Ladies, are you ready to reconnect with your adventurous selves? If you are searching for a unique travel experience that combines active exploration with a supportive community of fellow women, then the awesome small group trips run by Adventures in Good Company might just be perfect for you! Whether heading to the other side of America or venturing to an exotic destination abroad, traveling can be an intimidating prospect. But with a group of like-minded gals to lean on, you will have the opportunity to create unforgettable memories together and make new friends for life.
Adventures in Good Company encourages women of all backgrounds to step outside of their comfort zone, and immerse themselves in different cultures and outdoor pursuits – from horse riding in Colorado to trekking Everest Base Camp. Their getaways are suited for women who want to embrace new challenges – no matter their age or abilities. They handle the logistics, so you can focus on having fun and living each moment to the fullest. A wide range of women book with Adventures in Good Company, be it 21-year-old first time travelers or 65-year-old seasoned globetrotters.
Impressively, their repeat customer rate in the last five years is just under 80% – meaning the girls love the journeys so much that they continuously come back for more. Adventures in Good Company is entirely women-owned and operated too, including the field staff and guides, and the guide to traveler ratio is at least 6:1. This makes for an intimate experience. What really sets the trips apart though is their ability to dive deep into a destination, build camaraderie within the group, and foster personal growth and well-being through a series of incredible outdoor activities.
Those seeking a US-based adventure could be interested in slackpacking the legendary Appalachian Trail or kayaking in the pristine San Juan Islands, while others may gravitate towards a pilgrimage on the Camino or ticking the cultural gems of Japan off their bucket-list. Whatever your preferences, Adventures in Good Company can help! They cover destinations from around the world, with something for everyone to enjoy. Each itinerary is hand-crafted to exceed expectations. Below we outline the best small group trips for women that this exceptional company offers.
9 Best Active Small Group Trips for Women
1. Colorado Horseback Riding and Hiking
This Colorado trip has a maximum group size of 20, a duration of five nights and takes place on the family-run Sylvan Dale Ranch in Loveland – a beautiful setting to go horseback riding, hike on private trails and spend quality time with other women. You will be able to summon your inner cowgirl with a suitable horse selected to your skill level and goals. There is also a heated pool located on the property and massage services available for you to get some R&R. It’s easy to arrive in Loveland as the drive there from the Denver International Airport takes just under 50 minutes.
2. Slackpacking Maine
Trekking the 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail is a dream for backpackers and hikers alike, yet not everyone has the time or (frankly) will to complete it. In addition to its crazy length, the trail requires you to carry a heavy pack and occasionally sleep rough. This can put people off but luckily Adventures in Good Company have a solution: slackpacking the challenging and thrilling final section in Maine over seven nights! At the end of each day, you will be able to rest your feet in a comfortable hostel with beds and hot showers. The maximum group size for this hike is 10.
3. San Juan Islands Exploration
If you have never visited the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington State, then you are in for a treat. Characterized by craggy coasts, deep blue and green waters, and an abundance of wildlife – the San Juan Islands are nothing short of a nature-lovers paradise. Small group trips for women don’t get any better than this as you travel with no more than 11 other intrepid souls, kayak to gorgeous islands, hike up hills and mountains, and spot all sorts of creatures along the way like eagles, seals and whales. This seven night journey takes you to two islands: San Juan and Orcas Island.
4. On the Camino de Santiago
The Camino needs no introduction as it’s the most famous pilgrimage in the world. Every traveler should experience it in some way, shape or form – and this transformative trip with Adventures in Good Company allows you to do exactly that. Walking four to six hours per day in the company of a maximum of nine other señoras allows you to build close bonds, as you learn about the history of the road and feast on food together. In addition to making new friends in the group, you will get the chance to cross paths with people from around the world and partake in the Camino community.
5. Japan’s Culture and Countryside
Japan is full of contrasts – the bright city lights blend with the traditional rural countryside in a spectacular fashion – giving every visitor a taste of new and old. Over nine nights, you will be joining a group of no more than 12 women to explore two of the country’s treasured cities (Kyoto and Tokyo) – as well as hike parts of the Nakasendo Way and stay at inns bursting with history. The hospitality shown at the inns in the “post” towns will blow you away! And of course, no trip to Japan is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine which you will have plenty of opportunity to do.
6. Exploring the Galapagos Islands
The diversity of animals in Galapagos is unparalleled and Ecuador, the country which lays claim to this unique archipelago, is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. Wildlife enthusiasts will be able to spot everything from colorful fish and sea lions, to marine iguanas and giant tortoises on this 10-night trip. Adventures in Good Company provides you with a naturalist guide who will take you to three islands, and many interesting landscapes and seascapes in between. You can even add on the Amazon as an extra – offering you another perspective to this fascinating destination!
7. Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains
Flying like a bird from ziplines, kayaking through jungle canals and soaking in hot springs are just a few of the highlights on this trip with Adventures in Good Company. The nine night itinerary transports the ladies to Tortuguero National Park, Arenal and Monteverde – which is a fantastic introduction to Central America’s crown jewel. Considered by many to be the pioneer of ecotourism, Costa Rica is blessed with endless natural wonders that can be enjoyed in a responsible manner. About a quarter of the land is protected by the government: the largest proportion of any country on earth!
8. Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday
Choosing where to go hiking in the Canadian Rockies is almost impossible due to the great number of forests, glaciers, meadows, mountains and waterfalls at your disposal. Thankfully, the experts at Adventures in Good Company have scouted the best spots for your active holiday. Alongside other female explorers your nine days will fly by as you hike trails to glaciers, wander along alpine meadows that are bursting with colorful wildflowers and spend time in Banff. The lodging, which is a combo of hostels and hotels, makes it effortless to bond with your new hiker buddies!
9. Trekking Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the longest trips that Adventures in Good Company runs. A group of up to 12 women will be heading for the Himalayas on an 18-night expedition that both challenges and inspires. Not only is there plenty of time to hike around peaks that stretch to the sky but also the possibility of learning about the Sherpa culture. The Nepalese are some of the friendliest folks on the planet and the most magical moments from this trek often come from conversing with them. Drinking a cup of tea and talking with the teahouse owners after the day’s hike leaves you in awe.