Intrepid Travel, one of the world’s largest experiential travel companies, has introduced four new Women’s Expeditions to mark International Women’s Day, giving female travelers an opportunity to learn about the everyday lives and challenges facing women around the world.

The women-only tours, led by female guides, provide a unique insight into the lives of women in Kenya, India, Nepal and Turkey. Travelers will meet people from all walks of life and hear their inspiring stories, from Becky, the first female overland truck driver in East Africa, to Syrian refugees forging a new life in Istanbul.

These trips include experiences that would otherwise be off-limits on regular departures, such as swimming on a female-only beach in Antalya or celebrating the female-only Gangur Festival in Rajasthan. Intrepid says “they build on the success of the original Women’s Expeditions in the Middle East, launched on International Women’s Day 2018. The range has proven one of the most popular in Intrepid’s 30-year history, growing from just four departures to 36 in the space of a few months”.

Intrepid’s global product manager Jenny Gray said: “These new tours follow an incredible response to the launch of our first three Women’s Expeditions. The #MeToo era is making its mark on travel – our female travelers want to hear the stories and struggles of women around the globe.”

The new trips include:

Kenya: Women’s Expedition (10 days)

Journey through Kenya with Becky, the first female overland truck driver in East Africa on this unique expedition. Starting and finishing in Nairobi, you’ll visit women-only villages, safari in iconic and lesser known National Parks such as Samburu and Mount Kenya, join a cooking class with local women in Samburu National Reserve and swim in thermal baths in Hell’s Gate National Park. Meet Kenya’s female wildlife rangers and understand the challenges they face in a male dominated industry. You’ll also spend time at Umoja Village, a women’s-only Manyatta (settlement) which offers sanctuary for survivors of genital mutilation, rape, and forced
marriages, and hear their stories. Finally, you’ll visit the au Mau caves and hear how women played a key role in helping the Mau Mau war veteran win the war against colonial rule. From US $3,215 per person.

Turkey: Women’s Expedition (12 days)

Meet the women changing the face of tourism in Turkey and learn about fascinating ancient traditions on this new trip from Intrepid. Beginning in Istanbul, you’ll spend an afternoon with some Syrian women and discover how they are trying to put their displaced lives back in order. From there, you’ll head out to sea with a female skipper in Üça??z and learn about Intrepid’s efforts to improve female participation in Turkey’s tourism industry. In beautiful Cappadocia, hike among the fairy chimneys and enjoy a home-cooked meal in a cave with a local family. Enjoy a soak in an Ottoman-style hammam in Istanbul and learn about this ancient woman’s ritual before taking a dip in the Mediterranean on a women’s only beach in Antalya. Take part in ‘alt?n günü’ or Gold Day Eskisehir, a day for women to socialize and gift gold to a friend in need. From US $1,720 per person.

Nepal: Women’s Expedition (13 days)

Join an all-female hiking crew for an unforgettable trek in Pokhara on this inspiring new trip from Intrepid. As very few women have the chance to become mountain guides, Intrepid is working with local suppliers to train and empower women from local communities in this field. Hear first-hand how these women are breaking tradition and becoming breadwinners for their families. You’ll also visit Seven Women, an organization empowering marginalized women through education, skills training and income generation – and cook some delicious Nepalese food. From US $1,895 per person.

India: Women’s Expedition (12 days)

Led by one of Intrepid’s amazing female guides, travelers will celebrate the female-only Gangur Festival in Rajasthan, with Rangoli making, henna painting, dance show, and traditional dress. Enjoy a home-cooked meal at the home of a local family in Delhi and explore Jaipur with the female rickshaw drivers. Shop for clothes, accessories and crafts in support of the development and empowerment of marginalized women and girls in Rajasthan and visit the center where they produce their creations. Finally, stop by a cafe run solely by female acid attack survivors and hear the heart breaking yet overwhelmingly inspirational stories of perseverance and strength. From US $1,215 per person.

Intrepid Travel, www.intrepidtravel.com/womens-expeditions