I just returned from a vibrant and picturesque Sisterhood Travels journey to the French Riviera and let me tell you, this destination was pure magic. It was my third time traveling with Sisterhood Travels, and it easily ranks among my top favorites. With the sparkling Mediterranean stretching out before our hotel, sunshine every day, and the postcard-perfect villages that dot the coastline, it was everything a fall getaway should be.
If you’ve been eyeing a Sisterhood trip but haven’t yet taken the leap, I completely understand. Maybe you’re wondering what it’s really like to travel with a group of women you’ve never met. Let me share my personal experience, the little details, the rhythms of the trip, and what you can expect based on my three adventures with Sisterhood Travels.
Before you zip up that suitcase, there are a few things to know. Sisterhood uses two main communication apps: WhatsApp and Trip Plans. These are essential for keeping up with itinerary updates, real-time messages, and last-minute changes. If you’re like me and have a smaller regional phone carrier, you’ll want to plan ahead with an Airalo eSIM or similar option for data. For my French Riviera trip, I chose the 20GB plan since I’d be gone nearly three weeks. That gave me plenty of data for maps, messaging, and of course, photo sharing.
Once your apps are set, take time to read through your itinerary and tipping guidelines before you go. This will answer most of your questions in advance and give you a sense of how each day will flow. Keep in mind, itineraries can shift due to weather, logistics, or local events, and flexibility is part of the adventure.
On each Sisterhood trip, there’s a tour director, usually a knowledgeable local who manages the day-to-day plans, and a Sisterhood leader (who is typically there to greet you at the hotel when you arrive) from the company who travels with you. The tour director is your go-to for historical context, local insight, and practical information. They’re often a treasure trove of fun facts and hidden gems.
On two of my three Sisterhood trips, our first full day was intentionally left open. It’s a wonderful idea and it lets you ease into your new surroundings, shake off jet lag, and explore at your own pace. I always like to plan a simple, low-stress activity for this day. In Nice, I headed to the famous flower market in Old Town, a colorful feast for the senses.
Our tour director, Stephanie, even offered to show a few of us how to use the tram to get there. Little moments like that, when you’re learning local transit with your fellow travelers, are what make these trips feel like a shared adventure right from the start.
Other women used that day to book optional excursions or just stroll along the beach. There’s no wrong choice. Think of it as your own personalized introduction to your destination.
On this trip, I was paired with a roommate match named Terry. We connected via email before leaving home to introduce ourselves and exchange practical info (yes, snoring came up — and it’s always good to mention!).
Each of my three Sisterhood trips has involved a roommate, and honestly, I’ve enjoyed it. It’s an easy way to start the trip with a familiar face, and in every case, I’ve walked away with a new friend. Communication is key, a quick chat beforehand can make the shared experience even smoother.
Our first evening began with a welcome meeting and group dinner. It’s the perfect icebreaker, a chance to meet your leader, tour director, and fellow travelers. On this trip, I already knew a few “sisters” from previous adventures, which made the reunion extra fun.
By the next morning, the energy was high and we were ready to explore. A printed schedule is usually posted in the hotel lobby, and updates are also shared through the WhatsApp group. There’s typically a second group chat just for the sisters, where people share photos, coordinate dinners, or plan rooftop cocktail meetups. (Yes, that happened a lot on this trip!)
By day three, you’ll likely find your rhythm, who you click with, your preferred pace, and your favorite parts of group travel. My best advice to new travelers: put yourself out there. Even if you’re a bit shy at first, this is one of the most welcoming, encouraging communities of women I’ve ever met. By the end of the week, there’s always laughter, shared stories, and the start of lifelong friendships
What I loved most about this particular trip was the balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Each morning, we’d hop on our private bus and head off to explore a new corner of the Riviera and return by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time for relaxation or spontaneous adventures.
We stayed in Nice for the entire trip, which I personally prefer to moving hotels every couple of nights. Our hotel sat right across from the Promenade des Anglais, steps from the sea. With a tram stop just behind the building, getting to Old Town was quick and easy, perfect for a late-day stroll or dinner out.
Day trips included Monaco, Grasse, Cannes (which I missed due to a short illness), Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence — each a gem in its own way. My favorite moments? Wandering the gardens in Eze, taking in the scent of perfume in Grasse, and capturing hundreds of photos in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most photogenic villages I’ve ever seen.
And then there was Monte Carlo, where I slipped into the historic casino, dropped a few euros in a slot machine and walked out 66 euros richer! A celebratory Cosmopolitan at the bar was the perfect way to toast the win.
Have you listened to Sisterhood Travels founder, Stacey Ray’s Life Reimagined podcast yet?
Conversations on Change, Growth, and Bold New Beginnings.
As the trip winds down, your tour director will help organize departure logistics, who leaves when, and what time you’ll need to meet in the lobby for your airport transfer. On this trip, I wasn’t heading home just yet. I continued on to Paris for another week, arranging my own transportation to the train station with helpful guidance from Stephanie.
Even after everyone begins to part ways, the camaraderie lingers. The WhatsApp chats stay alive for weeks, filled with photo sharing, funny memories, and “Can you believe it’s already over?” messages
Every Sisterhood Travels trips I’ve taken has left me with something lasting, not just beautiful photos or passport stamps, but genuine friendships and a renewed sense of confidence. These trips remind me that adventure has no age limit and connection can bloom anywhere in the world.
If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge but hesitating because you don’t know anyone trust me, you won’t feel like a stranger for long. Whether you’re sipping cappuccinos in Nice, laughing with new friends in a rooftop bar, or wandering through an old market with your camera in hand, you’ll realize you’re part of something truly unique: a community of women who believe travel can change lives — and it often does.
So pack your curiosity, bring an open heart, and get ready for your own Sisterhood story. I can promise you this: it’ll be one you’ll never forget.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
