Innovation

The innovation behind the creation of a travel agency exclusively for women emerged as a direct response to research. According to President and Co-Founder of Gutsy Women Travel, April Merenda, the premise of her innovation was “doing due diligence on statistics for women.” As of 2001, when GWT first began, 20% of all women were either single, divorced or widowed, and 50% of the rest of these women were choosing to travel alone. A shift then began to emerge: women were pursuing educations and careers, leaving little to no time for themselves. Merenda found a sector in the population in desperate need of relaxation and rejuvenation, and according to her, “no one was speaking to them.”

(The travel panic regarding the attacks on the World Trade Center in September of 2001 was another important factor in the creation of Gutsy Women Travel’s innovation. During this time, you had to be a little ‘gutsy’ to travel, especially alone as a female.)

Merenda envisioned the mission of her company by the following: As part of the safety protocol on an aircraft, flight attendants mention that if cabin pressure drops to place the oxygen mask over yourself, before assisting anyone else. When you think about it, this concept can be directly related to one’s health and well-being, especially in regards to women. It is a fact that women are traditionally caregivers. From chasing their career dreams to pursing an education to taking care of the kids to often all three, it seems as though many women regularly place the needs of others before their own. However, in order for women to care for their children, their spouses, their parents, or their careers, etc., they must first take care of themselves. It is extremely important that they take the time to nurture themselves and rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and souls.

To April Merenda, “What better way to support the mental wellness and empowerment of women than to establish an all-female travel agency? It was from a combination of these ideas that led her on the path to Gutsy Women Travel’s Innovation.

Inspiration

Collaborating with Billionaire Carl Icahn and “Gutsy Women” author Marybeth Bond, April Merenda was able to trademark “Gutsy Women Travel” and kick start her company into action.

April wanted to give women a safe space, a comfort zone, some sort of way they could take a break from their responsibilities and experience a journey of self-discovery.

Although often overshadowed when compared to physical health, mental health is one of the most important factors in the well-being of the body. Mental and emotional wellness has a direct relationship with the physical. If our minds and bodies are not in sync, our entire wellness suffers.

There are various studies that support the fact that connection and bonding among women play a key role in a female’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Female friendships are proven to reduce stress, bolster health and wellness, contribute to personal growth, and even prolong marriages. The innovation provided by Gutsy Women Travel does just that. “Connecting and traveling in small groups with other women allows women to temporarily step out of their roles as worker, wife, mother and remember themselves as individuals with their own interests and needs," Merenda explained. "Women are able to connect differently when traveling with other women. An instant support system develops that allows women to detach from their daily life, relax and fully enjoy each new experience."

Trips organized by Gutsy Women Travel seem to provide so much more than a tour of a new country — they inspire a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. Merenda explained how “Participants return with more than just photographic memories, but with an impetus for self-empowerment and growth.” These trips allow women to celebrate their own unique selves and connect with one another on extremely personal levels.

Overall impact

By taking some time to themselves to relax and explore the world, modern day women are able to rejuvenate their mental health, thereby benefiting their overall well-being.

Here are some quotes from GWT participants that truly reveal the GWT philosophy, (as quoted from the Gutsy Women Travel website):

"My first trip with all women gave me wings. Now I know I can go anywhere, the question is: where next?" Margee M - Seattle, Washington

"After three Gutsy Women trips and counting, I can truly say that my trips with them both invigorate and relax one's spirit. It is such a pleasure to travel with like-minded women, enjoy terrific experiences, and end up being new friends. Life is great and Gutsy Women Travel is a joy!" Lorry M - Diamond Bar, California

"True friendships evolved. Traveling with other women is just a different experience. Candid conversations with ‘strangers’ led to sincere, caring friendships and we are already talking about booking our next tour together!" Bobbi M

In addition to affecting the participants of the trips, Gutsy Women Travel has a profound impact on those they meet on their travels, such as the ones discussed in my interview with April Merenda. The volunteer work done of many of these trips (such as the visits to the Bedouin camps in Morocco and the Sacred Valley of Peru,) help to spread the mission of Gutsy Women Travel to women all over the world, especially in areas where women struggle for the most basic of human rights. GWT allows ideas of female empowerment, strength, and good health and well-being to be shared internationally.

“To help people that have less than you is an amazing feeling.” April Merenda

Business benefit

Today, after 16 years of business, Gutsy Women Travel is the largest travel company for women. It has been featured in prominent travel publications such as Travel Market Report, GoNomad.com, and the Boston Globe, and will celebrate its “Sweet Sixteen” this coming November at the Shelbourne Hotel in New York.

It pays to be Gutsy!

Social and environmental benefit

Gutsy Women Travel brings to light a subject that is often overshadowed — mental health.

Gutsy Women Travel encourages an environment of motivation, good self-esteem, inspiration, revitalization, and adventure. There is no doubt that happier women lead to a happier society. Gutsy Women Travel inspires women to feel good about themselves in an otherwise male dominated world. It gives women across the world a sense of unity and togetherness that empowers them to conquer all that life throws at them with confidence and a clear mind.

Interview

April Merenda, President and Co-Founder of Gutsy Women Travel