There's something about adventure travel that stirs the blood. Whether it is sea kayaking, hiking, climbing, canoeing, dogsledding, horseback riding, or backpacking, life is just more fun when you're exploring the outdoors. I've found a place that offers it all. Adventures in Good Company offers trips and experiences that will last a lifetime, for women of any age. 

Started by Marian Marbury, Adventures in Good Company offers global destinations and a variety of activities in all seasons. We were lucky enough to sit down with Marian and talk about Adventures in Good Company, group travel, food, locations, and more. Here's what she had to say...

WE:  Please tell us about Adventures in Good Company...

MM: Adventures in Good Company offers worldwide adventure travel for women of all ages. We are guided by the following philosophy:

    *  We want to create a space where you feel supported in following your own agenda, whether that's to challenge yourself or to take some much needed R&R. It's your trip.

    * We think that groups form the strongest bonds when individual needs and wants are being met. We design our itineraries to maximize flexibility and we will do everything we can to help you have the trip that you want.

    * We strive to create an atmosphere where women feel comfortable being who they are, and where everyone enjoys sharing their similarities and celebrating their differences.

    * We believe that feeling truly connected to the natural world is both a human need and deeply rejuvenating. In this context we also understand the joys of challenging your limits.

    * We find that experiencing other cultures, in ways that are respectful and not exploitative, enriches our understanding of our common humanity.

    * We are committed to being a leader in sustainable travel among travel companies.

    * We love eating good food and laughing lots!

WE:  What was the genesis of Adventures in Good Company?

MM: I had guided for a non-profit organization called Woodswomen for 12 years on a part time basis. Started in 1977, they were the first company that offered outdoor and adventure travel just for women and guiding for them, although part time, was a dream come true. When they went bankrupt in 1999, I wanted to keep guiding and I wanted to keep offering women the same kinds of trips that I had seem really transform them, so I started Adventures in Good Company. I've been fortunate to be joined by other Woodswomen guides so we started with excellent guides.

WE:  What activities and destinations do you offer??

MM: Hiking, trekking, backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, dogsledding, horseback riding, rock climbing, and multisport activities. We go to
US, Canada, Panama, Guatemala, Peru, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia, Nepal, Bhutan, Mexico, Canada

WE:  Who are your guides?

MM: Women with substantial outdoor and/or international travel experience. Everyone goes through a period of training before they become lead guides, the length of which depends on the individual. We emphasize interpersonal skills and technical skills equally. If you wanted a more literal answer to the question, our guides are listed here - http://www.adventuresingoodcompany.com/guides.html

WE:  How can travelers prepare for your trips? Physically, interculturally,
    etc.?

MM: In our pre-trip information, we provide suggested reading lists and websites for the cultural preparation part, and conditioning suggestions for the physical part. Our trips really vary in terms of physical challenge so conditioning suggestions are tailored to the particular trip.

WE:  Do the participants on trips have a way to give back to places or communities where they travel?

MM: We try to build relationships with local organizations in third world countries but this usually takes several times of visiting as we only go places once a year. But we have a good relationship with the Kilimanjaro Porters Project in Tanzania and the Parizat Nestling home in Kathmandu.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

MM: What sets us apart is our emphasis on hearing from each person what kind of trip they are hoping for and then trying to make that happen. Many companies emphasize people needing to give up their individual goals for the good of the group; we believe that groups are strongest when individual needs are met.

We also are constantly told by our participants that our trips are extremely well organized, our food is unexpectedly delicious, and our guides are both personable and skilled.

WE: Thanks so much, Marian! Your adventures sound incredible and well-planned and communicated. Brava, for your great work!

For more information, please see:
 

http://www.adventuresingoodcompany.com

Or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AdventuresinGoodCompany

All photos courtesy and copyright of Adventures in Good Company.