I don’t base jump. I’ve never raced a slalom. But I’ve trekked around Mont Blanc with a small group, sailed the Croatian islands with my mom, watched the Great Migration in Tanzania, and just swam next to a humpback whale in Moorea. It was heart-stopping, soul-touching, and meaningful in a way that I’m still finding words to describe. That’s what adventure travel for women looks like to me. It’s impactful, active, a little scary in the best way, and completely doable in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
This is the guide I wish I’d had before my first one. It covers where to go, who to go with, how fit you really need to be, what it costs, and how I plan these trips so the hard part is the hike, not the logistics.
More Adventure Ideas Coming Your Way
Dreaming about your first adventure trip, or already planning the next one? Come along with me. You’ll get my free custom packing checklist (it works for hiking days and boat days too), honest trip notes, and the inside scoop every time a new adventure guide goes up.
Table of Contents
📌In This Guide
1. What Adventure Travel for Women Actually Means
When people hear adventure, they think extreme sports. Double-flips on skis or bikes. Free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite. Summiting Mt. Everest. But in my mind, adventure is about stretching, not suffering. I’m game for a lighter, softer adventure.
Soft adventure is the kind of trip where you’re active all day but nobody needs a harness or a death wish. Think guided hikes, sailing between islands, kayaking, safari drives, and snorkeling with sea lions. It’s where most of my favorite trips live, and it’s where I’d start any woman new to adventure travel.
It’s eye-opening when you realize that adventure doesn’t have to mean extreme. My three tests for whether a trip counts as adventure? 1) I put in a little effort. 2) It pushed my comfort zone (a few nerves count). And 3) there was a view I had to earn. If that sounds fun to you, welcome. You’ve found your kindreds.
The Trip That Changed How I Think About Adventure
I started working for REI in 2013. At the time, I enjoyed hikes, travel, and workouts. I had done Tough Mudders, Spartan Races and the like, and I day hiked on vacations, so ‘adventure’ wasn’t foreign to me. But combining adventure and travel fully was a new concept.
Part of my role was marketing strategy for their adventure travel business, so the best way to learn it was to go. Off I went on a 2-week multi-sport adventure to hike Machu Picchu and bike, snorkel and kayak in the Galapagos Islands. I loved the fact that I could combine my love of travel with my love of the outdoors, while experiencing such unique things along the way. Even better, I did it with a group of like-minded people, some of whom I still travel with to this day.
I was nervous if I could do it (I could). Dropping into the deep ocean at Kicker Rock gave me a little trepidation (it was glorious). And swimming with sea lions, a baby coming close and playing in the water? Life-changing. From that moment on, I was hooked on this thing called adventure travel.
Read next: One Week in Peru, Including Hiking Machu Picchu and 7-Day Galapagos Itinerary
2. Why Adventure Travel Gets Better After 35
I have to say, I’m a better adventurer at this age than I was at 25. At 50, I know my limits and I respect them. If it’s too far or too much, I can bow out gracefully with JOMO (the joy of missing out).
At this stage in life, I’m also more in tune with what I want out of an adventure. There are destinations and activities that have stayed on my mind for a while, taking up space on that ever-growing bucket list. It’s not about following the crowd and chasing a top ten list. It’s about finding what’s meaningful, challenging, and exciting to me.
And now, I can make them a reality. Even better, I can also afford the guide, the good boots, and the small group. While I appreciated them, my rustic backpacking hostel days are done.
Overall, I’m not trying to prove anything and am more present, so I actually enjoy it. I’m also not afraid to just say yes when something exciting comes my way. I learned a lot of this from my mom. She is the ultimate adventurer, proving the ceiling is higher than you think, and age really is just a number.
Read next: Find out what Turning 50 Taught Me About Travel →
3. The Best Places for Adventure Travel, by the Kind of Adventure You Want
Sometimes, the destination defines the adventure. If you want to hike Mont Blanc, you know you’re going to Switzerland, France and Italy. But if you’re considering an adventure trip without a specific destination in mind, my advice is to pick the kind of adventure you want first, then let the place reveal itself.
Adventure style | Best for you if… | Effort level | Where I’ve done it |
Hiking and trekking | You love to walk, want quiet trails, and like earning the view | Moderate to challenging | Tour du Mont Blanc, Amalfi Coast |
On (and in) the water | You want beach time with a little more going on | Easy to moderate | Croatian islands, Moorea |
Wildlife | Animals are the whole point, and effort is optional | Easy to moderate | Galapagos, Tanzania |
Big landscapes and northern lights | You want wild scenery without long days on foot | Easy | Iceland, Olympic National Park |
Altitude, culture, and ancient sites | You want a challenge plus time with the people and history of a place | Moderate to challenging | Peru, Nepal |
The multi-week mix | You can’t pick just one, and you want time to slow down too | Easy to challenging (you choose) | New Zealand, Thailand |
Hiking and Trekking:
Multi-day treks are some of my favorite trips to make, and at first, were some of the most daunting. I’ve done them here at home, in South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, and they never get old. These trips are best for people who like to walk (or hike), love nature, and want to see the quieter side of a place. Be prepared for long days, casual nights, and the occasional blister (or in Mont Blanc’s case, several!). You’ll be rewarded with a sense of achievement at completing the trek, perspective on how small we are, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature. Here are a couple of my favorites:
On (and In) the Water:
Adventures at sea give you the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. You can dive, snorkel and splash to your heart’s content, then collapse on the boat or beach, reading and relaxing in the sun. Choose this type of trip if you love sea life, crave a beach vacation but want a little bit more out of it, or want to live that yacht life.
Sailing the Croatian Islands gave me that, along with an appreciation for midday dips in the sea. Moorea gave me the sea life that I love, the thrill of swimming with humpback whales, and the energy of snorkeling with blacktip sharks and stingrays in crystal clear shallow waters. Neither will steer you wrong but each has a different vibe. You can learn more about them below:
Wildlife:
If you love wildlife and want to add some land animals to the mix, I’ve got you covered. Trips centered around wildlife are great for animal lovers (obvious point, I know), and those who want an adventure without necessarily a ton of exertion. Going through the Galapagos Islands gave me the perfect mix of sea and land animals. We rode bikes by giant black iguanas, snorkeled with sea lions and sharks, and visited the giant tortoise sanctuary. But you could easily downplay the active element and observe from shore or by boat.
Similarly, going on safari in Tanzania was one of the most memorable trips I’ve taken, but we rode in a car the whole time. Seeing lions, hippos, elephants and giraffes all around us, feeling one with the land, touches you in a way that many things can’t (and you don’t need a training plan beforehand to make it happen). Here’s a bit more on my experiences in each:
Big Landscapes and Northern Lights:
If you’re a nature lover but want to hold back on the fitness and lean into the sights, look for a trip that takes you out into the wild without forcing you to walk there. Trips to places like Banff give you vast landscapes and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, while National Park visits like Yosemite, Glacier or the Grand Canyon give you a sense of scale, making you feel like a tiny speck on this big beautiful earth (but in the best way). Take this trip if you want to put things in perspective, get away, and get back in touch with yourself.
Two trips did this for me. The first was heading to Iceland in November (brrr!) to chase those Northern Lights. Seeing the huge waterfalls, glaciers, and landscapes, and then being rewarded by a stunning light show at night was something special. Another trip closer to home was cruising through Olympic National Park with some girlfriends. From rainforests to sky-high peaks to peaceful lakeside retreats, we had a different sight each day. See how they played out:
Altitude, Culture and Ancient Sites:
If you’re not afraid of a little altitude and want to get as close to the sky as you can while getting closer to the culture underneath it, seek out trips that take you to the historic sites on the mountaintops. These trips are made for those who want a challenge, are excited by the opportunity to get in some steps and learn more about the spirit of a place and people along the way.
My trip to Peru combined trekking Machu Picchu, as well as going through the Sacred Valley and visiting historical sites. Similarly, my trip to Nepal had us trekking village to village, staying with families in each one and ending with a reopening of a school after the earthquake. It was a wonderful blend of activity and getting more embedded with the people, their traditions, and their culture. Hiking alongside women carrying giant bundles on their heads, having people welcome us after a long day on the trail with a home-cooked meal, and hearing stories of their background and families is something that just can’t be replicated on any old trip.
The Multi-Week Mix:
If you just can’t choose and you want a little bit of everything, not to worry, there are trips out there for you! Plenty of destinations are made for a blended vacation. You can hike, kayak, water-raft, snorkel, and just soak in the culture all in one go. These are great for people who don’t want to go all the way to a destination and feel like they are missing out by only doing one thing (eg, hiking every day, staying at one resort, etc).
I tend to find these trips particularly stimulating as they give you time to explore, time to learn, and time to relax. Two of my favorites? New Zealand’s South Island, where I hiked, hang glided, kayaked, and swam with dolphins. That, mixed with wine tasting, beach reading, and cafe hopping made for a wonderful vacay. The spirit and kindness of the people made it even better. The same was true in Thailand, where we visited several cities and did a variety of activities, the most special of which involved getting to know the culture and the people.
- New Zealand’s South Island
- Thailand (coming soon)
Want to browse every adventure I’ve taken (and written about)? They’re all here →
4. Adventure Trips for Women: Solo, Small Group, or With Your People
Who you go with changes the trip more than where you go. In New Zealand, I wanted company for the parts that scared me and solitude for the parts that healed me. Here’s what changes depending on who’s with you.
Small group:
A small group is a good idea if going solo feels intimidating, would cost too much on your own (guides and single supplements add up), or just isn’t safe. If you’re dealing with technical terrain, remote places, or places that require a boat, it may be best to team up. I’ve done this on nearly all of my adventure trips because hiking solo isn’t my jam, and I’d rather have the permits, routes, and logistics handled for me. The extra benefit is meeting like-minded people and building bonds that last well beyond the trip.
Read next: Benefits of Group Travel →
With Your Girlfriends:
When I skip the tour company, I go with girlfriends who have been there, done that, and we often bring in local friends who know the routes. Many, in fact, were people I met on prior group trips! Traveling with friends takes a different skill, as you need to make sure everyone is up for the same adventure. If not, modify beforehand or find alternate activities for folks to choose from so your trip isn’t derailed midway through. If you do, you’ll come home with deeper and more meaningful friendships grounded in sharing these special moments together.
Read next: Girls Trip Planning Guide →
With Mom:
The same is true when traveling with your mom or parents. Energy levels, mobility and appetite for adventure matter a lot more when considering an adventure trip. I’ve been inspired by so many mother-daughter, mother-son and father-son kindreds I’ve met on my trips. And I’m grateful I’ve gotten to experience so many with my own mom. We’ve connected over shared experiences in new places, and seen aspects of each other we wouldn’t have in everyday life at home.
Read next: What I Learned Traveling with Mom →
Go Solo:
There are definitely adventure trips I’ve taken solo, or added on solo time at the front or backend of a group trip. These are great ways to have some down time, some reflection time, some zen time. They give you room to think, to relax, and not feel ‘on’ all the time. This is especially helpful for those like me who lean more introverted, and recharge best when alone.
Read next: Solo Female Travel Guide →
5. How Fit Do You Need to Be for Adventure Travel?
How fit you need to be really depends on the type of trip. For overall adventure trips, I’d say you need to be fitter than your couch, but not a top-notch athlete. And if you’re going on safari or on a yacht, relax, nearly-zero fitness is required.
Most operators grade trips on a 1 to 5 scale (it varies a little by company):
- 1: easy, basic mobility
- 2: lots of walking, maybe some swimming or snorkeling
- 3: real activity, like an hour of kayaking, 20 miles on a bike, or 3 to 5 hours of hiking
- 4: longer hiking days, fewer rest days, real elevation gain
- 5: all of that, plus possible technical sections
Whether or not you need to train depends on how fit you are now, and believe it or not, where you live. When I did Peru and Galapagos, I started training. I hiked on weekends, worked out 3-5 days a week (heavy on the stair climbs), and took Diamox for the altitude (talk to your doctor first; it isn’t right for everyone). I lived in Seattle at sea level, so it made a difference. Meanwhile, two of my hiking companions lived in Breckenridge, Colorado, at almost 10,000 feet. This was just another day out for them!
If you’re on the fence, select trips that have optional activities and built-in rest days. And even if they don’t, remember – it’s your vacation, you can do what you want. Tell the group leader you need a day out, and they will find a way to make it happen. If it stops being fun, then there’s no need to push yourself. Life’s too short for that!
Read next: How to Stay Fit on Your Trip →
6. What an Adventure Trip Actually Costs
Adventure travel isn’t cheap, but you can control where the money goes. Typically these types of trips cost more because of three big buckets. You have the operator or guide, your gear, and your flights and insurance.
The operator takes on more responsibility in an adventure trip, where safety risks are higher, permitting is often needed, and they need outdoor certifications. I’d much rather pay more for a quality guide and company than save a few bucks and put lives at risk.
Similarly, you’ll want to bring your own gear so you can practice with it at home and ensure it fits. The right shoes, the hiking poles at the right height, and the snorkel mask and wetsuit that fit just right let you focus on the activity and not the ill-fitting gear. It’s an investment that makes your trip go a lot more safely and smoothly.
Flights and insurance are common on every trip, but for adventure trips, you want extended insurance with emergency evacuation and adventure activity protection. Medical evacuation from a remote spot like the Serengeti can cost $50,000 or more, so check that your policy covers it. If you’re in need of a policy, I’m happy to get that for you.
Here’s what different adventure trips cost right now:
| Trip | Length | Ballpark cost per person | What drives it |
| Galapagos (land-based) | 8 days | $2,000 to $3,000, plus $220 in park and transit fees | Island-hopping tours and lodging |
| Tour du Mont Blanc (guided) | 11 to 13 days | $3,500 to $5,000 | Hotel vs. hut nights, group size |
| Croatian islands sailing | 8 days | $2,500 to $3,500 | Cabin type and season |
| Peru + Machu Picchu (small group) | 8 days | $1,300 to $2,500 | Trek vs. train, group vs. private |
| Tanzania safari | 8 days | $3,700 to $4,500 (luxury camps can double it) | Lodge level; mid-range camps $250 to $400 a night |
New Zealand South Island | 3 weeks | $6,500 to $9,000 | Guided portion and Queenstown activities |
| Moorea (whale season) | 8 days | $3,500, with 3 whale swims ($250 to $375 each) | How many whale swims you book (season runs about July to early November) |
Add round-trip flights from the US: roughly $600 to $1,800, depending on where you’re going.
Prices move with season and departure, so use these to compare trip styles, then get a current quote before you book.
7. How to Plan an Adventure Trip
Booking an adventure trip can be overwhelming. The goal is to book the hard-to-get piece first, then build around it. But even knowing what that is can be tough.
How to Plan Your Adventure Trip
Land what type of adventure you want, then where you want to go, and finally, get into the details. Do you want a group, friends and fam, or solo? Which routes look best? Any must-see stops for you?
Your research will first center around your anchor experience, be it boat, trail or destination. What trekking permits are needed and can you get them, what’s the ideal season to visit, when can you catch the migration window, etc. These all impact how your adventure turns out. If I had tried to swim with whales in Moorea in February, I would have been disappointed as they are not there.
You’ll also want to research operators for quality guides. I look for small group sizes (14 or less), a 7:1 guide ratio, and strong reputations for respecting wildlife and nature, giving back to the community, and supporting the local culture. I combine that with reviews, particularly reviews from women, and see who stands out.
When I was researching Mont Blanc, I looked at 20+ operators, comparing routes, hotels, itineraries and reviews. It all started to blend together so I made a comparison chart that would help me home in on what I wanted most out of the trip. Certain huts I wanted to avoid, certain stops I couldn’t miss, how many days I felt comfortable hiking, and for how long.
When you finally land that, book your anchor experience first, and let the rest build around that. That way, your core of the trip is locked in, and the rest can flex around that.
Read next: How to Plan a Multi-Week International Trip and How to Plan a Weeklong International Trip →
8. What to Pack for an Active Trip
Packing for an adventure trip can be easier in some ways and harder in others. You need room for your gear, which is harder than a standard vacation. On the flip side, you can often leave those heels and fancy dresses behind, as many of these trips are casual.
It’s also easier to lock in a theme.
Hiking trip? Hiking pants, shorts, and quick-dry tops. Break in your boots for at least a month before you go.
Water trip? Bathing suits, cover-ups, and sundresses. And test out that snorkel gear before you get there.
Safari trip? Khaki and neutrals everything (and skip dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies).
Combine that theme with my 431 system and you are set for any adventure.
Get your own custom packing checklist →
What I Actually Pack for an Adventure Trip
9. When to Plan It Yourself vs. Hand It Off to Me
With all the details of an adventure trip, you need a lot of patience and time. The research is long, the details are mind-bending, and the risks of choosing wrong are high. If you love that stuff as much as I do, then DIY away. The same is true for simple trips.
But if the planning and researching overwhelms you, the pressure of choosing correctly feels too great, or you simply don’t have the time, that’s when you enlist help. Travel advisors have the expertise, the connections, and the in-country teams to make your trip run smoothly (and fix it fast when something goes sideways). They’ll be better able to match you to an operator that matches your vibe, expectations, and budget. And you may even get extra perks from their network, like I can for Virtuoso bookings. Everyone loves a bonus, right?
Ready to take an adventure and want to leave the planning to someone else? Give me a shout →
FAQs
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
If this makes you yearn for a trip that captivates the mind, the body, and the spirit, I’m here for you. I’ll design your trip to your vibe, adventure type, and handle all the details so all you have to do is show up ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Prefer to plan on your own? Keep reading. All the articles linked in this guide are free and here to help, and I’d rather you have all you need to make for an amazing trip. I give different advice to different people depending on what they’re looking for and where they are going, but this should be enough to get your dreaming and scheming off the ground.
Wherever you go, however you do it, I want you to have a trip to remember.
Happy travels, kindreds!
RELATED POSTS
Ready to head out on an adventure?
- On the Water:
- On the Trail:
- Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc
- One Week In Peru, Machu Picchu Included
- 3 Weeks on New Zealand’s South Island
- Hiking the Amalfi Coast
- 2.5 Weeks in Thailand (coming soon)
- Wildlife and Big Landscapes:
- Who to Go With:
- Planning Tips:
HELPFUL LINKS
Ready to start planning? Here are my go-to resources for adventure travel:
- Work With Me
- Want help planning your adventure? Tell me about your trip here.
- Curious how working with a travel advisor works? Learn more here.
- Planning Resources
- Galapagos Conservancy: background on the islands and their wildlife
- New Zealand Department of Conservation: Great Walks, huts, and trail conditions
- Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast: your nightly northern lights odds
- Airalo eSims are a life- (and money) saver! It allows me to have a ton of data, use my apps and What’sApp to stay connected, without the high price of my Verizon plan. I used Airalo, and it worked great! Promo code: use ANDREA68732 for $3 off
- Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me and check out my boards on Pinterest.