Deborah Woodham has always been a keen traveller, but camping was never for her – preferring nice hotels and exotic places. Some years ago on a family holiday, she fell in love with Vietnam.
The concept of creating a divine, boutique holiday just for women came to her whilst wandering the lantern-lined streets of the old town in Hoi An. It was so charming and romantic that she knew other women would enjoy the experience too. After a few test trips back to Vietnam she launched her business, Forget-me-not Holidays. The tours were popular, women loved the concept, and then, well covid…
Happily, this year has seen the business back in full swing, having returned from an incredible 10-day trip recently with a wonderful group of women who were so excited to be travelling and exploring again. Another trip is planned for September.
Verve was excited to be able to talk travel with Deborah.
In your opinion what makes Forget-Me-Not Holidays special?
They’re special because they are holidays, not tours where you are travelling through a country on a bus for days on end. Women get to unpack and relax at stunning hotels whilst getting to know the locals, diving into the culture and letting go of some of the busyness of life at home. In Vietnam for example, we spend six nights in Hoi An and three nights in Ho Chi Minh City. There are sightseeing and new experiences every day, as well as free time for relaxing by the pool, cocktails and massages!
The groups are small – around 10 people – which means everyone gets to know each other and feel included, and a tour host from New Zealand is with the group every step of the way.
Who joins these tours and why?
Most women come on their own – sorry, husbands sit this one out! – often because finding a friend or sister to travel with doesn’t work out. Lots of us have raised children and done the hard yards and feel perhaps it’s time to have some fun. Women are great together, sharing stories with fun and laughter is a great healer.
I’ve planned it all with women in mind, which means it’s very easy to relax. There’s a full itinerary ready and waiting – just turn up and take comfort in knowing you are safe to immerse yourself in an incredible experience with new friends.
When curating travel experiences, what factors are most important?
Hotel selection is extremely important. Obviously, a great location with a pool is a must, but it needs to feel right.
I personally visit many hotels when putting the holidays together to ensure the standards and service levels are exceptional.
I work with local women in business in each country as much as possible to curate a very authentic, not-so-touristy experience. Women get to see how the locals live, swap photos of their families, and engage in conversations over homecooked meals.
I love the idea of returning home with a deeper understanding of another culture and their traditions and customs. It makes you realise that most women the world over want similar things: a peaceful life, happy and healthy families, and less stress!
How do you ensure that clients’ individual needs and preferences are met?
Often women have different needs when travelling, and being able to accommodate them is one of the benefits of being a small business. The host is there to ensure everyone is included and comfortable. If you have a dicky knee and don’t wish to climb 250 steps in the heat to see a monument, that’s just fine. If you would like to sit by the pool all day and do your own thing, also fine! Dietary requirements are easily taken care of, too. If airports cause you stress, we’ll glide you through the whole process with ease. It’s a holiday after all, and women are free to please themselves!
Any unforgettable success stories or memorable anecdotes you’d like to share?
I could go on for days here! Helen booked her holiday with us because she had a big birthday coming up and wanted to do something out of the box. Due to her unsociable hours of shift work over many years, her friend group had become limited and it was time to make new connections. She embraced her holiday with the best attitude, we all enjoyed having her as part of the group and she still regularly meets up with her fellow travellers. I wrote a blog about her on my website and after reading it, a lovely lady called to book a holiday, saying making new connections had really resonated with her.
Here’s what Helen said about her trip: “You will travel with likeminded people all looking for a memorable experience. Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure and get ready to have the time of your life! Every promise fulfilled, 10/10 high recommended.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
Call for a friendly chat if you have questions or would like to find our more.
Or check us out online at forgetmenotholidays.co.nz
Facebook: @forgetmenotholidays
Instagram: @forget_me_not_holidays
