Group Adventure Holidays for Women: A Beginner’s Guide

Your friends can’t make it. Again. Or maybe you’re just tired of waiting for everyone’s schedules to align while that hiking trip you’ve been wanting to do sits on your wishlist.

Time to stop waiting and book something yourself.

Solo travel can mean hours of research finding routes, vetting guides and sorting accommodation. That’s where we come in.

Group adventure holidays mean we’ve done all that research for you, you just need to pick the outdoor activities you want to do or the location you most want to visit. Each trip also comes with a ready-made group of like-minded women.

Here are five types that work perfectly for first-timers:

Hiking Holidays

Perfect for first-time solo hikers who want to explore without the logistics headache. Stay in one location while experienced guides take you to different trails each day, so you get all the mountain views without the daily packing and unpacking.

Norway’s dramatic fjords, Slovenia’s Lake Bled region, the border-crossing Pyrenees between France and Spain, and the Italian Dolomites offer incredible base camp hiking opportunities. Wake up in the same comfortable bed, fuel up with breakfast, then head out to tackle a new trail with your group. Your guide handles route planning and safety while you focus on the views and getting to know your fellow hikers.

What to expect: Daily hikes covering 8-15km, comfortable accommodation, group meals and guides who know exactly where to find the best viewpoints.

Works for: People new to hiking holidays, those who want comfort after active days and anyone who prefers exploring from a base rather than constantly moving.

Skip if: You’re more about multi-day treks, want wilderness camping or crave the challenge of hut-to-hut hiking.

Try this: Our Beginners Norway Hiking and Yoga Weekend Adventure where you explore the Rondane National Park while returning to your cosy base each evening. Our Spanish Pyrenees Hiking holiday with varying landscapes every day, different routes, wildlife and a comfy hotel in the evenings, or our North Macedonia Hiking Adventure in the Shar National Park with incredible hikes in the shadow of the mountains, hearty local food and a relaxing spa hotel for instant recouperation.

Multi-Day Hiking Expeditions

Ready for something more adventurous? Multi-day treks take you deep into mountain wilderness, staying in mountain huts or remote lodges. Think hiking hut to hut through the Pyrenees Mountains, Dolomites, Mont Blanc region, or Slovenia’s Julian Alps, serious mountain terrain with accommodation at the end of each day.

You’ll carry everything you need with you as you trek between huts. Each day brings new landscapes and challenges as you move through terrain that’s only accessible on foot. It’s perfect for building serious hiking confidence and self-sufficiency with a ready-made group.

What to expect: 5-7 hours hiking daily with 10-20km distances, staying in basic mountain huts or remote lodges, and traversing varied terrain, from forest paths to rocky scrambles.

Works for: People with good fitness levels, anyone comfortable with consecutive challenging days, and those who want to experience remote mountain landscapes.

Skip if: You prefer returning to the same accommodation, want luxury facilities, or are new to longer hiking distances.

Try this: Slovenia hut-to-hut adventures through the Julian Alps – trek through dramatic alpine scenery with comfortable mountain refuges each night. If you prefer your hut-to-hut hiking with a side of Via Ferrata, our Via Ferrata Dolomite adventure is a must.

Horse Riding Adventures

Horse riding adventures cover more ground than you would on foot, letting you explore mountain trails and open meadows from a completely different perspective. Norway’s national parks, Iceland’s unique volcanic landscapes, or Andalusia’s white villages and olive groves offer incredible riding terrain. Plus, working with horses teaches you a whole host of new skills while bonding with these incredible animals.

Horses respond to your energy, so you’ll learn how to interact with them and read their body language, alongside developing your riding technique.

What to expect: Daily riding lessons and trail rides, horse care instruction, experienced instructors and your own horse for the week.

Works for: People comfortable around animals, those who want to learn hands-on skills and anyone who wants outdoor exploration from a different perspective.

Skip if: You’re nervous around large animals, have mobility issues, or prefer faster-paced activities.

Try this: Norway Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday – combine equestrian skills with mountain landscapes, yoga stretches and well-earned sauna sessions. We have a trip for all levels too, from beginners to experienced riders.

Ski Holidays

If you’ve wondered what you’re missing when friends disappear on ski trips, now’s your chance to find out. Solo ski holidays remove the intimidation factor that can come with your first time on the slopes. Learning alongside other beginners with professional instruction also means developing real technique rather than just surviving.

A beginner’s ski trip creates a natural bond: everyone’s learning together, falling together and celebrating small victories together. Plus, après-ski culture means built-in social time after active days on the slopes.

What to expect: Daily lessons with qualified instructors, beginner slopes, all equipment included and time to practice with others at your skill level.

Works for: People comfortable with the occasional tumble, those who enjoy learning physical skills and anyone who wants to join skiing conversations back home.

Skip if: You hate being cold, avoid activities with learning curves, or prefer warm-weather destinations.

Try this: Sweden Beginner Learn To Ski Holiday – start from scratch with expert instruction and build confidence on beginner-friendly slopes. If Norway’s calling you we also have our Beginners Downhill Skiing in the Jotunheimen National Park.

Multi-Activity Adventures

Variety is the spice of life, which is why a trip combining lots of activities, such as hiking, kayaking, cycling and more, can be the best option. Not only do they prevent any one activity from becoming overwhelming, but they allow you to sample different activities and find out which outdoor adventures appeal to you, without committing to a week of just one.

Winter versions swap hiking for snowshoeing, kayaking for cross-country skiing, and cycling for fat biking through snowy landscapes. Same variety principle, different season.

What to expect: A different activity each day, professional instruction for all technical skills, all equipment provided and varied intensity levels.

Works for: People who get bored easily, anyone who wants to discover what outdoor activities they actually enjoy, and guests who like variety over deep focus.

Skip if: You prefer focusing on one activity, dislike packed schedules or already know your preferred adventure type.

Try this: Croatia to Slovenia Multi-Activity Adventure– combine hiking, eBiking, rafting, swimming and cultural exploration across two countries, making it the perfect introduction to multi-activity adventures. We also have our North Macedonia Multi-Activity at the world famous Lake Ohrid where you can try hiking, paddleboarding and eBiking.

Water-Based Adventures

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing trips get you out on the water in some incredible locations. Croatia’s crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Svalbard’s icy seas, or Slovenia’s emerald alpine lakes offer a completely different way of seeing the world.

Water sports often require teamwork, especially in double kayaks or when learning to sail, which naturally builds connections with your other guests. Plus, there’s something about being around water that’s relaxing, even when you’re working hard to stay balanced on a paddleboard.

What to expect: Full days on the water with all equipment provided, lessons from experienced guides and access to coastlines and hidden spots that you can only reach by paddling.

Works for: People comfortable around water, those who want to learn something completely different from the skills picked up in the gym, and anyone with a love of coastal or lake destinations.

Skip if: You’re uncomfortable in and on water, prone to seasickness, or prefer wild mountains to awesome oceans.

Try this: Croatia Island Hopping SUP Adventure – paddle between islands, explore hidden coves, and learn SUP skills in the warm Mediterranean waters.

Practical Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers

Arrive early: Get to airports or meeting points with time to spare. Nothing kills confidence like rushing while stressing about being late.

Connect before you go: Our group trips have WhatsApp groups – use them. Introduce yourself, ask questions, even suggest meeting for coffee if you’re in the same city or will be getting the same flight.

Pack smart: Comfortable hiking boots, layers for changing weather, and a good book for quiet moments. Follow packing lists and ask questions if unsure.

Choose the right trip: Pick adventures that challenge you appropriately without creating unnecessary stress. Match your actual fitness level, not your aspirational one.

Set realistic expectations: You might not love every activity or connect deeply with every guest on the trip. Focus on experiences you enjoy and connections that work naturally.

Any questions? Just get in touch with our Bookings Team. They’ll be happy to provide answers or find the right trip for you.