FAQ

We’ve been creating empowering and transformative experiences for all women for over 30 years. Our community welcomes diversity and encourages inclusion, support and extending a sense of belonging to ourselves and each other. Wild Women Expeditions embraces the extraordinary, and strives to create unique experiences and intimate connections with local women on all our mindfully curated adventures around the world.

Wild Women Expeditions revolves around inclusivity and diversity. We celebrate and encourage the participation of women (including trans women) of all ages, sexual orientation, size and ethnicity. You are welcome here.

Wild Women Expeditions’ adventures are for all women who love the outdoors, have an adventurous spirit and enjoy the company of other women. We come from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, life circumstances and ages. We believe that exploring our differences is as fascinating as discovering our similarities.

Our guests range in age from 18-88 and beyond, with a median age of 58. Our adventures are for solo women travelers and women traveling together with travel companions.

The minimum age to join a Wild Women Expeditions trip solo is 18, due to liability and insurance requirements. However, girls aged 15–17 are welcome on any of our trips if accompanied by an adult/guardian.

Many of our trips can accommodate, women of varying skill and fitness levels. This is accomplished by offering a lot of choices WITHIN the adventure itself. For example, there may be options for shorter or longer hikes on some days, or to take an afternoon off and relax by the pool. For other trips, we have rated the trip as easy, moderate, intermediate or advanced. This is laid out in the trip details, under the “Is This Trip Right For Me”.

We like to keep group sizes small and intimate, with between 6–16 women, depending on the nature of the trip and the destination. Our small-ship expeditions, our group of Wild Women may  be up to 40 women on a 198-passenger boat (note: staff, crew and other passengers will be co-ed).

Our land based trips in Canada are priced in Canadian dollars, and our international trips and small-ship expeditions are priced in USD. This helps us account for currency fluctuation, so we can keep our tour prices as low and consistent as possible for all our guests, who come from Canada, the United States and all over the world

We work with local tour leaders and guides who are knowledgeable in the destination and tour activities and who are aligned with our ethos in travel, sustainability and supporting local women. These women are experts in their field and fabulous at what they do. Your Wild Women Expeditions guide(s) will be there with you throughout the duration of your trip.

Physical Rating 

Each trip has been rated for the level of physical activity. You can find the rating on each trip’s overview page and more information about what the trip entails on the “Is This Trip Right For Me?” page.

Easy 
Some Physical Activity Included. Trips are the most leisurely with an average of 1-4 hours of physical activity each day.

Easy–Moderate
Trips typically involve 3 to 5 hours of daily activity.

Moderate
Good level of fitness required. Trips are moderately challenging with an average of 4 to 6 hours of activity each day.

Moderate–Challenging
Be prepared for strenuous physical activity. Trips average 5 to 8 hours of physical activity most days, and trips in this category usually require pre-trip training, depending on your usual activity and fitness level.

Challenging
Serious fitness level required. Trips are the most physically challenging with approximately 5 to 10 hours of physical activity each day. These trips require a high degree of fitness and even if you exercise regularly, they typically will require more specific conditioning and a specialized training routine depending on the trip.

Riding Ability Rating

Each horseback riding trip has been rated for the level of riding ability you must have prior to joining the trip. You can find the rating on each trip’s overview page and more information about what the trip entails on the “Is this trip right for me?” page.

Riding Ability: Experienced Novice
Riding experience at walk and trot but not confident at canter.

Riding Ability: Experienced Novice–Intermediate
Comfortable at a walk and trot, gaining confidence at canter.

Riding Ability: Intermediate
Confident at walk, trot and canter on a forward horse, on open ground.

Riding Ability: Intermediate–Advanced
Confident at all paces, on a forward horse, but not necessarily comfortable jumping.

Riding Ability: Advanced
Confident at all paces, on a forward horse. Advanced rides may include long canters, gallops and small jumps.

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, check with your airline about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

You are responsible for your own visa requirements for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country’s consulate and your country’s travel website for up-to-date information about international travel.

Yes!

Travel insurance covers you for the unexpected, and, although it’s the type of purchase you hope you never have to use, if the unexpected arises you will be glad to have it. Click here for more information.

Airfare is not included in our trip pricing.

Our guests arrive from all over the world to begin our adventures, and some women may be local to the trip, so including airfares just doesn’t make sense. 

You can book your flights online through one of the many flight search engines available. If you would like assistance with your travel arrangements, we recommend connecting with a licensed travel agent of your choice, or contacting independent agents, Megan or Zale, with Now Boarding at wildwomen@nowboarding.travel. Travel agents can quote and book flights and assist you with booking, pre- and post-trip accommodations. Most travel agents will charge a small fee for their services, and many women find this is acceptable for the peace of mind that working with an agent can provide.

Yes! Most women joining our trips come on their own. We also have friends (many of whom met on previous Wild Women Expeditions), couples, sisters and mother/daughters who book together.

Our trip prices are based on a twin share (maximum  of two women per room/tent), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own. This is part of the experience–meet lifelong friends or your next travel buddy on your trip! Or, of course, you can share with your travel partner, if you’re traveling with someone else.

If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom or tent, we have a single upgrade option. If you have already indicated this preference on your registration form, you will be emailed a quote once availability is confirmed. If you’re now interested, please email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com with your request.

1. Health

It is your responsibility to check with the country’s consulate and your own country’s official travel website. Canadian travelers, you can visit here, and US-based travelers, here. You will find current travel advice and advisories for traveling to your destination. We also encourage you to check with your doctor or local travel clinic about health and/or vaccine requirements for your destination.

2. Safety

Wild Women Expeditions organizes trips in remote natural environments. Unpredictable weather and other natural conditions can increase risk, including wildlife encounters. It’s critical that everyone obeys the rules and regulations imposed by the local guides and follows instructions. The decisions of Wild Women Expeditions’ local guides or other representatives will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well-being of the group.

We reserve the right to prohibit any traveler from continuing on a trip without refund if it’s determined that the traveler’s actions pose a threat to the safety of others, wildlife or themselves. If the traveler’s actions and/or behaviors are disrupting the enjoyment of the trip for others, they may also be asked to leave the trip, without entitlement to a refund.

We offer trips for all women, at a variety of fitness and skill levels. If you’re concerned about managing the physical demands of your adventure, look for the ‘Easy’ physical rating on our ‘Is This Trip Right For Me‘ section on the trip page for your adventure.

If you’re looking for a more physically demanding adventure, go for trips that are rated “challenging” or “advanced.” 

Whatever the trip rating, there will be a range of women of varying skill and fitness levels on the trip itself.  We encourage groups to work together to find a pace that’s right for everyone. 

While you certainly don’t need to be an elite athlete to join our trips, having the appropriate fitness level for the trip that you choose is important. See “Is This Trip Right For Me?” for more information.

Many women find that booking a trip provides inspiration and motivation for getting back in shape. They may join a gym, start a daily walking routine, sign up for horseback riding lessons or take online yoga classes. 

We’ve created some resources [HERE] to help you get started with your trip fitness journey, or to take your training to the next level. But don’t worry, our trips are not boot camps or competitions. We also take time to stop and absorb the wonders of life as we strive to create the perfect balance between getting somewhere and simply being somewhere.  

Join our Wild Women Facebook Community Group to meet other like-minded adventurers.

If you’re used to using hiking poles, we recommend that you bring your own. In some cases, poles are provided, but may not be the style or size that you’re used to. Check the “what’s included” tab on the “trip details” tab to find out if hiking poles are included in your trip. 

Note that most airlines don’t allow hiking poles in carry-on luggage, even if they’re collapsible or foldable. Plan to pack your poles in your checked luggage, or check with your airline to see if they allow them in the cabin.

Use the pre-trip preparation checklist (see screenshot for directions) to make sure you cover all the practical details, like having a valid passport and checking if any visas are required for your destination(s).

Make your own list of personal items that you need to do before you go, like arranging the dog sitter or getting a pedicure.

Make sure you’ve made an honest assessment of your skill and fitness levels—to yourself and on your Travel Details Form that we will ask you to fill out three months before your departure. Take steps to physically prepare for your trip as necessary.

We have created a series blogs all about ‘Getting Fit’ for your trip, which you can find HERE.

Make sure you respond promptly to any emails from us with Action Required in the subject line and save the email that you’ll receive about 30 days before your departure that gives you all the last minute details.

You can contact us anytime by email at support@wildwomenexpeditions.com and by phone from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST at 1-888-993-1222.

Health & Fitness

Please be sure to provide complete, accurate and up-to-date information about your health and fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.

A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise, we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.

Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their Medical Travel Insurance or personal expense.

Getting Fit

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women trip but being reasonably fit will allow you to get the most out of your trip. 

You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with training before your trip and having our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie. You’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation.

Wild Women Expeditions, our partners and guides are committed to sustainable ecotourism and fostering a deeper appreciation of our natural world. We aim to leave the places we visit in a better state than when we arrived.

We support several wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives around the world such as the Jane Goodall Institute Canada, Pacific Wild, The Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative (Galápagos) and 1% for the Planet.

Wild Women Expeditions abides by the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and all in-country National Park guidelines on all trips to help reduce the impact of travel to sensitive ecosystems.

The 7 LNT Principles are:
1. plan ahead and prepare
2. travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. dispose of waste properly
4. leave what you find
5. minimize campfire impacts
6. respect wildlife
7. be considerate of others

Wild Women Expeditions is committed to putting your safety and well-being at the forefront. We encourage the responsible use of alcohol when it is permitted. Factors such as location, accommodation types, local outfitter policies, activities and cultural traditions will determine when it is acceptable. For example: alcohol is tolerated on Wild Women Expeditions trips when we stay at fixed-roof accommodations or visit local restaurants and licensed establishments. (Please note that any back-country camping portion of a WWE itinerary will have a dry policy for everyone’s safety and security.)

If your guide thinks that you are not in the appropriate condition to undertake an activity due to intoxication, for any reason, she has the right to decline your participation. The use of illegal substances is not permitted and any use of these will result in the termination of your trip at your own expense, without refund. We want you to have an incredible adventure and appreciate your support in creating an inclusive and healthy group environment.

The most responsible traveler is the one who experiences the world with an open, accepting mind. You will encounter unexpected “differences” in hygiene, toilets, acceptable clothing, menus, tipping, handshakes, affection, animal husbandry, garbage disposal, the treatment of women, rituals and prayer.

Be sensitive in your observations. Respect the natural environment, customs and legacy of a culture. Kindness is universal, and sharing traditions and stories is how we all evolve.

Wild Women Expeditions aims to create a space on all of our trips where all women in the group feel safe and empowered physically, spiritually and emotionally. We would like to request that all group members participate in the orientation discussion about photo and video, sharing if they are ok with their picture being taken or not. We recognize that some people will not want their photo taken or to be in any video, and we want to honor their desire to not be photographed or recorded. This also applies to locals we meet on trips or the stranger walking down the street; it’s just respectful to ask first.

Our trips are in wild and beautiful places, which you may wish to document using photos or video, but let’s all please respect the technology-free, unplugged space that most of our trips provide. We are all on this trip to BE here.

We understand that drone imagery is becoming very popular and some group members may wish to bring their drone on trip. Wild Women Expeditions doesn’t have a firm policy saying “no drones,” but we do feel it takes away from the ‘wildness’ of the trip location and can make group members feel uncomfortable; for these reasons, we ask you to consider not using a drone on your trip. Should you decide to bring a drone, you must advise the group and ensure members who opt out of photos are always notified when you will be flying and do so away from the group. It is your responsibility to check the local regulations or laws around drone operations for the trip destination.

While tipping your Wild Women guide is not mandatory, it’s a reflection of your appreciation of their integral role in experiencing a destination. The pandemic left a huge impact on the travel industry and our guides and the communities that welcome us are eager to regain financial security again. 

Each country has its own expectations of what’s acceptable in regards to tipping percentages. When possible, we ensure that tips (at restaurants and activities and/or for shuttle drivers) are included in your trip price.

We advise you to ask your Wild Women guide about when and where you can access ATM machines if the group requires additional money for tipping at the trip’s end. You may choose to tip individually and privately or collect money in one envelope and present this to your guide on behalf of the group in gratitude for their leadership. Depending on the country, tips should be made in the local currency or US dollars (if they are widely accepted). 

For more information on tipping, you can find this under the ‘Trip Details’ tab, and click on the link in the ‘Know Before You Go’ section. See example here. Within this document, is a ‘Tipping’ section which outlines what is recommended unique to your destination. 

Please note:

• If there are two trip guides, you may choose to tip them individually or together. 
• For all ship trips, you are not expected and it is not necessary for you to tip your Wild Women Expeditions host.
• For all ship trips, you can include a general staff tip on your credit card if you wish.
• For trips that involve set-up crews (for camping), porters (Peru, Everest) or a crew (sailing or small ship expeditions), your guide will advise on a suggested amount to tip that will be distributed among the staff.
• For taxi drivers and hotel staff (especially if you are assisted with your luggage), it is customary to tip in most countries as a quiet thank you. Some hotels will have a tipping box in the lobby, where tips are then shared equally with the staff.