... with us wherever you go.