FAQS HELP CENTRE

Any woman who wants to get outdoors, try something new and do it with good people is a Gutsy Girl. Experienced adventurer or total first-timer, it doesn’t matter, you just have to be up for it.

Because we do the hard part. Every destination, guide, activity and meal is researched and sorted – you just need to show up ready to go. We also pick slightly less crowded locations in some of the Europe’s favourite destinations, getting you away from the bustle and off-the beaten path.

Sometimes a group of women getting properly stuck into something together is better. First-timers feel comfortable pushing themselves and experienced adventurers can focus on the experience. The dynamic is hard to explain until you’ve been on one.

Choose your activity or destination, check the fitness and skill level and select the one best matched to you. If you’re not sure or want some advice, then just get in touch with our Bookings Team.

Every trip involves moving your body – these aren’t sun lounger holidays – and all require a good baseline fitness, but there’s something for every level. Check the fitness level rating for each trip to find the right one for you.

Yes, for these trips zero experience is needed. You’ll be coached by qualified instructors, and everyone around you is in the same position. Bring a decent baseline of fitness and a willingness to get things wrong and you’re good to go.

We tell you exactly what level of fitness each trip needs and give some suggestions on what to train for. The rest is up to you.

You have to be 18 or over to join one of our adventures.

As long as you’re active, ready for the challenge and willing to get stuck in as part of the group, it doesn’t matter how old you are (as long as you’re over 18, sorry!) The mix of ages in a group is actually one of the best things about our trips as you’ll spend time with women you’d probably never usually chat to.

Head to the website, choose your trip and follow the onscreen instructions to book your spot.

As we were set up for solo travellers to meet like-minded adventurers, you can only book for up to three guests on the same booking. We find that larger groups than that on the same trip can disrupt the group dynamic. There is a possibility with some of our itineraries to organise a private trip if you have enough people interested to meet the minimum numbers required!

For groups of four guests or more we are able to book private trips on a few of our itineraries. Please get in touch with the number of people in your group, your ideal trip activity and dates and whether you’d prefer single or twin rooms.

Whether a trip is guaranteed to run or not depends on a few things. Some of our tried and tested adventures are guaranteed from the moment you book as we know they’ll sell out each season. For newer and pilot trips, we need a minimum number of bookings before we can confirm they’re going to run. For those trips we ask that you hold off booking flights until you’ve heard from us.

The booking page will show you which trips are confirmed to run. For those that aren’t, we will confirm their status up to 30 days before their departure date and refund the full amount if they unfortunately aren’t going ahead.

It’s very rare that a space becomes available on a sold out trip, however we keep a waiting list and will be in touch the moment a space becomes available. Please note that we will contact everyone on the list at the same time and the spot will be allocated on a first come, first-served basis.

We have a register or interest form on our website where you can join the waiting list. You’ll then be the first to find out when a particular trip or season goes live.

We aim to get trips live six to eight months before their departure dates, however as with everything there can be some flux with this. We recommend signing up to our newsletter or registering your interest to be the first to hear when new trips go live.

We occasionally launch a new trip slightly later on in the season. To not miss out we recommend signing up to our newsletter to be the first to hear when new trips go live.

Yes, a few of our destinations offer incredible Christmas and New Year breaks. These are special as not only do you get to do your favourite activity over the Chrstmas period (cross-country skiing in the wilderness on Christmas Day anyone?) but you also experience how they do the festive season in the host country too..

Unfortunately not. Part of the Gutsy Girls experience is becoming part of the group and meeting like-minded people, something that’s difficult if you go back to different accommodation each night or have your meals elsewhere. All of our trips include accommodation and there’s no discount if you don’t stay in it, so we recommend making the most of it.

Pretty much everything is included apart from flights. This means your accommodation, meals and guides are part of the trip cost, although you will need to budget for any extra snacks, drinks, souvenirs or tips.

We also supply all the big stuff when it comes to equipment too, so there’s no need to travel with a kayak/paddleboard/skis etc. For a lot of trips the technical and safety kit is also included, such as wet or dry suits, ski climbing skins, life jackets, avalanche rescue gear etc. Please check the packing list for each trip for a clearer idea of what clothing and equipment is supplied and what you need to pack yourself.

We do everything to make our trips stand out from the crowd and think our cost reflects this. Our adventures include all meals, accommodation and equipment hire, as well as expert guides to lead the group and teach you everything you need to know about your chosen activity.

The trip cost includes our host too. These are volunteers who are passionate about our mission: getting women outdoors. They’re there for you to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone has a great adventure.

We ask for two payments as standard:

• 30% deposit to secure your spot
• The final balance 45 days before the trip start date.

If you book a trip within 45 days of the start you will have to pay the full balance in one go.

Yes and yes. As long as you pay the 30% to secure your spot it is possible to arrange a payment policy to pay in instalments, however please contact our Bookings Team to confirm before booking.

You are also welcome to pay the balance upfront too.

No, all admin and booking fees are included in the cost of your booking. What you see on the website is the final cost. We also ask that all payments are made in British Pounds (£). We don’t charge a currency conversion fee, however your bank might, so check their policy before making your payment.

Yes you can pay for our trips with American Express.

Our pricing covers what it takes to run trips we’re proud of: quality local guides, small groups, and every detail sorted. We keep our prices consistent year-round, so what you see is what you pay. We don’t offer discounts.

So many of you come back for another trip, which we love to see. It means you already know the trips are worth it. We can’t offer returning-guest discounts, but we think the value speaks for itself.

We’re so pleased to hear you want to book more than one trip with us! However, due to commitments to our partners, we’re unable to offer a discount on any of our trips, even if you book two or more.

We love the Black Friday sales to grab a bargain, but it’s not something we do at Gutsy Girls.

Unfortunately we’re not able to offer a travel agent commissionable rate as we don’t make it on our trips. As travel agents ourselves, any money we do make from our trips is put back into the business running costs to ensure we can offer the best adventures for our guests.

Gutsy Girls is not a tour operator, therefore we do not hold an ATOL licences. Instead we work as a travel agent with a network of partners, suppliers and providers, each of whom hold their own financial failure insurance. This is something we ensure is in place before partnering with them.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory on all of our trips. Travelling and taking part in activities comes with a certain level of risk, so cover is a requirement for everyone joining us. You’ll be asked for your travel insurance policy details when you check in for your trip.

You should buy travel insurance the moment you book. Although many of us wait until we’re headed to the airport to buy insurance, half of the value of having it is the protection it offers before your departure.

Please check out our insurance information page for everything we recommend your insurance covers. At a quick glance though, as well as the standard personal medical protection etc, your policy should cover any issues with flight delays, missed connections or cancelled flights. It should also definitely cover all the activities you’ll be doing on the trip too.

We can’t recommend a specific insurance company. Choosing the right cover is a personal decision, and we wouldn’t want to be responsible for making sure a particular policy covers everything you need. We’re not affiliated with any insurer, and we wouldn’t want your experience with one to affect how you feel about your trip with us.

If you’ve booked the wrong date, trip or accommodation type, please get in touch as quickly as possible and we’ll do what we can. The sooner you flag it, the more options we’ll have. Any change in a booking is subject to availability and our booking terms and may carry a £100 admin fee.

Sorry to hear you might not be able to join us. If you need to swap this is occasionally possible, however it will depend on trip availability. Further to this, any change of date must be done 45 days or more before the trip start date. There will also be an administration fee of £100.

Possibly. Please email us and we’ll let you know what’s available. We can’t guarantee anything, but we’ll always check.

Our cancellation policy is set out in full in our booking terms, which you agree to at the time of booking. The short version: your 30% deposit is always non-refundable, and beyond that, the closer to departure you cancel, the less we’re able to refund. If you’re worried about the unexpected, travel insurance with cancellation cover is always worth having

We understand that sometimes things come up last minute. Our cancellation policy is:

Cancellation more than 45 days before departure: your deposit, which is 30% of the trip cost, is non-refundable.

Cancellation less than 45 days before departure: the full trip cost is non-refundable.

You agree to this policy as part of our Terms and Conditions when you book. We always recommend purchasing travel insurance from the point of booking, so you’re covered for any last-minute issues that might prevent you from joining the trip. If you do have to cancel, we’re always happy to provide any documentation you need to support an insurance claim.

If you’ve booked the wrong date, or something comes up and you need to swap, this is very occasionally possible on a case-by-case basis. We can’t guarantee a swap, as it depends on availability. Any date change must be made 45 days or more before the trip starts, and there’s an administration fee of £100.

It rarely happens, but if we have to cancel a trip, you’ll receive a full refund. Alternatively, depending on availability, we may be able to move you to a similar trip.

Please note that a refund covers the cost of the trip itself. We can’t cover any personal expenses or travel costs, such as flights or transfers you’ve already booked. This is why we always recommend taking out travel insurance from the point of booking, so those costs are covered.

Unfortunately not. We’re a small independent business and have to stick to our cancellation policies to ensure we’re able to continue offering our holidays.

There is no cooling off period after booking. We’re a small independent business and in the UK, holiday bookings generally don’t include a legal cooling-off period. That’s why we recommend personal travel insurance. Please also double and triple check your availability and that you definitely want to join us before hitting the “Book Now” button.

Of course. We can supply whatever documents you need to provide to support an insurance claim.

Great, here’s what to expect next:

You’ll receive a confirmation email straight away with your booking details. Now when you log in to your customer portal you’ll also find your adventure information, including your trip WhatsApp group, accommodation address and transfer times. Join your whatsapp group and introduce yourself – it’s the best way to get to know your trip mates before the adventure begins.

A few weeks before departure, your host will introduce herself via the WhatsApp group and is there to answer any last minute questions or updates. Between now and then tough, if you have questions, our Bookings Team are ready to help!

First, check your junk folder, just in case. If it’s not there, get in touch and we’ll find out what the issue is. It’s also worth checking you’ve given us the right email address on your booking – typos sneak in sometimes.

Log in to your customer profile on the website for all your trip details including a link to your WhatsApp group, transfer times and accommodation address.

Your WhatsApp group link is in your customer portal and confirmation email. If the link isn’t working, email the Bookings Team who will be able to help.

All essential trip information will reach you by email, however the WhatsApp group is a great way to connect with the rest of your group beforehand and meet your host too. If you really don’t want to use WhatsApp please let us know and we can make sure you don’t miss out on anything important.

All essential trip information will reach you by email, however the WhatsApp group is a great way to connect with the rest of your group beforehand and meet your host too. If you really don’t want to use WhatsApp please let us know and we can make sure you don’t miss out on anything important.

For emergencies while you’re on a trip, please contact your host directly. For non-urgent queries, send us an email and we’ll get back to you on the next working day.

For each trip we include a set-time transfer to the start point. Depending on the trip, this runs from the nearest large airport, train station, or harbour. Times vary from trip to trip, and sometimes from date to date, so check the booking page for the details that apply to your dates. Once you’ve booked, your transfer times will be available in your customer portal.

No. There aren’t many things that aren’t included on our trips, but flights are one of them. You are responsible for booking your own.

We run one set-time transfer that picks you up and drops you back to a set location at the start and end of the trip.  This transfer is for the whole group and is included in the cost of your trip. It will likely be a mini-van or large car.

If your flights don’t align with the transfer you will need to book a private journey. Please contact our Booking Team in advance to organise this. Please also note that this is not included in the trip cost and will have an additional fee.

Your host will use the trip WhatsApp group to let you know where to meet the group and find your transfer before the trip starts.

If you miss the transfer you will need to make your own way to the start location. Please let your host or the Bookings Team know what’s happened and they’ll be able to suggest alternative routes or help book a private transfer.

We also strongly recommend travel insurance that covers all flight timing issues, including delays, cancellations and missed connections.

No, but you will then need to make your own way to the trip start point. This usually involves a private transfer for an additional cost instead – please contact our Bookings Team if you’d like to book this in.

When we choose which airport guests should fly into, we look at both location and flight availability from the UK. Occasionally it’s better to go from an airport with UK direct flights that’s further away or across a border, than pick one that’s closer but requires multiple connections or has a sparsely populated timetable.

We want to make sure our guests get the best experience on their trips, which often means stepping off the more well worn paths to avoid crowds or access more interesting areas. Getting to the locations is often part of the adventure too!

With five airports, including two of the busiest in the world, in and around London, we tend to match our transfer with flights from the capital simply because there are a lot more options. There are usually also more direct and better timed flights too. You can fly from any airport however, please just make sure your travel aligns with the transfers.

We’re sorry to hear that. If there aren’t any flights from your local airport to this destination we suggest either connecting through a London airport, or another hub in Europe instead

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, or you miss your connection you may need to make your own way to the start location. Please let your host know as soon as you do regarding the delay and they’ll be able to suggest alternative routes or help book a private transfer. Always make sure your travel insurance covers all flight timing issues, including delays, cancellations and missed connections.

Make sure to give the airline your hotel address, which will be in your booking portal. Also make sure to keep a few essential items in your hand luggage so you’re not caught out.

We recommend flying in the day before and staying overnight to ensure you’re in the right location to meet the transfer. You can’t join one of our trips a day late, so if you can’t fly on the right day, look at getting there early instead. Alternatively you could look at non-direct routes with connecting flights.

If you have the time then it’s always worth spending a few days exploring the area before the trip begins. It can also be helpful to avoid any early starts or late nights for flights and help adjust to any possible jet lag if you’re coming from further abroad. You are responsible for this portion of your trip though so if you’d like to use our transfer service you’ll need to get to the pick up point at the correct time on the first day of the trip.

We recommend booking flights as early as possible to avoid any last minute price hikes. If your trip is guaranteed then we recommend booking as soon as you find out your trip is confirmed and going ahead.

We’re happy to offer suggestions, however you’re responsible for booking the flights that both work best for you and ideally align with our transfer.

You are welcome to get to the trip start point however you prefer, we just ask that you are at the transfer collection point at the appointed time on the first day of the trip. For some trips with nearby railway stations we do offer a transfer pick up and drop off there too.

Please always check with your home country’s passport office to ensure you have the correct number of months left on your passport to be able to travel.

We can create a Visa Support Letter/Letter of Invitation and send through an itinerary of the trip to evidence any visa applications.

Please check with your country’s medical provider or a travel clinic if you think you may need vaccinations for your adventure.

Your Trip Guide has a full kit list. This shows what’s included already, what you definitely need to bring and what are nice optional extras. You don’t have to follow it to the letter, however we’ve all done these trips so if something is listed on there, there’s a reason for it.

Your Trip Guide covers this in detail, including advice on tried and tested layering systems and exactly what materials to look for. If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch though, we’ve answered this question many times.

Yes, for many of our trips rental options are available, often with discount codes via our kit partners. Check your Trip Guide for the specifics – rental recommendations are listed alongside the packing list.

It depends on the destination, some locations only accept card, whereas others still operate mostly with cash. The Trip Guide will give you more detail on exactly what you need to bring to pay for those extras not included in the trip.

The itinerary on the webpage gives a clear day-by-day breakdown of what’s planned. It’s worth knowing though that some elements are weather-dependent, so your host and guides may adjust things on the ground to ensure you get the best experience possible. Your host will send you a full breakdown of the day’s activities and timings the night before during the trip.

Your Trip Guide has full meeting point details, including the exact location and time. For most trips, we meet at the arrival airport. Make sure you’ve read it before you trave

Your host will join your WhatsApp group one or two weeks before the trip is due to start. They’ll introduce themselves via the WhatsApp group and may reach out directly too. If you haven’t heard anything closer to the time, drop us an email.

If you’ve booked a twin room then we’ll match you with another guest on your trip. If you’ve booked with a friend, please let the Bookings Team know and we can make sure you’re both assigned to the same room.

Yes. Once you join the whatsapp group for your trip you’ll be connected with all the other Gutsy Girls on your adventure. You can use the group to introduce yourself, meet the others, see who’s on your flights and organise a meet up in the airport beforehand too.

We don’t organise extensions ourselves, but we’re happy to point you in the right direction. We also have blogs with suggestions for places to stay, things to do, and any insider knowledge from our guides for many of our destinations.

We take a steer from our partners in-country and try to choose smaller, family-run hotels and accommodation that offer a more personal approach. We also look for places close to the adventure sites, and if they have a spa or great restaurant then that’s always a bonus! For some of our more remote expedition trips the accommodation options are very limited and so can be very rustic. On those adventures we have to opt for what’s available that will give our guests a genuine experience in the wilderness.

When you book you’ll see the choice of rooms available for each trip. We usually have private or twin options, but for some trips a four person dorm is as private as it gets! In the majority of accommodation you will share with other Gutsy Girls on your trip. In very rare cases, such as popular mountain huts, you may have to share dorms with others from outside the group.

On most trips, you only have to share if you’d like to. Where possible we offer twin and private rooms, so you can decide if you’d rather share a space with someone or not.

For our expedition trips or those that involve hut-to-hut adventures you may need to share dorm-style rooms, however this is clearly highlighted on the trip pages.

Twin and triple rooms always have separate beds. Some of the mountain huts or wilderness cabins are quite cosy and you may need to sleep in very close quarters or share a bed, but this will always be very clear when booking.

When you book, the hotel’s contact details will be available in the booking portal or in the automated emails from us. If they’re not please do get in touch with our Bookings Team and they’ll be able to help.

Off-grid means the accommodation is not connected to any managed utilities like electricity or water. Instead light is supplied by candles, the place is heated by a fire and the bathroom is an outdoor long-drop. In winter water comes from melting snow over flame or in the sauna, while in summer it’s collected from nearby streams or a well. You’ll need to say goodbye to showering whilst staying in the off-grid accommodation – it’s real wilderness stuff.

Nope. Part of the experience on our wilderness expeditions and hut-to-hut treks is staying in traditional accommodation. Rooms are usually basic and open plan, with dorm-style sleeping. There also usually aren’t any private rooms. On some of our winter expedition trips, those that would rather their own space are welcome to stay in arctic-proof one man tents outside.

We don’t offer a single supplement on twin rooms because there are usually private options to book instead. If all the private rooms are sold out on your chosen date, please contact our Booking Team who will be able to help.

For some accommodation you can arrive early, although you’ll need to contact them directly to ensure they have a room. Even our wildest adventures tend to start at a hotel or lodging that may have spare rooms before or after the trip begins. You’re also welcome to stay elsewhere before the trip starts, however you’ll need to make your way to the transfer pick-up spot at the organised time if you plan to use the transfer service.

That depends on the accommodation. Make sure to check the trip guide for your chosen trip as that’s where you’ll get the low down on hotel facilities.

That depends on the activity, weather and trip difficulty, but usually you’ll be on the move for between 4-8 hours a day. This may be split into two sessions to top and tail the day or carried out in one go with stops for lunch somewhere with an amazing view!

We supply all the big stuff, so there’s no need to travel with your kayak/paddleboard/skis. All the equipment is high spec, so it’s also better to leave your own at home to avoid any accidental damage or extra baggage fees.

We also supply technical and safety kit where possible, such as wet or dry suits, ski climbing skins, life jackets etc, although this varies from trip to trip. Please check your trip’s packing list before you book to see exactly what’s included.

We always want our guests to have a go at everything. However, if, for example, you’re really terrified of heights and don’t think exposure therapy on the via ferrata is what you want to do on holiday, then you’re welcome to sit it out. Alternatively you could look at a similar trip that doesn’t include your dreaded activity – our Bookings Team will be able to advise you.

Nope. If you choose to sit out on an activity that’s up to you. We can’t offer a discount for this.

We’ll always try, but some things are out of our control, particularly weather and safety. Our guides put safety first, so if they think an activity isn’t safe to run, they’ll postpone it and offer an alternative in the meantime. Where possible, the postponed activity is rescheduled for later in the week.

Guides often check the forecast in advance and plan which activities work best on which days. This means the itinerary may not run in exactly the order you expect. If an activity can’t go ahead at all during the trip, your guide will offer an alternative in its place.

The itinerary on our website is the ideal plan for your trip. Because we’re working with the outdoors, days may be moved around to make the most of the conditions, so activities won’t always run in the order shown.

Our guides put safety first. If they think an activity isn’t safe to run, they’ll postpone it and, where possible, reschedule it for later in the trip. In most cases you’ll get to do everything, just not always in the same order. Occasionally an activity can’t go ahead at all during your trip, and when that happens your guide will always offer an alternative.

Whenever possible we use female guides on our adventures, however we can’t always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available!

Our first priority is to work with the most experienced and best suited guides who are as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors.

We keep a close eye on the feedback our guides receive from our guests as we believe that overall this is more important than their gender. 

If you need to leave a trip early, it’s sometimes possible depending on where you are and the logistics, though we don’t advise it. Please let the Bookings Team know as soon as possible, as they’ll need to inform your host and our in-country partner. They can also help you arrange any private transfers, which you’d need to cover the cost of. Please note you wouldn’t receive a refund or discount for any part of the trip you miss, including accommodation, activities or food.

We don’t allow late joiners. Many trips build up a skill over the week, so missing the introduction on Day 1 can make the rest harder to follow, and joining partway through is difficult logistically. If you can’t arrive for Day 1, please look at an alternative date.

Unfortunately not. Our trips are sold as whole packages, so also include accommodation. The group bond is also built during evening meals and those late night catch ups in the hotel or apartment living spaces, so we recommend always staying in our provided accommodation.

All meals are included on this trip and it’s always really good. At all our locations we use restaurants and catering that serve traditional specialities and locally sourced food, often with their own spin. Unless you’re out in the wilderness huts – then you’re on expedition meals and rehydrated feasts!

Where possible, we aim to cater for all dietary requirements and work with our partners to improve their offering in this area if we notice gaps. However, not every country has access to the same ingredients, or occasionally it’s just not possible to get a wide range of food to remote locations. Further to this, some trips rely on restaurants for meals and although all care is taken to ensure dietary requirements are adhered to, in a busy kitchen they may not be able to guarantee there’s no cross-contamination. If you’re not sure, please get in touch with our Bookings Team who will be able to advise you.

Although breakfasts are often buffets or have a wide range items and guests can often pack their own lunches, dinners are usually set menus. If there’s anything you really won’t eat, please include it in your check-in notes. Sometimes alternatives will be able to be sourced, however we also recommend bringing snacks just in case.

This varies depending on the trips, however to avoid getting hungry please bring a few of your own snacks just in case.

This varies depending on the adventure. Breakfasts and dinners are usually eaten in restaurants or family dining spaces, however lunches are often packed and eaten out on the trails. Check your trip guide to find out more or contact the Bookings Team.

Where possible our local partners work with producers, farmers and fishermen in the region to ensure the meals they serve are fresh and sustainably sourced.

On the majority of our trips it is safe to drink the tap water, however your guide will let you know if this isn’t the case. If there are any issues, you will be supplied with clean drinking water.

On expeditions water is sourced by melting snow or from nearby streams or rivers. Your guide knows the area well and will be able to point out clean water sources. On summer hut-to-hut expeditions water will be available at the mountain huts, so it’s your responsibility to fill up bottles and ensure you have enough water for the day.

When you book onto your trip you’ll get a link to your trip’s WhatsApp group. There you can introduce yourself and meet the women you’ll be sharing your adventure with.

Although the majority of our guests are from the UK, we’re seeing an increase in women from the USA, Australia and the rest of Europe. 

Please note that all adventures are carried out in English.

Yes! Over 90% of our guests join our holidays on their own.

Our aim is to connect you with like-minded new friends and provide you with a ready made group to take on your challenge with.

Of course, although we limit group bookings to three people as we feel this helps maintain a good group dynamic.

Yes and it’s becoming more and more common! As long as everyone is over 18 then we love to see a mother/daughter adventure duo!

Our groups differ in size depending on the trip, however we always keep them small. No group is currently over 14 people and most have between six and eight guests.

Our host plays a huge part in creating a positive group dynamic. We also think that limiting group bookings and having adventurous women all looking for the same experience also goes a long way.

That’s okay, just let your host know and she’ll pass on the info to the Gutsy Girls team.

Your host is Gutsy Girls’ woman on the ground. She’s with you for the whole trip and is there to keep the group energised, manage the day-to-day logistics, and make sure everyone’s having a good time. Think of her as your go-to person for everything from “what time is breakfast?” to “I’m struggling today.” She’s not a guide or expert in the country, is there to make sure no one gets left behind – literally or figuratively.

Not usually, no. They’ve probably done the activity plenty of times before or even be a qualified instructor, and may have also visited the country several times, but that’s not what they’re there for. Their strength instead is people and logistics. The expertise comes from your local guides, who know the terrain and the sport inside out. It’s one of the reasons we always work with local partners.

Small group trips live or die by the atmosphere, and our host is there to shape it from day one. She gets to know everyone, keeps energy up on tough days, notices if someone’s going quiet, and makes sure the group gels.

Your host will introduce herself via the WhatsApp group a week or two before the trip. She’ll also use the group to answer your messages, let you know any last minute updates about your adventure and where she’ll meet you at the start of the trip. Once you’re on the trip, she’s with you every day.

We can’t guarantee a specific host, as it depends on availability and which trips she’s been allocated. Don’t worry though, we handpick each host to make sure they’re all equally brilliant, so we promise you’ll have a great time whichever host is on your trip!

Unfortunately we don’t allow hosts to lead trips where friends or family members are guests.

Tipping is completely up to you. If you would like to, we suggest between £15 and £20 per person. It’s a lovely gesture and always welcomed, but never expected or required.

We work with experienced partners who know their countries inside out and take safety very seriously. Accidents happen, especially on adventure holidays and nature can sometimes get nasty, but our guides are there to advise on all elements of safety. Europe is generally safe, however please check your country’s Foreign Office or Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the latest travel advice.

Unless you plan to arrive early or stay on after the trip, you will be with your groups almost from the point you land in the country to start your adventure. If you are planning some independent travel, Europe is generally safe, although there are a few things you can do to protect yourself whilst travelling as a solo female traveler. These include having a phone that works abroad, making sure to write down the name of your accommodation and knowing how to reach it if you go out by yourself, only using licensed taxis and keeping an eye out for pickpockets.

Our guides are qualified professionals, certified to the recognised standard for their activity in the country where they work. Mountain, ski, water and climbing qualifications vary from place to place, but the bar is the same everywhere we operate: properly trained, experienced people who know their terrain inside out. We work with local guides because nobody knows the conditions, the routes and the risks better than someone who lives and works there.

Guests can choose whether they want to wear a lifejacket or not. Guests are always supplied with a PFD, however this may be in a waist belt that some opt not to wear as they are confident on the water or happy to keep hold of their board if they fall in.

Each partner provides us with a medical protocol which they implement in the event of an injury or medical situation. The guides lead on any medical issue and will recommend the best course of action and arrange transport, whilst your host is there to support you. Please ensure your travel insurance covers any medical issues too.

After the trip you’ll receive a survey by email where you can provide us with all your feedback. We read every response and use it to refine and improve each adventure.

I’m sorry to hear you weren’t happy with an element of your trip. We take complaints really seriously.

If something isn’t right while you’re away, please tell your host or get in touch with us during the trip. That way we can look into it and put things right there and then wherever possible. If that’s not possible, you’re welcome to submit your complaint to us within two weeks of your trip ending.

Either way, please email us with as much detail as you can. The more you can tell us, the fuller the picture we have, and the better we can deal with it.

You can take a look at our website and either filter the trip by difficulty or activity. Maybe you fancy stepping up your beginner’s trip to an improver level one, or you liked the pace of your recent adventure, but want to try the activity in a different location – we have a lot of options! If you want any recommendations you can also get in touch with our Booking Team who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

If you’ve left anything behind, please email us as soon as you realise with a full description of the item and where you think you left it. We will then contact the accommodation and do what we can.

Yes. For groups of four guests or more we are able to book private trips on a few of our itineraries. Please get in touch with the number of people in your group, your ideal trip activity and dates and whether you’d prefer single or twin rooms.

Gutsy Girls is a women-owned and operated adventure travel company. Founded by Natalie after she moved from an active outdoor life in Portugal back to London and found herself missing both the adventure and the community. She built the trips she’d always been looking for: unexpected destinations, active days, everything organised, and a small group of like-minded women to do it with.

We do all our own research and get in touch with companies that look like they match our values and aims. We look for local small-scale providers who know the terrain, look after our groups, have high spec equipment and guides, and really care about their country. It also helps if they’re really fun too! 

We vet every destination, guide, accommodation and activity, so if it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t make the cut.

We work with a small, trusted network, but we’re always open to hearing from outstanding local guides and activity providers. Email our Bookings Team with details of what you offer and where and we’ll be in touch. 

Please be aware that we don’t work with DMCs.

Yes to both. Email press@gutsygirls.co.uk with a brief outline of what you’re working on – whether that’s editorial coverage, a brand partnership or something else. Tell us who you are, how we can help and why it’s a fit.

As you can imagine, we get a lot of these requests. We don’t offer discounts as a standard arrangement, but we occasionally work with photographers and creators whose style and audience genuinely align with ours. Send a link to your work and a brief outline to our team. If the fit’s there and we have a relevant opportunity, we’ll be in touch.

As we work with partners in our trip destinations, they employ the best guides for their business. Often they are local instructors as they not only know the language, they tend to also know the environment like the back of their hand.

Thanks so much for your interest in Gutsy Girls. We’re not currently hiring, but that can change as we grow. If any roles do come up, we’ll advertise them, so it’s worth keeping an eye on our website and social channels.

As we’re such a small team, we don’t advertise a phone number. You can book a call with us instead, and a member of the team will get in touch.

Book a call

We aim to answer as quickly as possible, but it can take up to three working days to reply to emails during busy periods.

We work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. If you have questions about an upcoming trip, we’d recommend getting in touch in good time, so there’s enough of a window for us to get back to you before you travel. A little planning ahead means you’ll have everything you need before Day 1.

If you’re on your trip or about to start, please contact your host, who will be able to offer guidance. For anything else, please email the Bookings Team and they’ll reply as soon as possible.

Yes. Some of our trips require you to sign a waiver regarding activities to make sure you’re fully prepared and aware of what the trip will entail. This may also be the case for those with severe food allergies or medical issues.

We are absolutely queer-friendly and trans inclusive –  we celebrate diversity within our community.

This varies depending on the trip. Please contact the Booking Team before you book to double check the policy for your chosen adventure. They will also be able to recommend other potential trips if yours isn’t going to work out.