One of my best friends went on a silent retreat this past weekend. And by silent, I mean actual, capital-S Silence. No talking. No phones. No music. Just breathing, chewing, and trying not to make eye contact.
By lunchtime on day one, she knew she’d made a huge mistake. Picture twenty people sitting around a table eating in total silence. Then, after that, a group nature walk….also in silence.
Meanwhile, my phone was lighting up like a Christmas tree because she was secretly messaging our bestie group chat with a full play-by-play because nobody, and I mean nobody, was going to silence our girl. Even if she had to mime her distress or send out smoke signals, she was going to get the message out damnit.
Now, trust me, the rest of us in the chat all knew she was the last person who should have been on a silent retreat. To be fair, she knew it too, but she wanted to try something new, and I can respect that. It’s just that she spent a lot of money to find out that in her personal hierarchy of hells, eternal silence ranks right near the top.
I’m all for trying new things, but in this case perhaps an hour or two at the library first? Try the silence on for size, you know.
Eventually, she found a few fellow rebels suffering the same fate, and together they staged a quiet (and extremely polite) escape. They made a break for it and drove straight to the local LCBO. Those women? Those women should have booked with Girl Trips.
Because honestly, if you have to smuggle your way out of serenity in search of sauvignon blanc, you’ve probably booked the wrong getaway.
This is why I say: traveller, know thyself.
What Do You Really Need?
When you’re picking a retreat, tour, or getaway, make sure you actually want what’s being offered. Don’t let a pretty picture of someone meditating at sunrise fool you into thinking you’ve suddenly become the kind of person who enjoys prolonged silence or group chanting…or hell even sunrise. If that’s your thing, fantastic. But if your ideal morning starts with coffee, a good stretch, and a laugh, maybe aim for a different kind of trip.
That’s where Girl Trips comes in.
Yes, I offer yoga, but not the kind where you’re trying to solve the mysteries of the universe. No, I make sure yoga is included, but only because we’re over 50, and as such, we need to stretch because there are places to be and things to see. We can be as nimble as we were in our 30s, we just need to warm up a bit.
And quiet? Never heard of her. Girl Trips is about talking, laughing, and connecting. Silence is for sleeping.
Technically, Not a Retreat
And if we’re being really technical, what I offer doesn’t really fit the dictionary definition of a retreat either. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a period of group withdrawal for prayer or meditation.” Which is cool if you’re into that, but not exactly my vibe.
Girl Trips isn’t about retreating from life, it’s better, it’s about escaping into it.
The Great Escape (But With Wine and Good Bedding)
Retreats often focus on slowing down and turning inward. Girl Trips moves in the opposite direction. I want women to look up, reach out, and jump back into the parts of life that feel good. Most of us spend enough time at home answering emails, folding laundry, and staring at screens. We don’t need another setting that feels like stillness. We need movement, laughter, and moments that shake us awake.
That’s what Girl Trips delivers. It’s about creating space where joy takes priority and the world feels wide open again. When you step away, the noise quiets, the pressure lifts, and for a little while, life becomes simple again. You’re surrounded by good women, good food, and the kind of easy conversation that reminds you you’re still very much alive.
Girl Trips are full of connection, curiosity, and the permission to just be.
What to Expect with Girl Trips
A real sense of community
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel it. Not in a forced, share-your-deepest-secret kind of way, but in the “you just found your people” way. Conversations flow easily, laughter fills the air, and connections happen naturally.
Every trip is different
Because you’re not always the same. Sometimes you want adventurous and non-stop, and sometimes you want cozy and low-key. I take time to curate each trip based on the season and what women need most at that moment, but the common denominator is always connection. Each experience has its own rhythm, shaped by the women who show up and the season of life they’re in.
Balance, not boot camp
There’s structure, but it’s flexible. You can join every activity or skip half of them. There’s no gold star for participation here. Girl Trips is about finding what feels good in the moment and doing more of that.
A judgment-free zone
If you don’t drink, that’s cool. If you do, that’s cool too. Nobody’s keeping score. The goal is to relax and enjoy yourself exactly as you are.
Space to breathe, but never be bored
Each experience is planned to help you connect with the place you’re visiting and the people around you. But if you need quiet time, take it. This is your trip, not a schedule you have to keep up with.
Ongoing connection
Oh, did you think I’d just let you go after the trip? I’m not a stalker, but I do believe in community. I hope you’ll stick around, join the book club, connect with past travellers, and maybe come on another escape to meet more incredible women.
Girl Trips is for women who crave connection, laughter, and a little adventure. It’s not about perfection or pretending to be someone else.
Because travel isn’t about retreating. It’s about running away just far enough to remember who you are.
Planning a Group Trip?
Thinking about gathering your girlfriends for an adventure? Check out my guide on how to travel with a group over on Life in Pleasantville. It’s full of tips to help you plan a getaway that’s fun, smooth, and full of laughter.
