At the heart of a Facebook group empowering women all across the world to travel better, safer and more ambitiously is an accepting and emphatic support network for women from all walks of life.
Girls LOVE Travel, an online community offering travel tips for women only, is a cherished haven for over 600,000 women, an environment free from criticism and judgement where women can share their plans - be they concrete, up-in-the-air or destined to exist only in dreams - with a rapt audience.
Created in 2015, the group is a forum for travel discussion, where women can discuss everything from what hotel to book, where to eat, what to see and what to pack. Itineraries are shared, in the interest of other people planning trips in the future, and you'll often see expertly colour-coded schedules that would make any timetable-obsessed person drool. In-depth comparisons are made between airlines, hotels and tour companies, ensuring each traveler that passes its cyber door voyages into the world a wiser woman.
Though we are now protectively shielding this treasure trove from the men in our lives, they're not fully excluded! Many women will post asking for tips on travelling with babies, looking for the best spots for a romantic getaway or even how to cope with nasty in-laws while away. We also know at least two men who scroll through the group on their girlfriends' phones, so no judgement here, guys. You do you.
In addition to all of this are the countless family photos, selfies and Instagram links from women so eager to share their joy. It's infectious, and more wholesome than any amount of GBBO reruns.
Most compelling, though, are the discussions that spring from the more complex aspects of travelling as a woman: what areas to avoid after dark, what mode of transport is the safest, whether a country is just not safe for women.
More than this, the community is a genuine and heartfelt support network, with many women posting deeply personal stories connected to travel. One woman is turning 40 and celebrating with a trip around the world in 40 days; one is recently divorced and after decades of travel has discovered her love for travel; one booked a holiday with her best friend only to be left stranded and distraught when they argued.
Some stories have even inspired dramatic life changes: one young woman, inspired by the group, found an au pair job in Italy for three months. Two days ago she was waking up in Bali, thanking the women who led her there, as well as the group itself.
Perhaps the most touching takeaway from this group is the tangible proof that women are unstoppable, courageous and sometimes brave to the point of stupidity (one woman attempted to scale an 8,000 ft mountain before giving herself time to adjust to the altitude. I mean, same).
It debunks any lingering sense that women can't travel alone, replacing it with the assertion that women can, and then arms them with the weapons, safety nets and knowledge befitting Lara Croft.
The group's cover photo is of a large group of women circled around a dinner table, smiling, throwing peace signs and generally relaxing, and that's exactly what this group feels like. Join at the peril of your wallet!
