Penny Wilson – Founder of Pip & Co Travel

This week on The Travel Date, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji is joined by Penny Wilson, founder of Pip & Co Travel — a women-focused small group travel company specialising in culturally immersive journeys across Asia.

Penny shares how travel has been woven through her life from a young age, including living in the UK, spending formative years in Vietnam, and developing a deep love for Asia, languages, and cultural exchange. These experiences ultimately led her to create Pip & Co Travel — a business designed to help women explore the world in meaningful, responsible, and well-supported ways.

Penny talks about hosting her first group trips through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the excitement of launching a Borneo adventure focused on wildlife conservation, and why Asia continues to be her “happy place". She also shares insights into sustainable accommodation choices, locally owned hotels, and why travelling consciously can create a lasting positive impact for both travellers and local communities.

From unforgettable food moments on the streets of Vietnam to elegant high teas in London, camping on the Queensland coastline, and dreaming of future adventures in Central Asia and North Africa, this episode is filled with curiosity, warmth, and a genuine love of travel.

🌍 Destinations Mentioned in This Episode

Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hoi An, Danang, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Six Senses Hotel Con Dao

Cambodia

Laos

Borneo (including turtle conservation experiences)

Sri Lanka

Indonesia (upcoming tours)

China: Shanghai

Netherlands

Egypt

United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, London (high tea experiences)

Thailand: Bangkok

Australia:

• Darwin to Broome road trip
• Queensland (1770, beachfront camping)
• Uluru, Kakadu, Daintree
• Geelong & the Surf Coast

New Zealand

Central Asia (bucket list): Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

North Africa (bucket list): Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria

👤 Guest Bio – Penny Wilson

Penny Wilson is the founder of Pip & Co Travel, a women-led small group travel company offering culturally immersive journeys throughout Asia. With a background in languages, long-term travel, and living abroad, Penny designs trips that prioritise connection, comfort, sustainability, and meaningful local experiences.

Her tours focus on responsible travel, locally owned accommodation, environmental awareness, and creating safe, enriching spaces for women to explore the world together.

🌐 Website: pipandcotravel.com

📸 Instagram: @pipandcotravel

🎧 Episode Credits

Host:

Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: [e-mail]

Guest:

Penny Wilson — Founder, Pip & Co Travel