For anyone with a fascination for exploring new places and articulating their experiences through the written word, the sphere of travel writing can be an exciting avenue to consider. Whether you’re already an ardent scribbler or just a travel enthusiast wanting to share your stories, writing for a blog or magazine holds a unique charm.

The Women in Travel Summit (WITS)

Hosted by Wanderful, the Women in Travel Summit (WITS) is recognized as the leading conference for women with a passion for travel and a flair for storytelling. Known for uniting a community of like-minded women and sparking creative and professional growth, WITS is a landmark event in the realm of travel writing.

WITS focuses on providing the participants with:

• Essential tools and resources to refine their skills in travel blogging and influencing;
• Opportunities to forge connections within the travel writing community;
• Potential collaborations that can boost their digital footprint and fulfill their professional aspirations.

In the past, the WITS Summit was held at the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada. Resembling an archaic castle, the Frontenac is an imposing structure on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, its grandeur accentuated by its own overlooking boardwalk.

A stay at the Fairmont Frontenac is an unforgettable experience — a perfect blend of history, luxury, and jaw-dropping views. This remarkable combination of location and atmosphere makes the venue an integral part of the whole WITS experience.

The uniqueness of WITS also lies in its mobility—each year, the summit takes place in a different city, creating fresh perspectives and experiences. For instance, in 2019, WITS was hosted in the picturesque city of Portland, Maine. Through this feature, WITS not only provides insightful content but also opens opportunities for participants to explore new destinations.

The Summit Experience

The Women in Travel Summit (WITS) is an informative and enriching experience, offering a myriad of sessions to suit the diverse interests and needs of its attendees. It’s not only a fantastic opportunity for established travel bloggers and writers but also an excellent platform for novices in the field.

Over the course of the summit, there are more than 28 one-hour sessions focusing on a range of topics:

• Blogging essentials;
• Financial planning for bloggers;
• Collaboration strategies with tourist destinations;
• Tips for solo travel;
• Guidelines for family travel, and much more.

These comprehensive sessions cater to varying levels of expertise, from beginners to seasoned professionals, ensuring valuable takeaways for everyone.

While keynote sessions form a part of the conference, participants have often found the regular sessions to be much more illuminating and informative, as they delve deeper into practical domains rather than leaning towards personal narratives and political discourses.

Exploring the Locale: WITS Exclusive Tours

A distinct aspect of the Women in Travel Summit (WITS) is the guided tours organized before and after the conference. These tours serve to acquaint attendees with the cultural, historical, and culinary facets of the local area. They offer a chance to explore the highlights of the host city and its surroundings, adding an enriching layer to the conference experience.

These tours, free of charge for attendees, span across half or full days, starting two days before and extending two days post the conference. The tours are an inclusive feature, making all attendees eligible to partake in them.

Gastronomic Wonders: A Walking Food Tour

An intriguing feature of the WITS, the Walking Food Tour in Quebec City, offered a delightful exploration of local eateries. The tour included multiple stops, from appetizer sampling at local restaurants to tasting Quebec’s iconic maple syrup. Participants also visited a countryside establishment renowned for its honey, a chocolate boutique, and other culinary hotspots.

While the chilly and rainy weather provided a slightly challenging backdrop, the gastronomic journey more than made amends. The knowledgeable guide enriched the experience with local facts and anecdotes, adding an educational aspect to the tour.

Cultural Exploration: Farm and Market Tour

The Farm and Market Tour was another fascinating excursion that took participants to the historic Ile d’ Orleans, an island in the St. Lawrence River. Known as one of the first areas in the province colonized by the French, the island offered a deep dive into Quebec’s rich cultural heritage.

Transported by the Quebec Bus Tour Company, attendees enjoyed visits to charming boutiques, a candy shop, a winery for tasting sessions, a cozy café, and stores specializing in iced apple cider and blackberry wine.

Immersive Experiences: FAM trips

WITS also offers extended pre and post familiarization trips (FAM). These multi-day journeys provide a more immersive exploration of the host city and its surroundings. While free, they require prior application due to the limited slots available. Participants must arrange for their own transportation from the endpoint of these trips.

Bilingual Bloggers: A Unique Perspective

Amidst the diverse tapestry of attendees at the Women in Travel Summit (WITS), one finds the intriguing presence of bilingual bloggers. These individuals bring a distinctive perspective to the travel writing sphere by seamlessly navigating between languages, offering a wider audience access to their narratives. Their ability to bridge linguistic gaps and share stories in multiple languages adds an enriching layer to the WITS experience.

Planning Your WITS Experience: Essential Tips

In order to thoroughly enjoy the Women in Travel Summit (WITS) and gain the most from this unique experience, here are some essential tips and recommendations:

1. Early Registration: Opt for early bird registration as it not only helps save money but also gives you an edge in selecting the tours and applying for the familiarization (FAM) trips;
2. Smart Packing: Pack light and opt for comfortable attire and footwear given the tours and city exploration possibilities. An umbrella might come handy considering the unpredictability of weather;
3. Accommodation: Booking your stay at the conference hotel is highly recommended. Staying at the venue enhances your networking opportunities and ensures a seamless conference experience;
4. Timing: It’s worthwhile to plan your travel to arrive a day or two before the conference and extend by a couple of days post-event. This provides ample time to participate in the free pre and post tours;
5. Tour Registration: Sign up for the tours as early as possible as they fill up quickly. Make sure to read the fine print about the tours, particularly about the dress code and the expected physical activity levels;
6. Define Objectives: Outline your expectations from the event beforehand. This helps in choosing the right sessions and planning your conference schedule effectively;
7. Networking: Attendees form an integral part of your WITS journey. Make sure to interact and network with fellow attendees for best practices sharing, collaboration opportunities, and friendships;
8. Exploration: Venture out and explore the hotel and the nearby areas for a wholesome travel experience;
9. Snack Essentials: Pack some nutritious snacks like granola bars or instant oatmeal packets. They can provide a quick energy boost during long sessions and also help save on meal costs;
10. Documentation: Keep a notebook handy to jot down key points from sessions. Also, make sure to take ample pictures for future references and social media postings;
11. Positive Mindset: Last but not the least, go in with a positive and enthusiastic mindset. WTS is a platform for learning, networking, and creating memorable experiences. Embrace the opportunities it brings with open arms.

Let’s sum it up

To maximize the potential of the Women in Travel Summit (WITS), attendees should adopt a systematic approach. By registering early, preparing adequately, and focusing on networking opportunities, attendees can ensure they optimize their WITS experience. The summit not only provides a golden chance to gain invaluable insights from a variety of sessions and keynotes, but it also offers the platform to connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. Undeniably, WITS is a haven for women in the travel industry, offering resources, insights, and a supportive community that empowers them to foster their travel writing journey.