An increasing number of women are embracing adventure travel, according to a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions survey, which found that 66% of women said they were interested in adventure, while 73% reported being eager to experience new ways in which to travel.
The survey, which polled 2,000 Americans, also found that 40% said their interest in adventure travel was fueled by curiosity – without fear or hesitation. “And that appetite only grows with time, with more than a third of women reporting they become more curious later in life.”
The surge in women’s interest in adventure travel is driven by a desire for active engagement, immersive learning, and meaningful connection rather than passive observation or checking destinations off a list.
“What I see, both in the data and personally on our expeditions, is that women are not looking to be passive observers, said National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy. “They want to engage, to learn, to connect – to truly understand the places they visit.”
Furthermore, Leahy noted that the “next generation of women is redefining what it means to explore in a very intentional way. It’s less about checking destinations off a list and more about how a place makes you think and feel.”
Additionally, the company is also witnessing an increase in women traveling solo – and across generations – selecting “journeys that create lasting connections — to nature, to other people, and to themselves, Leahy said. “They are confident in seeking experiences that challenge them and expand their perspective.”
In addition to curiosity, other issues drawing increasing numbers of women to adventure travel include learning and a connection to nature, which Leahy noted are at the heart of what National Geographic Lindblad offers its guests.
“Our guests are not just looking to visit a place – they want to understand it, to feel connected to it and to leave with a deeper perspective than when they arrived,” she said. “Whether it’s traveling with National Geographic experts, hearing directly from scientists in the field, or simply spending time in some of the most pristine places on Earth, we create opportunities for guests to learn in a way that feels immersive and personal.”
“Ultimately, when people connect with the natural world in a meaningful way, they also feel a stronger sense of responsibility to protect it,” Leahy added. “That’s the lasting impact we hope to create with every expedition.”
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