Travel Sisterhood has revealed that embracing its “feminine energy” has only helped to strengthen members’ relationships with trade partners. 

The women-only collective has focussed on creating a supportive environment since its 2023 launch, which it says has resulted in more productive meetings with suppliers. 

“I feel there is this female energy that is motherly, meaning we all take care of each other,” Mary Steadman, owner of Lura Lifestyle and Travel Sisterhood member, told TTG. 

The luxury travel veteran explained it’s this maternal culture that creates a “safe” environment, enabling members to be “open and honest.” 

“We can talk about so many things that we mightn't necessarily talk about in a group with men – from raising children to perimenopause and menopause, and how we all navigate these issues whilst running our businesses. There are no stupid questions and there is no judgment.” 

Travel Sisterhood founder Nadine Brady echoed this sentiment, adding that its compassionate ethos has been instrumental in improving relationships with difficult suppliers. Rather than blacklist a challenging supplier, the travl.love and Limelight Escapes founder says the group’s first priority is always to have an open, balanced conversation. 

“We recently had a call with a supplier to air our repeated frustrations, and it turned out to be a really positive meeting,” she revealed. “We had thought they were faceless, but they wanted to say they were a team and that they wanted to be more connected with us.” 

“I always say, if it’s tragic, let’s make it magic,” Steadman added. “Let's voice our opinions in a very nice, constructive and positive way. Let’s find a solution and report back on what has happened. I think as females, we're more nurturers and we are always looking at the collective.” 

Both Steadman and Brady emphasised that Travel Sisterhood is not anti-men, but instead, offers a space for women to connect outside of our “patriarchal society.” 

“We're not excluding men or excluding their value,” said Brady. “But there's something quite powerful about just being allowed to be in our feminine energy and feeling strong in that.” 

Steadman agreed: “Don't get me wrong, I've worked with many great men, but there is a sense of security and safety when it’s just women.” 

Now approaching its third anniversary, Travel Sisterhood has plenty of exciting plans for the upcoming year. It will hold its first-ever summit at the Hyatt Churchill on 16th March, bringing together confirmed partners and suppliers for a day of luxury travel insights and networking. 

The club will also continue to host monthly Zoom chats, which cover everything from the “advent of AI” to “setting boundaries with clients.” Other projects in the pipeline include sales training webinars, an event-planning workshop by Hannah Vincent of Select Travel and meditation sessions led by breath-work practitioners. 

Though there are no targets for membership, Brady says the group is also always open to welcoming new sisters. To be considered, candidates must have three years of experience as an agency owner, a recommendation from a luxury supplier and, ideally, a reference from an existing sister. Advisors based outside of the UK are also eligible.