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Who comes on a Wild Women Expeditions adventure?
Wild Women Expeditions are for women who love the outdoors, have an adventurous spirit and enjoy the company of other women. WWE attracts women from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, life circumstances and ages. Exploring the differences between women who come to WWE is as much of the experience as discovering the similarities.
Women between the ages of 8–86 have come on canoe trips with us, and most trips and events enjoy an age spread. Other than our Women and Girls Golden Circle Riding Adventure, which includes girls ages 8–14, the minimum age to join our regular trips is 15. Most women who attend are between 35–55. Some have an extensive background in whatever the activity is, though they may be a bit rusty, while for other women, it may be their first experience with this activity—be it a canoe trip or kayaking or cycling. We offer a selection of vacations to accommodate the interests and needs of women in these two categories as well as those of us in between.
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Are Wild Women trips one-size-fits-all or do you have differing levels of challenge?
Many of our trips attract, and can successfully accommodate, women of varying abilities or women seeking different challenge levels. This is accomplished by offering a lot of choices WITHIN the adventure itself. For example, on a multi-sport adventure such as we have in Newfoundland, often a particular day hike will have two options—one easier, one more strenuous—and we break into two separate groups.
For other trips, we have geared the trip towards beginners, novices, intermediate or those with a high level of ability seeking a physical challenge. This will be clear from the trip description.
That being said, on WWE trips we aren’t out to prove anything. The atmosphere is supportive not competitive, and offering choices within an adventure is a part of our unique style. Women tend to underestimate their skill level; we bet you’re stronger and more capable than you thin -
What is the group size on your trips?
We keep the group size as small as possible, between 6–14 women, depending on the trip destination. An average group size is eight women. There are a few exceptions, such as our Galapagos Yacht Adventure, which can take up to 16 women, and some small-ship expeditions can be up to 40 Wild Women on a 198-passenger boat.
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Are your tour prices in US or Canadian currency?
All of our trips 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.
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Who will be my Wild Women Expeditions guide?
At Wild Women Expeditions, we bring together groups of women from around the world, facilitating an enriching community experience while traveling. Our mission is to provide a unique and carefully curated space for women to connect with each other as like-minded travelers. We support the practice of hiring local tour leaders and guides who are knowledgeable in the destination and tour activities. We work hard to find local partners 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.
We do not send a staff member from Canada as a Wild Women representative on every trip as they would not have the same expertise, local connections, language and knowledge as someone in the region. In the limited instances when our staff are joining a trip, they’re usually there for reconnaissance/familiarization purposes. If it’s a brand new program, we often send a WWE representative on the first departure. It has never been our policy to send an additional Wild Women representative on every trip as the local guides that we partner with are our representatives in creating the Wild Women magic on each trip.
We rely on our local guides to convey and foster the Wild Women ethos, and we will continue to work with our partners on the ground to ensure that each trip we run delivers the Wild Women experience.
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What does your Physical Rating/Riding Ability Rating mean?
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 active physical activity. Trips average 5 to 8 hours of physical activity most days, and depending on the shape you are in, they typically require activity specific training ahead of the trip.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. -
Do I need my passport?
You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits and certificates 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 such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about international travel.
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, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
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Do I need travel insurance for my trip?
Travel Medical Insurance is compulsory for all trips with Wild Women Expeditions if you are traveling outside of your country or province of residence. You will be required to submit this info on your Travel Details Form (to be sent via email) about 60 days before the trip.
Travel Medical Insurance must include adequate coverage for:
- Coverage for your transport to the nearest, appropriate medical facility in the event of injury. Where most of our trips take place in remote locations, coverage should include helicopter evacuation/air ambulance, etc. and coverage for your medical repatriation to your home country for further treatment or returning your body home.
- Cover emergency overseas medical treatment including treatment in a clinic or hospital, plus medicine as prescribed by your treating doctor to get you well and keep you travelling.
- We recommend coverage for $200,000 CAD or more
We recommend World Nomads (international) and Manulife (for Canadians) for all your health insurance needs.
We also highly recommend that you obtain adequate coverage for cancellation and curtailment, as well as for loss of luggage and personal effects. Your deposit and final trip balance can then be recovered via a claim to your insurance provider in the event you must cancel your adventure due to unforeseen circumstances.
We recommend Manulife for cancellation insurance—if you book insurance within 72 hours of paying the deposit on your trip, you can get their premium protection plan, which has excellent flexibility if you need to cancel for almost any reason. See our Travel Insurance page for more information.
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Is airfare included in the price?
Because Wild Women arrive from all over the world to begin our adventures, it would be impossible to include airfare in our prices.
Please connect with Megan or Zale, our awesome Flight Specialist partners at wildwomen@nowboarding.travel for flight quotes, queries and information about pre- and post-trip accommodations.
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Are there many women solo travelers?
Yes, most women who come on a Wild Women Expeditions trip are travelling solo, though we usually have a couple or pair of friends on most trips. You’ll make friends fast! Accommodation is usually in a shared room or cabin. If you want your own room, we can likely work it out for you at a nominal extra fee.
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What are the rooming arrangements?
Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum 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, or of course, you can share with your travel partner.
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Can I upgrade to a single room?
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.
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What are the health and safety guidelines?
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 travelling 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 conditions can increase risk. There can be unexpected, dangerous encounters with wildlife. 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.
Please be aware that 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 will also be asked to leave, without entitlement to a refund.
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I’m afraid I will hold others back. Should I come at all?
There are trips that will suit most travelers: look for the Easy physical rating on our Trips page. However, “holding others back” is something we hear a lot from prospective travelers, and while we understand the concern, we encourage you to think about group travel a little differently…
Every woman on one of our trips makes unique contributions to the group dynamic, be it impressive physical prowess, great storytelling abilities or a knack for setting up a tent. This is the magic of an all-women outdoor adventure: good company, more than a shot of collective wisdom, respect for everyone’s contribution and an openness to the wonder of life, which we most closely comprehend when we travel in the wild.
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Do I need to be fit to come on a trip?
“Fit” is a relative term. We don’t approach paddling, cycling or hiking as a domain of elite athletics, nor are our trips “push” trips where the focus is on getting somewhere and never really being anywhere!
Maybe you aren’t very fit or active these days (and never have been) but an adventure holiday really appeals to you. Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of a wilderness trip because you feel out of shape.
That being said, it’s important to prepare physically and mentally for a wilderness adventure or active holiday because you’ll be more comfortable and get more out of your experience. Wild Women trips aren’t about “proving” something to anyone (except maybe to yourself): our approach is to see time in the wilderness as a celebration, a reconnecting with aspects of ourselves we may have become distanced from (due to life circumstances or choices). So we really don’t want you to attempt a trip that sounds way over your head physically or psychologically. We do want to help you select the Wild Women trip that will be perfect for you, so get in touch and let’s start planning!
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Do I need to bring my own hiking poles?
If you have a preferred brand/style of hiking pole or walking stick, we highly recommend and expect you to bring your own. In some instances hiking poles may be borrowed in destination, but it may not be guaranteed. If they are, we will have that noted on the trip page itself.
Please be aware that hiking poles are usually not allowed as carry-on items on the airplane; plan to have these items in your checked luggage. We always encourage you to check with your airline carrier should you have any questions.
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How can I prepare for my trip?
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.
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How can I be a responsible traveler?
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 like the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Polar Bears International, The Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative (Galapagos) and 1% for the Planet.
Wild Women Expeditions abides by the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and parks 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 -
Are alcohol and drugs permitted?
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.
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Any cultural notes I should consider?
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.
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What are your photo and video policies?
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 and not overdo it with selfies or live “up-to-the-minute” updates on social media. 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. You must also check with your local guides to ensure there are no safety issues or company policies (e.g. drones may frighten horses or other wildlife) or local regulations (e.g. no drones allowed in Galápagos) and abide by their directions. You are responsible for learning the local regulations or laws around drone operations for the trip destination.
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How old do you have to be to go on a Wild Women Expeditions trip? Can I bring my teenage daughter?
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.
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Do I tip my guide?
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.
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. In some locations, you can include a general staff tip on your credit card if you wish.
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). Wild Women Expeditions will provide a suggested tipping amount unique to your destination within the “Tipping” section, located on the Trip Details page of each trip. If there are two trip guides, you may choose to tip them individually or together.
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.