by Terri Pajaanen Get Out There, Lady! Do some things just strike you as belonging in the arena of men? Watching football and drinking beer comes to mind immediately. What about climbing up a rock face, swimming with sharks or skydiving? These experiences sound amazing, but do you get the subtle impression that these are activities for men only? That is where you're wrong. The growing pursuit of "adventure travel" is most definitely not just for men. Women all over the world are taking hold of their inner Amazon and trying new forms of travel every day. As long as you are reasonably fit, you can have that thrilling vacation that you have always dreamed of. Or better yet, one you had never dreamed possible at all.

Have you watched the birds soar above you and wish you could join them? The most common adventure travel experience is probably sky-diving, but you can take to the sky by flying in a hang-glider or hot-air balloon. If you prefer to stay at least partly attached to the ground, take a flying leap with a bungee jump. In case you are afraid of heights, you can always find adventure that's more down to earth. Rock climbing, scuba diving among shipwrecks, or taking a tour on a dogsled are all adventures easily arranged with the help of experienced professionals. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Don't get the notion that these vacations are out of your league. Women are just as likely to hike through the rainforest or climb a mountain, as any man. Maybe even more likely because we don't always get the chance to be "tough". Even so, there are a few things that women need to keep in mind that men might not need to worry about. When looking for adventure in remote locations, women do need to pay a bit more attention to the personal safety then men do. The best way to handle this is to travel with at least one buddy. Find a friend (girlfriend or otherwise) to take on your adventure with you, or, if you are really apprehensive, join a group tour, guided by an experienced professional. If you are still concerned about your safety in certain countries, there is no reason why you need to travel great distances to a possibly risky or socially unstable location. No matter where you live, there are likely some incredible opportunities to travel right in your own back yard that you don't even know about. The idea is to think outside your everyday vacation brochures. There are likely places to skydive in any city with a large airport. Most cities will have nearby rivers to kayak down, or local caves to explore. Adventure doesn't have to equal distance. Safety In Numbers Trying a particularly macho sport may lead you to feel a bit intimidated, especially if there are experienced adventure travellers around. You can always choose to travel with a women- or beginners-only tour group. These can be great fun, and many offer any kind of adventure you could think of. You'll have a more comfortable trip, and make some great friends at the same time. One other point besides safety, is size. Women are typically smaller than men and you may worry about being properly equipped. Don't be. Most sports equipment (harnesses, helmets, whatever) are available in smaller sizes for women. There is nothing stopping you from taking part in the fun. If you do happen across a tour operator who tells you that he is not equipped for female participants, you should find another place for your trip. Anyone who is that unprepared is not likely going to be a great person to trust for your adventure. So when you are planning your vacation this year, try something a little different and be proud of yourself for the accomplishment.