After an initial day spent in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, travelers will take a day trip to visit the archaeological remains of Samarra, a UNESCO world heritage site and the only Islamic capital that retains its original plan, architecture and arts.
Read MoreExplore the Land of Fire and Ice in Iceland
Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, is known for its dramatic and contrasting natural landscapes. It is characterized by its active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and extensive glaciers. Iceland’s unique geological features, such as the volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla, and massive glaciers like Vatnajökull, contribute to this nickname. The nation is also known for its stunning natural phenomena, including the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) and its vast terrains, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Travelers will begin the journey in the capital of Reykjavik, to become familiarized with the group. Depart for the South Coast to the guesthouse, the home base for the week. After stopping at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, travelers will take a ferry to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Visit the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, just below the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. At Reynisfjara, travelers will have a chance to marvel at the basalt columns and hear the legends of the stone trolls. Move on to venture into the scenic Valley of Thor, a stunning and remote highland nature reserve. Here, travelers will take a “Super Jeep” to see dramatic and captivating landscapes, with views of Sólheimajökull’s famous glacier, black volcanic sands, and more. While hiking at Skógafoss, visit its famous waterfall, one of the most beautiful sceneries in Iceland. Head back to Reykjavik on the final day. Explore the city one last time, before leaving for final departure.
This is a 5 day trip that costs $2,395 led by Under30 Experiences, which caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.
Teach Refugees Art and Music in Jordan
For those interested in teaching art and music, volunteers have the opportunity to aid in facilitating workshops for refugees, helping them make positive impacts within their own lives and communities. Volunteers will teach students art and music while focusing on themes such as diversity, gender equity and sustainability.
Read MoreFrom Marrakech to the Sahara
Take a journey through the diverse landscapes of Morocco, where the sand dunes of the western Sahara desert transport travelers to another world. From the lively tea houses of Marrakech to the historic citadels that tower above the desert, Morocco unfolds natural wonders and vibrant culture before its visitors. At the Todra Gorge, the journey’s first stop, travelers will descend winding limestone canyons overlooking the flowing river below. In Merzouga, the group will have the chance to ride camels in their natural habitat amongst the hulking red dunes of the desert before sharing stories with locals by the fire. On the way to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the group will traverse the Route of 1000 Kasbahs with its rich red fortresses before wandering the narrow alleys and beautiful architecture of Aït Ben Haddou. In Marrakech, the group will visit the ornate Bahia Palace and historical landmarks like the Saadian Tombs while breathing in the beauty of the Red City.
This is a seven-day trip and costs $419. It is a G Adventures’ 18-Thirtysomethings trip geared toward young, budget-minded travelers. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.
Road Trip through Northern Pakistan
Visit the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, known for being some of the most beautiful on Earth. Explore Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, before flying north to Chitral. Experience an animistic culture in the Kalasha Valleys before adventuring on rope bridges, exploring glaciers and journeying into the high mountains.
Read MoreHike the Inca Trail
The trip begins with an arrival in Cusco and a short hike to start acclimating to the high altitude. The following day the hike begins in Chinchero and includes some farm work. Chinchero, while a small village, has many Incan ruins and is home to Peruvian weavers.
Read MoreHike the Portuguese Way on the Camino
Embark on a transformative journey with AdventureWomen to hike 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 in Galicia, Spain and leads the traveler through rolling 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. 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.
This 9-day trip is $7,195 per person. The trip is led by AdventureWomen, 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.
Volunteer in Peru with Indigenous Communities
Participants are placed in small communities, where they live with an Indigenous Andean family.
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