Travels With Jim and Rita

Episode 47 - The Transformative Power of Women's Travel


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What's driving more and more women to travel solo or join women-only travel groups? This episode dives deep into the transformative power of travel with Sonja Thayer, founder of Rom-Soul Escapes, who specializes in creating women-focused retreats in Italy and Greece.

Sonja shares her journey from backpacking through Europe in the 1990s to creating curated travel experiences that combine wellness practices with deep cultural immersion. She explains why retreat-style travel provides the perfect balance of adventure and support, especially for women taking their first international trips or those seeking a break from caregiving responsibilities.

We explore how leaving behind the familiar forces us to become more present and aware, creating the perfect conditions for personal transformation. From making pasta in multi-generational family homes to painting watercolors with local artists, these authentic experiences connect travelers to both themselves and the cultures they visit in profound ways.

The conversation tackles common travel fears and how speaking them aloud often reveals them as less formidable than imagined. Sonja explains why she believes travel makes us "better humans, better stewards of the earth" by revealing our fundamental connectedness despite cultural differences.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone who's dreamed of exploring the world but hesitated to take that first step, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom about how supported group travel can open doors to life-changing experiences. Ready to fill your cup with the sights, tastes and transformative power of travel? Listen now and discover how the journey beyond your comfort zone might be exactly what you need.

Website - https://www.rom-soulescapes.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rom.soulescapes

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/romsoulescapes

If anyone would like to contact Sonja directly - [email protected] 



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Travels With Jim and RitaBy Jim Santos, travel writer and host of the International Living Podcast

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