Today’s tidbit: “Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don’t be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are.” ― Kristin Armstrong

The end of March, one week after returning from a month overseas, I was on a plane again heading to Boston, MA for the Women in Travel Summit (WITS15), the first and only travel blogging summit by and for women.

Not sure what to expect, and not knowing anyone was intimidating yet exciting. The only option is to break out of that comfort zone and mingle. Within a matter of minutes the space was filled with this incredible positive energy, that continued the whole weekend. It’s hard to explain but it was so refreshing.

It was overwhelming (in the best way possible) being around so many beautiful, adventurous, curious, creative, passionate, and inspirational like-minded women. Travel is in their soul and you could see that passion, that twinkle in their eye when they talk about it.

Be sure to click below to read more. Enjoy!

 

 

 

{Friday TV & Movie Sites Tour} Started the morning with On Location Tours, Inc on a Boston TV & Movie Sites Tour, which took a group of WITS ladies to see filming locations from TV shows and movies such as American Hustle, The Heat, The Departed, Good Will Hunting, Cheers, The Town, Legally Blonde, Boston Legal, and more!

With the rain it was hard to get pictures as we drove through the many districts of Boston, but along the way we had some stops. The first stop on the tour was to the L Street Tavern, which was made famous for the bar scene in Good Will Hunting. Bar owner Susan Woods and our bartender Ron were nice enough to host us for a drink, the signature “The Currant Affair.”

Photo credit: On Location Tours, Inc

Marketing manager Lauren and tour guide Javier, who were both so wonderful. Really a fun tour that covered a lot!

 

 

{Friday Pre-Conference Afternoon Tea + “Networking without Pants”} Networking is all about the conversation and no matter if you’re an introvert, extrovert, or non-native English speaker, this workshop helped break the ice and allowed us to mingle before the opening party in the evening. Thank you Nicolle for the great tips.

After the networking event I went to grab a quick bite with new friends (I wasn’t sure what would be gluten free at the evening event). SIP was a great choice!

 

 

{Friday Opening Night Party} The evening was filled with sips, bites and celebrating at the beautiful WeWork South Station. It’s always intimidating walking into a room where you don’t know anyone. I’m not sure if it’s because of the afternoon networking session and/or the fact I was surrounded by such enthusiastic ladies full of amazing stories and a love for travel, but I found myself mingling and making new friends easily.

Picture below. Courtney from Passport Elsewhere, Sarah from The Cash Odyssey, Hema from Nomadic Nutritionist, Megan from Travel-42. Such a fun group!

 

 

{Saturday Sessions} Yes that is snow in the picture below, taken from the conference room. It snowed all day Saturday but luckily didn’t stick (Boston didn’t get the memo it’s supposed to be spring).

Although you’re in a full room, have you ever felt like someone was talking directly to you? That you find yourself nodding and holding on to each word? That the journey, struggle, life choices/changes and experiences they went through have shaped who they are and where they are today… and you can not only relate but it is nothing but inspiring? That was WITS, from the speakers to attendees.

ALL of the speakers and sessions were informative, captivating and inspiring. For a full list check out: Speakers

With keynote speaker Dina Yuen, aka Asian Fusion Girl, who is CEO and Founder of AsianFusion. Dina shared deeply intimate stories on how she grew up, the struggles she faced with family, and the life-changing experiences in India, Thailand and Italy led her to build a multimedia company that has brought her international recognition as a food, travel and lifestyle entrepreneur. Her story is remarkable and it was an honor to talk one on one.

With Catrice M. Jackson, the BOSSLady of Branding, who helps entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals clearly identify their soul-purpose brand and confidently unleash their Irresistible Trademark (IT). Show up and be you. Invest in you, who you are and let it shine. Such a captivating and authentic speech. I wasn’t able to get one on one time right after her speech, but luckily found Catrice at the end of the day and had the privilege to talk more (exciting collaborations in the works, stay tuned).

Picture below. Morgan from Epic Sexy You and Ana from The City Sidewalks. I feel like I’ve already known them for years, can’t wait for what our journey has in store for us ahead!

 

 

{Sunday Sessions} Sunday was filled with more engaging sessions and lunch off site with Kathryn from Unearth the World (UTW). After hearing her speech about UTW and what they’re about I knew I needed to learn more. Excited for future trips!

left: Shannon from Camera & Carry On. right: keynote speaker Kate from Adventurous Kate. 

 

 

{Boston Public Garden} After a few days in Boston full of rain and snow, the sun came out on Sunday. With a little time in the evening after the conference to explore we went to see the beauty of the Public Garden‘s design, which still looked like winter.

 

Ending the amazing conference with an amazing seafood meal at Legal Sea Foods. I couldn’t decide so scallops + shrimp + crab cake it was.

 

 

{Revere Hotel} Want to do a quick shout out to Revere Hotel, who provided lovely accommodations at a discounted rate. The conference was also hosted on their sixth floor which made it very convenient. I loved the decor in the lobby and throughout the stylish hotel. The rooms were spacious with with a small balcony (great for city pictures), ultra comfy beds, and modern touches.

As it says on the site, “Inspired by the spirit of Boston, Revere Hotel embodies independence and originality.”

 

 

{travel swag} WITS hooked us up. How awesome is this? From Samsonite bags filled with flyers, luggage tags, note pads, and a Boston guide to a pile of new business cards, book from Catrice and squeeze pods, everyone left the conference with new contacts and products.

 

 

WITS was more than I ever expected. The conference brought together 300 women with a passion for travel and I can’t believe the friendships that were formed so quickly. The amount of support, energy and encouragement was amazing. No matter what your goal and journey, there were people you could relate to and be inspired by. Thank you Go Girl Travel Network! Looking forward to next year in Irvine, CA.

Photo credit: Kayti Burt

 

What’s next? I’ve been exploring new paths and options focusing on blogging and travel, and how to really start that next chapter. WITS was perfect as I found myself surrounded by so many travel enthusiasts doing the same! Left Boston inspired, energized, and motivated.

This will be my last blog post for a while. Along with a couple exciting new design projects in the works I am also busy rebranding. Happy to say I’ve finalized a new name/logo and am now working on the new website. Hoping to launch in May, stay tuned.