Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Tidwell-Smith.
Hi Teresa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began long before I became a business owner — it started with a deep love for travel and people. I was born in Washington, D.C., raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and spent over 21 years as a Flight Attendant, traveling the world and immersing myself in cultures that forever changed how I see life. Those years taught me that travel is so much more than checking off destinations — it’s an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and growth.
One trip in particular transformed everything for me — hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. That experience was more than just a physical journey; it was deeply spiritual and awakening. It taught me what it truly means to travel with intention — to connect with nature, honor culture, and embrace wellness and mindfulness in every step. Standing at Machu Picchu after days of reflection and perseverance gave me a new perspective on what travel could mean for the soul. That trip redefined everything and became the foundation for what Meaningful Escapes represents today.
When I transitioned from the skies to entrepreneurship, I knew I wanted to create something deeper — a boutique agency that blends luxury, wellness, mindfulness, and spirituality. Every itinerary is designed to help travelers pause, reflect, and reconnect, whether through stillness, exploration, or cultural immersion.
Over time, my vision expanded to include facilitating retreats for business and life coaches, helping them create intentional spaces for transformation. I also collaborate with local businesses to design group escapes that reflect their shared values and purpose — whether it’s a wellness weekend, creative reset, or team-building experience.
In addition, I’ve partnered with chefs and culinary leaders to design Culinary Escapes — immersive travel experiences that celebrate food, culture, and connection through taste and storytelling.
Looking back, every chapter — from serving travelers in the air to leading transformative journeys on the ground — has shaped my mission. Today, I see travel as my ministry. It’s how I help people heal, rediscover themselves, and experience the world with meaning — one journey at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any meaningful journey, it hasn’t always been a smooth road — but every challenge has helped refine my purpose. One of the biggest hurdles has been helping people understand that travel is more than just the destination. It’s not simply about where you go — it’s about how you experience it.
Many travelers come in focused on the “deal” or the “location,” but what truly matters is the experience — the feeling they take away, the energy of the resort or retreat, and how well the journey aligns with who they are and what they need in that season of life.
Educating clients that travel is not one-size-fits-all has been both a challenge and a calling. It takes time to help them see that the right resort, the right location, and the right pace can completely change how they connect to the moment.
But over time, I’ve watched that understanding grow — my clients now come to me ready for something deeper. They want connection, transformation, and intention behind their itineraries. And that’s what makes it all worth it — watching people shift from simply taking trips to truly experiencing their journeys.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Meaningful Escapes Boutique Travel Agency?
I want people to know that Meaningful Escapes is so much more than a travel agency — it’s a movement rooted in intention, transformation, and community. My work is about creating spaces where people can travel, pause, reflect, and reconnect — whether that’s through a luxury escape abroad or a candle-lit moment of peace at home.
One of the most exciting parts of our growth has been expanding into lifestyle experiences through the Meaningful Escapes Home Collection, which features our signature candles and “Pour for a Cause” candle-making events that support breast cancer awareness and other meaningful initiatives. Our candle-making parties have become beautiful extensions of our mission — gathering people together to create, connect, and pour with purpose.
On the travel side, we’re continuing to curate exclusive group escapes, including our Golden Pieces Women’s Retreats, designed to help women embrace healing, sisterhood, and self-discovery. Each retreat is an intentional space for women to reflect on where they’ve been and celebrate where they’re going — mind, body, and soul.
We’re also expanding our partnerships through Culinary Experiences, blending travel, culture, and cuisine in unforgettable ways. In September 2026, we’ll host a luxury culinary journey through Paris and the French Riviera, combining food, fashion, and the art of French living.
At the heart of it all, my goal remains the same — to inspire people to travel with meaning and live with intention. Because when you travel meaningfully, you don’t just see the world — you rediscover yourself.
What’s next?
Looking Ahead
For years, Meaningful Escapes has partnered with business and life coaches to create transformative retreats that inspire clarity, connection, and growth. Now, we’re stepping into a new season by launching our own signature experiences — Golden Pieces Retreats, debuting this spring.
These retreats are designed especially for the midlife woman — the dreamer, the nurturer, the visionary ready to rediscover her purpose and thrive in her next chapter. Through our A Meaningful Midlife platform and Facebook community, we’re creating spaces that celebrate sisterhood, connection, and joy — with a few surprises along the way to keep things fresh, fun, and soul-filled.
And as we look toward 2026, we’re preparing for a huge jump-off year — with new destinations, expanded lifestyle experiences, and deeper opportunities for women to travel, heal, and live meaningfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meaningfulescapes.com
- Instagram: meaningful_escapessc
- Facebook: @meaningfulescapes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-tidwell-smith-aa404229b/
