Frequently Asked Questions

AdventureWomen was the very first company to offer adventure travel vacations, just for women, founded in 1982 by travel pioneer Susan Eckert. In 2016, Judi Wineland and her two daughters, Nicole and Erica, purchased the company, ensuring the spirit of AdventureWomen continues forward. In 1978, Judi was one of the first women to launch and run an adventure travel company, Overseas Adventure Travel. She later founded Thomson Safaris and subsequently created Thomson Treks, Thomson Family Adventures, and Thomson Collection. Judi, her daughters, her expert staff, and a worldwide team of expert travel guides ensure that AdventureWomen remains at the forefront of women’s adventure travel.

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

Because women from any culture relish the freedom to experience new things away from limiting, societal expectations. We have a unique sense of discovery, an unabashed curiosity, the easy ability to laugh at ourselves, and the capacity to create a non-competitive environment of support and encouragement for each other. Under these circumstances, women feel free to challenge themselves with a trek up a mountain, learning to snorkel or scuba dive, or immersion in an unfamiliar culture. On an all-women’s trip, women tell us that they can be totally and unequivocally themselves.

Yes! Whether you are celebrating a personal milestone with family or looking for a custom itinerary for your hiking club or your other small friend group, AdventureWomen can work with you to create a private trip to meet your specific schedule and interests. You’ll get the same attention to detail and access to one-of-a-kind activities, the best guides, and enriching cultural experiences that we’ve been known for for over 40 years. A private trip is a phenomenal way to experience adventure travel! Getting started is as easy as giving us a call at 800-804-8686. We’ll connect you to one of our travel experts who will work with you to create a tailor-made experience for you and your group. Simply choose your travel dates, desired locations, and adventure activities, and we’ll create a custom experience just for you.

Adventure travel blends the awe-inspiring sensations of exploring the world with the exhilaration of embracing the outdoors. Our trips weave the history, wildlife, culture — and local cuisine – of a destination around a range of activities. We believe that adventure travel is a state of mind, an approach to travel, and a way of seeing the world. Adventure travel, by its definition, requires that travelers be self-sufficient, flexible, accepting of situations as they exist, and open to other cultures, traditions, and experiences.

Yes! When you refer a friend to AdventureWomen, you’ll both be entered into our monthly drawing for a chance to win a $500 travel credit toward your next adventure. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us grow our family of adventurers. Simply share your friend’s contact information and we’ll send her a warm welcome. If she’s new to AdventureWomen, you’ll both be eligible for the drawing! Thank you for spreading the joy of travel.

Terms & Conditions

Offer valid only for first-time referrals who are not already in our database as a contact, guest, or referral. Your referral must reside at a different address than you. Travel credits are non-transferable, have no cash value, and cannot be combined with other discounts or applied retroactively. Credits are valid only for future trips.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 days before your trip departs.

We accept all major credit cards with an additional convenience charge of 2.99%; direct bank transfer via ACH or wire; or you are welcome to mail us a personal check if you prefer. The final balance of payment for your adventure trip will be due 90 days prior to your departure unless otherwise indicated.

Yes, we understand that planning your dream adventure can be a significant investment. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans to make your travel experience more accessible. For more details on our payment plans, please give us a call at 800.804.8686 or email us at [email protected]. We are happy to answer your questions and set up a plan that works for you.

Our spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please use our online booking system or give us a call at 800.804.8686 to reserve your spot with a deposit.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Yes, we would be delighted to connect you with our flight partner. Just give us a call at 800-804-8686.

Gratuities for the head guide(s) are not included on most trips so that you can show your support directly to the guides who enhance your travel experience. This personal gesture of appreciation means a great deal to them, as it acknowledges their hard work and dedication. By tipping directly, you not only reward their exceptional service but also foster a deeper connection between you and your guides, enriching your overall journey. Your recognition of their efforts can make a significant difference in their day and encourages them to continue providing outstanding experiences for future travelers.

Please check the “What’s Included” to see what is included for gratuities. In some cases, gratuities for drivers are not included. Your trip manager will give you guidance for tipping suggestions prior to departure.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

We can accommodate most dietary needs; vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. Be sure to tell us your limitations and we will make sure you are taken care of. If you have more specific or unusual dietary needs, be sure to ask us before registering and we will look into it!

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities. Watch our Live Event about choosing the correct level or see activity levels explained:

• Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
• Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
• Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
• Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
• Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

Our groups are small and range in size up to 15 guests, setting the stage for making lasting memories and real human connections. Our intimate group sizes allow us to handpick 4-star accommodations and unique regional dining experiences at every stop so you can travel with confidence and comfort.

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip because the unforeseen and unexpected can occur. Many of our guests have had luck with Travel Guard, however, the most important thing when purchasing travel insurance is to shop around and choose the best policy that suits your needs.

Please refer to our cancellation policy for details.

Our expert Adventure Managers have created detailed Trip Guides for every destination, available after a trip has been booked. We also have a Merchandise Store where you can purchase many of the items listed on your curated packing list. Please reach out to your trip manager if you have any questions.

We provide group transfers on the arrival and departure dates for most trips. Your itinerary will list parameters for arrival and departure times. For many trips, a group transfer is provided based on the arrival and departure times that most guests arrive and depart. In the event your train, flight, or other travel falls outside the arrival or departure times or locations, you may be responsible for extra costs incurred in arranging a private or otherwise separate transfer. Please reach out to your trip manager if you have any questions or need a private transfer.

Yes! You may enhance your AdventureWomen experience by purchasing either an extension or pre/post hotel stays. A minimum number of passengers may be required to operate some extensions. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. For more information, please reach out to your trip manager or give us a call at 800-804-8686.