Empowering Women Through Adventure Travel
iBestTravel is one of the leading adventure travel organizations dedicated to women. The owner, Jennifer Haddow, has witnessed the transformative power of travel among women and has made it her mission to inspire women to embrace the outdoors.
Changes in the Adventure Travel Industry Over Three Decades
Initially, when we offered canoe trips exclusively for women, the concept was often met with skepticism. People questioned, ‘Why would women want to do that?’ This negativity has, however, transformed significantly over the past 30 years. Today, women’s travel in the adventure sector is widely embraced and has become mainstream.
The demographic of adventure-seeking women has also evolved. Many of these women are ‘Renaissance Women’—retired or in transition, seeking new beginnings through adventure. This makes adventure travel particularly healing for women looking to redefine themselves beyond the typical athletic stereotype.
The Importance of Female-Led Outfitting in Adventure Travel
In the early days, women were often not considered for leadership roles in adventure travel. The need for female-focused organizations became clear when women began forming their own groups to figure out how to travel together, such as embarking on hiking or kayaking trips. Many companies failed to meet this demand, often overlooking the unique perspectives women brought to the industry.
When iBestTravel emerged, it was driven by a genuine interest in addressing women’s needs. It created a space for sisterhood, community, and leadership opportunities—elements still lacking in the broader travel market.
The Impact of Expeditions on Women
Many women yearn for the adventurous spirit they felt in their youth. After dedicating years to family and stability, they seek to reconnect with their passions. iBestTravel aims to facilitate this reconnection through female-led tours, creating an empowering and supportive environment.
When you join a trek led by a strong local woman, such as a Mongolian horsewoman, the experience can be profoundly inspiring. This creates a realization within women that they are capable of anything when they see others leading with strength and confidence.
Finding Local Tour Guides
iBestTravel takes pride in ensuring that all tours are led by local women. This commitment means we do not send Canadians to conduct tours in Mongolia; instead, we collaborate with local experts who are deeply rooted in their communities.
We are hands-on in selecting women who lead our tours, ensuring they not only have the necessary qualifications but also embody the essence of what iBestTravel stands for. Our goal is to empower and uplift local women by giving them appropriate training opportunities and platforms where they can share their stories.
Working with Women Porters on the Inca Trail
For the past seven years, iBestTravel has been offering unique treks on the Inca Trail, focusing on elevating the role of women in guiding and porter positions. This initiative became apparent when we observed other companies successfully hiring women porters and realized we could support this important cause.
Understanding the challenges facing women in the region is crucial. We approach this endeavor carefully, working closely with local communities to empower women in their efforts rather than impose our Western ideals. By collaborating with local organizations, such as the Awamaki Tourism Academy, we strive to provide women with necessary training and resources to advance their careers in the tourism sector.
Navigating Inca Trail Porter Issues
Many travelers seek budget-friendly trips to the Inca Trail, often resulting in exploitation of local porters. At iBestTravel, we believe in fair compensation, paying approximately 19 percent more than the industry average for our porters. We emphasize that our clients understand the importance of supporting local communities and avoiding “bad tourism.” By prioritizing ethical practices, we hope to inspire conscious travel choices that benefit both travelers and locals.
