You Don’t Need a Vacation; You Need a Reset
If you’re anything like me, you've had your own personal experience with burnout and you know exactly what it feels like. The exhaustion that isn’t just physical but it’s also emotional, mental, and deep in your bones. You know the feeling of being stretched too thin, running on autopilot, and craving something more but not quite sure what. Something that makes you feel a sense of purpose in your day to day.
I’ve been there. And I want you to know there’s another way.
I started my career in hospitality when I was just 15 years old, working in guest services, front desks, food trucks...you name it. By the time I was 23, I was managing over 15 city-wide conferences a year in the fast-paced world of event planning. The largest event I was the manager of had over 115,000 people in attendance. On the outside, it looked like I had everything under control. On the inside, I was exhausted, anxious, and desperate for a meaningful change. At the time I didn't even know that I needed to recover from burnout; when you’re so in the thick of it, sometimes you don’t notice the burnout.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic offered me a swift push out of the door that had me doing a lot of self-reflection. I knew I needed to take an active step to redefine my career. One day, in the midst of all of this, I was speaking to a friend and I said out loud one sentence that changed my life: If I could do anything, it would be working with women and supporting women through travel.
My friend was wise enough to tell me to write that sentence down; I’m grateful I still have that page in my journal. The clarity in that one, simple sentence was my lightbulb moment.
Travel designed to champion women
My name is Megan, and I’m the founder of Cherish Tours. That pivotal moment was just the beginning of what has now become a thriving travel company. And this month, I’m proud that we’re celebrating our four-year anniversary since our launch in 2021.
Cherish is the company I wish existed when I was going through burnout, self-discovery, and life transitions. It is designed for women who need a reset, crave connection, and want to do things differently than the status quo of their life so far. My dream was – and is – to create a safe space for women to show up as their most authentic selves while taking a break from their busy routines.
We curate small-group, women-only trips that take you beyond the typical tourist experience. Every single one of our trips supports local female entrepreneurs, ensuring that the impact of your journey extends beyond yourself to the women shaping their communities worldwide. And, each experience is designed so that you can connect with fellow adventurous travelers and reconnect with yourself.
Our trips are not just about travel, they are about transformation through experiences.
It’s a space where women can say yes...to adventure, to themselves, to change. Cherish represents a community where every woman, regardless of age or background, can feel like she belongs. When you adventure with us, you can let your hair down, exhale the heaviness of life's expectations, and treat yourself to a meaningful vacation.
Real Women, Real Transformations
One of the most rewarding parts of Cherish is seeing the impact it has on the women who travel with us and the women we support around the world. No matter what stage in life you are at or what transition you may be experiencing, travel can be a powerful way to reignite your sense of self and return home with a renewed sense of purpose.
I’ve met women who have recently retired and are rediscovering their passions. I’ve watched solo travelers take their first leap into the unknown and leave with lifelong friendships. I’ve seen women step away from demanding careers, family obligations, or personal struggles to finally take time for themselves. I've spent time with recently divorced women who have taken travel as an opportunity for healing.
There are countless stories I could share, but I’ll highlight just a few of the women inspiring me lately…
Margaret joined us in Alaska after leaving a 20-year corporate career. She arrived feeling lost, unsure of what was next. By the end of the trip, she had not only found clarity but also a sisterhood of women cheering her on in her next chapter.
And Ana, a single mom who hadn’t traveled in years, told me she nearly canceled out of guilt, worried about leaving her kids behind. But after a week in Costa Rica, connecting with other women, she realized something powerful: taking care of herself was taking care of her family.
And it’s not just about the women who travel with us; it’s about the women we meet along the way, too. One of our local partners, Philomena, is a big part of every trip planned to Tanzania. Her local shop was opened with the support of our nonprofit partner, Unite the World with Africa. She would not have had the same opportunity otherwise, and when our guests shop at her store, we’re helping keep tourism dollars local while directly supporting a female entrepreneur in the process.
Stories like these remind me why I started Cherish in the first place. Women deserve travel experiences that empower them. Female entrepreneurs world-wide deserve to meet women who believe in and support their businesses. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places, it's about the memories you create for a lifetime.
Say Yes to You
So whether you’re feeling burned out, navigating a big life change, or just looking for some adventurous women to share unforgettable experiences with—you’re welcome here.
Cherish exists for you.
You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to say yes to yourself.
And when you’re ready, we’ll be here, ready to take that journey with you.
Travel Boldly,
Megan Grant Founder, Cherish Tours
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