These female-focussed itineraries not only allow you travel alongside like-minded people, but also empower women from different cultures around the world...
With tour operators reporting a large proportion of their customers being women, it's no surprise that the demand for women-only trips has escalated in recent years. For some women, it can feel more comforting to travel with like-minded people of the same sex, especially when going solo.
This International Women's Day, we're looking at some of the most inspiring women-only trips to book for 2024, that not only allow you to travel alongside other adventurous women, but with many itineraries also exploring the impact women make in different cultures and communities around the world.
Ghulkin Gilgi Baltistan Homestay (Intrepid Travel/Alex Reynolds)
Intrepid have a variety of women-only expeditions, but perhaps one of our favourites is this 12-day exploration of Pakistan. The journey provides a rare opportunity to follow a local – and extremely knowledgeable – female guide to seek out Pakistan’s women-owned businesses and local projects in the country’s remote corners. For example, you’ll head to the Hunza Valley to experience a rural female-only salon in Gulmit, a historic town surrounded by picturesque mountains and glaciers. There’s also opportunities to spend time with empowering local women who run cookery classes, carpet weaving centres and cafes.
More information: Departure dates available in May, September and October 2024, 12 days from £2,765 (excluding flights). intrepidtravel.com
Go hiking in the Cairngorms (Shutterstock)
Head into the Scottish Highlands on a women’s only expedition with Wilderness Scotland. Over the course of a week, you’ll get to take part in hiking, wild swimming and yoga classes alongside like-minded women, whilst reconnecting with nature in the most jaw-dropping landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. The trip begins with a trek through Strathspey valley, with days following including a chance to dive into the fresh waters of mountain lochs and lakes. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills from your expert guide, from navigation to rewilding.
More information: Dates departing in June and August; 7 days from $3,042 (£2,372) (excluding flights). wildernessscotland.com
Meet the women of Kenya (Shutterstock)
A first of its kind, Journeys With Purpose bring an 11-day women-only trip to experience Kenya’s Masaai Mara, Tsavo West National Park and Laikipia through the eyes of its women. Hosted by Co-founder of Daughters for Earth, Zainab Salbi, and COO of WildLives Foundation, Rachel Rivera, you’ll be celebrating the power of women in conservation and discover the science behind how they protect and preserve Kenya’s wildlife. Visits will include the community-led Ewaso Lions Project, Reteti Elephant Orphanage, and also time spent with Kenya’s first female anti-poaching unit. Be warned: you’ll have to think fast for this trip with its departure date 20 March 2024. Don’t worry if you miss out this time, we’re sure there will be more to come from JWP.
More information: Departing 20 March 2024, 11 days from $48,750pp (£38,000) based on a private room, full board, all domestic transfers, exclusive experiences, and a donation to Daughters for Earth. journeyswithpurpose.org
A polar bear in Arctic Canada (Shutterstock)
Enjoy the thrill of polar bear encounters (from a distance) and chasing the northern lights, all in the company of like-minded women! Discover the World’s Classic Polar Bear Adventure is running an array of special departures in 2024, one of which is for women only. Beginning in Winnipeg, you’ll then travel to Churchill – dubbed the Polar Bear Capital of the World – where you’ll begin your Arctic tundra exploration, seeking out the majestic polar bear as well as other wildlife such as Arctic hares, Arctic foxes and even snowy owls. Led by a female guide, you’ll also get to meet the local and Indigenous women who’ll share inspiring stories of their life in this historic northern settlement.
More information: Departing in October and November 2024, 5-6 nights from £7,593 (excluding flights). discover-the-world.com
Local women from Saryu Valley (Shutterstock)
Explore terraced fields, forested pathways, and views of the iconic Himalayan peaks on this intimate women-only walking trip with Village Ways. In a group of less than eight, you’ll go village hopping in beautiful Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, getting to grips with village life within the remote hills, and looking out for wildlife such as deer, langur monkeys and wild boar. Moving onto Saryu Valley, where you’ll stay in the village of Supu, hiking gets a little more strenuous, but the stunning landscapes make all efforts worthwhile. Along the way, you’ll also get to engage with local communities and learn about traditional crafts, such as sheep-wool knitting.
More information: Departing in 20 October 2024, 12 nights from £1,475 (excluding flights). villageways.com
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