Why Choose | Explorer Chick

Here's 10 reasons

Explorer Chick exists to change lives.

We just so happen to do it through adventure travel for women.

Welcome to a proud collective of unladylike misfits who search the ends of the earth for the best places to discover our superpowers. We create action-packed, women-only, bucket-list experiences that feel like secret passageways beyond all the typical tourist traps.

Leave your inner critic speechless and the logistics to us. Rock up, soul-meld with your new sisterhood, and prepare to laugh until a little happy pee comes out.

We know what women want on vacation. We also know what it takes for women to actually GO on vacation.

You’re the glue. The overthinkers. The on-demand. The last in line. Frantically setting your out-of-office in the Uber to the airport while your partner texts to ask what dog food brand to buy. (Really?)

Flip the switch and prepare for your needs to be obsessively met through adventure travel run by women, for women.

Life-Changing Travel

We know. It's a bold statement. But it was our community of Explorer Chicks who clued us in with their stories and words.

Woman holding "Explorer Chick" banner at the summit of Torres Del Paine Towers in Patagonia Chile

1 Reignite Your Fire

Transform your vacay mindset from work-recovery to life-discovery. It’s never too late to try something new, reconnect with your inner child, or start again.

Just ask Explorer Chick founder Nicki Bruckmann, who got fed up with the mold she was forcing herself into and essentially blew up life as she knew it (the marriage, the job… you name it.) What came out of the destruction was Explorer Chick.

We help women get out of their own heads through radical acceptance, endless support, and obscene fun. Each adventure is a baptism in self-belief and owning your life.

Peace out, Rick Steves. We’re journeying through our souls over here.

Read Nicki's Story

2 A Feral Sisterhood

“How does this magical vibe exist?” Probably our favorite quote ever. Truth is YOU are the vibe, the special sauce, and the best thing there ever was.

Show up all in with unwavering support of others, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by incredible women who believe in you. The impossible, scary, overwhelming is actually possible. It’s a spine-tingling sisterhood that makes you feel safer than bear spray.

Learn About Our Community

3 Support to Go Solo

80% of our travelers rock up solo with their bad selves and leave with an entire she-pack of besties. How many times have we delayed a trip because our partners aren’t into it or our friends are busy? Explorer Chick makes solo travel hella-welcoming with a mini sisterhood that melts away all the weirdness of “going it alone.”

Why You Should Travel Solo

4 Pro-Age Travel

Badass women ages 30-60+ bust their booties up mountains, down waterfalls, and across glaciers. There is no upper age limit on our adventures. We welcome you no matter your age!

There is only knowing your body and choosing the appropriate experience. We don’t care how many uggo compression socks or knee braces you bring — mindset is the only thing that matters.

Worried You're Too Old? Read This.

5 Courage to Do It Anyway

Face your fears with women who are also crapping themselves over heights, open water, and being away from home for the first time in years. This isn’t an anonymous tour group where everyone politely nibbles their granola bars. Explorer Chicks lose their voices cheering you out from your comfort zone. Remember: Easy doesn’t change you.

The Mantra We Live By

6 All the SHE-Nanigans

What could be better than a stunning canyon view at dusk? Hearing Jenn’s strangled fart bounce about the rock walls.

Leave your best behavior at home and bring that weird goat energy that got you into trouble with the Costco Free Samples lady.

Our adventures combine the best parts of being a grownup with a credit card AND a goofy friend. We attract a diverse yet specific demographic of adventurer who is equal parts kind, brave, and sh*tshow. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

explorer chick women travel company on a game drive in queen elizabeth national park in uganda watching elephants cross the road

7 Mindless Wandering

Get that bucket-list itinerary without sweating a single brain cell. All you have to do is board a plane. What’s included on each small-group, women-only adventure is your safety equipment, outdoor gear, reservations, entrance fees, permits, accommodation, transportation, included meals, and more.

What's Included On Our Trips

the explorer chick team on a hike in red rock canyon in las vegas with our team banner

8 Your Dream Team

No rock climber bros or wheezing ornithologists in sight. Explorer Chick guides are wilderness trained and certified to worship your well-being––and they are also really, really fun. We probably snagged Travel and Leisure’s WORLD’S BEST Tour Operator accolade because of our sick dance moves.

Meet The Dream Team

9 We Give a Damn

Coming on strong is our jam. You’re about the only thing we’re super serious about around here. And it’s written in our guiding principles to treat you with endless love and respect like we’ve been bffs since second grade. Should we write our initials in the sand now, or?

Our mantra: Give ‘em what they never dreamed possible. Everything we do, from planning the itinerary to sneaking in pop-up surprises to hyping you on social media, is designed to help you feel deliciously powerful. So you can’t help but find your edge.

Learn More About Us

10 You + EC = 4 Ever

Our retention rate for returning travelers is 30 PERCENT. That is absolutely bananas when you consider most people return to their snoozefest tour companies exactly zero times. We are constantly on-boarding new trips, more guides, and exciting new adventures to keep Explorer Chicks coming back for more.

Read Our Testimonials

In Her Words

Danielle D.

I had a great first experience with Explorer Chick. We were a group of 7 women plus 2 two guides on our weekend trip to Shenandoah NP. Our age range was 40s to 70s. The itinerary was modified for the late-season lack of evening daylight, so our hikes were cut a bit shorter than what they should have been. We also made some changes to our starting points which meant more driving - more time in the van than expected. We probably could have stayed in one lodge instead of two different lodges. Aside from those changes, the overall trip was a great experience. I consider myself in decent shape and after 3 days of hiking, my legs were sore! The hikes were on rough, rocky terrain, and we were constantly hiking on an incline, up or down, so prepare your calves! Make sure you have good ankle support on your shoes. Lodging was as expected for park lodging. The breakfast and dinners were very nice - decent selection and big portions. Lunch on the first day was premade sandwiches from Trader Joes with chips and a piece of fruit. Lunch on the 2nd day was cheese and cracker tray at the winery, but there was plenty to go around. We had the most amazing weather for mid October - we started out the mornings in jackets and even gloves, but by mid-afternoon most of us had stripped down to short sleeves. Everyone was mostly at the same pace during the hikes. On the uphill climbs, just speak up when you need a break to catch your breath. The guides were very nice and accommodating to the group, they kept us on schedule and kept us informed of the itinerary for the day. I would go on another EC trip but would be mindful of the activity level. This trip was a 2, I'm not sure I could handle longer hikes for more than 3 days.

Robin H.

Torres Del Paine W-Trek team was so unified on this journey. Lead by Explorer Chick Guide Kirstie M who brought energy, support, & built camaraderie among us 8 women. Chilean Guides Dani & Cati complimented the team with their wealth of local terrain knowledge. We experienced fabulous weather daily to have full view of every peak on this trek.This trip was absolutely incredible for me personally —both challenging and filled with countless awe-inspiring moments along the trails. It’s truly been a transformative experience, redefining what I can accomplish solo traveling a foreign country @ 60yrs + Type 1 Diabetic >50yrs.I’m ready for Explorer Chick Challenging trip #2!

Marjorie H.

November trip to Iceland was magical.Guide Christina Bruno and Explorer Chick put together a fantastic itinerary. Diamond Beach is a must see.

Rachel R.

Just finished up 10 days on the most extraordinary trip of my life. Uganda was so amazing all round - the animals, the people, the culture-- that I'm now an unofficial spokesperson for the country! Nicki was an amazing guide, Gerald our driver had all the answers I could throw at him, and everyone in the group was chill and fun and felt like best friends within minutes. We stayed in the most beautiful and posh places and saw wildlife closeup like we were in a freaking national geographic magazine. How many people have seen a family of endangered mountain gorillas with a freaking 6 months old baby doing acrobats in the heart of the impenetrable forest? Me! Crazy and amazing. I can't believe I got to do all that I did. And the best part is I was along for the ride and didn't have to plan all the nitty gritty details. Love you Uganda! I'll be back.

susan V.

I went on the most amazing trip to Jordan this past October. I can't even begin to describe the surreal feeling of standing in front of the Treasury in Petra, riding a camel through the expansive Mars-like desert, and floating in the dead sea. This was my first Explorer Chick trip and let me tell you it did not disappoint. EC guide Kara was phenomenal with great organization and special surprises along the way. Can you say pedicure in a Turkish spa? So many firsts that I was able to experience and absolutely no need for concern about solo travel with this group. None of us knew each other beforehand, yet within hours we had our own inside jokes. Seriously, do not let the idea of traveling alone keep you from experiencing these phenomenal tours. Also, there was never a time that I didn't feel safe. Jordan is a beautiful country with the most hospitable people. We were constantly greeted with warm smiles and coffee or tea! Our lovely local EC local guide welcomed each of us and passionately shared her extensive knowledge of her country and culture. My EC trip to Jordan was a dream adventure come true. My only problem now is deciding which EC trip to take next!

hannah B.

Now I've....had...the time of my liiiiife....and I owe it all to Explorer Chick! Me and three friends went on the Zion/Bryce trip and it was absolutely amazing! Our guides, Christina and Ashley, made the trip so amazing and had little fun surprises set up for every day. I would take this trip time and time again, but I'm hoping after I take more EC trips!

Abigail H.

I just finished my first Explorer Chick trip to Iceland, and it was seriously a bucket list experience! I was really nervous, but the other women on the trip and our guides (Christina from EC and our Icelandic guide Dagny) made it such a wonderful time! I made so many friends and memories, tried things I never would have otherwise, and got to support other women while they pushed themselves too. I’m already looking at booking another trip haha.For info - I’m 32 years old. The other women on the trip ranged from 31 to 74 and everywhere in between. I loved getting to meet all of them and look forward to staying connected with these amazing women. ❤️

Vicki O.

Great hiking trip. Each trail was different and challenging. Hannah and Christina took so very good care of us. They paced the hikes so that everything seemed easy.

Quincy S.

How can a person rate or review what finding a little bit peace and clarity is like?I have had the pleasure of being on two EC trips since October 2024.My first trip was in October of 2024 to Moab with guides Katie and Nikki.That trip changed my life.It is my belief that everyone signing up for an EC trip is searching for something. It just happens to be a little different for everyone.I happened to be searching for me.Who would have guessed that I would find her in the quiet and in the beauty of Utah with a group of strangers.That trip reminded me that I am not just a wife, and momma. It helped me to filter out most of the crap floating around in my head and just focus on me for a few days.My second trip with EC was in September of this year with Christina and Nikki in Yosemite.Christina and Nikki, were the perfect guides for that trip, they were just what I needed. (shoutout to Nikki for being on my last trip and remembering that I love to eat PB sammies on white bread while I hike!)Yosemite with all of the women on that trip was an experience I will never forget, because I almost didn’t go.But I am so glad that I did.I needed all of it, the adventure, the laughs, the beauty, and the opportunity to feel a little more like myself.Pressing pause on home life and getting out of your comfort zone takes some courage, but with the help of EC and some absolute kick ass women I did it and so can you.Thank you, EC, for helping me find a little more of myself of these amazing trips.Quincy

Amy R

This was my second trip with Explore Chicks and I loved both adventures. Lauren, our EC guide, and Dina, owner of Mountain Shepherd Survival School, were both spectacular - knowledgeable and fun! The other eight women on the trip were also so much fun! Everything was throughly and impeccably organized.Looking forward to my next trip!

Norice R.

We had a wonderful eight day trip to beautiful Iceland seeing many wonderful places. I highly recommend this trip and our amazing guide Christina. Christina was professional, friendly, caring and full of facts and adventures. The food was wonderful also. As with previous EC trips, I would score this trip a 100/100!! 😊

Gypsey B.

I went to Jordon this fall with a small group of explorer chicks. What an absolute treat! My best trip ever. Learning the history of the region was mind blowing. People we met were welcoming and kind. And, in true EC fashion, we had so many wonderful adventures with our terrific guides, Kara and the local “chick”, Ahlam. From hiking up the beautiful Wadi Rum & floating down on our backs, looking up the rust colored canyon walls to the blue sky peeking out, pinching myself to remind me that I’m half way around the world with truly fabulous women….to meeting shepherds and Bedouin babes on our hike to Petra to eating under the stars, the most delicious food that I tried to emulate in my own home kitchen (didn’t hit like the original)….. the camel ride, sleeping under stars, Dead Sea soak…and sooo much more. Waking up in the Dana reserve to watch a shepherd lead his flock into the steep canyon basin was a treat, quietly reminding me that we truly don’t need much but wonderful experiences that leave memories of magical places and time. And, that my friends, is what this travel group provides.

carrie P.

Amazing trip to Va !!! Lauren led us on an epic journey through the day and night. We learned so much at the MountainShepard Adventure School. Looking forward to hiking with my new tools.

Joy

Let me begin by saying, I was always looking at these trips but did not believe I was outdoorsy enough to do them. My sister and friend pulled the trigger for the Iceland trip and so I followed suit. Truly the best decision ever! This was a bucket list trip that I will never forget. I did things that made me realize I am outdoorsy, I met new people that I truly hope I stay in touch with forever and see again on future trips, and learned just how much the explorer chick company cares. Our guide, Christina Bruno, set the stage from the beginning as this trip is for us-- the travelers -- and it truly turns into what you make of it. She was helpful, organized, prepared to help in any situation, and also wanted to get to know us and feel valued throughout the trip. The trip is life changing and the people that make these trips happen are amazing. Thank you Christina for all your organization and sharing about Explorer Chick. Thanks for your positivity, encouragement, and laughter! Thank you to all of the ladies on my trip as well! I felt seen, empowered, and will never forget the laughs! Hopefully future trips are in store for me!

kara R.

I am a single woman with the desire to travel. I feel a bit intimidated going alone. I had my eye on Explorer Chicks for a couple of years and finally committed to a trip; just returned from Alaska. All the ladies were down-to-earth, funny and kind. The guides made me feel safe and took us to places that were well off the beaten path, not tourist-y. I am on my way to becoming a world traveler, having booked another trip with them this fall. You will have so much fun!