The Red Hat Society Travel Guide

In this LoveToKnow Seniors interview, Arkansas native and world traveler Glidewell spreads the joyous philosophy of this delightful “dis-organization” and explains why she hopes her book will be helpful to others in their journeys.

Interview with Red Hatter Cynthia Glidewell

What attracted you to the Red Hat Society?

The idea that you could gather a group of women together for no other purpose than to just be together really intrigued me. I could not imagine how they could pull this off. I had reached a time in my life where I was truly happy with the idea that I didn't have to be raising money for a charitable organization or doing a service project in order to justify spending time enjoying the company of friends.

What advantages do you think the Society provides women?

The Red Hat Society reaches the far corners of the earth. It is certainly popular in the highly populated areas where social clubs are common, but one very unique thing about the Society is that the requirements to start a chapter are minimal. That has enabled women from more rural areas and less populated areas of the U.S. become part of an international phenomenon.

It also gives women the opportunity to celebrate just being who they are without the added identifier of Bob's wife, Tommy's mother, Carrie's sister, etc….

You had a quest to visit all 50 states by age 50. What prompted that, and have you succeeded?

Somewhere in my early 40s, my husband and I were naming all the states we had been to. I realized I had been to about half of the states in the U.S. and trying to visit the rest of them just seemed like a fun thing to try to do. My husband joined me in my quest. We spent one long weekend visiting seven New England states! I have two states left to visit– Alaska and South Dakota.

Why do you think traveling may be a challenge for some women over 50?

Oh my, there is such a list. Taking those initial steps to move out of their safety zone is a huge challenge for some. There are many women age 50 and over who have never ventured far from home. Between kids and careers, they've been somewhat captive to their immediate vicinity. That first trip away poses a challenge because it is just that, the first real trip away. So, there is also an emotional component to it that for some, may present the greatest challenge of all.

You also have to remember that for most of us who are now 50+, when we were growing up the idea of a woman traveling alone or even several women traveling together, without the company of their husbands, was scandalous! Certainly no good could come of it.

There are other concerns, too, such as health issues and basic safety but these are all manageable if you plan a little, use good sense, and stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Inside The Red Hat Society Travel Guide

In your book, The Red Hat Society Travel Guide, you outline a number of practical tips and provide a helpful guide on everything from packing and tipping to understanding a subway system and traveling with oxygen. How did you narrow down this advice?

Some of the tips were directly related to questions and requests submitted by members of the Society. Many others were things I found valuable, having experienced the situations myself.

Since there was a word limit to the book, I tried to include things that you would not necessarily see in a standard travel tip book. If words had to be cut, I tried to cut the things you could find anywhere and leave in the tips that may be a bit more unique.

One section of the book I thought particularly interesting was, "Girlfriend Travel". It's a short section, but full of important insight. Why did you feel it a necessary addition to the book?

Throughout my varied careers, I have traveled with or attended a conference with a female co-worker. On several of these occasions, we were required to share rooms. I've traveled with the snorer, a “two-hours in morning” bathroom person, the person who would not let you out of their site, as well as the person who disappeared once we checked in and showed up three days later in time to catch the taxi back to the airport.

I knew there was a need for a chapter on this subject. Traveling for three or more days with someone you don't live can present unexpected issues. At the age of 50+, it just isn't quite as simple as it used to be during the slumber(less) parties of our younger years.

When I was preparing to write the book, I attended the Red Hat Society International Conference in Nashville. I visited with many of the women in attendance asking them what the challenges were of traveling with a group of other women. I combined my experiences with theirs and then consulted a pro at successful travel with other women, my sister, Michelle. Michelle has taken an annual weeklong trip with three of her co-workers each summer for as long as I can remember. They all come home still liking each other and planning their trip of the next year. I asked her how they approached some of the concerns and issues, and many of the recommendations in the book are their direct experiences.

What feedback have you received so far from other Society members?

Well, it is all very positive, of course, and they are all anxious to see it on The New York Times' Best Seller list or even part of Oprah's Book Club! Actually, many comment on my writing style, saying it was very conversational, which made the book more interesting and engaging than a dry, fact-based "how to" type book. Mostly, though, seasoned travelers and novices alike have said they have all found something in it they could use.

In addition to traveling, Glidewell owns G Major Consulting.

In addition to what you've outlined in the book, what other words of encouragement do you have for women interested in traveling?

We live in an amazing country filled with very gracious, interesting people and beautiful, breathtaking places. Whether you go 30 miles or 300 miles from home, experience some place new at least once a year. If the idea of traveling far from home seems overwhelming, grab a few friends and spend the night in a hotel in a near by city or a country bed and breakfast.

Additional Travel Resources

• Order The Red Hat Society Travel Guide from Amazon.com or through your favorite bookstore.
• Visit the Red Hat Society website for the latest on events and chapter activities in your area.
• Read this LoveToKnow Seniors interview with Elderhostel for tips on cultural travel.
• Check out LoveToKnow Travel for additional information on airfare, hotels, and destinations.
• Interested in taking a cruise? LoveToKnow Cruises provides details on popular ports of call, discounts, and more.

~Tracey L. Kelley