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Photos courtesy of Adventures in Good Company
CEO of Adventures in Good Company Kelly Kimble has created a space for women to come together in female-centric travel groups to explore the world and make lifetime memories with fellow females. With expeditions running worldwide and ranging from hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, snorkelling and biking, women can immerse themselves in various cultures. Planning trips is simple and easy with Adventures in Good Company, as experts curate the details of your trip for you, allowing you to sit back and relax before your adventure. CSP Times sat down with Kelly Kimble, to gain insight in the rise of female-centric travel in the travel market, and the hopes behind their expedition platform.
What is the influence behind the creation of Adventures in Good Company?
Adventures in Good Company was founded in 1999 by Marian Marbury, who was inspired to create a women-only adventure travel company after years of traveling solo and feeling frustrated by the lack of options available for women who wanted to travel independently and engage in active, adventurous pursuits.
As Marbury traveled around the world, she saw firsthand the benefits that travel could have on women's personal growth, self-confidence, and sense of empowerment. She also recognised the unique challenges that women faced when traveling alone, including safety concerns and difficulty finding travel companions who shared their interests and values.
With these insights in mind, Marbury decided to create a company that would cater specifically to women who wanted to travel independently, but who also wanted the safety and support of traveling with a group.
What are the main philosophies shadowing Adventures in Good Company?
We want to create a space where you feel supported in following your own agenda, whether that's to challenge yourself or to take some much needed R&R. It's your trip.
We think that groups form the strongest bonds when individual needs and wants are being met. We design our itineraries to maximise flexibility and we will do everything we can to help you have the trip that you want.
We strive to create an atmosphere where women feel comfortable being who they are, and where everyone enjoys sharing their similarities and celebrating their differences.
We believe that feeling truly connected to the natural world is both a human need and deeply rejuvenating. In this context we also understand the joys of challenging your limits.
We find that experiencing other cultures in ways that are respectful and not exploitative enriches our understanding of our common humanity.
We are committed to being a leader in sustainable travel among travel companies. Visit this page to learn more about the concept of sustainable travel and what that actually means in terms of how we operate.
We love eating good food and laughing lots!
How do you think female-only travel groups give women the opportunity to (re)connect with themselves and discover their unique physical and mental strengths?
Safe and supportive environment: Traveling with a group of women can provide a safe and supportive environment in which women feel comfortable pushing their boundaries and trying new things. This can allow women to discover strengths and abilities they didn't know they had, as well as build confidence in their own capabilities.
Shared experiences: Participating in group activities and shared experiences can create a sense of camaraderie and connection among women. This can be particularly empowering for women who may not have many opportunities to connect with other women who share their interests and values.
Freedom from societal expectations: Traveling with a group of women can offer a break from societal expectations and gender roles, allowing women to explore their own interests and pursue activities they may not have had the opportunity to do otherwise. This can help women to discover new passions and strengths, and to redefine their sense of self.
Exposure to new perspectives: Traveling with a group of women from diverse backgrounds can expose women to new perspectives and ways of thinking. This can broaden women's horizons and help them to better understand themselves and the world around them.
How have you seen a progression in the interest in female-only travel since the founding of Adventures in Good Company?
Since its founding in 1999, Adventures in Good Company has seen a significant increase in the interest in female-only travel. At the time of its launch, there were limited options available for women who wanted to travel solo or engage in adventurous activities in a supportive and empowering environment. However, over the past two decades, the travel industry has evolved to meet the needs and interests of female travelers. Today, there are a plethora of female-only travel companies offering a diverse range of trips and activities that cater to women's interests and preferences.
One of the driving forces behind the growth of female-only travel is the increasing number of women who are traveling solo. Female-only travel companies provide a supportive and safe environment for women to explore new destinations, seek adventure and personal growth, and connect with other women who share their interests and values. Additionally, the growing awareness of the challenges that women face while traveling, including safety concerns and gender-based discrimination, has led to an increased demand for female-only travel options.
Overall, the interest in female-only travel has grown significantly since Adventures in Good Company was founded in 1999, driven by factors such as the rise of the solo female traveler, the need for safe and supportive travel spaces, and the increasing awareness of women's unique travel needs and preferences.
How have you made a unique image compared to other female-only travel groups?
Adventures in Good Company specializes in active travel, offering trips such as hiking, kayaking, and cultural immersion.
We typically keep our group sizes small, with a maximum of 12 participants per trip. This allows for a more personalized and intimate travel experience, as well as greater flexibility and customization of the itinerary.
We also place a strong emphasis on skill-building and education, offering trips that allow participants to learn new skills such as lightweight backpacking or map navigation. This focus on skill-building sets us apart from other women-only travel companies that may primarily offer leisure travel experiences.
We are committed to practicing sustainable and responsible travel, including reducing waste and minimizing their impact on the environment. We also prioritize working with local communities and supporting local businesses.
Overall, we have carved out a unique niche in the women-only travel industry by offering active and adventurous trips with a focus on skill-building and sustainable travel practices, all while keeping group sizes small to provide a personalized and intimate experience for participants.
How are you looking to expand in the following years?
Adventures in Good Company are looking to expand in three key ways:
Expanding our range of destinations and trip offerings. While we have always offered a diverse range of trips, we are continually looking for new and exciting destinations to add to our portfolio.
Expanding our digital presence and make it easier for customers to find and book trips online. We have invested in our website and social media channels to improve the user experience and make it easier for customers to browse and book trips.
Expand our community outreach efforts, including partnerships with other women's organizations and non-profits. We believe that by working together, we can create more opportunities for women to explore the world and build connections with each other.
What do you recommend for women looking to get into female-centric travel?
Connect with other women who share your passion for adventure and explore the world together. By joining a community of female travelers, you can find support, inspiration, and encouragement to pursue your travel dreams.
Research female-centric travel companies: By booking a trip with a female-centric travel company, women can connect with other like-minded travelers and have an experience that is tailored to their needs and interests.
Join women's travel groups: There are many online communities and social media groups for women who love to travel. Joining these groups can be a great way to connect with other women who share your passion for adventure and explore new destinations together.
Attend women's travel events: These events can provide a great opportunity to network with other female travelers, learn about new destinations and travel trends, and get inspiration for your next adventure.
Start small: If you're new to adventure travel or traveling solo, it's a good idea to start with smaller trips that are closer to home. This can help you build confidence and gain experience before embarking on more challenging adventures.
What are your top tips of what to avoid when planning female-centric travel?
For solo travelers trying out an Adventures in Good Company trip for the first time, we invite you to just show up. The beauty of group travel is that someone else does all the heavy lifting for logistics; we book the lodging, we organize the daily activities, we make sure the chefs and restaurants know that you can’t have cilantro! We also partner with knowledgeable local partners, so don’t feel like you have to endlessly research the place, culture or customs. Adventures in Good Company does that for you so you can enjoy your trip while being surprised and delighted!
Phone: 970-833-3132 or 1-877-439-4042 | Website: adventuresingoodcompany.com | Email: info@goodadventure.com | Instagram: @adventuresingoodcompany | Facebook: Adventures in Good Company
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