Sharing Travel Experiences

Casey Wohl on Getaways and Finding Yourself

by Andy Hayes

Despite the fact that today’s interview guest is founder of the Girl’s Getaway Guides, men and woman alike will find something to learn from Casey Wohl’s grounded perspective on life, the world, and travel.  I had the pleasure of finding out more about Casey’s story and how she ended up where she is today – it’s an interesting read.

Is it true you used travel as a solace to help you find yourself and reorientate yourself after a particular rough period in your life?

Yes, it is true! Within just a few months, I got divorced and fired from my job. I was devastated as my life was turned upside down both personally and professionally. In an effort to overcome my depression, my friends and I would plan “girlfriend getaway” trips that allowed me to create new memories and new adventures through traveling with some of my very best friends. While taking these trips, we quickly realized that there were no city-specific travel guides for women. That’s when the Girls Getaway Guide travel series was born. I guess what they say is true, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

Andy:  Yes, lemonade…it’s funny how it sounds trite and silly but it’s very true.

Your getaway guides are aimed at women travellers. What makes your getaway guides special/different?

While there are several great travel guides, none of them cater specifically to women looking for that perfect girlfriend getaway. The Girls Getaway Guide series focuses on things that women love to do while traveling (shopping, spas, finding great cuisine and recreational activities geared towards women). For example, a recommended side trip from Orlando is to the Mt Dora antique district, which women love. Since most of my travel research is done with my girlfriends, we know what works and what doesn’t for the perfect Girls Getaway to that destination.

Your first guide was to Orlando. Any recommended experiences beyond the traditional stops for the women (and men!) listening to do?

I started with Orlando because I would travel to Washington, DC for work and on my return flight, women, who were traveling to Orlando for a conference, would always ask me, “Besides Disney, what can we do in Orlando?” Although Orlando is best known for its theme parks, the city has a lot to offer for Girlfriend Getaways as well. I love the Winter Park area (just north of downtown Orlando), which has two great outdoor shopping areas (Winter Park Village and Park Avenue) that offer fabulous boutiques, art galleries, eateries. Plus, this area is home to beautiful Rollins College that visitors can stroll through. In addition, Winter Park has several museums and art galleries and is home to the terrific Winter Park Art Festival every March. For the outdoor lovers, it is home to several golf courses and the Scenic Boat Tours, which provide a unique view of the area. With so much to do in the Winter Park area, women (and men) can stay busy all day long!

Andy:  Great tips – I didn’t really know much about what was on offer apart from the theme park, as you say.  Definitely filing this away for future use!

Tell us about your most inspirational travel experience?

WOW! Most inspirational….that is really difficult to answer. One of the things I love about traveling is meeting new people who help you learn (indirectly) about yourself. My trips to Nashville, TN were really inspiring. While there, I met several aspiring country music singers. The stories they told me about leaving home to pursue their dreams in Nashville were amazing! Many of them landed in town with no money and no contacts. They just knew they had to follow their dreams no matter what it took. During a few trips to Nashville was also the time I was contemplating writing my first Girls Getaway Guide book. After hearing the stories from Nashville, I knew if they could follow their dreams, than I should too and I began to write. I learned that following your dreams is really hard work, but those who believe in themselves will ultimately succeed.

Andy:  Someone once told me that patience, persistence, and hard work are bigger contributors to success than talent.  I continue to find, over and over again, that this is very very true.

And YAY for passionate people; I’ve been to Nashville a long time ago, and I agree, while country music isn’t necessarily my favourite, I found some of the most passionate and hard working people I’ve ever seen.

Anything interesting on your “bucket list” that you plan on tackling soon?

What a great question! Yes, I have my top three places I want to visit. I call them my Top As: Australia/New Zealand, Africa and Alaska. I hope to make it to all three very soon (and before the bucket)!

Andy:  Great choices.  Don’t miss our round-up of things to do in Alaska, a circle tour of the south island of New Zealand, as well as my personal favourite, Melbourne.

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Thanks for all those wonderful insights, Casey. Folks, for more information about Casey and the Girls Getaway Guides, be sure to visit her website, GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

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