Female-Focused Travel Inspiration for International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, many destinations and properties across the world seek to celebrate women not just that day, but every day of the year, with female-focused programs and trips for both solo and group female travelers. Women looking for inspiration on where to enjoy a safe but memorable trip, consider these places:

© Courtesy of Naya Traveler

Naya Traveler’s Women-Only Journey Through Morocco

Naya Traveler offers this gender-focused trip to uncover the beauty and culture of Morocco through the eyes and experiences of women. This travel begins in the medieval city of Fez and ventures through the mountains to the oasis of Skoura and Berber villages of the High Atlas. Led by a female host, travelers delve into grassroots women cooperatives, crafts ateliers and private dinners with leading women academics and artists. In the High Atlas, visit an all-girls school and meet teachers and students whose lives changed because of education.

In Fez, enjoy a traditional Moroccan pottery workshop and a visit to a resorted private riad. A local female artist accompanies travelers through Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat, and travelers can even meet with a traditional designer to create personal kaftans, using fabrics and embellishments found at the local souk. This tour experience ends in Marrakesh.

© Courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas

Wellness Programs at Ananda in the Himalayas

Situated on 100 acres in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda in the Himalayas features a prayer room and temple once home to Ma Anandamayi, an Indian saint and yoga guru. Guests at this wellness retreat are constantly surrounded by a strong feminine energy, with programs specifically designed to address the ever-evolving stages of a woman’s body and mind. Incorporating Ananda’s philosophy, programs target different focuses in women’s lives and help women become their best selves.

© Courtesy of Eat Like a Local Mexico City

Eat Like a Local Mexico City

This fun tour operator recently launched Badass Mexican Women Food Adventure, where travelers can eat around Mexico City while learning stories from six inspiring Mexican women. Using food to tell their stories, this tour covers the misunderstood Malitzin and the courageous women who helped migrants during their search for a better life. Highlights include walking around the lesser-known Colonia Escandón and learning about female freedom fighters, businesswomen, writers, activist cooks, the first legal transgender in the country’s history and an indigenous lobbyist.

A female-owned and -operated company, Eat Like a Local Mexico City seeks to empower women through mentorship and create job opportunities to allow women in local communities to care for their children and explore economic opportunities. This new tour accommodates up to six people per tour, offered Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. Visit here or email rocio@eatlikealocal.com.mx to book a tour.

© Courtesy of Naya Traveler

Solo Journey in Spain with Naya Traveler

Naya Traveler also offers personalized solo travel experiences through Southern Spain, where travelers accompany a local history buff to learn about the confluence of Christian and Muslim heritage in Andalucia and an expert guide during a bike tour of Seville. This female-friendly solo tour skips the more touristy spots, instead bringing travelers to more local spots such as Le Carboneria where Sevillanos frequent. In Cordoba, meet a scholar at Cassa Defarad, a historical Jewish Center, to learn about Jewish history and heritage in Spain. Take a tapas tour with a local foodie in Granda and have lunch with a view at Alhambra: El Huerto de Juan Ranas. This trip includes hand-picked hotels and accommodations.

© Courtesy of Las Catalinas

Female-Centric Programs and Experiences at Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

In the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, the seaside, car-free town of Las Catalinas is a great way for female travelers to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Beach Town Travel, a Las Catalinas-based travel agency, offers the new Re-Balance Retreats, in which travelers are provided a space where they can access practices to support their physical, mental and spiritual health. This retreat starts with morning yoga on Santarena Hotel’s rooftop with ocean views, where other like-minded women enjoy meditating and visualizing and talking about what balance and purpose mean for each of them.

At Center of Joy, the town’s wellness center, enjoy a sound healing journey. This space also offers other wellness-focused activities. At CORE by Chakfitness, enjoy cardio classes and private training, while indulging in massages and facials at WAKE Day Spa. Go mountain biking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at Pura Vida Ride, and taste healthy dishes and wines at Copper & Stone.