Tag Archives: solo travel

Adventure Travel, Cultural travel, International Travel, Solo Travel, Women Travel

Women Power the Surge of Solo-But-Not-Alone Travel

Agra, India. Several tour companies – G Adventures, Goway and Road Scholar among them – cater to travelers wanting to explore India solo but not alone © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

One of my favorite things about travel is how you stumble upon revelations – “eureka moments”. One of these came on my Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Coastal Maine trip in which I joined the swelling trend of women traveling solo (bike tours are ideal for this). We stopped at the Seal Cove Auto Museum where the exhibit, “Engines of Change: A Suffrage Centennial.” honored the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. What was so fascinating was learning that the bicycle, and later the car, were instrumental in the movement’s ultimate victory in winning the right to vote because it gave women the freedom and mobility to travel outside their own cocoons and spread the word. (Mobility is inherent in the very word “movement”.)

The Seal Cove Museum, visited on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Coastal Maine trip, pays homage to the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, noting that bicycles and cars were “Engines of Change.”© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Another interesting fact: it was Bertha Benz, inventor, business partner and wife of Karl Benz, who, fed up with her husband’s endless tinkering and reticence to take his invention on the road, on August 5, 1888, grabbed her children and became the first person to drive an automobile over a long distance (65 miles) – an astonishing break with social norms of the time.

Indeed, women are powering a growing movement toward solo travel, and travel companies are adapting – not only creating women-only tours and departures, but suspending single supplements on certain departures, or facilitating a shared room (with same-sex person) to avoid paying the single supplement.

Solo travel – dominated by women travelers – continues to surge in popularity, with more travelers jetting off on journeys alone.  In the United States, the  Solo Travel market, valued at $95 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $192 billion by 2030 according to Research and Markets.

While women-only travel companies developed early on, when women were uncomfortable traveling alone on a trip that likely would have couples or catered to men, as the culture has accepted that women are independent and as women have come to be independent and confident travelers, they have been seeking out the active, immersive, experiential and adventure travel programs that span the world. Now the active and adventure travel companies (hiking, biking and the like) are catering to solo travelers without distinction, though most of solo travelers are women (and women of a certain age).

No place is beyond the reach of solo travelers with adventure and active travel operators facilitating travel, like the four-day hiking/camping trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

These programs open up the world to women, who might like to travel alone, but not actually on their own, and immerse in exotic locales and cultures, get as physical as they like or go at a comfortable pace. Places as far flung as Bhutan, Uzbekistan, the Serengeti, Antarctica are no longer out of reach.

“Solo travel doesn’t have to mean traveling alone,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of United States Tour Operators Association. “Rather than navigating a destination entirely on their own, solo travelers can join guided tours that let them connect not only with the places they visit, but also with like-minded explorers.” 

Many members of The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) cater to solo travelers with dedicated itineraries, programming, and waived solo supplements that remove some of the traditional barriers of traveling on one’s own.  Here is a sampling of tours tailored to solo travelers by USTOA tour operator members: 

Angkor Wat rises out of the jungle. G Adventures has introduced a “Solo-ish” tour to Cambodia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures have reimagined solo group travel by placing community at the core with front-loaded itineraries to encourage quick connection. All of G Adventures’ Solo-ish Adventures are led by female guides and include a “Me Day” for independent exploration. The trips are designed exclusively for solo travelers aged 18 and up – 68 percent of whom are female. “No more worrying about being the odd one out — you’ll be travelling with a community of people stepping out on their own to welcome whatever the world brings their way.” There is an emphasis on providing security and safety to alleviate the main concern about traveling solo – such as complimentary arrival transfer to your first hotel. The tours also offer a discounted My Own Room option. For example, on the 10-day Solo-ish Cambodia tour, travelers trek through the lush jungles of the Cardamom Mountains, dive into the turquoise waters of Koh Rong, and indulge in local cuisine (from $1,349 pp). Other new tours: Solo-ish Sicily (8-days, $1784); Solo-ish Ecuador (7 days, $1049) as well as programs in Bali, Morocco, India, Belize, Morocco, Costa Rica, Mexico, Vietnam, Jordan, Guatemala, Egypt, Turkey, Nepal, Uzbekistan. “Where’s your heart calling you?’ (https://www.gadventures.com/solo-travel-tours/, 877 982 6201 (24/7), https://www.gadventures.com/)

Visiting the colorful souks of Marrakech, Morocco © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Goway recently launched a line of itineraries designed specifically for women traveling solo. All trips are tailored for female travelers and the price includes a private room. The 12-day Secrets of India: A Women’s Journey traces northern India’s heritage from Delhi to Agra. Travelers are immersed in Indian culture with small group touring, enriching museum and temple visits, a majestic boat ride in Lake Pichola where white marble palaces frame the shore, and a dining experience at Molecule Air Bar which combines gastronomy with theater. Departures are available in October and November 2026 and January and March 2027, priced from $6,785 pp (goway.com).

Agra, India. Several tour companies – G Adventures, Goway and Road Scholar among them – cater to travelers wanting to explore India solo but not alone © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

EF Go Ahead Tours offers curated trips for solo travelers that include a private room at no added cost, plenty of time to explore independently, as well as group activities designed to maximize bonding between travelers. The Ireland for Solo Travelers tour is a whirlwind cultural immersion with visits to Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and of course plenty of stops at pubs for pints of Guinness. Each activity is designed to maximize bonding between travelers.  Departures available through 2028, starting at $3,409 (goaheadtours.com) 

For solo travelers seeking value and fewer crowds, Globus offers Escapes itineraries with off-season savings and no single supplement on most of its departure dates. The eight-day Swiss Escape begins with sightseeing in Zurich and Neuchâtel with its medieval cathedrals and castles. Next up, spend a few days soaking in the grandeur of Lake Geneva before heading to Lucerne. The tour concludes in Lugano, the city famous for its blend of Swiss and Italian culture. 2026 departure dates are available in October, November, and December with prices starting at $1,799 (globusjourneys.com)

Abercombie & Kent offers 50% on single supplements for select 2026 journeys.  The company’s nine-day Glorious Gardens of England and Chelsea Flower Show journey centers on the world-renowned five-day extravaganza of brilliant blooms and expertly designed gardens. Guests will visit English castles and estates known for their immaculately designed grounds including an exclusive tour of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, where you’ll tour areas typically closed to the public.  Departs on May 13, 2026, price starts at $19,193 with single supplement savings (abercrombiekent.com) 

More tour operators offering tours for solo travelers can be found at ustoa.com/blog/national-plan-a-solo-vacation-day.  

Travel Companies Respond to Rise in Solo Travel

Wild Frontiers’ Rajasthan: Taj, Temples & Tigers offers a safari through India’s tiger reserve © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

More than 70 percent of passengers on Wild Frontiers’ small group tours are solo adventurers. Not only will Wild Frontiers match a solo traveler to share a room (to avoid paying a supplement), periodically the company will reduce or waive the supplement if there is no one to match, and, periodically, waives the supplement on select tours booked (a discount up to 100% of the supplement is presently running through March). Examples: Guatemala: Tikal & Beyond,16 days from $4,478; Mongolia: Nomads Of The Steppe,10 days, from $3954;Tanzania: Safari, Serengeti & Maasai Heartlands,10 days from $5499; Oman Desert Adventure: Wahiba Sands & Empty Quarter, 12 days from $5,451; Viva Colombia, 12 days from $5,375. Also:  Georgia and Armenia, experience the Silk Road in China, or go to the other end of the trade route to Turkey.

Update: Wild Frontiers is extending this solo travel deal on new bookings until April 14  to save 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% on single supplement costs for your own private room on a selection of group tours (https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_US/solo-offers)

“Traveling solo rarely means traveling alone. On our small-group tours, you’ll share extraordinary moments with like-minded travelers — then retreat to your own space when you need to reflect and recharge. You can travel as a single traveler on any of our vacations, from our escorted tours to our walking vacations.”(wildfrontierstravel.com, info@wildfrontiers.co.uk)

As it happens, because of demographics, the ardent traveling seniors who join Road Scholars (formerly known as Elderhostel) educational and experiential tours are often traveling solo and of these, a majority are women.

Petra, one of Jordan’s archaeological wonders. Road Scholars has introduced a new Exploration of Egypt & Jordan tour for solo travelers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

In response, Road Scholar has created a special collection of learning adventures for solo travelers. Many of the programs are dedicated to solo travelers, while others have specific dates for solos. Road Scholar’s Go Solo programs include: Explore Delhi, Agra & More Highlights of India, 12 days, from $3,899; The Splendor of Nepal, a new eight-day program, priced from $2,299; Classic Tuscany and the Treasures of Florence, a new 13-day trip priced from $6,999; The Best of Central Europe, a new 18-day program, from $8,799; A Taste of Costa Rica, a new 9-day program, from $2,849;Go Solo: Independent Buenos Aires, a new 10-day program, from$ 2,499; The Best of Bhutan, a new 17-day program, from $7,199; An Exploration of Egypt & Jordan, a new 15-day tour, from $8,399; Peru’s Sacred Valley, Lima & Machu Picchu, a new 9-day program, from $3,349 (https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/solo-only/). Road Scholar, roadscholar.org, 800-454-5768).

Bike Tours, River Cruises Are Ideal for Women Traveling Solo

Bruges to Amsterdam bike tour by boat: BoatBikeTours offers solo travelers the best of all worlds: biking and sailing on small barge hotels and sailing vessels © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

I have loved traveling solo on bike tours, where inevitably I am welcomed into the group, which tend to be small and caring (it could also be something self-selective about bike tour people). Also the ready availability of e-bikes level the playing field in physical ability to tackle hills or distance. Among the companies: Discovery Bicycle Tours (discoverybicycletours.com), BoatBikeTours (boatbiketours.com), Wilderness Voyageurs (wilderness-voyageurs.com). In addition, special experiences like the annual eight-day biking/camping Cycle the Erie trip organized by Parks and Trails NY (ptny.org) afford a phenomenal solo-but-part-of-group experience.

For a similar reason, river and canal cruises aboard small ships and barge hotels are also ideal for solo travelers..

For 2026, Tauck is removing the biggest obstacle to solo travel – the dreaded “single supplement”. Tauck is removing the single supplement on all Category 1 cabins for all its European river cruises (250+ departures in 2026), and offering up to $1,000 off single supplements on higher category cabins. This includes its new Bordeaux, Paris, & The Seine, sailing aboard the newly launched ms Serene.  In addition, Tauck is offering single supplement savings up to $600 across more than 100 land journeys spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and North America trips including the new A Week In… Nova Scotia (tauck.com).

5 Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers in 2026

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum. Taipei is considered one of the safest cities in the world for women traveling alone © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Women are embracing solo travel in a big way. Google searches for “solo female travel” jumped 44% in 2025 compared to the year before. 

But while more women are eager to explore on their own, safety is still the top priority when choosing where to go especially as global events continue to shape traveler confidence. 

InsureMyTrip took a closer look at the safest cities for women traveling solo. Using data from the Numbeo Crime & Safety Index, researchers focused on what matters most to women traveling alone: how safe it feels to walk alone (day and night), and lower risks of mugging, robbery, or physical attack. 

The 5 Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers in 2026

  • Taipei, Taiwan
  • Tampere, Finland
  • Tartu, Estonia
  • Lugano, Switzerland
  • Hong Kong 

(While Muscat, Oman ranked #2 overall in the data, it has been excluded from this ranking due to the evolving situation in the Middle East. The data was collected prior to the current conflict.)

“Women traveling solo aren’t just looking at things like attractions and affordability, they’re asking, ‘Will I feel safe walking back to my hotel at night?’” said InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Morrow. “This ranking really zeroes in on the everyday safety factors that shape how comfortable women feel while traveling solo.”  

For full rankings and methodology, visit: https://www.insuremytrip.com/travel-advice/travel-inspiration/best-cities-solo-female-travel/ 

See also: Women-Only Tours Surge in Popularity

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Uncategorized, Women Travel

Women-Only Tours Surge in Popularity

Women, who formed their own group to tackle the four-day hiking and camping trip on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, celebrate success in reaching Dead Woman’s Pass at 14,000 ft. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
 

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

The surge in women travel has led to a slew of companies founded by women, managed by women for women, as well as venerable, stalwart tour operators offering tailored women-only departures. Besides providing a comfortable environment for women, the itineraries are tailored differently – more immersive in culture and community, more experiential and intentional elements that appeal to women’s motivation for traveling, and a particular focus on making travelers feel safe and secure. As a result, women-only programs now span the world, many going to exotic locales such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Bhutan.

“Grab the girls and go!”, says Explorateur Journeys, just one of the travel companies that is offering women-only travel in response to surging demand for immersive, experiential, intentional programs.

“Time to get your tribe together this year and embark on a life changing experience. We’re talking bespoke fashion experiences, perfume making, cooking with chefs, spa time.” Popular gal getaway destinations include:

Croatia: Live like rock stars sailing a privately chartered yacht on the crystalline Adriatic, island-hopping in the most fabulously chic manner and stopping for wine tastings, kayaking, snorkeling, nightlife.

Soak in the thermal waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Iceland:  Revitalizing geothermal pools, nature-based spa treatments, chasing the Northern Lights, glacier hiking, waterfall exploring, snowmobiling to challenge body and mind.

Take a hot air balloon flight of fancy over Cappadocia © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Turkey: Indulge in a vibrant culture full of landscapes, dazzling food and wine scene of Istanbul, take a hot air balloon flight of fancy over Cappadocia, get beguiled by the stark white formations at Pamukkale, and meet incredible local dynamic women who are pioneers in their industries.

Spain:  Experience Barcelona with its stunning architecture and outrageous food scene from tapas to sangria, island-chic Ibiza with its hypnotic vibe ideal for shimmering sun during the day and vibrant nightlife all evening.

Bike/boat trip through Greek Isles. Poros, Greece © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Greece: Saunter through charming villages and streets lined with whitewashed buildings and endless shops, take a cooking class, indulge in a wine tasting, island-hop.

Morocco: A mix of exotic culture, vibrant markets (souks), stunning architecture, luxe hotels and riads with peaceful gardens and traditional hammams, and endless desert to explore with plenty of luxe camps so you can glamp under the stars.

UAE: Dazzle in Dubai with seaplane adventures, desert jaunts by 4×4 and ultra luxe hotels or chill in style at endless pristine beaches in some of the more relaxed Emirates. Pair it all with ultra- luxurious shopping escapades that are as amazing whether in stunning malls or endless gold souks.

Egypt:  Be amazed by some of the most curious wonders of the world, meet entrepreneurial women, connect with Nubian women to share a day in their traditional life and explore the Nile in style on a river cruise stopping to visit incredible sights.

Enjoying the spectacle in Hoi An, Vietnam © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Vietnam: Speed through Hanoi on a Vespa to sample some of the best street food, cruise to i gorgeous Halong Bay on a luxury junk, head to picture-perfect beaches, cycle through rice paddies to end up in villages where locals welcome you into their home and cook alongside you as you learn new recipes and hear stories.

Maldives: Style, seclusion, spa, sips, swims, snorkeling, sensational overwater bungalows. It’s a place so beautiful and remote that it will remove any amount of stress or concern and so you can live your best life with your closest circle in a land of pure delight and beauty.

Japan: Total immersion in serene beauty, curious cultural wonders, traditional temples, famed gardens, frenetic cities, hospitable intimate ryokans, tea ceremonies, geisha culture exploration and beyond. This blend will calm any mindset and soothe the soul at the same time.

​Contact info@explorateurjourneys.com​, explorateurjourneys.com

Sisterhood Travels creates exclusive women-only travel groups (so that you’re never alone unless you want to be). The programs cater to intellectually curious women over 45, interested in cultural immersion and exclusive experiences. Offerings span the globe from Africa to Antarctica, and are oriented around adventure, culinary, cultural expedition, cruising, safari, nature and wildlife, and wellness (there is even an “Outlander” tour and a fly-fishing tour). The programs are rated for activity level and the company provides assistance booking airfare and obtaining visas and passports. Example: a 15-day “Exclusive Women’s Journey Through Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan” along the ancient Silk Road. Designed for 10 women travelers, single occupancy accommodations are included for everyone (there is even a night in a yurt camp). I have my eye on A Women’s Rainforest & Volcano Journey to Costa Rica in March 2027. Since 85% travel solo, roommate matching is available to save on a single supplement.  (https://sisterhoodtravels.com/upcoming-tours/costa-rica-adventure-2027) Sisterhood Travels, info@sisterhoodtravels.com, sisterhoodtravels.com.

Sailing on a barge hotel through Burgundy, France © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Wanderlust Women is a community designed for women who want more from their journeys—more connection, more adventure, and more meaning. It specializes in small-group, thoughtfully curated trips that blend active experiences, cultural immersion, and a supportive group of women. Single travelers can be matched with a roommate with no supplement charge or you can upgrade to a private room. Examples: Bike and Barge through Burgundy France, June 23 – 30; Croatia Exploration, September 13–20 (info@wanderlust-women.com 650-595-4543, wanderlust-women.com).

A group of women celebrate their success in completing the four-day hiking/camping trip on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Naya Traveler crafts tailor‑made solo journeys from scratch, led by local personalities and specialists, with Naya remaining present throughout the trip for round‑the‑clock assistance. In Indonesia, the itinerary can include Java’s temple landscapes, Bali’s creative enclaves, Lombok’s calm beaches, Komodo’s snorkeling corridors and slow time in rural villages, balanced with boutique stays and intuitive routing so travelers can explore at their own pace. In Uzbekistan, a curated trip traces the living Silk Road through Samarkand’s minarets and madrasas, Bukhara’s labyrinthine bazaars, and fortified Khiva, pairing artisan encounters and market meals with time to absorb the region’s layered past in safety and calm. Naya’s women‑led, safety‑first design extends to Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico (info@nayatraveler.com, 301-358-5096, www.nayatraveler.com)

Visit the scenic souks in Marrakesh, Morocco © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Girls’ Guide to the World just released their largest-ever collection of women-only trips for 2026, including 85 curated journeys across 51 countries, specifically designed to reflect the surge in purpose-led, confidence-building travel among women 45+. Examples: wellness-centered escapes in Moloka‘i, culinary expeditions through China and culture-rich adventures in Madagascar, the new lineup (girlsguidetotheworld.com).

Tauck Introduces Women-Only Departures

As solo and small-group travel among women continues to grow, Tauck, a venerable family-owned and managed company founded in 1925, is keeping up with the times by introducing three women-only departures in Europe for 2026, each operating as a Small Group journey and designed to foster connection, cultural immersion and shared discovery: A Week In… Ireland, September 23; A Week In… Piedmont, October 1, Italy and A Week In… Portugal, October 10. Each departure will be led by a female Tauck Director and is a Small Group journey of 20 to 24 guests, offering an intimate and supportive travel environment. The departures are scheduled consecutively in late September and October 2026, allowing guests the option to extend their travels across multiple journeys.

“The response to our Cruise Control: A Riverboat Retreat for Women in Travel affirmed what we were already seeing across the industry—women are seeking travel experiences that offer not just discovery, but genuine connection and community,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “Whether it’s mothers and daughters marking a milestone, sisters planning a long-awaited journey, friends reuniting for a special getaway, or solo travelers looking to connect with like-minded women, these departures offer another layer—a built-in sense of ease, encouragement, and belonging.”

Designed around the concept that how you travel matters as much as where you travel, the women-only departures offer the same enriching itineraries and signature Tauck inclusions, enhanced by the shared perspective that comes from traveling in the company of women.

The departures are well suited for multi-generational pairs such as mothers and daughters, sisters exploring together, longtime friends planning a milestone celebration, affinity groups, or solo guests who appreciate the ease of joining a community-minded departure. Guests enjoy insider access and exclusive cultural experiences—from private estate lunches and vineyard tastings to elegant stays in historic castles and boutique hotels—accompanied by expert guides who reveal each destination’s hidden treasures. Whether indulging in regional cuisine and wine, connecting with local artisans, or sharing stories over a relaxed evening meal, the experience is crafted to create space for community, camaraderie and authentic cultural immersion.

Dromoland Castle, Hotel and Golf Course, Ireland (photo: Dromoland Castle)

A Week In… Ireland, September 23: An immersive journey through Ireland’s castles, coastlines and cobblestone towns, this eight-day itinerary includes a two-night stay at 16th-century Dromoland Castle, visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle, a private recital at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and a hands-on cooking experience at Ballyknocken House. Time in Kinsale and Dublin invites exploration balanced with guided insight. (From $7,890 pp/double).

A Week In… Piedmont, October 1: This indulgent retreat in Italy’s slow-food heartland features truffle hunting in the Langhe hills, a wine tasting lunch at Banca del Vino, an exclusive early opening visit to La Venaria Reale, and a chef-hosted cooking class. Stays include two nights at the historic Principi di Piemonte in Turin before continuing to Il Boscareto Resort & Spa, set amid the vineyards of Serralunga d’Alba, and concluding along Lake Maggiore at the iconic Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa. (From $8,390 pp/double).

Porto, Portugal © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

A Week In… Portugal, October 10: From Porto’s historic riverfront to Lisbon’s grand avenues, this journey blends wine traditions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and coastal charm. Highlights include a Port house tour and tasting in Porto, exploration of Coimbra and Évora, visits to Sintra and Cascais, and a private farewell dinner at 18th-century Palácio de Queluz. Guests stays include the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort near Óbidos, the restored 15th-century Convento do Espinheiro in Évora, and the elegant Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa. (From $7,190 USD pp/double).

(Contact your local travel professional or Tauck at 800 468 2825, www.tauck.com.)

Biking in Cambodia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Butterfield & Robinson is another company that has created a Women’s Only collection that “celebrates a uniquely female take on travel with a focus on sharing history, culture and community from women’s perspectives.” They feature experiences not found on any other B&R trip and unlock a new way to connect you with a community of bold and innovative women making their marks on the world. Programs include Tuscany & Umbria Women’s Multi-Active, Camino de Santiago Women’s Walking, Vancouver to Tofino Women’s Multi-Active, Cambodia & Vietnam Women’s Biking (butterfield.com, 866-551-9090)

Focus on Wellness

Ananda in the Himalayas,Uttarakhand, India (photo provided by Ananda)

On a 100‑acre palace estate above the Ganges valley, Ananda in the Himalayas inUttarakhand, India visits begin with a pre‑arrival consultation, continue through onsite goal setting and daily practice, and extend with post‑stay follow‑up. Days unfold with sunrise yoga, guided meditation, and Vedanta philosophy sessions that center the mind and sunrise treks to Kunjapuri Temple, mantra chanting, and birdwatching in the Himalayan forests create a thoughtful balance of solitude, nature, and intentional movement. Afternoons continue with targeted therapies ranging from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to physiotherapy and emotional healing. Women-centered pathways in menstrual health, hormonal balance, and fertility enhancement offer specialized care. Meals follow a wellness cuisine philosophy that treats food as ritual and aligns menus with each guest’s constitution, so that healthy nutrition becomes a practice they can continue at home. The heart of Ananda is its spa, blending classical therapies with contemporary diagnostics, so progress feels tangible and grounded.

Set in the cloud forest of  Monteverde, Costa Rica,  Hotel Belmar makes traveling solo feel hands on, restorative, and connected to place (photo: Hotel Belmar)

Set in the cloud forest of  Monteverde, Costa Rica, Hotel Belmar makes traveling solo feel hands on, restorative and connected to place. Women traveling alone can join forest bathing walks in the property’s reserve, take artist led workshops through the hotel’s Artist Residency, and engage with sustainability at Finca Madre Tierra, hotel’s bio sustainable farm. From bio intensive beds to garden to glass mixology, environmental values become lived skills. Activities are small group or private and paced for reflection. At Savia, the private reserve, forest immersions offer nature-based anchors guided by interpretation and conversation rather than instruction. Cultural experiences include artist residencies, live music, and community led gatherings. Hotel Belmar is actively working toward Costa Rica’s Red Sofía certification for women’s safety, aligning internal training and operations with national standards.

The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto opening inside Gion’s restored Yaasaka Kaikanb in one of Kyoto’s most storied districts, creates a sanctuary for women traveling solo (photo: Imperial Hotel)

Opening this month inside Gion’s restored Yasaka Kaikan, the 55-room Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, Japan, blends preserved architectural detail with a contemporary rhythm, creating a sanctuary for solo women who value cultural depth, spatial clarity, and unhurried immersion. Set within one of Kyoto’s most storied districts, the hotel’s scale and walkability make orientation simple, and membership in The Leading Hotels of the World signals consistent standards and attentive service. Mornings may begin before dawn at a nearby shrine or with a private moment inside a Gion ochaya arranged through the hotel. Guests may explore techniques behind Gosho-ningyo doll painting at an artisan atelier, then return to afternoon tea as lanterns flicker across narrow lanes. The team arranges bespoke cultural experiences from ochaya etiquette to calligraphy and artisan encounters, timed to avoid peak periods so women traveling solo engage on their own terms while feeling supported but not supervised.

Next: Tour companies are catering to the boom in solo travel, dominated by women, opening access to women to every part of the globe and every kind of experience.  UK-based Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com) is waiving its single supplement for solo travelers on select departures on bookings through March.

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Adventure Travel, Biking Tours, Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Cultural travel, Experiential Travel, Health and Wellness travel, Nature and Wildlife, Outdoors Adventures, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel, Uncategorized

Tour Companies Respond to Travelers Prioritizing Meaningful, Wellness, Active, Adventure Experiences

Discovery Bicycle Tours’ biking in Cambodia tour hits multiple trends, satisfying the wanderlust for active, culturally rich adventures that are also especially welcoming for women traveling solo © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

by  Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

More than ever, travelers are prioritizing meaningful, wellness-focused, experiences, active adventures, and authentic connections with off-the-beaten-path destinations and communities. This is the finding of Backroads, a global trailblazer in active travel since 1979, in its Top Adventure Travel Trends for 2026. The report is based on early guest bookings and insights from its worldwide team of Trip Leaders and Travel Experts representing more than 60 countries across 550 itineraries worldwide.

Indeed, adventure travel is now one of the fastest-growing segments in tourism, with global adventure travel projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2032, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association. At the same time, wellness-driven trips are accelerating worldwide as travelers seek meaningful, restorative, experience-rich vacations over passive leisure, a finding confirmed by the Global Wellness Institute.

The good news is that travel companies are catering to these trends with programming.

Backroads’ Top Adventure Travel Trends for 2026 

One of biggest trends: women traveling solo – together joining small-group programs – here completing the four-day Inca Trail hike/camping adventure to Machu Piccu, Peru © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Women and Solo Travelers on the Rise: Across travel, adventures designed for women are surging as friends, family and solo travelers seek connection, immersive confidence-boosting experiences and a sense of community. Backroads bookings reflect this shift, with demand for its Women’s Adventures projected to grow 100% in 2026. The solo travel market is expected to grow 14% over the next five years, with women over 50 a major driver of this momentum.          
What’s Trending? Backroads England’s Cotswolds, Peru, Canadian Rockies Trips. 

Family Togetherness Across the Globe: Prioritizing real-world experiences over screen time, modern families are seeking active vacations that spark connection and create lasting memories. Making the most of school breaks throughout the year, parents and grandparents with kids of all ages are booking adventure travel in record numbers.
What’s Trending? Backroads Trips for Families with Kids & Teens, Teens & 20s and 20s & Beyond: Brittany & Normandy, Croatia and Iceland.     

Young professionals seek adventure: trekking up Mount Bromo volcano in East Javaa Indonesia for the sunrise © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Young Professionals Seeking Adventure: Millennial and Gen X travelers are fueling strong growth in adventure travel, driven by a clear desire for active exploration balanced with comfort, camaraderie and iconic destinations. This cohort is also poised to benefit from an unprecedented $27 trillion wealth transfer by 2045, expanding opportunities to prioritize meaningful, experience-driven travel.
What’s Trending? Backroads 30s & 40s Trips (small-group luxury trips designed for active and adventure-seeking Gen X and Millennial travelers): Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking, Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking and Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure.

A lust for human-powered travel: finishing a self-guided bike tour from Venice to Croatia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Nostalgia for Human-Powered Travel: From acoustic (non-electric-assist) biking for traditional cyclists eager to cover the miles using their own muscle power to hiking epic mountains, travelers are slowing down and rediscovering the rewards of moving with their own strength. By staying longer in one region or embracing human-powered adventure in small groups, guests are able to dive deeper into local culture and landscapes.
What’s Trending? Backroads Unplugged (non-electric-assist) Bike Tours in Croatia, Portugal’s Algarve, Tuscany and Nova Scotia; Argentina and Chile’s Patagonia Hiking & Walking Tours.

Frontier Islands: Rugged Archipelagos as the New Darling: Moving beyond classic island escapes, travelers are gravitating toward rugged, culture-rich archipelagos, places defined by dramatic cliffs, volcanic ridges, fishing villages and wide-open trails. These “frontier islands” appeal to active travelers seeking big scenery, epic hiking, cooler climates and a sense of remoteness that traditional beach islands can’t deliver.
What’s Trending? Backroads Canary Islands, Cyprus, Denmark Islands, Lofoten Islands and Portugal’s Azores Trips. 

Trip Stacking, On and Off-Season: Travelers are increasingly “stacking” their journeys by booking back-to-back trips or even three-stop itineraries to maximize a single long-haul flight. This reflects a growing shift toward sustainable, efficient travel, where guests make the most of every mile and every moment away. Off-season exploration is also on the rise, with more travelers heading out earlier in spring, later in fall and throughout the winter for a fresh take on familiar places. Backroads has seen a more than 6% increase in guests booking consecutive trips since the pandemic, with continued growth projected on the horizon.
What’s Trending? Backroads Norway, Japan and Spain Trips. 

Active culinary travel talks off: a cooking class in Paris © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Active Culinary Travel Takes Off: Blending outdoor activity with regional food and wine experiences is a travel style that continues to grow as travelers seek culturally rich, experiential trips. From cooking classes and local farmers market visits to stays at Relais & Châteaux properties, Backroads Active Culinary Trips that unite adventure, flavor and luxury are gaining momentum across key regions.
What’s Trending? Backroads Basque Country, Tuscany and Provence Trips.

Sleeping in Huts & Mountain Lodges Is In: Travelers are increasingly choosing mountain lodges and huts and historic hideaways, especially in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Bookings for these laid-back, comfortable stays are surpassing expectations and up more than 170% since 2024, as guests seek accommodations that capture the essence of a place and seamlessly blend activity, discovery, relaxation, sustainability and wellness. Travelers can find these authentic stays on many Backroads trips including Hut-to-Hut and Lodge-to-Lodge offerings.
What’s Trending? Backroads Dolomites Hut-to-Hut, French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge and Pyrenees Lodge-to-Lodge Trips.

“We’re seeing a clear trend of guests using travel as a way to connect with like-minded travelers, with local communities, with the environment and, ultimately, with themselves,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President and CEO. “Active travel is becoming part of the rhythm of their lives, and they like creating that rhythm on their own terms, now and into the future.”

What does adventure tourism look like in 2026? Active travel blends movement, connection and wellness to create meaningful, authentic vacation experiences. In response to this growing demand, Backroads enters 2026 with new itineraries, new destinations and expanded trip categories, along with anticipated growth of more than 10%, nearly double its post-pandemic pace. Learn more about Backroads at www.backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.  

Soft Adventure

Travelers are seeking out accessible, lower-risk activities that cater to a wider demographic, including multi-generational families and first-time adventurers. This demand is strongest for holidays that successfully blend active elements—like hiking, trekking, and biking—with comfortable, enriching cultural experiences. Here is a sampling of “soft adventure” travel experiences:

Biking (and boating) from Bruges to Amsterdam with BoatBikeTours © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Boat and Bike Europe: From Amsterdam to Paris: Bike past windmills in the Dutch countryside, sip Belgian beer on a historic square, and enjoy the French capital’s grand boulevards while traveling at a relaxed, enriching pace on Boat Bike Tours’ new 10-day tour from Amsterdam to Paris. Along the way, settle into modern, comfortable accommodations aboard the new Magnifique X barge, with extensions available in both major cities (https://www.boatbiketours.com/tours/through-europes-heartland-between-amsterdam-and-paris/)

Hike and Cruise Turkey: The Carian Coast: Follow the herb-lined footpaths and ancient roads of the Carian Trail on a new, 15-day tour from Peter Sommer Travels. Hike through hills swathed in pine and olive to atmospheric ruins, then enjoy comfortable accommodations and transportation among the deep inlets and secluded coves offshore aboard a traditional, stylish gulet while cruising the beautiful, remote Carian Coast.  (https://www.petersommer.com/tours/walking-carian-trail-turkey-extended)

Exploring Incan sites of the Sacred Valley, Peru © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

High Andes and Salt Flats: Peru and Bolivia Adventure: Explore the iconic natural and cultural wonders of the Andes on an accessible journey spanning Peru and Bolivia. Traverse the Uyuni Salt Flats, visit Indigenous communities on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and experience historic Incan sites of the Sacred Valley, all from carefully selected, comfortable accommodations that prioritize local authenticity and high quality (https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/peru-bolivia-from-salt-flats-to-sacred-lakes-adventure/)

Singletrack in the Dakotas: Maah Daah Hey Mountain Biking: Pedal through the wild, rugged terrain of the North Dakota Badlands on the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail. This guided mountain biking tour covers the most scenic singletrack sections, with full support, catered meals, and comfortable nights spent glamping under the vast, starry skies, offering an immersive national park experience without the crowds (https://escapeadventures.com/tour/maah-daah-hey-singletrack-mountain-bike-tour/)

Dude Ranch with History: Rancho de la Osa, Arizona: Celebrate the centennial of the dude ranching industry in 2026 with a stay at Rancho de la Osa, a ranch welcoming guests for over 100 years. Explore the high desert south of Tucson, Arizona, on horseback, riding trails frequented by U.S. presidents and legends, then enjoy a cool drink in the Cantina, a building that dates to 1722, and put up your feet in colorful Southwestern accommodations (https://www.ranchodelaosa.com/)

Snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Scalesia Lodge: Galapagos Island Basecamp, Ecuador: Located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, this lodge is designed as a sustainable and stylish base for exploring the unique wildlife and geology of the archipelago. Activities include accessible volcano hikes and snorkeling with sea lions, delivered with high-touch service while guests stay in elevated, spacious, geodesic dome tents with private balconies (https://www.scalesialodge.com)

Bear viewing and kayaking in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska with Gondwana Ecotours (photo: Gondwana Ecotours )

Bear Viewing and Kayaking: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska: Witness the extraordinary sight of brown bears catching salmon at the famed Brooks Falls and explore the stunning fjords of Kenai National Park on a multi-day wildlife tour. This package is ideal for nature lovers seeking close-up wildlife encounters without the strenuous demands of deep backcountry trekking, offering scenic kayaking floats and comfortable lodge-style accommodations each night (https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/kenai-brooks-falls-grizzly-bear-tours-alaska/)

Human-Powered Adventures to Reset Your Internal Clock

In an era of hyper-connectivity and AI-driven schedules, the greatest luxury isn’t a faster Wi-Fi signal, it’s the ability to disconnect. Human-powered travel is the breakout trend of 2026, trading engines for oars, pedals, and hiking boots. By moving at the speed of your own heartbeat, the landscape shifts from a blur outside a window to an immersive, sensory experience.

From the rugged coast of Tasmania to the quiet trails of Slovenia, here are a few ways to power your own adventure:

The Lakeside Loop: Eurobike (Lake Garda, Italy): Experience Italy’s famous lake at a pedal stroke’s pace. Eurobike offers a charm tour around Lake Garda, combining active days on the bike with stays in high-end accommodations. Cycling through olive groves and lakeside vineyards provides a sensory reset that no high-speed train could ever replicate. 

The Slovenian Summit: Eurohike (Alpe-Adria-Trail): Walking is the ultimate analog movement. Eurohike takes you to the heart of the Julian Alps on a 7-day trek along the Alpe-Adria-Trail. Moving through Slovenia’s emerald Soča Valley and high-altitude mountain pastures, this journey is designed to synchronize your pace with the natural world.

The Alpine Cycle: Ride & Seek (Australia): Forget the tour bus; the only way to truly reset across the diverse landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere is on two wheels. Ride & Seek has launched an epic journey from Sydney to Hobart, crossing the Bass Strait to tackle the wild, winding roads of Tasmania. It is a test of endurance that rewards you with untouched coastal views and a profound connection to the rugged terrain.

More active/adventure tour companies:

Active Adventures, activeadventures.com

Austin Adventures, austinadventures.com

Butterfield & Robinson, butterfield.com

Duvine Cycling + Adventure co., duvine.com

EF Go Ahead Tours, goaheadtours.com

Exodus Adventure Travels, exodustravels.com

Explorateur Journeys, explorateurjourneys.com

G Adventures, gadventures.com

Inspiring Vacations, inspiringvacations.com

Intrepid Travel, intrepidtravel.com

Lindblad Expeditions, expeditions.com

Nat Geo Expeditions, nationalgeographic.com

Overseas Adventure Travel, oattravel.com

Pure Adventures, pure-adventures.com

Sierra Club, outings.sierraclub.org

VBT/Country Walkers, vbt.com

Wilderness Travel, wildernesstravel.com

Wild Frontiers, wildfrontierstravel.com (March special: Wild Frontiers is offering up to 100% off single supplement for solo travelers on select 2026-2027 departures) 

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© 2026 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social X: @TravelFeatures Threads: @news_and_photo_features ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Biking Tours, Cultural travel, Sustainable Travel

Cycling Quebec’s Eastern Townships: So Near and Yet Feeling Far (in the Best Way)

Our Discovery Bicycle Tours’ group of ladies on the Quebec Eastern Townships ride show their mettle © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

It doesn’t take long before we bike across the border into Quebec, Canada, just about 16 miles from Montgomery Center in northern Vermont. The countryside landscape, even the architecture, isn’t all that different, but we immediately see signs in French that remind motorists that 90 km is 60 mph. It is literally crossing a threshold. This Discovery Bicycle Tours cycling trip through Quebec’s Eastern Townships is marvelous in how you feel instantaneously transported far away – in fact, to a foreign country and forget how near we actually are, mere biking distance from our home country.

Discovery Bicycle Tours makes it all so easy. In fact, as our guides tell us when we meet for our orientation, “This is your vacation…”

I have arrived at Phineas Swann Inn, Montgomery Center, Vt around 4:30 pm the day before we set out for Quebec with plenty of time to get settled in my spacious room (more of a suite, with fire place, refrigerator, snacks and sodas, and coffee maker) before our 5:30 pm orientation with our leaders and the other riders.

 The quaint, luxurious, historic Phineas Swann Inn, Montgomery Center, Vermont, is the starting and ending point for Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

What a hoot! I recognize Jim Ortuno as the leader of my first Discovery Bicycles trip, in Woodstock Vt. several years ago. (I have since also taken Discovery’s Coastal Maine bike trip.) Our second leader is Lindsay Smith. Both prove to be exceptionally caring, earnest, and efficient (Jim is a volunteer firefighter and Lindsay is an EMT). After we cross the border, we are joined by our Quebecois leader, Jacques Hebert, who provides such personal insights of the route, the places, the culture and history of where we travel that would not be obvious as we cycle by.

We go around the inn’s salon to introduce ourselves. I find it enormously interesting that all nine of us are women and not exactly spring chickens (but each with zeal  and zest). Our complement includes a group of five ladies from New Hampshire who have been biking together since COVID and make me think of a cycling version of “Jane Austin Book Club”; two sisters from Massachusetts; and two of us who are traveling solo, from New Jersey and Long Island (bike trips are marvelous for solo travelers, and Discovery does a great job of accommodating singles).

What I love best about Discovery Bicycle Tours is the underlying philosophy: “Ride your own ride,” in order to make the experience, regardless of biking ability, as pleasurable as possible. That is not the case with some bike tour operators that have the group ride together at some communal pace (you have to ask permission to stop for a photo) and is really the difference for me, maximizing the enjoyment and the experience.

The irresistibly gorgeous northern Vermont countryside, enroute to the Canadian border to Quebec © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The secret ingredient is Discovery’s use of Ride With GPS app. We all have our own route on our phone (customized by Discovery’s owner, Scott Cone) – they also give you a printed cue sheet if you ask, which I do. That means you can ride at your own pace, you’re not pressured to keep up or even keep riding (I like to stop for photos and to see things). You know how far you’ve come and how far you have to go.

Scott has organized the GPS so it alerts us to an attraction or when to show special caution such as a railroad crossing or an upcoming turn, and most importantly, when you’ve gone off-route. The GPS (and the cue sheet) alert you to what’s coming up “there will be 1.3 miles of gravel road ahead – note round barn up on the left.” “There is a nice view of Riviere Yamaska off to the right.” “1976 Olympic Equestrian Venue on Left”. “A very nice bakery on the left. Cash or debit cards only.” “Stop at the granite marker for the 45th parallel. You are half way between the Equator and the North Pole.”

(If you are concerned about the phone battery dying, you can either bring a battery pack, charge it at lunch, or keep it in airplane mode to conserve battery, which does not interfere with the GPS).

Riding through one of Vermont’s famous covered bridges, the Comstock bridge © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Another quality of Discovery’s trip planning is that each day there is the primary ride and an option to do extra miles, which is a great way of accommodating riders of a range of abilities and interests. (One of the guides also drives the van each day that is available in case of a problem, but also sets up our rest stop/snacks/water each morning and afternoon.)

This Quebec Eastern Townships ride is classed as “2” or “intermediate” – so the rides are around 25-35 miles a day with options to do more (the toughest climbs are usually optional), and have for some long climbs along the road, as well as rolling hills, so that you can use the momentum from coming down to get you much of the way back up. Most of the ride are along the paved and gravel roads (but the Canadians are very polite and accommodating). Half of the group ride e-bikes (either their own or Discovery’s which they make available at no extra charge); a couple have carbon road bikes; and one lady switched from her road bike to Discovery’s e-bike. I am about the only one riding a regular hybrid bike, and at the end of a ride where there was one of the hardest climbs, everyone cheers as I come in.

“Our job is to make sure you have a good time. It’s important to us that you have a great week,” Lindsay tells us.  And that isn’t just words. She asks what snacks we like and want (she is going to the grocery first thing in the morning to shop) – and the final list might suggest the cravings of pregnancy – olives, peppercorn chocolate which she purchases at the Chocolate Museum, chips, beer, plus fresh cherries, strawberries, bananas and other good stuff.

The gorgeous pastoral scenery on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Jim and Lindsay, who are really good humored, really caring and really kind, fuss over us like mother hens (Lindsay more than once, seeing that my seat was too low, stopped to adjust it). Jim makes it his mission to offer great pro-tips on tackling the hills: keep chin up, relax the shoulders, light hands on the handlebar, push/pull pedals, breathe in once, out twice to empty the lungs; sing (which distracts). My method also includes not looking up at the hill, but looking 10 feet ahead, to keep mental focus, because once a doubt crosses your mind, that’s when you stop.  I absorb and practice his methods as much as I can, but in the end, decide I am going to get up the hill any way I can even if it doesn’t look pretty. It’s mostly the “can-do” attitude that gets me to the top. Other tips: shift before you need to, drink before you’re thirsty – take 2-3 oz sips every 10 minutes so you stay hydrated but don’t need to pee.

It’s like going on safari or hiking to Machu Picchu with people who are there to make the adventure as comfortable as possible. (Discovery also offers some actual adventure cycling trips for the more hard-core.)

Discovery Bicycle Tours does an outstanding job of preparing you for the ride – giving you all the information you need for contact (phone, email, addresses); fitting the bikes and helmets, safety talk; map talk preparing you for the trip and for the day’s ride. Everything is conveniently accessible on the Ride with GPS app, including the elevations for the route. (They also arrange for shuttle for anyone flying into Burlington airport.)

A wine tasting and repast is a delightful surprise on our first day of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The meals (all breakfast, all but one dinner) are fantastic – excellent selection (we mostly order off the menu), marvelously prepared, with excellent choices, as well as accommodating diet preferences.

And the lodgings they choose are not merely places to overnight, but are special.

Our stay at the Phineas Swann Inn, in Montgomery Center, really sets the stage for the quality we experience all along the way. The inn is a restored 1880s farmhouse which TripAdvisor and Boston Magazine have named one of the most romantic inns in America. It is really plush, luxurious, quaint and has a spa for those who would like to indulge.

After our orientation meeting, we have a wonderful dinner at the inn and then a delicious breakfast, last bike fitting for anyone who needs it, and map talk before we start riding and a last reminder: HAVE YOUR PASSPORT ON YOU!

Cycling “Route des Vins”

The primary ride this first morning is 35.3 miles, with an option for11.7 more, for 47 miles. I take note of the map showing elevations – six climbs, one descent, 1,664 ft. for the main; and 483 ft for the next 11 with a rather long climb.

Though we generally are able to ride at our own pace, on this first morning, because of crossing the US-Canada border, Lindsay, who will be biking with us while Jim drives the van, tells us we need to pretty much stick together (which means not stopping for photos which is painful because the scenery, with farm houses and covered bridges, one-room schoolhouse, is really beautiful). They have to get the van through first because Jim has to present paperwork and go through inspection. But after that, we are back to riding our own ride.

“Welcome to Quebec!” Greets us just after crossing the border on our first morning of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships ride © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It is rather exciting to go through the border, even though it is pretty pro-forma.

Our first rest stop and snack is at a visitor center located in what used to be the Grammar School.  There is a bust of Adelard Godbout, who was an important Prime Minister of Quebec (1936, 1939-1944), who Jacques tells us was a real progressive, winning the right to vote for women (1940), creating a conservatory of music and drama arts (1942); free, universal public education (1943) and hydro power as well as instituting progressive (sustainable) agricultural programs (he was an agronomist by profession).

Lindsay poses with Quebec’s progressive prime minister, Adelard Godbout © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“He transformed the public function and adopted laws that amounted to a peaceful revolution transforming modern Quebec” (is my loose translation – so fun to remember my public school French). I find it interesting that the bust was placed there as recently as 2019.

We ride passed a cottage which is a “Poterie” (a potter’s studio), but alas, the potter is not in.

Much of our ride is along the wonderfully scenic Quebec’s “Route des Vins” (a winery/vineyards trail), and this day, we cycle to a winery, Domaine du Ridge,  at mile 27.6 for a beautiful lunch (it’s really a surprise), where we have a delightful tasting of four wines accompanied by a plate of cheese, meats, pate, served at small tables outside on the lawn.

Enjoying a delightful wine tasting and lunch at Domaine du Ridge on our first day on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships ride © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Vineyards, Jacques tells us, began to take hold in 1979; then, in the 1990s, micro-breweries came in, and today, the new trend (prompted by Internet wealth) are gin and whiskey distilleries.

We pass the Musee Missiquoi, which inhabits a water mill, which we would normally visit but it is closed on Monday.

There are several opportunities to stop and sample the wines and ciders at some of Quebec’s most famous vineyards, including Opailleur and Domaine des Côtes D’Ardoise and Union Libre Cidre & Vin.

The Musee Missiquoi, the local history museum, inhabits a watermill © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We end the regular ride at another winery which also has a sculpture park (they have arranged admission), and we are given the choice of riding the van back from here or ride 12 miles on gravel road to the hotel.

I continue on for the option, which is mostly on gravel country road with some hills (worth it for the views, they keep reminding us). Jacques has promised gorgeous scenery and it is true – the countryside scenes are painterly.

Scenery is important to me – the opportunity to see landscapes, villages, people going about their day at the pace of a bicycle, with the ability to stop and take it in, take a photo – is why I love bike trips so much. The physical feeling you get – the satisfaction of attacking a hill (and being successful) – is great, too, but not my priority, though tackling distance and hills is the priority for some of the road riders.

I’m loving this trip because we are immersed in a foreign culture – the fact it is French speaking – is such a wonderful overlay – and yet so accessible.

What covered bridges are to Vermonters, round barns are to the Quebecois © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

We pass a Quebec highlight, a round barn (Jacques what covered bridges are to Vermonters, round bars are to Quebecois). Off to the distance we can see our destination for the night, the charming Auberge & Spa West Brome, where we have access to their sauna, gym and gorgeous indoor heated pool. Just as we arrive, it begins to rain, and it is so very enjoyable to paddle around in the indoor pool and totally decompress. We chat with some of the other guests who have come from Montreal, summoning my French while they practice their English.

We have a sensational dinner at the Auberge’s Bistro – Chef Ugo’s inspiration menu. I get to taste Jacque’s Boudin noir maison (homemade black pudding, bacon-whisky marmalade, apples with Calvados – it’s actually quite tasty), but enjoy my appetizer, citrus salmon; for the main I have the duck leg confit with creamy roasted garlic puree. The dessert, chocolat mousse is fabulous.

Heading towards the Auberge & Spa West Brome, nestled amid 200 acres of farmland, and the end of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ first day’s Quebec Eastern Townships ride © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This inn (actually modern, but very charming, with a series of small buildings) really caters to cyclists. It is set amid 200 acres of picturesque farmlands, just north of the town of West Brome, surrounded by the lovely rolling hills that characterize the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

It takes no time at all for us to bond as a group, even though we are a blend of four entities, including two of us who are “solo travelers”. That is the reason that bike tours are such an excellent choice for single travelers (I’ve had this experience so many times). This is especially true of the group of five ladies from New Hampshire, who instead of being cliquey (each day, they wear the same cycling colors) are so welcoming, mixing up seatings.

Discovery Bicycle Tours, 2520 W. Woodstock Rd., Woodstock, VT 05091, 800-257-2226, info@discoverybicycletours.com, https://discoverybicycletours.com/

Next: Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Quebec Eastern Townships: Scenic Routes & Chocolate

See also: DISCOVERY BICYCLE’S 6-DAY COAST OF MAINE TOUR DELIGHTS THE SENSES

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© 2023 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/KarenBRubin