elcome to our special Women's Day series, "Women Travelers on the Move," where we celebrate the incredible journeys of women from the GetSetUp community, embracing adventure, growth, and learning at every stage of life. Our journey today leads us to the inspiring narrative of Hannah J., a culinary enthusiast whose love for cooking, travel, and cultural exploration epitomizes the joy and fulfillment of embracing new experiences at every stage of life. 

With a passion for culinary arts that has seen her win cooking contests, judge events, and learn from celebrity chefs like Jenny Morris, Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna, and Gordon Ramsay, Hannah's culinary journey is nothing short of remarkable, "I've always been passionate about the culinary arts, winning cooking contests and being invited as a judge at various events. My journey has taken me through the Middle East, Dubai, and India, where I've embraced and celebrated each region's culture, heritage, and, most importantly, food. Working in logistics and teaching in Bahrain allowed me to explore diverse cuisines and share my culinary ideas with like-minded foodies. My interest in flavors, textures, and the art of plating runs deep. Being around other cooks, professional chefs, and celebrity chefs and learning from them was a great achievement, Beyond cooking, I find joy in sharing my knowledge, whether it's about travel, interior designing, gardening, or embracing a holistic lifestyle through yoga and meditation."

But Hannah's zest for life extends far beyond the kitchen. Having lived in diverse places like the Middle East, Dubai, and India, she has cultivated an appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. Her love for travel has taken her to many places in India and abroad, enriching her life with new friendships, insights, and memories. "Travel to different places has taught me a lot. From heritage to culture to various cuisines and adaptations, I have learned to understand every place with great interest. I also love capturing moments through photographs and videos, whether it's the places I visit, the diverse foods I taste, or the wonderful people I meet from different backgrounds. This allows me to cherish these memories forever. Sharing my experiences and learning from others enriches my life, motivating me. It's a beautiful cycle of learning and sharing that benefits us all."

One of her most memorable trips after turning 50 was a solo journey to the UK, a pivotal experience that taught her independence and self-reliance. "This was my first solo trip, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a special trip as I had never traveled alone before. I learned to manage and do all things by myself. I thoroughly enjoyed the freedom and self-reliance of solo travel. My advice to other women is to embrace the opportunity to travel alone at least once. It's a chance to confront and overcome challenges independently, and you'll undoubtedly be proud of yourself for making this bold decision.” Her trip to Kaas Plateau, was also a recently taken, memorable trip for her, she shares, "Travelling with GetSetUp to the Kaas Plateau was indeed a fabulous and 'memorable' trip for me, where I made many friends. The enjoyment didn't end with the trip; we friends continue to keep up the friendship post our travel with GetSetUp. Traveling in a group brought another level of fun and excitement."

Another journey that left a profound impact on her was a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where she experienced the simplicity and warmth of tribal communities. She shares, “This tribal island, home to various tribes and located about 120 Km from Port Blair, presented an opportunity to witness the lives of communities far removed from my own experiences. Although we were advised not to stop our vehicle or interact directly with the tribals, observing their excitement and way of life was thrilling. The government's efforts to support these communities with clothes and food were heartening to learn about. This experience of witnessing the culture, tradition, habitat, clothing, and food of the tribal community filled me with joy and happiness. It reinforced the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting each other's ways of life."

To all the spirited women in our community, Hannah shares an empowering message: "Listen to your mind and do what your heart says. As long as your feet support you, travel as much as possible. Travel truly molds a person, whether it's solo travel or group travel... just keep travelling. You will meet many people from different nationalities, and learning about their culture, tradition, heritage, and food inspires and motivates us. Thus we learn a lot from each other. Learning has no end to it... so step out of your comfort zone and keep your feet moving. Pack your bags and keep travelling, even if it's just 30 km away. Be with Mother Nature, admire the nature, the fall, flowers, different places, food, local markets and you will see that Mother Nature, in turn, will keep smiling back at you and keep you grounded."

Hannah's travel stories are a testament to the empowerment, curiosity, and boldness that define our community, showcasing how travel can unlock new life experiences, foster connections, and promote a holistic lifestyle. As we celebrate stories like hers and other women in our community who boldly embrace new adventures and learning opportunities, let's encourage more active aging women to discover the world around them. Travel not only broadens our horizons but also promotes mental health, physical activity, and social connections. Hannah's story is a beautiful reminder that life is a continuous journey of exploration, growth, and connection.

Want to join our community of adventurous souls and active agers passionate about travel? Just send us a ‘HI’ on WhatsApp. For more travel stories that will inspire your next adventure and connect you with like-minded travelers eager to explore the globe, download the GetSetUp App today.