Colleen Johnson on the Magic of Small Group Women's Travel
Over the years, I've had the privilege of leading small group tours exclusively for women through Niche Women's Tours. What drew me to this style of travel was simple: I kept meeting incredible women who wanted to explore the world but didn't have a travel partner. Some were on their own, others had partners who simply weren't interested in traveling. I knew there had to be a better way to connect these adventurous spirits.
With maximum twelve women per group and a dedicated social host, we create something special: a safe environment where women can travel together, share experiences, and form genuine connections. We offer the option to share a room if you wish, or if you prefer, you can pay the single supplement and have your own space. It's that balance of companionship and independence that makes all the difference.
India: Total Sensory Overload
India has been one of my favorite destinations we've explored together. Nothing quite prepares you for the total sensory overload: chaotic streets, vibrant colors, overwhelming noise. It could easily feel intimidating for a solo traveler. But traveling with a small group transforms the experience entirely. The warmth and smiles of the people make it absolutely magical when you have companions to share those moments with, to look at each other and laugh when the traffic seems impossible, to sit together at the end of the day and process everything you've witnessed.
The Tahitian Islands: A Rare World
One of my all-time favorite journeys has been the Paul Gauguin cruise to the Tahitian Islands. This is a rare world that remains untouched, with turquoise blue waters and extraordinary beauty on land. The intimate experience of exploring these islands with a small group of like-minded women creates something you simply cannot replicate on a larger vessel or a mixed tour. There's a buzz that develops in the group, and the laughter begins, and suddenly you realize that friendships are forming that will last well beyond the trip itself.
Watching Women Transform
What surprises me most, time and again, is how quickly strangers become friends. Within a very short time, there's an energy in the group that's almost palpable. The camaraderie, the connection, the shared experiences create bonds that feel years in the making. But beyond the friendships, it is deeply rewarding seeing the personal growth. I've watched women who would never otherwise travel go from being afraid to explore the world to traveling on their own with confidence. That transformation is something I never tire of witnessing.
Who Thrives on These Journeys
This style of travel is perfect for women who value companionship and safety but still want adventure. It suits those celebrating a milestone, perhaps a significant birthday or a new chapter in life, who want to mark the occasion with something meaningful. Solo travelers who seek social connection without awkwardness find exactly what they're looking for. Women who might feel overwhelmed tackling a destination like India alone discover that a small group provides the perfect balance of support and independence.
For me, the next experience on my horizon is the Northern Lights. I cannot wait to witness that natural wonder, and I already know that sharing it with a group of women will make it infinitely more memorable. There's something about traveling in a small group with other women that offers everything: companionship, safety, connection, experience, and lots of camaraderie. It's a way of seeing the world that I believe in completely, because I've lived it myself, trip after wonderful trip.