Women today carry a lot—careers, family responsibilities, ministry roles, and the emotional weight of caring for others. It's no surprise that women's retreats and spiritual or wellness travel are among the fastest-growing segments of the travel world.

If you're a women's ministry leader, small-group leader, or simply the "organizer" in your friend group, you may feel called to plan an international retreat. It's an exciting idea—but it can also feel intimidating.

At Class Act Tours, we specialize in women's international retreats that help women rest, reset, and reconnect. Here are 10 essentials to keep in mind when planning a life-giving experience for your group.

1. Clarify the purpose before choosing the place.

Before picking a destination, ask: "What do we want women to walk away with?" Is your main goal:

• Rest and restoration?
• Deeper spiritual growth?
• Stronger relationships within your group?
• New cultural experiences and perspective?

Your purpose should shape your destination. A quiet coastal town might fit a reflective retreat, while a major city could be better for cultural exploration with devotional time built in.

2. Choose destinations that balance beauty and practicality.

Gorgeous photos matter—but so do flight connections, safety, and accessibility. We help groups find destinations that offer:

• Inspiring landscapes and architecture
• A welcoming atmosphere for women travelers
• Reasonable travel times and schedules
• Lodging that feels safe, comfortable, and "retreat-like," not just functional

The size of your group affects the feel of your retreat. Smaller groups (often 10–25 women) allow for deeper conversation and flexibility. Larger groups may benefit from more structured activities and breakout options.

Class Act Tours can help you think through group size in relation to costs, rooming arrangements, and transportation.

4. Create a schedule with breathing room.

One of the biggest mistakes retreat planners make is over-scheduling. Women often arrive physically and emotionally tired. An international retreat should offer:

• Time for sleep and unhurried mornings
• Open blocks for journaling, prayer, or quiet walks
• Margin between major activities or excursions

We encourage planners to view rest as a key "activity," not an afterthought.

5. Mix structured sessions with shared experiences.

A rich retreat usually includes both:

• Intentional sessions – devotionals, teaching, small-group discussions, or guided reflection
• Shared experiences – walking tours, meals, local markets, scenic viewpoints

These shared experiences create natural conversation starters and deepen relationships, especially when debriefed in small groups afterward.

6. Consider the emotional journey of your participants.

Many women come into a retreat carrying unspoken stress, grief, or questions. As you plan:

• Start gently—allow time for women to arrive, settle in, and feel safe.
• Build toward deeper content as trust grows.
• End with hope and practical takeaways, not just emotion.

We can help you design a flow that matches your group's unique needs and spiritual or emotional goals.

7. Communicate clearly and consistently.

Women are often balancing multiple calendars and responsibilities. Clear communication can reduce anxiety before the trip:

• Provide a detailed packing list well in advance.
• Share what's included—and what isn't—so there are no surprises.
• Offer guidance on travel documents, money, and technology.

Our team supports retreat leaders with sample emails, FAQs, and information packets they can share with participants.

8. Plan for different energy levels and comfort zones.

Not every participant will enjoy the same level of activity or adventure. Where possible, offer options:

• A more active walking tour vs. a relaxed café or shopping time
• A free afternoon vs. an optional excursion
• Quiet reflection spaces vs. small-group conversation

This ensures introverts and extroverts, as well as women with different physical needs, all feel seen.

9. Build in moments of surprise and delight.

Small touches can make a retreat feel truly special:

• A welcome note on each pillow
• A small local gift or snack
• A surprise scenic stop or special dessert

These details don't have to be expensive, but they make women feel cared for.

10. Partner with an experienced group-travel provider.

Perhaps the most important ingredient for a successful international retreat is not having to do it all yourself. When you partner with Class Act Tours, you gain:

• A dedicated planner who helps you design the itinerary, choose lodging, and time your sessions
• Support with pricing, registration, and monthly payments so cost doesn't become a barrier
• On-tour assistance and local partners who understand the needs of women travelers

Our goal is to handle logistics so you can focus on the spiritual, relational, and emotional heart of your retreat.

Your next step as a retreat planner

If a women's international retreat has been on your heart, this may be the season to explore it more seriously. Start by:

1. Praying or reflecting on your group's needs and goals.
2. Talking with a few trusted women about their interest.
3. Reaching out to our team at Class Act Tours to discuss potential destinations, dates, and budgets.

We'd be honored to help you create a retreat where women feel seen, renewed, and ready to step back into their everyday lives with fresh strength.