Wheels Up: Thailand

“The mind is everything. What you think, you become. ~Buddha

Seven women boarded their flight to Thailand. None of us knew exactly what to expect, but each of us had said “yes” to something bigger than our comfort zone or routine. We said yes to discovery, to connection, and to the kind of adventure that unfolds when you let go and show up fully on your own terms.

I try not to let fear of the unknown make decisions for me. When fear is in charge, opportunity is dead on arrival. I had my hesitations twenty-fours in transit, jet lag, and all the what-ifs. But none of my concerns came to pass. I remember texting my husband shortly after arriving: “We can do a 24-hour flight!” And just like that, I had quieted a fear and opened the door to something unforgettable.

We landed in Bangkok late at night, convincing ourselves it had simply been a very long day. By morning, the world had changed. The air was thick with humidity, birdcalls filled the sky, and the distant clamor of construction echoed through the city. But amid the noise and the newness, there was always the gentle greeting of “Namaste.” A gesture so simple, yet so profound in a world that so often forgets how to be kind.

At home, I’d usually be drinking coffee and scrolling my phone in the mornings. But in Thailand, I was traveling in a van with seven incredible women, traveling deeper into northern Thailand. There were no off-limit topics just stories, shared wisdom, and plenty of laughter.

Women’s travel isn’t just about the place. It’s about the people you become when you experience it together. I won’t remember every detail of the temples, or each bite of mango sticky rice, or every fantastic curry dish we ate.  But I will never forget the kindness of the Thai people or the vibrancy of their culture. This wasn’t just a trip. It was a transformation.

On that very first day, I remember thinking: “I want to get lost in the beauty of this country.” And I did.

Each morning, the call of the Asian Koel bird stirred us from sleep like clockwork. I joked with my friend and travel roommate that the bird had fallen in love with her, it followed us everywhere, singing its 5:05 a.m. song. It became part of the rhythm of our days, a soundtrack to our shared adventure.

Thailand invites you to slow down. To stay present. The Buddhist way of life teaches that we don’t live in the past we move forward. What’s done is done. This idea of forward motion, of letting go, isn’t just spiritual it’s deeply practical. That mantra took root, and in a group of strong, funny, wildly different women, we understood: we would keep going, keep growing, and do our best to keep saying “yes.”

Thailand is both tough and tender, like its people. Their grace is matched by grit. Even in the chaos of scooters, markets, and city buzz, you find a calm center. That contrast, that balance is where the magic lives.

One of the most profound moments came at an elephant sanctuary in Maetaeng. These gentle giants had been rescued and were now living freely, unchained. We spent the afternoon walking beside them, feeding them, witnessing their quiet strength. There was no rush, no distraction just presence. It was humbling. Sacred. And it reminded all of us what it means to protect, respect, and live in harmony with something bigger than ourselves.

The women who started as mostly strangers became part of my story and hopefully, I became part of theirs. That’s what women’s travel does. It pulls us out of our daily rhythm and into something richer, an opportunity for reflection, resilience, joy, and the kind of laughter that heals.

We didn’t just see Thailand. We felt it. And we left with more than souvenirs we left with a reminder of who we are when we’re brave enough to show up fully.