Ladies Who Travel Avis 

I’ve been following Ladies Who Travel since the early days, and I actually participated in one of the trips when the group was relatively new. At that time, it didn’t feel like a business; it was a genuine community brought together by Shareen Geers.

That trip remains the best of my life. There was a raw, authentic energy to the group that came from Shareen’s original thesis: creating a "tribe" where women could find the credibility and confidence to explore the world together. Back then, we weren't just clients on an itinerary—we were a supportive circle of women conquering our fears and discovering new cultures side-by-side.
While it is wonderful to see how much the group has grown into a successful family-run enterprise, it saddens me to see it lose that original spark. As it has scaled into a more structured tour operator, it feels like the true meaning—that intimate, community-first spirit—has been overshadowed by the business model.

I joined this current tour expecting that same supportive community for solo travellers, but the reality was a cliquey environment where I felt completely excluded. Despite the group’s supposed mission to foster connection and confidence, most of the women had already travelled together multiple times and formed tight-knit circles. Even though I made numerous attempts to integrate, there was zero support from the leadership to help me feel welcome. When I went to raise this with the owner, Shareen Geers, was already discussing this with others and was dismissive—stating that women are responsible for their own efforts to fit in. This made it impossible to discuss the isolation I was feeling, despite being an experienced traveller who is comfortable being away from family.
The professional atmosphere was further undermined by the owner’s frequent and disparaging remarks about others in the industry. Shareen Geers openly spoke ill of former associates who now lead their own tours, creating an uncomfortable environment of gossip rather than the "empowerment" the group claims to champion. Furthermore, she displayed a surprising amount of ego regarding her own profile; she mocked new followers who asked for an introduction, questioning, "Who am I? I’ve a good mind not to let them on a trip if they don’t know who I am." This gatekeeping attitude and the public airing of professional grievances felt incredibly petty and at odds with a business that supposedly thrives on welcoming new solo travellers.
Most distressingly, Shareen chose to raise details of my private personal life in front of the other women. This breach of privacy was entirely inappropriate and deeply unprofessional for any business owner. I have never felt so alone on a trip, not because I was away from home, but because I was treated like an outsider by the very person meant to lead the group. I would not recommend this group to anyone looking for a genuine, inclusive travel community.