Women's Adventure Travel Bucket List 2023

5 Best Places For Women's Adventure Travel 2023

1. Australia 

Australia is a fascinating mecca of diverse ecology and geography. About 90% of the population lives on the ocean since most of the continent is a vast desert. Australia boasts the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world — The Great Barrier Reef — which is made up of nearly 2,500 individual reefs that can be seen from space. 

From the desolate arid deserts of the Outback to tropical rainforests and snow-capped peaks, Australia is a popular destination for women’s adventure travel. Did you know that Australia has 60 different wine regions to explore? 

Road Scholar offers many tours through the Australian continent, from ocean voyages and train treks to hiking tours and more. Here are a few of our favorites.

• An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef

On this 17-day tour of Australia’s greatest offerings, women’s adventure travelers will snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, explore the giant red rock formation known as Uluru and go behind the scenes at the Sydney Opera House. 

• Walking Australia: From Tasmania to the Great Ocean Road

Join local experts to discover national parks and pristine coastlines on this 16-day walking tour. Experience Tasmania’s wilderness with guided walks through Mole Creek Karst, Cradle Mountain, and Freycinet National Park. Take the Great Ocean Walk along Victoria’s coastline. Get up close and personal with Australia’s native animals like wallabies, wombats, koalas and platypuses.

• Great Australian Train Trek

Take in the vastness of the Australian countryside on a 27-day train trek. Marvel at the views out your window from Australia’s two iconic trains: the Indian Pacific across the Nullarbor Plain and the Ghan from Darwin to Alice Springs. Enjoy a boat cruise through Kakadu National Park and attend a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House. You'll never forget this month-long women's adventure in Australia!

2. Singapore

Singapore is widely considered to be a very safe country for women travelers. Known for its impressive architecture, street food markets, and luxury shopping malls, Singapore is easy to navigate with the help of public transportation.

Road Scholar offers an epic world tour on the Queen Mary 2 that stops at Singapore for a few magical days. On days 75 and 76 of the 113-day world tour, you'll visit Singapore's UNESCO Heritage site — The Botanical Gardens — home to Singapore's first rubber trees. On this stop, travelers will visit the Old Singapore Parliament House, the Singapore History Museum, the Fort Canning Spice Garden and a traditional Peranakan home.

3. South Africa

Archbishop Desmond Tutu called South Africa a “Rainbow Nation” for its variety of natural wonders and diverse people. With some of the world’s best surf beaches, wine regions surrounded by rugged mountains, inspiring hikes and vibrant cities, South Africa offers a host of options for women’s adventures.

• Southern Africa Safari and Train Adventure: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls

See South Africa while chugging along in the Rovos Rail, a luxurious private train, to Victoria Falls. Along the way, the train will make stops for wildlife sightings. On this 16-day travel tour, guests will also take a boat excursion on the Chobe River, go on safari game drives and explore Cape Town, with its rich history and controversial cultural heritage. 

• Southern Africa Birding Safari: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana

This birding safari takes a close look at over 400 different species of birds throughout beautiful South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana on this 15-day Road Scholar bird safari. Travelers will explore the diverse habitats of four countries with local experts, spotting unique wildlife and learning about local culture. 

4. Portugal and Spain

Portugal and Spain are two of the safest countries in the world, making both excellent choices for women’s trips in 2023. 

​​The Iberian countries of Spain and Portugal share a peninsula, climate, and common history. Portugal enjoys a diverse and unique culture, from the neighborhoods of ancient Lisbon and medieval Porto to the volcanic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores. Portugal is defined by its long, beach-lined coast, mountainous north, and arid plain in the south. Spain is also known for its beautiful beaches but is mainly a highland plateau straddled by mountain ranges.

Both Spaniards and Portuguese are friendly and laid-back people who enjoy the delicious food of their homeland: fresh seafood, olive oil, rich tapas, spicy chorizo, and of course, wine. Road Scholar has curated a number of amazing tours through Spain and Portugal that are perfect for women travelers in 2023. Here is one of our favorites.

• Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia

Discover the music, architecture, and foods of the Iberian region as you embark on an educational journey. On this 15-day tour of Portugal and Spain, travelers will visit UNESCO Heritage Sites, Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces, and picturesque villages. This Road Scholar tour allows you to explore the countryside and immerse yourself in the culture as you dine with a local Andalusian family. 

5. Hawaii 

Along with its stunning beauty and perpetually warm weather, Hawaii is one of the safest states in the U.S. Hawaii has a low crime rate, which is why it is popular for women’s adventure travel, as well as travel for seniors. 

Here is one of Road Scholar’s most popular tours of the Hawaiian Islands that is perfect for women’s adventure travelers. 

• Tropical Splendor: Exploring the Hawaiian Islands

If you want a great women’s trip for 2023, look no further than the Hawaiian Islands. Road Scholar has curated an 11-day tour that lets you learn Hawaii’s story by sailing to each island with local experts at your side. You'll discover the diversity of the ecosystem of a private cloud forest preserve on the Big Island and see the cliffs of Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Kauai is home to the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, and Oahu is a history buff’s mecca. 

Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of women’s adventure travel tours to choose from worldwide. Our programs are designed to open the world to our scholars. No matter which educational learning adventure you choose, you'll be placed in a cohort of like-minded adventurers.

Each of our programs is led by local experts who will walk you through your destination's history, culture, traditions, and landscape. Our immersive experiences will allow you and your group members to partake in spirited conversations, learn more about the world, and return with lifelong friendships and memories.

Enroll in one of our Road Scholar tours today.