13 Empowering Experiences For Female Travelers

As one of the safest countries in the world, Iceland is a shoo-in as a top destination for female travelers. Being wowed out of your socks is a key ingredient to sparking some fierce feelings, and Iceland will undoubtedly rise to the challenge. Spend your days exploring waterfalls, chatting with puffins, or testing your limits with hikes in the offbeat Highlands. It can all end with a satisfying soak in a natural hot pool where reflection comes easy, as does your awe of this beautiful place . . . and yourself, of course.

You don't have to be super spiritual to appreciate the beauty of the human spirit in Bali. Bali is humble in its charm, and the opportunities to connect with local women and learn various traditional trades are abundant. Batik painting is an authentic art with Balinese roots and plenty of workshops to try your hand at it. Just like coloring as a kid (or adult) was therapeutic and relaxing, the art of Batik painting can have the same effect. Or, sign up for a ceramics class and let clay inspire you in a tropical island setting.

Get off the grid in Alaska to clear your heart and mind. Getting a little dirty has a way of cleansing your soul, and discovering you can hack it (because you can!) is the confidence booster we all need at times. A backcountry camping site in pristine wilderness is a perfect place to do just that. If you're not into backpacking, Alpen Glow Luxury Glamping is an ideal combination of fresh air for fresh perspective, testing your limits in the wilderness, and comfort. With seemingly endless activities at the tent door, there's more than enough opportunity to get wild and feel bold. Go solo, go with a friend — just go!

Checking something off your bucket list has a way of making you feel wildly accomplished; as you should be. The Northern Lights are on many a list, and for good reason. Norway is unreasonably gorgeous as it is, but with the polar lights between October and March, it's downright magical. So go big . . . bucket-list big. Fill your soul with light; seeing something that takes your breath away, as elusive as the aurora, changes you. And from that epic achievement, you'll feel ready to take on the world more than ever.

The ocean breeze awaits you on the western coast of Mexico, where the sea will do ya good. Cultivating a refresh of your soul via yoga is a naturally inspiring way to endorse empowerment. There are yoga retreats all over the world, sure, but Playa Viva in Mexico is an exceptional place to find your center. Situated on a lush property, there's plenty to do (or not to do) in between yoga and/or meditation sessions. Plus, the chance to slumber in a beachside tree fort? Um, yes, please. Check its calendar of upcoming retreats, and once you're reinvigorated, go grab the world by the horns!

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a premiere way to get a surge of savage vibes that'll stick around for the foreseeable future. New Zealand has much to offer by way of stunning landscape, positive attitudes, and sheep encounters. But if you're ready to really test yourself, conquer a summit solo, participate in a multiday tramp (hike) such as the Milford Track, or throw yourself off a bridge via adrenaline-inducing bungee jumping. Queenstown is the mecca of extreme sports, so pick your poison and turn fear into exhilaration and empowerment. Bam!

Sometimes a girls' getaway is necessary. Big Sur is a classic, as is the trusty girls-only weekend. Throw in the Pacific Ocean, glorious coastline views, and wine with your favorite ladies and you've got the cocktail for feeding your soul. Escaping with a close-knit group of female friends is perhaps the most simple way to feel empowered. You naturally build each other up, support one another, and laugh, of course. All of which are essential for your growth and confidence, and best done after a day of exploring Big Sur, wine in hand, surrounding a cozy fire at an adorable B&B with some of your best gals.

LightBridge International has created LandMine Design to help educate and employ women in Cambodia living in MineField Village. In its crafting of gorgeous jewelry, it is empowering women by helping them to become self-sustaining providers for their children. Participating in one of its volunteer trips to Cambodia, you can be a part of this positive change. And helping someone less fortunate feel empowered has a funny way of helping you feel empowered too.

Volunteer vacations are a great balance for relax and rejuvenation with doing and promoting good. That's just what helping others does, even if they're turtles. The Surfing Turtle Lodge in Nicaragua is a hatchery where you can help these little nuggets make it out to sea, and that is a beautiful thing. Our nurture-y souls will be warmed by the opportunity to take care of these little guys, ensuring they have a full turtle future. This feel-great destination activity will have you amped to promote more and more positivity and survival . . . maybe even your own.

In line with volunteering in epic locations, the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary just outside of Chiang Mai is yet another perfect destination for helping animals flourish. Once abused and exhausted elephants used for riding and intense labor, these gentle giants are allowed to roam free, enjoy a mud bath, and just be happy. It's enlightening to be part of such a glorious cause for the welfare of these amazing and endangered creatures. You can spend a day or a few days, staying on the grounds and volunteering with daily activities. Yes, the elephants like to spray and play, all part of the fun.

A women-only whitewater rafting trip is sure to get that heart-pumping, I-am-awesome vibe flowing. Meeting and interacting in the grand outdoors with like-minded females will be exactly what the doctor ordered. Holiday River Expeditions offers a myriad of women-only ventures designed to inspire, challenge, and awaken . . . in the middle of nowhere. Testing yourself on the waters of the Colorado River will be the powwow you didn't know you needed. Women encouraging each other, building one another up, and joining forces to accomplish something is what we all need to do more of, so why not start here?

A four(ish)-day trip in Japan will lead you off the beaten path, which is probably just what you need. The Kumano Kodo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know it's gonna be good. There are shrines, waterfalls, gasp-inducing scenery, delicious food, and hot baths. There's no way you won't be fulfilled. Completing a trek such as this as a solo female traveler will leave you wowed, inspired, and feeling fiercely independent. One order of a life-changing trip, coming up!

An old-fashioned road trip to soak up some of our impressive country has all the opportunity for creativity, spontaneity, and testing your limits, of course. Whether solo or with friends, you're sure to power up to the max with a road trip. Maybe you want to scour the East Coast or drive sheer across from left coast to right. There's no wrong way, and the fewer plans, possibly the better. If a road trip isn't a test, we don't know what is. It can challenge you in ways you didn't even realize. Handling the unexpected will empower you to the core, and after taking on a lengthy road trip, you'll feel like you can tackle almost anything.