Firstly, if possible, choose a company that is based in the country you come from
Secondly I choose a company that uses local guides
Why are these two important?
Using a company based in your own country
Women from Canada, the USA, New Zealand, India, Germany, France….
We are all different, and though we have many things in common, and much to learn from each others, sometimes travelling with women from your own country means you are more comfortable, speak the language and make friends you can keep in touch with.
All of this means we have some things in common when travelling in a small group.
Women Travel the World – www.womentravel.info
This unique website focuses on bringing together in one place tours especially for women. We do not organise the tours – we leave that to the wonderful women owned travel companies that list on the site.
For me once I have decided where I am going, my first choice when looking at the hundreds of tours for women on the Women Travel Tour Calendar is to look for a trip run by New Zealanders or Australians. I would not say no to other trips, but they would be my first choice. This link shows you where companies are based.
Using Local Guides
Photo credit: McKay Savage
Personally I am not interested in gliding over the top of a country, staying insulated in 5 star hotels and eating the food I can eat at home.
I want to live like a local as much as possible, or at least get an idea of what it is like to live as a local. The only way to do this, is to have local knowledge, and to use local guides, who can offer an insight and introduction into the world you are exploring.
Let Potiki Adventures share a Maori experience with you in New Zealand
Many of the women owned companies listed on Women Travel the World are small boutique companies that form relationships with authentic local guides, and are often involved in projects that support local communities.
On Womentravel.info there is also a listing of women who are local guides in places around the world.
Did you know for instance there are at least five women only travel companies based in India offering Indian women travel experiences.
Women from Canada, the USA, New Zealand, India, Germany, France….
