A Women’s Trip to Puerto Rico I’ll Never Forget
- abby5184
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
January 22–27, 2026 | A Travec Women’s Trip Reflection
From January 22–27, 2026, I had the privilege of traveling with eight incredible women who came from Michigan, North Carolina, and Colombia. Each gal came into the trip with at least one connection, but most were new to each other. Over the course of the week, something really special formed — a shared bond among women in very different seasons of life, with different stories, experiences, and personalities.
I love watching group dynamics take shape. No two Travec women’s trips are ever alike, and that’s the beauty of it. You can’t force connection — you simply create the space and trust it to unfold in its own way.
Our First Day: Arriving & Settling In
We settled into a truly special home in Old San Juan, one that immediately set the tone for the week. The house had so much character — beautiful art, thoughtful lighting, and multiple gathering spaces that invited both conversation and quiet moments.
That first night was just about settling in and getting rest after a travel day.
Day Two: Freedom to Explore (and Come Back Together)
One thing I love about leading women’s trips is honoring how differently we all rest and recharge. Day two was intentionally open.
Some women relaxed by the pool.
Some headed to the beach.
Others explored Old San Juan on a guided walking tour, soaking in the color, history, and rhythm of the city.
That evening, we came back together for welcome cocktails and a private chef dinner, and honestly — it was one of my favorite nights of the entire trip.
Chef Marta prepared an unforgettable meal:
Ceviche on tostones
Beef empanadillas
Strawberry and feta salad
Chicken fricassee with mamposteao rice
Passionfruit cheesecake
But the food was only part of it. The laughter came easily. Stories unfolded naturally — about families, kids, careers, seasons of life. When I asked what everyone hoped to get from the weekend, words like alignment, connection, rest, and a true break kept coming up.
I remember sitting there thinking: This is exactly why we do this.
An Early Morning & a Caribbean Daydream
The next day started early — very early — but it was worth every alarm clock.
We headed east to Fajardo and boarded a catamaran to Icacos Island. The day felt light and playful: swimming, snorkeling, walking the beach, laughing without watching the clock. It was one of those days where time stretches and everything feels simple.
That night, some of us ventured out to La Placita, where locals and travelers mingle over music, lights, and late-night energy. It was the perfect contrast to our quiet mornings.
Slow Sunday + Bioluminescence
Sunday morning started gently with a light stretching yoga class — exactly what our bodies needed. The rest of the day was again self-paced, and by evening we were back on the road, heading east for one of Puerto Rico’s most magical experiences: nighttime kayaking in a bioluminescent bay.
I’ve done this before, and it still amazes me every single time — paddling through mangroves in the dark, watching the water glow when you touch it. It feels mysterious and grounding all at once.
Late that night, we ordered pizza back at the house. No frills. Just comfort food, tired smiles, and the kind of easy togetherness that only happens after a really full day.
El Yunque or the Beach — and a Farewell Dinner
Monday gave everyone a choice:
Some women headed into El Yunque National Forest for a water and hiking adventure, while others chose one more slow beach day.
That evening, we gathered at The Mezzanine for our farewell dinner. We reflected on the week, and one comment stopped me in my tracks. A woman shared that she hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time — especially with a group that started out as near-strangers.
That’s a moment I’ll carry with me.
Expect the Unexpected
We thought we were pretty clever escaping winter — until Winter Storm Fern caught up with us, bringing delayed and canceled flights on the way home. A reminder I always come back to as a trip leader: travel asks for flexibility. And this group handled it with so much grace.
Favorite Food Stops from the Group
Some favorites the women kept talking about:
The Mezzanine
La Carreta
Kaffe Haus
Restaurante Raíces
El Jibarito
La Vergüenza
La Madre (especially the coconut margarita)
Anita’s Gelato
Why This Trip Mattered to Me
This wasn’t just a Puerto Rico women’s trip. It was a reminder of how powerful it is to create space — for rest, for laughter, for connection, for being fully human together.
As a trip leader, watching relationships form this naturally is the greatest gift. It’s why I keep designing small, intentional group experiences for women who need a pause — and something meaningful to come back to themselves.
Puerto Rico gave us sunshine, adventure, and beauty.
But the women made it unforgettable.
✨ More women’s trips are coming.
✨ This kind of connection is always the goal.