Solo traveling is an empowering experience in and of itself, but doing it in a way that supports women-led initiatives can make it even more impactful. In the past few years, there has been a growing trend of female travelers seeking ethical and impactful travel experiences. A 2023 survey by The Harris Poll found that 88% of women believe travel companies should ensure their offerings positively impact local communities. 82% of women said they wished there were more authentic travel experiences that allowed them to connect to the local culture. Intrepid Travel and the Intrepid Foundation have responded to this desire by offering women-led trips and supporting grassroots initiatives that uplift local women around the world.
Currently, the Intrepid Foundation is partnered with eight different organizations that support women and girls in many different countries, and 50 organizations total. The organizations they support protect the environment, address inequalities, support local communities, and help with natural disaster relief. They ensure that 100% of donations go directly to the partners they support by covering the administration fees. There mission is “to create positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection”
Intrepid’s women-led trips offer the opportunity for women to take part in experiences that may not be possible in mixed gender groups or alone. More than that, they break down the cultural barriers of traditional tourism. A big part of Intrepid’s women-led trips is supporting female-led businesses. For example, they have a women-led trip to turkey where women will get to take part in several female-led experiences such as fortune telling lessons, carpet weaving lessons, cooking classes, dinners, felt making, doll making, and more. This is a great example of challenging traditional tourism structures, which usually focus on mass tourism, large tour groups, and a standardized, sometimes commercialized experience.
Being in a group of only women will allow participants to have authentic interactions with local women that may not be acceptable around men. These trips also provide employment opportunities for women as local guides. There are many parts of the world where tourism is dominated by men due to societal norms. In these locations, Intrepid has doubled the number of women leading their trips in recent years.
Key Details About Intrepid Women-led Trips
– Small group travel (average of 10 women)
– Led by local female guides who offer deeper cultural insights
– Safety-first approach: your safety is their biggest priority
Some Top Destinations to Support Women-led Businesses
– Turkey: Participate in several lessons led by female artisans who practice traditional crafts and skills
– India (Rajasthan): Engage in hands-on workshops with expert artisans exploring traditional textile techniques, natural dyeing, and block printing while immersing in the rich cultural heritage of India.
– Nepal: Hike through the Annapurna region, explore local villages, and visit Buddhist monasteries, all while supporting women-led businesses like a cooking school empowering marginalized women and a guesthouse promoting female entrepreneurship through adventure tourism.
– Morocco: Hike through stunning landscapes, learn traditional crafts like couscous-making and weaving from local women, and experience traditional music performances by The Houariyates, a female band.
– Saudi Arabia: Explore dramatic landscapes, learn about local history, and support women-led businesses, including a citrus farm run by two sisters, a cooking school, and a pottery workshop.
– Pakistan: Explore vibrant cities and ancient mountain villages while supporting women’s empowerment projects, trekking through stunning landscapes and participating in cooking classes and village visits led by trailblazing local women.
In addition to being a source of independence and self-confidence, solo female travel can be a force for good when combined with supporting women-led initiatives around the world. Intrepid gives women the opportunity to support these initiatives while immersing themselves in cultures, learning new skills, and fostering authentic connections with local women. Intrepid’s women-led trips challenge traditional tourism structures, which in turn, leads to more authentic travel experiences. They focus on supporting local economies, empowering women, and engaging in practices that foster cultural exchange and community development. Overall, they offer a more responsible, ethical way to experience the world while benefiting local communities and environments.
So if you are a female solo traveler who is planning your next trip, consider a journey that supports both your growth and the growth of women across the globe. Just imagine the amplified impact you can make and feel when you travel with purpose!
Brenna Cline 