Redefining the Way Women Travel: A Conversation with Portia Smith

For many women, travel isn’t just about choosing a destination, it’s about finding the time, the confidence, and the right circumstances to make it happen. Between competing priorities and the mental load of planning, it can often feel out of reach.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve been spotlighting women who are reshaping the hospitality industry in thoughtful and meaningful ways. This week, we’re proud to feature Portia Smith, founder of Travel With Portia, who is doing exactly that.

Through curated, women-only group trips, Portia creates space for women to travel with ease - fostering connection, confidence, and a sense of community along the way.

Where It All Began

For Portia, the idea took shape during a particularly full season of life.

As a new mom with two young kids, she found herself craving something that felt like her again. The topic of travel became that outlet, a way to continue exploring, dreaming, and carving out space for herself within motherhood.

What began as simply sharing trips and tips gradually revealed something more. As her audience grew, so did the messages from women expressing hesitation - unsure where to start, or wishing they had someone to travel with.

“I wanted to create a space where women could feel supported, inspired, and taken care of - where they could show up exactly as they are, without overthinking it, and simply experience the joy of travel and connection.”

The Impact of Showing Up for Yourself

At its core, Travel With Portia is about what happens once women say yes to the experience.

When asked what stands out most, Portia pointed to the transformation that happens in real time.

Many women arrive feeling hesitant, whether it’s their first time traveling internationally or simply their first time traveling for themselves. But within a few days, that uncertainty begins to shift.

“They become more confident, more present, and more open.”

There’s something powerful about being in a new environment surrounded by women who have all made the same decision: to show up for themselves.

“I’ve seen women form genuine friendships, try things they never thought they would, and leave saying, ‘I didn’t realize how much I needed this.’”

It’s a reminder that the impact of travel often goes far beyond the destination—it creates space to reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been put on pause.

What Gets in the Way

Of course, for many women, getting to that point is often the hardest part.

While the desire to travel is there, Portia has seen a few common challenges come up time and time again.

Time, guilt, and decision fatigue are often at the center of it. Many women are so used to prioritizing others - whether family, work, or daily responsibilities - that taking a trip for themselves can feel difficult to justify.

Planning can also feel overwhelming, especially without a clear starting point or someone to travel with.

“That’s why I focus so much on making travel feel approachable and doable.”

By simplifying the process, Portia helps reframe travel as something accessible—whether it’s a quick weekend away or a larger international experience.

“Sometimes women just need permission, and a little support, to say, ‘I’m going to do this for me.’”

Traveling with Confidence

As more women begin to take that step, safety naturally becomes part of the conversation.

For Portia, it comes down to preparation and self-trust.

She recommends researching destinations ahead of time - understanding the area, transportation options, and cultural norms - along with sharing itineraries with someone back home and choosing well-reviewed accommodations in central locations.

Equally important is trusting your instincts.

“Trust your instincts if something feels off, and keep plans as simple as possible, especially avoiding late-night arrivals when you can.”

At the same time, she encourages women not to let fear hold them back.

“The world is often more welcoming than it sometimes feels online. When you’re prepared and aware, travel can feel incredibly safe, empowering, and freeing.”

Creating Space for What Matters

Ultimately, Travel With Portia is about more than where you go, it’s about how you feel while you’re there.

By removing the barriers that so often hold women back from traveling, Portia is creating opportunities for connection, confidence, and self-discovery in a way that feels both approachable and meaningful.

We’re proud to spotlight Portia this Women’s History Month and to celebrate the work she’s doing to make travel feel more accessible, and more personal, for women everywhere.

Check out Portia’s upcoming trips at www.travelwithportia.com, and keep up with her on Instagram (@travelwithportia).