Travelling is one of life’s greatest adventures, but for some women, the journey can feel daunting and a bit overwhelming. This is where custom travel companies like Pip & Co Travel offer empowering solutions that allow women to explore new and unique destinations while travelling with like-minded people. We recently chatted with the founder of Pip & Co Travel, Penny Wilson, to find out about her new travel company offering carefully designed itineraries for small groups with a sustainable approach. They have a particular focus on tailored women-only group travel products.
Whether you’re seeking safety in numbers or the chance to explore the world from a unique perspective, a women-only tour might be the perfect fit for your next adventure. Join us as we find out about niche travel companies and explore the benefits of this style of travel!
What inspired you to start your tour company?
I’ve been a travel addict since my parents first took me on my first overseas trip to New Zealand when I was 9 years old. Since then I’ve lived in the UK, Viet Nam, China and Estonia and travelled to over 40 countries. My other passion is language learning, and I’ve spent years learning and studying languages, especially Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and French.
Pip & Co Travel has evolved out of both my personal love of travelling (and having meaningful cultural experiences while away) and my professional experience of working in the tourism industry for 20 years. I wanted to be able to share my way of travelling and the types of amazing cultural experiences I’ve had with other travellers.
I take great pride in researching and curating the best experiences possible and food is an incredibly important part of my travels. On Pip & Co Travel trips, guests can expect their meals, restaurants and cafe stops to be extremely well thought out, showcasing the best of the destination’s cuisine.
How did you determine there was a need to focus on female travellers?
There’s something special about travelling with a group of women, especially as a solo traveller. Everyone seems to be on the same page somehow! I didn’t set out to create Pip & Co Travel as a travel company for women and for families, but so many of the enquiries I was receiving were from women who are single or looking to travel without their partner. I also offer family trips as well, so naturally Dads/Grandpas are a part of these trips!
What are the destinations you visit and why were these chosen?
Pip & Co Travel focusses on destinations in the Asia and Pacific regions. My first love is and always will be Asia! So this was a natural choice for me. I’ve studied Asian languages (Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese) and have lived in Asia (Vietnam – twice, and in China) so I feel very at home in Asia. I’ve visited 12 countries in Asia and the Pacific, (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China & Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, New Caledonia and Nepal) and I wanted to share my love and knowledge of Asian countries, culture, language and travel with others! There is a never ending amount of amazing places to see, things to do and learn in Asia! Plus the food is sensational!
What can a participant expect on a Pip and Co tour?
Carefully curated itineraries. Lots of research has gone into making each trip really special. I aim for a nice balance of activities, down time, meals together, and time to explore on your own if you feel like it (or lounge by the pool if you don’t!)
Our trips have a local bilingual guide throughout which gives each traveller an insight into the culture and language of the place they’re visiting.
What is the best thing about small group travel?
Small groups allow you to have experiences you wouldn’t be able to as a solo, independent traveller – things like visiting an artists studio to learn how to use natural indigo and tie-dye your own design onto a scarf. Small groups also mean we can go places that larger groups can’t or won’t. Travelling in smaller transport – such as TukTuks, cyclos, cars or minivans, means we can visit places coaches can’t go. As well as make reservations in restaurants that are usually off limits to larger groups. I take a maximum of 12 people on my womens trips, and 4 families on my family trips, but the average size is around 8 – 9 women, and 2-3 families, meaning we are extra small when compared with other companies. A definite advantage in my opinion!
The impact on the destination of a smaller group is something I am always conscious of as well. Our footprint is lighter and our ability to financially impact the destination is something I focus on – booking locally owned hotels, and employing local guides.
How do your tour itineraries differ from other companies?
- We are smaller, so can travel to more interesting and ‘off the beaten track’ of larger companies
- Travellers are drawn to Pip & Co Travel who share similar approaches to travel and love our small, friendly groups
- Travellers trust me to research, curate and deliver the best experiences!
- Pip & Co Travellers have the opportunity to meet and learn from locals, and not just be a ‘surface traveller’ passing through
- I’ve chosen quality, 4 star accommodation that is well located, is locally owned and has sustainable practices – no roughing it!
What do you think are the key ingredients for an exceptional itinerary?
I think an exceptional experience needs to be created by someone who understands travel, cares about the experience they’re delivering and knows the destination. I’m a big believer in balance, and travelling at slower pace than others – I don’t want to be rushing and moving cities everyday, I want time to wander and soak up the place I’m in.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a niche tour experience?
Speak to the person who owns the company, or is coordinating the tour – ask all the questions, and get a good feel of their approach. Check the inclusions! Some tours appear ‘cheaper’ but then when you double check many meals or activities aren’t included!
Have you taken a niche tour? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below and on our social media channels @possandruby
We will be joining a Pip & Co Travel Tour later this year in Laos and look forward to sharing the details of our adventure.
