September 28 - October 4, 2025
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“Live Out Loud” retreat for women:
Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia!
You’ve spent years being what everyone else has needed.
Now it’s time to take care of you. To…
Find out what you want and need.
Step into both the unknown—and the magic—of who you really are.
Rediscover your authentic self.
Let her out and play.
Give her permission to enjoy life.
Invite her to laugh and smile, and
Feel what it’s like to truly be ALIVE!
This is your invitation to step into the magic
of what it feels like to live
as your true, authentic self!
About my retreats
For Wisdom to speak, we must create the space to listen.
This is why I love travel and why I create retreats for women—to provide an intimate, small-group experience that empowers you to walk Bravely and Boldly into this phase of your life.
For each retreat, I intentionally choose a location that I know well and that has changed me.
This year, I believe Lake Ohrid, Macedonia is inviting us to step into learning what it’s like to delight in life.
To live. Really live!
And to boldly and authentically step into who we are and trust our inner Wisdom to lead us, wherever we go.
Why Ohrid?
While walking the streets of Ohrid last fall, I felt strongly that it has things to say.
That’s why I’m choosing this mystical, gorgeous, otherworldly place full of knowledge, Wisdom and pure delight as the next location for my 2025 Retreat!
I cannot wait to share this place with you. A land of crystal clear water and stunning mountains. Incredible food and wine. Flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Wisdom and incredible history.
When you arrive in Ohrid, I’ll invite you into two transformational journeys:
An outer journey in which you’ll experience this magical Unesco World Heritage city. You’ll wander through its ancient stone paths and centuries old churches. Kayak or boat on one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. You’ll join a small group of lovely like-hearted women. Be prepared to be challenged, delighted, have a ton of FUN, and come away feeling empowered in some new found travel skills!
An inner journey of transformation. The phrase that clearly came to me in Ohrid was “Live Out Loud.” So we’ll start our week together by intentionally creating space to LISTEN. We each have what I call a “Song in our Soul” …. that leads us to our truest, most authentic life. This is time for you to relax, reflect, be with yourself and feel seen, safe and supported. This is your time to find healing and get to know who you are so that you can begin living an authentic, bold and brave life. So you can LIVE OUT LOUD!
All week long, expect to feel loved and nurtured and supported by a group of women who’ve grown to know your brilliance and who are ready to cheer you on as you move boldly and bravely into LIFE!
THIS IS YOUR TIME! READY FOR SOME MAGIC?
SIGN ME UP!
Have questions? Schedule a call or email Dawn.
Our very own villa & cave wine bar!
Come experience your own slice of a peaceful paradise in this beautiful villa just steps away from the crystal waters of Lake Ohrid!
You’ll enjoy a luxurious atmosphere in the heart of Old Town Ohrid with its lakeside cafes, kayaking, hiking and unique shopping opportunities.
You can also enjoy the villa’s own private wine cave! Built literally into stone at the bottom of the villa, this gorgeous wine cave is the perfect place to enjoy wine tasting and conversations with each other at your leisure!
Who is the retreat for?
If you’re a woman in the midst of big mid life change and you want to experience the rest of your life knowing you’re living the exact way you’re meant to be.
If you’re living a life you’re not sure you want…
If you feel stuck or maybe even on the cusp of something new…
If you once dreamt of a bold life, but have not yet dared to step toward it…
If you’re ready to dream and laugh and see the world as magical …
And you’d love to be surrounded by those who have been there and the camaraderie of others going through the same…
No matter the stage of this Brave Journey you’re on, you’re welcome here.
Are you ready to take the journey your soul has been waiting for?
Meet me in Macedonia!
Have questions? Schedule a call. or email Dawn.
About Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
I always describe Lake Ohrid with one word: Magical.
It has changed my life in more ways I can count, so I want to introduce you to one of my very favorite places on earth!
My hope is that this place will offer some of its magic to you as well.
**
Nestled along the shores of Lake Ohrid, the city of Ohrid, North Macedonia is known for its stunning natural beauty, ancient churches, and quaint old town.
It oozes with history and culture as one of the oldest human settlements in Europe dating back to the 7th century. Both the town of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Ohrid straddles the mountainous border between North Macedonia and Albania. It is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, with one of the most biodiverse freshwater bodies of water in the world, meaning it’s home to unique endemic flora and fauna.
It’s also a region FULL of some of the best wines in the world and food that will not disappoint (think Greek, Turkish and northern Mediterranean flavors.)
I CANNOT WAIT to introduce you to this off-the-beaten-path gem!
I’m ready for transformation!
What you’ll experience
Meet your host
Dawn Pick Benson
Dawn Pick Benson is a transformational travel coach who helps women experiencing big life change rediscover themselves through solo travel.
She’s also spent the last 20 years traveling in the Balkans, so she knows this region—and its culture, coffee, wine and food—incredibly well!
Her signature 6-month group coaching program, Brave Journey, supports like-minded women in envisioning, planning and taking their own transformational travel journeys.
Dawn is Founder & Owner of GlobeStory Travel, has traveled to nearly 50 countries, and lived and worked in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. She often splits time between the U.S. & the Balkans and is a writer, entrepreneur, question-asker and seeker of adventure.
She’s also a Global Ambassador for the Travel Coach Network, a Certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator and has appeared in publications such as The Washington Post, TripAdvisor, The New York Times and Woman’s World magazine.
Montenegro retreat attendee
“Dawn is very insightful. Her teaching helps bring out the best in who you are.
Be ready to be challenged, inspired, and immersed in the culture and the connections with your travel mates.
100% recommend this Brave Journey!!!
Thank you Dawn for sharing your vision.”
Montenegro retreat participant
“This trip was amazing! It showed me how we need to step out to experience the best in life.
It is so amazing to meet the other women and to go through the journey with them. They are all strong, interesting women with unique experiences.
It is an honor to do this trip with them and learn from them.”
What’s included
You’ll fly into Skopje, North Macedonia and spend the night in a beautiful hotel (free airport shuttle included)
The next day, we will travel to stunning Matka Canyon and then on to Lake Ohrid, where we will stay for 5 nights in a luxurious villa just steps from the water
Healthy (and also some non-healthy!) breakfast, including home made breads, cheeses, fruit and coffee
Transfers to and from Ohrid
Local wine & charcuterie welcome
Walking tour of Old Town Ohrid
Plenty of free time to rest, reflect and explore
Gorgeous views with dozens of shops and restaurants within 5-10 min walking distance
Our own private wine cave!
Single occupancy rooms and apartments in Ohrid with private bath, in-room coffee and fridge
Free wifi
You will also receive:
Dawn as your guide who has spent 20 years traveling in this region
Private, small group workshops and facilitation by Transformational Travel Coach Dawn Pick Benson
4 Group Travel Coaching Sessions Before Departure
2 Group Travel Coaching Sessions Post-trip
What’s not included
Travel, medical, and cancellation insurance (required)
Airfare
Passport or visa fees
Lunches and dinners (there are numerous restaurants, cafes and a grocery store within walking distance so you can choose your own price point)
Additional expenses you might incur on your own, including tips and excursions
Price
Retreat investment begins at $3,397
(Early Bird price only)
NOTE: This retreat is unique. It’s specifically designed to be high-touch and build community with a small group of women.
With a smaller group, we get the luxury of going deeper and getting to know one another well, so expect a lot of face time with Dawn, a chance to learn from her about solo travel and lots of time to be known and seen by other amazing women!
This retreat is for those who are ready to
start living boldly and authentically in midlife!
~ Dawn Pick Benson