Road Scholar Group Leader Vannetta Perry Loves Solo Travelers
Road Scholar Group Leader Vannetta Perry is passionate about solo travel. “I do it all the time myself,” she says. “I love going off the beaten path and enjoying the independence. It’s a great way to meet local people.”
She’s equally passionate about leading groups of Road Scholar solo travelers. “Deciding to join a group of strangers takes courage, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she says. Making the experience as safe and welcoming as possible is a priority for her.
Vanetta Perry (Left) with a participant
“I started doing this to support solo female travelers. Women tend to live longer and lose their spouses earlier, so they often find themselves traveling alone.” But Vannetta believes solo travel is important for everyone, regardless of gender. “We all need that mental stimulation. You can’t stop moving and learning.”
While most of her groups are women, Vanetta has witnessed remarkable bravery in the men who travel solo. “I recently had two men, each on different programs, who had both recently lost their spouses. They were initially hesitant to join, but their friends encouraged them. By the end of their respective programs, they were so glad they came.” Moved by the warmth and support of their groups, both men became emotional. “It was an unforgettable experience for them,” Vanetta recalls, capturing her philosophy of personal growth through travel.
Vannetta’s own journey has shaped her. Growing up on a farm with her siblings, she often found herself in male-dominated environments. “When I was asked to lead a women-only program, I was nervous, but it turned out to be so much fun. It was a powerful experience for me.”
She noticed women tend to be more open in all-female groups. “When men are involved, some women feel like they need to compete. But in an all-women group, they naturally form a caring, cohesive bond. I hadn’t spent much time with all-women groups before, but wow, they were incredible.”
Participants in Montreal, Canada
That same camaraderie thrives in Road Scholar’s solo-only programs, where participants maintain their independence while building connections. “It’s the best of both worlds,” Vannetta says. Still, many people hesitate to take that first solo trip. “It’s not loneliness they fear—it’s being alone for the first time.” But, she adds, the discomfort doesn’t last. “Once you’re there, you quickly find that sense of belonging.”
“Solo travel encourages you to be brave, to reach out and make connections,” Vannetta explains. “If I’m sitting at a table alone, I’m much more likely to strike up a conversation with locals.”
Vannetta makes sure her Road Scholar participants feel comfortable before the program begins. “I usually send a couple of emails to the group ahead of time. I’m a retired school superintendent, so I’m big on getting off to a great start,” she laughs.
She also encourages participants to share photos in advance, so they can recognize one another upon arrival. Her warm-up activities at orientation help break the ice. “I ask people to introduce themselves and share something unique or off-the-wall about themselves. It really opens up the conversation. We’ve heard some wild stories!”
Despite these efforts, she occasionally has nervous participants. “I led a horseback riding program once, and some people were really intimidated. But after the first day, they were transformed. It was an incredible experience for them.” Vannetta emphasizes that stepping outside your comfort zone is key. “Road Scholar creates a space for what we call ‘safe risk,’ and that’s where the magic happens.”
The more hesitant the participant, the stronger they feel afterward. “It’s an invaluable life experience. Some of those women had never been on a horse before and were terrified, but by the end, they were fierce and empowered.”
Participants hiking in Portugal
Physical safety is important, but Vannetta finds that emotional safety is the real concern. “That emotionally safe space is vital, and Road Scholar provides that.”
Her success is evident in the connections she maintains with past participants. “People stay in touch all the time,” she says. “I’ve made some great friends and had participants return to my programs again and again. They tell me how the experience has empowered them and shaped their lives after Road Scholar. I love hearing their stories.”
Want to join Dr. Vannetta Perry on a program? Check out Finding Your Bliss in the Land of Enchantment for Women. Or take a look at our collection of learning adventures just for solo travelers.
Where do you want to go and what makes you feel empowered? Join the community — and the conversation — on our Age Adventurously Facebook group.