Are you a woman who wants to travel beyond the sights? Do you agree with John Kerry when he said, “Traveling enables us to see the world through the eyes of someone else, and to understand their aspirations and assumptions”? Does the phrase #shetravelswithimpact resonate with you?

A #shetravelswithimpact memory…

A while ago, I had an hour or so between Ripple Effect Journeys – Women Traveling With Impact Peru activities. After taking care of some business, I bought an empanada to go. Many people were out and about, enjoying Sunday morning with family. The sunny day inspired me to find a park bench where I could enjoy my early lunch.

Comfortably settled in Cusco’s San Francisco Plaza, a young woman approached me shortly after I began to eat. She cordially greeted me before showing me a carved gourd she hoped to sell. I politely said I was not interested in making a purchase.

She joked saying “no buying, only eating” and joined me on the park bench. Blending Spanish and English, a conversation began. I learned she studied English for three months in a program for street vendors. She told me she lived in Chinchero, a town recently visited by women traveling with Ripple Effect Journeys.

She was curious where I was from. Did I like Cusco? How long was I staying? She was very familiar with the Chinchero weaving cooperative I mentioned. In fact, she attended classes there as a child.

Seeing The World Through The Eyes of Someone Else

The mother of an 11, 9 and 7 year old, she was expecting her 4th child in 7 months. Her children had recently returned to school after an extended break. They needed shoes, school supplies and other items. Tourist visits to Chinchero were infrequent this time of year. So, she came to Cusco in hope of selling her handicrafts so her children could continue to attend school.

“No buying, only eating” no longer seemed an option. After looking at her wares, I selected an item to purchase. That item and the selfie we took documents the moment we shared.

Seven hours later, as I left a restaurant with the group, I heard someone say “Beatriz.” What a surprise to run into my new acquaintance! Several of my fellow group members took a moment to look at the items this young woman was selling.

One woman found an item she wished to buy. As the purchase was finalized, my new acquaintance was delighted. She now had two sales!

Wow! Two sales after a day’s worth of work! I remember wishing her day would have been more profitable. I also found myself hoping our moments together acknowledged her hard work and provided encouragement for the future.

Why Women Travel

According to a Booking.com survey, 65% of women embark on a vacation without their partners.

Why do they do so? Here are 10 reasons why women travel.

A #shetravelswithimpact community

For some, though, there are deeper reasons to travel, as John Kerry’s words suggest. These women seek experiences enabling them “to see the world through the eyes of someone else, and to understand their aspirations and assumptions:” They want to understand the joys and challenges of women who live in the places they visit. They’re curious about how the lives of local girls and women can be improved. When #shetravelswithimpact she wants to be a partner for change.

Women in a #shetravelswithimpact community enjoy spending time with other globally minded women. They value a sense of community. A sense of fun, discovery and purpose defines the group. They are curious learners and engaged culture seekers.

Does this describe you? Do you want to look in a mirror and hear someone say #shetravelswithimpact?

If so, welcome to the #shetravelswithimpact community! Please introduce yourself by posting a comment! I look forward to exploring the world of meaningful travel with you!