Girls trip trends: Women skipping the spa and sand for big adventure
Who says a girls weekend getaway has to be at the spa or the beach? Vacation trends show that women travelers are ready for big adventure.
Bringing together your best girl friends for a vacation can be a memorable event. While sun, sand, and spas are traditionally a popular choice, many of today’s female travelers want more than just a cocktail by the beach. Big adventure and unique destinations top women’s travel trends.
Even though they want big adventure, travelers, including women, need to feel safe and secure while traveling. One of the biggest concerns for women travelers is safety. According to a CNN travel survey that covered travel trends, “ for more than two-thirds of global respondents, safety and security is of greatest concern.” Companies are addressing those travel concerns.
As travelers explore options like home-sharing, security can be a concern, particularly for women. Groups, a collaboration between Overnight and Girls LOVE Travel, offers women a unique way of searching for travel accommodations.
Unlike other home-sharing and accommodation sites, Groups curates hosts from people within both the hosts’ and travelers’ social connections. Since both the host and the visitor are part of a similar network, there is a better sense of security. Women may feel less apprehensive staying in a location where the host is vetted. With this service opening more travel opportunities, the hope is to provide women travelers with a safe and cost-effective way to travel around the world.
(Photo by Ed Giles/Getty Images).
With the accommodations secured, the big adventure plans fall into motion. Often considered a man’s activity, diving is growing in popularity with women according to Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). The recent PADI Women’s Dive Day exposed more women to diving. With events in more than 78 countries, the event sought to empower women to try new activities.
Getting a group of women together for a diving trip can be quite empowering. Discovering the world under the water can be a life-changing experience. As the waves gently push the current, fish, coral, and millions of sea creatures unveil themselves.
It is unclear why diving was considered a man’s sport. Any woman can learn to swim with a tank. Everyone is equal under the water. With more women joining the activity and sharing their experiences, the misconceptions can be put to rest.
(Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
As adventure travel opens more doors to women, women-only travel groups are becoming more popular. One travel agency, Wild Women Expeditions, specializes in women-only travel. Starting with Canadian canoeing and backpacking trips, the company has expanded to include extreme and unusual worldwide adventures.
Focusing on active travel adventures, the agency empowers women to conqueror the great outdoors with zest for life. The company offers several horseback riding trips throughout the world. A recent addition, horseback riding through Mongolia, takes women to some unchartered territory.
The adventure encourages women to be fearless. The goal is for women adventurers to empower themselves by discovering the land and culture. Beyond the adventure, women can join in community initiatives that address local women’s issues. By paying it forward, more people can benefit through the adventure travel experience.
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Of course, not all women will want these high-flying adventures for their next vacation. Many groups on girls’ trips will want days of relaxation under the warm sun. But, for those who may want something more stimulating, girls-only trips with big adventure are waiting for them. Who’s ready to book a trip?