Adventure Travel with Doni Belau - Girls' Guide to the World

Adventure Travel - Big World Made Small

Area/Topic
Women's Group & Independent Travel
Doni Belau
Founder & CEO
Girls' Guide to the World
Doni Belau founded the women-only tour company Girls’ Guide to the World in 2009. With a mission to empower women of all ages to explore the world, Girls’ Guide to the World now offers 60 tours to 40 countries.
As an intrepid traveler who has explored over 80 countries, Doni has used her destination knowledge to curate a diverse portfolio of trips catering to a wide range of interests, from cultural immersion and culinary tours to active adventures and wellness retreats. Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to spark curiosity, foster authentic connection, and create lasting memories.
Doni's diverse experiences, from television production to humanitarian work in South Africa, have fueled her passion for creating transformative journeys that blend personal growth with the joy of exploration.
With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Doni’s in-depth understanding of destinations, travel trends, and evolving consumer desires ensures that each tour offered prioritizes connection, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences.
When not leading trips, she divides her time between France, New Orleans, and a sailboat named Relish – a testament to her adventurous spirit.
https://www.girlsguidetotheworld.com/
summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Doni Belau, founder of Girls' Guide to the World, about her journey from the non-profit sector to creating a unique travel experience for women. Doni shares her insights on empowering women through travel, the importance of taking action, and the dynamics of women-only tours. The conversation also addresses common concerns women have about traveling solo, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in enhancing the travel experience.

takeaways

• Doni Belau transitioned from a non-profit career to founding Girls' Guide to the World.
• The business started as a passion project without a formal business plan.
• Empowering women through travel is a core mission of the organization.
• Women over 45 represent a significant portion of solo travelers.
• Taking action is crucial for pursuing dreams and starting a business.
• Traveling in small groups fosters bonding and connection among participants.
• Safety is a primary concern for women traveling alone, which is addressed through group travel.
• The experience of traveling can be life-extending and rejuvenating.
• Community and support are essential for women to feel comfortable traveling.
• Travel is not a luxury but a necessary investment in one's well-being.

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