Let’s talk about stuff versus meaningful experiences.
We all have stuff, of course, but when it comes to travelling, and you’re stripped down to the bare essentials that fit in a carry-on, your true self emerges. There’s no routine to rely on. There are no familiar faces—but they’re friendly! Everything’s unfamiliar, right down to the menu, bed, toilet and temperature. Your comfort zone alert is sounding off, your temperature is rising—and that’s a good thing!
While a carry-on bag has limitations, there are no restrictions to the size and depth of the experiences you can have and take with you, everywhere. The memories are often floating right at the surface—moments where you weren’t quite sure what was going to unfold or if you had the nerve to do it. Whether it was saying yes to a polar bear dip in Antarctica, snorkeling for the first time or the challenge of making it to the top of Mount Batur for sunrise. When you travel with a group of women, there’s a 100% chance that someone is thinking the exact same thing you are. Like, what am I supposed to do in a Japanese onsen? How do I eat that? Can I paddle that far?
Friendships made while traveling happen quicker than a quick-dry shirt dries because your story is now shared. You are traveling with women who have the same life dream and comfort zone alert system as you!
When it comes to choosing an experience over something tangible, the decision is easy. Sometimes, we need stuff for the adventure, like Merino wool socks or hiking poles. But all the other stuff we own at home isn’t helpful on the climb up the highest mountain in the UK (unless you had a Stairmaster for pre-trip training!). What kind of vehicle you drive doesn’t mean a thing when you’re walking along the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Japan. When you stand in the face of the Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan, your possessions aren’t useful at all—it comes down to your determination and confidence. Do you possess that?
Experiencing these moments alone wouldn’t be as meaningful; that’s why we’re here. The most important thing we own is our experiences, and Wild Women Expeditions was established nearly 35 years ago for this very reason. Socks will wear thin with time. Trail runners will show their miles. A favourite pack will eventually have a busted zipper. A camera will eventually stop working. But experiences? They live long and strong and grow in a community of women eager to share the same story as you.
Our adventures are designed to motivate, empower and introduce our community to the strength of women around the world. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, the Wild Women experience is addictive.
We asked our in-house photographer and Adventure Expert, Julie-Anne Davies, why she loves traveling with Wild Women Expeditions.
“It’s a long, long list…topping that list is the way Wild Women fosters a connection with the local women in the countries we visit. Women the world over have so much in common, yet often live vastly different lives. Having the opportunity to meet, learn from and connect with women all over this big blue planet in the immersive settings we do is truly my favourite aspect of our journeys.”
Jenny Martindale, Wild Women’s Director of Programs, shared this about her experience on the Jordan Explorer.
“It was a full day in the Dana Biosphere Preserve! Led by a local Bedouin guide, we walked nine miles (15 km) to the Feynan Ecolodge through an incredible valley that transitioned through various spectacular geological formations. Feynan Ecolodge is an award-winning, sustainably-run accommodation. It’s solar-powered, the meals are organic vegetarian, the rooms are candlelit rooms—the design was inspired by the traditional caravanserai and provides employment opportunities to local Bedouin families. It’s a very special and memorable stay!”
In our Wild Women Facebook community, we feel the love burning bright in your glowing posts.
“Thanks to the entire team at WWE for putting together so many phenomenal life-changing experiences and then looking after us so well!”
~Cindy R.
“I had a wonderful trip to Bali in September. It was my first trip with a group and it exceeded my expectations. I was travelling solo as part of a group of eight nice and funny women. Our local guide Ayu and our driver Juni were fantastic. Ayu took good care of us and we learned so much from her about the Balinese culture. I enjoyed every activity and the best snorkeling of my life. The accommodations were beautiful and comfortable and the food was delicious. I am already thinking about my next trip with Wild Women Expeditions.”
~Chantal T.
“After two adventures with WWE, and a third already in the works, I can only tell you to get yourself in a Nike mood and Just Do It!”
~Michelle P.
“I just went on my first trip with them and it exceeded my expectations. They take such good care of you. I’m already thinking about my next one with WWE.”
~Laura S.
That’s the kind of stuff we love to hear!
We hope you’ll make us part of your story and share the Wild Women welcome and warmth with your favourite people. Traveling in the company of women is fun as all get out—you don’t have to cook or do dishes or get anyone ready but yourself. Who would you love to bring on your next adventure? Whether you join the group solo, or bring family, your bestie or your partner, we know the story will have a great ending. And you know what? That ending is just the beginning.
