Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a country in Central America with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, is renowned for its lush rainforests and rugged volcanoes. During this experience, travelers will hop from one hostel to another in search of greater and more thrilling adventures. After a relaxing first day in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, the group will travel to La Fortuna, a small town putatively considered the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Along the way, travelers will stop by the Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica, and visit a community coffee project to learn about coffee production. Once the group arrives at La Fortuna, the real adventure will begin. From rappelling down waterfalls to whitewater rafting and paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, there is no shortage of adrenaline-inducing activities for travelers to experience. From La Fortuna, the group will then head to the cloud forest of Monteverde, where they will fly across the canopy on ziplines. Other activities on offer include visiting the butterfly garden, horseback riding and checking out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and other wildlife. 

This 6-day experience starts at $391 per person and includes accommodation, 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch and transportation. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

Make a Difference in the Beauty of Cape Town

Though Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its natural beauty and seemingly endless outdoor activities, the city also faces many challenges. The “Volunteer in South Africa” trip lets enrollees tailor their abilities to help out, offering programs in sports development, kindergarten teaching, special needs care and surfing, skating and swimming. This program is available year-round, with accommodations in volunteer houses. Participants have weekends free to explore Cape Town, head inland for a safari, or see area attractions such as Table Mountain and the Garden Route. This trip is run by International Volunteer HQ, which has helped more than 110,000 people to volunteer abroad in more than 50 different destinations. The trip lasts at least one week with a cost of $325 and up to 24 weeks with a cost of $6,955.

Hike the Portuguese Way on the Camino

Embark on a transformative journey with AdventureWomen as the traveler hikes the final 71.5 miles of the Portuguese Way on Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago. This women-only adventure begins in the historic town of Tui and leads the traveler through rolling Galician countryside, charming medieval villages, and vibrant towns such as Pontevedra and Padron. Pontevedra, brimming with old-town vibes, sustainable lifestyles, and extremely high walkability, is also home to the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, uniquely shaped like a seashell. Padron, known for its scenic riverside location, is native to Padron peppers, small edible green peppers that are mostly mild, but occasionally give the recipient’s tongue a spicy palette. Legend also has it that the city is connected to St. James, as the body of James was brought by boat from Jerusalem. Along the way, explore ancient roads, centuries-old churches, and local traditions while enjoying regional cuisines and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Designed for active women, this trip requires good physical fitness, with daily hikes of 10-15 miles over varied terrain including forest paths and cobbled streets. The traveler’s luggage is transferred each day, so the full experience of the trail can be felt with just a daypack. Stay in welcoming country inns and guesthouses that offer comfort and authentic Galician hospitality. Highlights include soaking in the thermal waters of Caldas de Reis, sampling fresh seafood and Albarino wine, and earning your official Compostela certificate upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela. The certificate, or “pilgrim passport,” written all in Latin, is obtained once the traveler walks the distance to Santiago and collects stamps for it–at least two a day, and then at the end, once presented to the Pilgrim’s Office, the certificate is obtained. With expert local guides, cultural immersion, and AdventureWomen’s signature spirit of connection and empowerment, this journey is more than a hike–it’s a meaningful pilgrimage of discovery, both outward and inward. Step into history, friendship, and personal growth on the Camino de Santiago.

AdventureWomen is a women-owned and women-run travel company founded in 1982 by Susan Eckert to create empowering adventure trips exclusively for women. In 2016, the company was passed on to Judi Wineland and her daughters, Erica and Nicole, who today continue the mission of inspiring women through travel and adventure. Today they offer life-changing trips to 60+ countries. This 9-day trip is $7,195 per person, and includes private accommodations for solo travelers.

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Surf with Kids in Capetown, South Africa

Work in an adventure club for 12-14-year-old children who come from disadvantaged areas of Cape Town. The club is primarily focused on surfing and swim lessons, and volunteers will receive free surf lessons (no surfing exp. necessary, but must be able to swim!). Local kids will be taught sports, hikes, and life lessons (HIV, drugs, etc.). Volunteers will work with children 2-5 days a week and can spend their mornings relaxing on the beach, learning to surf, or helping out in a school. Afternoons are spent doing activities through the adventure club with 5-20 different children! On the trip, volunteers will have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city, Cape Town, and explore Table Mountain National Park, see African Penguins, and explore beautiful hiking trails throughout the area!  The min length for this trip is 14 days for $990, and the maximum length is 8 weeks for $2,730.  Upcoming Departures: Every Friday.

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