Intrepid launches women-only tours to Pakistan and Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Can going on holiday really change the world?

Intrepid Travel thinks so – in a bid to change the lives of women in developing countries, the company is actively targeting women-owned businesses it uses on tour, and will also increase the number of women's-only expeditions it offers.

The Melbourne-based company launched its women-only tours three years ago with trips to Morocco, Iran and Jordan, where women are traditionally less visible in society than men. Led by female tour guides, it's a win-win for both sides: the tours create employment opportunities, financial independence and reduce inequality for citizens of those countries, while enabling women travellers an entrance behind the doors of gender-segregated societies.

"Local female leaders offer insight and a unique understanding of women in these regions with respect to their cultural and religious values," says Intrepid Travel's senior product manager Jenny Gray.

Women-owned restaurants, accommodation and business are on Intrepid's list, with visits to cooking schools and cafes, agriculture businesses and traditional handicrafts manufacturers on its itineraries.

It's not a new trend, though women-only travel is emerging as a major travel shift, marrying adventure travel with social awareness.

It's paying off for Intrepid, which says women's-only tours are its fastest-growing range since they were introduced in 2018.

The company also plans to double the number of female porters it employs: currently, around 40 women work as porters for Intrepid on mountain hikes in such destinations as Peru and Tanzania.

Intrepid will launch two new women's-only tours to coincide with International Women's Day. The two new destinations are also two of its most adventurous, with a 15-day trip into Pakistan and eight days into Israel and the Palestinian Territories. See intrepidtravel.com