By Janice Lynn Mather Why a women’s tour? There are scores of reasons for adventure travel; some want to see sights, others want an active, energizing vacation. For a growing number of women, that means a female-oriented tour. Women’s only adventure tours not only let you form friendships and push your limits in a positive and non-threatening atmosphere, they can help you enjoy a new style of travel where no one will be asking you what’s for dinner or refusing to stop for directions. Trying new activities For some women, physical exertion can be associated with competitiveness, self-consciousness, and overall embarrassment. Maybe you’re still scarred from high school Phys Ed, but want to try fly fishing without some bossy fellow telling you why you’re doing it wrong. Or perhaps you want to know why snowboarding’s such a big deal without your son nearby to snicker when you hit the snow. If this sounds like you, then a women’s tour is for you. These tours provide a supportive environment where you can take things at your own pace, whether you’re a younger woman who’s new to kayaking or a mature woman who’d like to enjoy the canyons of Sedona without someone telling you to hurry up. Pacing yourself doesn’t mean overly dainty options and toned-down trips, though. Women tours are an option for avid sportswomen too, as they provide advanced level trips as well as those for starters. Friendly and safe Women’s tours are popular for those who want to explore, but don’t have a travel companion. If you’re hesitant to travel alone, you’ll feel more secure in a group. You’ll also be reassured to find yourself among other women seeking adventure without families or friends. The experience can be both relaxing and freeing. Also, it makes for a great atmosphere to make new friends, particularly as many tour companies can pair you with a roommate for cheaper accommodation, if you’d like. A welcome break Even if you have plenty of people you enjoy traveling with, heading out on a women’s tour can be a welcome break from the stresses of relationships, work and home, or simply a chance to safely enjoy yourself where no familiar faces will be judging you — or asking you to rinse out their dirty socks. Or perhaps your spouse or friends find your interest in exploring volcanic sites or your yurn to see the Northern Lights a bit bizarre. A women’s only trip is a great opportunity for you to share experiences with others who have similar interests. As well as letting you make new friends and providing an escape, a women’s tour is a great option for women who are friends or family members to take together as a bonding experience. Wonder where to start? If you’re an adventure travel beginner, here are a few companies that can provide excitement and exploration in a female-oriented atmosphere—and at a pace you can feel comfortable with. Adventurous Wench: In addition to its feisty, fun name, beginners will love Adventurous Wench’s easy 1-5 activity rating system. Activities ranked 1 are relaxing and easy, while higher numbers provide experience-required challenges. If you’re a beginner, you should be comfortable with choices like three hours (or less) of sea kayaking on peaceful waters, rapid-free rafting, and no-experience-necessary all-day sailing tours. For each activity, the first two options are beginner-friendly, and you can take a look at the more challenging options, if you’d like to progress to sturdier challenges. Learn more at AdventureWench.com Adventure Women: They ranks their trips based on energy level, starting with easy and moving up to high-energy. The majority of their tours are suitable for beginners, or beginners who can handle a moderate challenge. Some activities — like all-abilities downhill skiing and snowboarding — will take true starters through the necessary training. Another plus: their tours are often varied, so you can enjoy hiking and wine-tasting on the same excursion. For a beginner who wants to try adventure sports, but isn’t an enthusiast yet, this will give you a taste of a sport without drenching you in it. See what they have to offer at AdventureWomen.com .