When we launched our new Women’s Adventures at Backroads, we figured there’d be interest. We had high expectations the first few departures would fill, but we didn’t expect just how fast it would all take off. Within weeks, the response came pouring in—and just like that, we were working overtime to keep up. I’ll be honest, I was surprised at first. But when I really sit with it, maybe I shouldn’t have been.
More and more, I see women giving themselves permission to prioritize themselves—especially when it comes to travel. And that feels really good to witness! In our day-to-day lives, it’s so easy to put everything and everyone else first. Careers, kids, relationships, responsibilities. But these trips? They’re a conscious choice to pause and say yes to ourselves. Especially in the travel world, and among women in particular, I’m seeing a growing pull to step outside the day-to-day and do something that feels both intentional and energizing.
I know firsthand the power of a great girls’ trip—they fill my cup UP, and these trips have that same effect but on steroids. A classic girls’ trip is all about fun and connection—and that’s something we celebrate! But a Backroads Women’s Adventure goes deeper. It’s not just a break from everyday life. These trips are designed to help women recharge and reconnect—with themselves and with each other, and with the feeling of being fully present in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
With this in mind, it’s no surprise that our trips that resonate most among women include places like the Camino De Santiago, Sedona and Morocco. These places hold something deeper than just scenic beauty. They each carry a story that seems to really speak to women: of history, of cultural or of spiritual significance.
Another thing that makes these trips so powerful is the way we move through the experience—literally. From trekking in Nepal to strolling along the coast in Portugal, being active together brings people together fast. You don’t have to be an athlete or a hardcore adventurer. It’s not about pushing to the limit or setting a personal record—it’s about enjoying the company and the conversations that unfold naturally when you’re walking side by side. Being active in beautiful places, without pressure or competition, just feels GOOD.
Another thing I hear over and over again from guests—and have felt myself—is just how freeing it is to show up and not have to plan a thing. For so many women, that’s a rarity. We often take on the role of organizers in our lives—coordinating calendars, booking the flights, making the dinner reservations, etc. (Note: shout out to my husband, Matt, if he’s reading this—who is 1000% an equal partner and does so many things for our life!)
But on these trips, all of that pressure lifts. You don’t need to navigate, negotiate or Google anything. Thanks to our world-class leaders taking care of every detail, you just get to be in the moment—to enjoy the place you’re in, the people you’re with, the delicious food at every turn and the experience as it unfolds. There’s something freeing about letting go of the to-do list and letting someone else take the lead—even just for a few days. For many women, that in itself is a form of reset.
I guess what I’m trying to say is: women’s travel is having a moment, and it makes sense. So, surprising? No, I guess not. Energizing and exciting? Absolutely. I’m humbled and inspired to see so many women flocking to Backroads Women’s Adventures. Women showing up solo, or with a sister, a best friend, a daughter. Women who’ve never taken an active trip before. Women leaving their partner at home this time. Women who haven’t traveled without their families in decades. Women in transition—post-divorce, post-career burnout, post-cancer—choosing adventure as a way back to themselves.
Women with all different stories and diverse backgrounds coming together, grounded in a love for discovering the world together, and with a shared intention of getting something deeper out of their vacations. And the best part? We’re just getting started 😊
