The transformative power of travel has been a recurring theme on our podcast, and our recent conversation with Sonja Thayer of Rom-Soul Escapes provided remarkable insights into how women-focused travel is reshaping the landscape of global tourism. As certified yoga teacher, lifelong traveler, and retreat organizer, Sonja has created a unique niche focusing on women’s travel experiences in Italy and Greece, two countries renowned for their rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisines.
During our discussion, Sonja shared her personal journey as a solo female traveler beginning in the 1990s when she would “squirrel away” money from work to embark on backpacking adventures throughout Europe. These formative experiences taught her about the “collective consciousness” of travelers and fostered deep appreciation for diverse cultures, cuisines, and connections with people around the world. What began as personal passion eventually transformed into a mission to help other women experience the transformative nature of travel, particularly those who might feel anxious about stepping outside their comfort zones.
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Sonja’s observation about the increasing trend of solo women travelers and female travel groups. This shift reflects broader social changes including women’s increased financial independence, longer lifespans, and growing sense of empowerment. However, Sonja noted that even with these advances, many women still face barriers to travel – whether from fear of the unknown, concerns about safety, or feelings of guilt about taking time for themselves away from family responsibilities. Her retreats directly address these challenges by creating supportive communities where women can explore new places together while feeling secure and nurtured.
The retreat experiences Sonja designs are intentionally crafted to balance wellness activities like yoga and meditation with immersive cultural experiences. This “hybrid model” as she calls it, helps participants remain grounded and present, enhancing their ability to fully absorb their surroundings. From pasta-making classes in a seven-generation family home outside Florence to watercolor sessions with local artists, these experiences emphasize authentic connections with local communities rather than superficial tourist attractions. This approach to “slow travel” ensures that retreat participants engage meaningfully with the places they visit while also supporting local economies and cultural preservation.
What particularly resonated during our conversation was the discussion about how travel can provide profound personal transformation. Sonja eloquently described how leaving behind the comforts and distractions of home forces travelers to become more aware of their surroundings, more open to new experiences, and more connected to their authentic selves. For mothers and caregivers especially, these retreats offer rare opportunities to “refill their cups” – not as a selfish indulgence but as a necessary act of self-care that ultimately benefits their families and communities when they return home refreshed and rejuvenated.
The fear factor that prevents many potential travelers from taking that first international trip was also addressed thoughtfully. Sonja emphasized that most fears about travel, once spoken aloud, often reveal themselves as unfounded. While acknowledging that stepping outside one’s comfort zone isn’t easy, she highlighted how the supportive environment of a retreat provides an ideal setting for first-time travelers to “get their feet wet” with the guidance and companionship they need to feel secure exploring unfamiliar territories.
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