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the galapagos islands

uganda mountain gorillas

sri lanka

egypt and jordan

c e l e b r a t i n g o v e r

30 yearsO F A M A Z I N G J O U R N E Y S

Personal Journeys of the Heart

“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

In looking at the variety of amazing AdventureWomen trips we are o�ering in 2016, I started to think about why I decide to pick certain trips each year. It’s not always a totally conscious decision, but oftentimes the decisions come from experiences I’ve had on past trips, my dreams about future destinations, inspiring people I’ve met, the animals I’ve photographed or interacted with, and for the countless other reasons why AdventureWomen exists.

In 2015 we did an exciting and inspirational trip in Namibia, Southern Africa. Spectacular scenery, desert adapted wildlife, wonderful people, a great guide—all combined to make this experience one of the most memorable and magni�cent safaris we have ever done. One of the best parts of it was visiting the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia, founded by Dr. Laurie Marker, an American who has devoted her life to saving the endangered cheetah.

We learned so much at CCF, and the example of Laurie’s dedicationto this cause inspired us all. Having lived in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and caring not only about the people and their culture, but also endangered animals and our fragile earth, this kind of experience becomes so very special, not only for me, but for the women who come on our trips.

Here are some of our 2016 trips that I feel are stand outs when it comes to endangered species, interactions with people, little known destinations, as well as being supportive of the events happening in this world that make our journeys so worthwhile.

�e Galapagos Islands is the greatest natural wildlife show on earth! We see wildlife and plant life as unspoiled as Charles Darwin found itto be when he was inspired to write �e Origin of Species 150 years ago. He viewed the Galapagos Islands as a living laboratory, a place where evolution was visible. It still is, and we hope it will remain that way.

Uganda is home to over half the world’s remaining endangeredMountain Gorillas. Few wilderness experiences can compare withthe thrill and privilege of seeing them in their natural habitat, observing mothers, babies, and the male silverbacks from a few feet away. �is is a powerful one-of-a-kind wildlife experience that rede�nes unforgettable, and we want it to stay that way by supporting the Ugandan people who have embraced saving the gorillas, which supports tourism, and thereby the peopleof Uganda.

Sri Lanka is a little-known UNESCO landmark island destination on the ancient Spice Trail, bursting with wonder and unexpected beauty—and full of surprises! Did you know it has a community of indigenous inhabitants, the largest density of wild leopards in the world, and the awesome wildlife spectacle called “the Gathering,” the largest seasonally recurring concentration of wild elephants on earth! We want to get there before everyone else discovers it, and it changes.

No country on earth boasts a more noble history than Egypt, perhaps unequaled worldwide in its splendor, powerful temples and monuments, and its prodigious contribution to world culture. �e Great Pyramidsat Giza are the only surviving structures from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and are joined by another iconic experience, Petra in Jordan. One of our all-time most populartrips EVER, it’s time to return.

�e next few years will be a very historic time for traveling to Cuba. �e recent developments in U.S.- Cuba relations o�ers travelers a window of opportunity to visit the country before it changes forever. With relaxed restrictions to the island nation, more travel companies are now o�ering programs to Cuba, and with an in�ux of American tourists, the culture will inevitably be transformed. We want to see Cuba now, while traditional Cuban culture is still strong, healthy and alive!

And last but not least, after the horri�c earthquake in Nepal this year, we need to support the Nepalese people and help bring back tourism into the country. We’ll return to the mountains of Nepal for our low-altitude, lodge-based Himalayan trek, mellow river rafting, and safari with elephants into Bengal tiger habitat, juxtaposed with Kathmandu sightseeing. Lodge-based instead of camping, our trek allows for an easier pace and produces less impact on trails from porters and pack animals.

“Oh the places you’ll go.” —Dr. Seuss

—Anna Quindlan

It’s looking to be a �ne year for soulful adventures. Won’t you join us in 2016?

Susan L. EckertPresident and Founder, AdventureWomen Inc.

the life you have led

doesn’t need to bet h e o n ly l i f e

you have.

1. January 24 - 30

�e Best Women’s Downhill SkiClinic: Montana, the Last Best PlaceBeginner to Advanced

2. Jan 31 - February 6

Yellowstone Winter WonderlandModerate

3. February 26 - March 4

Hiking the French Riviera on France’s Cote d’AzurModerate

4. March 9 - 19

�e Best of Ecuador: Galapagos Islands Cruise & CuencaModerate

5. April 2 - 17

Hiking New Zealand’s South IslandModerate

6. May 5 - 14 October 13 - 22

Cuba: Savoring Her Music, Cuisine,and Arts While You Still CanModerate

7. May 13 - 25Botswana “Wing” Safari: Fly toLuxuryTented Camps from theOkavango Delta to Victoria FallsModerate

8. May 14 - 22 September 24 - Oct 2

Hiking the Amal� Coast in ItalyModerate with 1 day High Energy

9. June 11 - 18

Alaska Bear Viewing and WildlifeSafari: America’s Last FrontierModerate

10. July 8 - 17

Horseback Riding in Iceland: Land of Fire and IceModerate/High Energy. Strong intermediate-experienced riders only.

11. July 16 - 22

Montana Hiking: Big Sky Country& YellowstoneModerate to High Energy

12. July 30 - August 12

Exotic Sri Lanka: A UNESCO World Heritage DestinationModerate

13. October 8 - 16

Walking and Wine in Provence, FranceModerate

14. October 14 - 27

Uganda: �e Ultimate Wildlife Safari& Gorilla TrekModerate to possible High Energy

15. October 14 - 28

Egypt’s Mysteries and Jordan’s Petra: Wonders of the WorldModerate

16. October 20 - Nov 4

Nepal Annapurna Lodge Trek in the HimalayasModerate with 2 days of High Energy

Our guests are:Women who range in age from 30s through 60s and better.

Our only criteria is that you be over 30, and in very good physical condition.

Flexible and self-su�cient with a good sense of humor, since adventure vacations necessitate being a good

natured realist.

Traveling solo, often for the �rst time. She may also share the fun with friends, mothers, daughters, sisters—an opportunity for a much deserved “girlfriend getaway.”

Interested in an active vacation, meeting new friends, challenging herself with a new activity or skill, and

has an adventurous spirit.

From everywhere in the U.S.A. and from all over the world. 70% of Adventure Women are repeat customers!

W W W . A D V E N T U R E W O M E N . C O M

(800) 804-8686 (406) 587-3883fax: 406 587-9449 [email protected] Running Horse Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715

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fun, fulfillment and

discovery. explore your

adventurous spirit

and join us on the trip

of a lifetime!

W W W. A D V E N T U R E W O M E N . C O M

20162 0 1 6 T R I P C A L E N D A R

camaraderieActually, you probably won’t travel solo on more than one AdventureWomen vacation, because you’ll meet new friends for life. �ere is joy in the camaraderie and spontaneous laughter on a trip,as you learn new things about yourself, your companions, and the world around you.

I haven’t laughed that much and been so totally relaxed in ages. It truly was my favorite vacation of all time. I still haven’t come downto earth...You run a great operation. I knew the �rst day, when I found out how many AdventureWomen veterans were on the trip, thatAdventureWomen was a class act. Repeat customers is the highest praise there is. —B. Stefani, Michigan

cultural interactionAt AdventureWomen, we believe travel is one of the greatest tools we have for promoting world peace and understanding among cultures. We’ve donated books to schools on our “Humanitarian” trips in Bhutan, danced with an entire village in New Guinea, and were invited to share in a Hill Tribe wedding on our recent trip in Laos. �ere is a deep spiritual enrichment that occurs when you encounter diverse cultures for the �rst time, and you will discover that all citizens of the world share one heart and one soul.

personal momentsIn our very busy family and professional lives, we often don’t take time for ourselves—to re�ect, relax, to discover the exhilaration of achievement as we stretch beyond our boundaries, and to rediscover what is important in our lives.I wanted to let you know how much one little trip can really save aperson’s soul. I was (and I still am), a very busy mom with three small children. Traveling without them reminded me of who I am when I am not so desperately needed. Oh how liberating that is! �is [trip] made him[my husband] quite happy that he had given me a gift that really madea di�erence—to me and the entire family. Everything just seems to run more smoothly when mommy has her sanity. �ank so much for helping me to get it back! —C. Stageberg, Colorado

experiencing things you thoughtyou’ d never get to doOn Good Morning America today I watched Charlie Gibson’s accountof his summer vacation in Alaska. When the scenes of Talkeetna Airport appeared, along with those of a bush plane �ying around Mt. McKinley,I experienced one of those great “I was there!” moments. �e same feelings thrill me when I see a windjammer under full sail, or scenes of a cattle drive out west.�ank you for making all those experiences available to me.�e memories are alive and well, and thank you again for opening the doors to those adventures. —J. Schreiber, Illinois

Our guests have had some incredible stories to share about their trips with AdventureWomen. We hope you will too!

Why do women travel with u s?50 Tours of a Lifetime

chosen 2013 National Geographic Traveler’s