“Travel isn’t just about movement; it’s about transformation. For Black women especially, these experiences offer a sense of belonging, discovery, and healing that is deeply personal and powerful.” – Eyitemi Popo, Founder Girls Trip Tours.
Women currently make up 65% of travellers in the world today. Female travel has become a major phenomenon over the past few years with travel companies dedicated to women-only clientele increasing by 230%.
There has also been a growing desire for women to travel alone and it is expected that $125 billion will be spent by women on travel this year. Travelling as a woman is popular amongst a variety of different ages, both solo and within groups to destinations all over the world. Girls’ trips have become a safe and fun way for women to broaden their horizons and create lasting bonds without having to centre men.
“I can testify to its importance.For once women can have fun without fitting men in the fun. It’s enlightening, entertaining and developing. The unforced humor, exploring new places, getting opportunities, connecting with one’s inner self, the list goes on and on” says Amara*, a Lagos-based writer, affirming just how important it is for girls trips.
The Girls Trip Tours wants all women to have safe travelling experience. According to the founder Eyitemi Popo, Girls Trip Tours goes beyond tourism into intentional journeys that center connection, empowerment, and legacy-building. Girls Trip Tours offer trips that are immersive, led by inspiring women across Africa, and focus on community, wellness, and economic impact. For the past seven years, Girls Trip Tours have partnered with several locally owned, women owned vendors across several African Countries.
For Girls Trip Tours, Immersive trips combine visiting new African countries, sightseeing, and making an impact on the local economy. Since it became operational in Ghana in 2018, Girls Trip Tours has hosted over 50 women across seven African countries, with revenue from each trip sponsoring a young girl’s education. Every vendor it partners with to curate trips is women-owned, locally owned, or Black-owned.
What Do Female Friendships Look Like on TV?
Nigerian mainstream media has a strong deficiency relating to the depiction of Nigerian women in certain roles, including solo traveling and girls trips.
The Smart Money woman is one series which depicts Nigerian women in dynamic roles and portrays Nigerian women independently funding trips outside the country. The Smart Money Woman revolves around five young women and how they take control of their finances and assets, the series focuses on spending culture of women and how it ultimately affects their finances on the long run, the series also talks about how friendship, peer pressure and societal influence can affect how we spend money,
It also features and teaches how women should learn to invest in their themselves amidst romantic and financial loss. The Smart money woman series has become an important representation of women in corporate spaces and finance, an accurate depiction of Nigerian women’s spending culture and finances.
The Smart Money Woman and Girls Trip Tours have partnered to create a trip to South Africa which will be an opportunity for participants to gain essential skills while broadening their horizon.
“I hope this trip feels like stepping into the Smart Money Woman universe. It’s a chance to bond with like-minded women, engage in meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s through cultural exploration, personal development activities, or just having fun, we want them to walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and part of a larger community that supports their journey.” notes Arese Ogwu, creator of The Smart Money Woman.
Fans of The Smart Money Woman should be excited for exclusive South African trip curated by Girls Trip Tour.
The itinerary blends travel with wealth-building insights, mirroring the iconic getaway from The Smart Money Woman Season 2 finale. Girls Trip Tours’ signature Black Owned South Africa curation ensures that travelers will not only explore Johannesburg’s dynamic social scene and Cape Town’s breathtaking landscapes, but also connect with leading entrepreneurs, top finance experts, and Black business trailblazers in exclusive networking opportunities.
For Eyitemi Popo. creating a safe space for Black women entrepreneurs is important.
“I wanted to create a space where Black women could explore Africa on their own terms—rediscovering their roots, expanding their networks, and investing in their futures.” She says about her motivation behind starting Girls Trip Tours. Women, especially Black women, deserve to explore the world without limits. Travel is a form of self-investment—it opens doors to new perspectives, builds confidence, and enables personal and professional growth. Many of the women on our trips have described their experiences as transformative, helping them reimagine what’s possible for their lives and careers.”
Eyitemi describes the collaboration as an exciting mix between Travel and Financial empowerment.
“This collaboration is an exciting fusion of travel and financial empowerment. The Smart Money Woman has already inspired so many African women to rethink their relationship with money, and through this partnership, we’re bringing those lessons to life. Our upcoming trip will be an immersive experience designed to help women not only explore Africa in sisterhood, but also build wealth and invest in themselves along the way. The trip mirrors the iconic getaway that Zuri and her friends took to South Africa in The Smart Money Woman Season 2 finale. But beyond exploring luxurious, picturesque destinations in Johannesburg and Cape Town, it offers wealth-building insights and the chance to connect with a like-minded, ambitious community of women and local entrepreneurs.”
The Importance of Girls Trips
Female companionships have often been looked down on and tagged as fake and ungenuine or to keep up appearances.
Regardless, Girls trips are an amazing way to build friendships and give room for self development. Women and moms often find themselves juggling multiple roles and constantly putting others’ needs before their own.
Girls’ trips provide a much-needed escape from these everyday pressures, allowing women to focus on their own well-being. Whether it’s spa treatments, exploring new destinations, or simply relaxing on a beach, girls’ trips provide an opportunity for personal growth. These trips rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, allowing women to return home with renewed energy and clarity.
“Girls’ trips create a safe space for women to unwind, connect, and support each other, while solo traveling builds confidence and independence. Both experiences help women step outside their routines, gain new perspectives, and embrace adventure.” said Deborah, a legal professional. “ I travel for work, when necessary, but I also make time for leisure trips. I enjoy discovering new places, whether it’s for relaxation, cultural experiences, or adventure. They don’t call me Deborah the Explorer for nothing.”
Girls trips empower women to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities, sports, or cuisine, that enhance our lives, and embrace independence. These experiences boost confidence and help to cultivate a sense of empowerment that can extend far beyond the trip itself.
