Now More Than Ever, Women Are Joining Together and Hitting the Roads Less Traveled
It’s fitting that when I interviewed two travel industry experts for this female-focused travel story, both women were heading out on women-only trips of their own. No, it’s not your imagination. Women are hitting the roads in bigger numbers than ever before, and more often than not, they’re taking their gal pals with them.
“We’ve always done women-focused tours, but of late it has been exploding,” says Teri Hurley, founder and owner of Endless Love Travel, a custom travel curator for upscale milestone events. “I try to design tours that are a blend of cultural immersion, exploration, indulgence, wellness, and activities, but I also try to build in camaraderie. That latter part is what so many women are looking for on these trips.”
While G Adventures, a leader in small group adventure travel for nearly 30 years, doesn’t offer women-only trips in their portfolio of 750 trips worldwide, they offer to curate unique experiences for private groups. This includes arranging for a female CEO, or Chief Experience Officer, who serves as a local guide and expert.
“With female travel in general, and especially solo travel, there has been a huge burst of demand,” states Alex Sanchez, G Adventures’ consumer marketing manager. “Travel in the context of G Adventures gives people the opportunity to travel independently but confidently. You have the freedom and growth of being a solo traveler, but you’re not necessarily alone.” A recent study at G Adventures revealed that 60 percent of their travelers and solo travelers are female.
Contrary to what some might think, this surge in demand for female-only trips isn’t solely due to women who may have lost their partners or those whose partners are uninterested in traveling. While that demographic exists, the trend primarily reflects women making these choices for themselves—they want to travel with other women and carve out quality time for themselves.
Beyond a range of destinations available, G Adventures also offers 10 travel styles from which to choose, including wellness, active, marine, and family. Photo courtesy of G Adventures.
“They want time with other women and time for themselves,” says Hurley. “It can be moms or busy professionals that need a break from their routines. Women are now able to say, ‘I’ve earned this, I deserve this, and I’m going to do this.’ That’s the mindset that has changed—and that’s the fascinating part to me.”
To craft the unique small group trips she’s known for, Hurley, who boasts over two decades of industry experience, creates travel personas of her clients. By using this detailed information, she matches her clients with travel experiences that resonate with their personalities.
“I design every trip based around what is right for them, and I strive to provide education and transparency,” she explains. “That way they’re comfortable with the process and are making informed decisions. In the end, it allows me to do the job I’m supposed to do, which is to be a dream-maker and not an order-taker.”
G Adventures Offers 10 Travel Styles to Choose Between
At G Adventures, the trips offered go beyond just the basic tourist attractions. “It’s this dual, shared experience between the traveler and the community, where you have the responsibility of being an ethical and conscious traveler while experiencing the culture authentically,” says Sanchez. “That’s our mission: to create life-changing experiences by giving people the opportunities to create and embrace community.”
G Adventures not only presents a variety of destinations but also provides ten travel styles to choose from, including wellness, active, marine, and family. Their National Geographic Journeys offer distinct tours designed for a deeper exploration into cultures and habitats across the globe.
To further support its core community mission, G Adventures has formed a partnership with Planeterra, a non-profit organization aimed at transforming travel into impactful experiences. “They go around the world, seeking local groups and communities to enhance their skills, enabling them to set up small businesses that can then be integrated into G itineraries,” explains Sanchez.
One remarkable initiative, Women With Wheels, teaches women in India how to drive; once they obtain their licenses, they are employed in various travel-related jobs. “A female traveler who has never been to India might feel more comfortable being picked up by a female driver,” adds Sanchez. “This program provides an incredible way to empower and support women, not just as travelers but also within the travel industry.”
Women are taking trips in bigger numbers than ever. Photo courtesy of G Adventures.
Travel Tips for Women
As with any type of travel, women travelers may encounter inevitable issues and challenges. The most significant hurdle, according to Hurley, is often fear and preconceptions—sometimes the worst aspects are only in their minds. “The more women travel, the more they realize they are perfectly capable of handling themselves in many situations, and their self-confidence grows,” she explains. This boost in confidence is a primary reason why women often choose to travel together—it strengthens their safety net.
To educate her clients, Hurley creates a private Facebook group for every trip. Here, she shares essential information about their destination’s culture, clothing styles, and any pertinent news, in addition to rules and suggestions. This serves as a great way for group members to familiarize themselves with each other before they meet in person, establishing a sense of mutual respect. “You don’t have to love everyone you’re traveling with, but you do need to be considerate,” she emphasizes.
Women must stay vigilant, know their surroundings, remain aware of their chosen paths, and, as Hurley advises, always listen to their instincts. Ensuring phones are charged and maintaining a backup battery is also crucial. Once at their accommodations, checking door locks and potentially bringing a travel door stopper is advisable.
Doing thorough research on the destination is vital, cautions Hurley, which includes understanding visa and vaccination requirements, dress code restrictions, and cultural norms that could be offensive. She recommends learning a few polite phrases in the local language: “If you want a pleasant experience, it’s best to acclimate to their social norms rather than insisting on adhering to your own.”
Travel insurance is another essential consideration. “Insurance protects you against the unpredictable,” Hurley explains, noting that many policies now provide 24-hour support and concierge services, going beyond mere cancellations or illness.
A Free Service for U.S. Residents
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is another service Hurley recommends. “This is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” she says, adding that it’s a beneficial resource for travelers venturing into less familiar territories.
Regarding luggage, Hurley suggests using a tracker and ensuring there’s identification both inside and outside the bag. Taking a picture of the luggage with a cellphone can be helpful, and checking with air carriers online to know what steps to take if luggage gets lost is also prudent.
What happens when something goes awry? “The unexpected happens to everyone. It’s about how much you can plan to avoid issues, and in many cases, you simply can’t,” Hurley notes. “You have to be willing to pivot quickly, go to plan B, and flow with the best of your ability.”
At G Adventures, having local teams prepared for potential occurrences significantly assists in addressing any issues that may arise. Additionally, Global Connection Officers (GCO) help to field traveler questions internally. Once a trip is booked, G Adventures employs a process known as Good to Go, a system of checks and requirements for the traveler, ensuring the most seamless experience possible. “We have people ensuring that the pre-travel process is as accessible as possible because it can be intimidating,” Sanchez points out.
Upon arrival, Sanchez offers one critical piece of advice: “Check your privilege at the door and be ready to receive experiences and serve as a steward of wherever you are going.”
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By Lisa Shames