Why Choose

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

Kelly S

This was my first trip with Explorer Chick, and I went in with pretty high expectations after reading about the Croatia trip and seeing pictures. I do have to say, it surpassed my expectations, and I see more adventures with Explorer Chick in my future! I’ve been on vacations where you can see amazing scenery, but we got to really experience it. We rode e-bikes through gorgeous landscapes and through fun tunnels! Many of us faced fears thorough rock climbing and jumping off cliffs. I loved the variation in activities throughout the whole trip. Our guides, Kayla and Ana, were absolutely the best. They were informative, accommodating, and kind, and also incredibly funny, and just a pleasure to be around. Not only did they get us to a different location and guide us through activities every day, they also made sure lots of photos were taken and shared, that there were always snacks and everyone was comfortable, and they encouraged, supported, and laughed with us. They made sure we had the greatest time possible. Lastly, it’s amazing how you can be on a trip with a group of women you have never met before, and when you leave to go home, you feel as if you have known them for a long time. Not only was it an adventure, but I also met wonderful women I would travel with again in a heartbeat.

Sheila M.

Zion and Bryce Hiking and Glamping Trip with Explorer Chick was amazing. Kirstie and Ashley were the most encouraging guides. Well organized trip and food was amazing.

Sheri W.

Just completed my second trip with Explorer Chicks, and once again they have set the bar high! My guides Ashley and Kirstie took care of every detail from an amazing playlist, delicious lunches and snacks as well as safety and encouragement. The laughter, camaraderie, adventure and challenges under a star-filled Utah sky will forever live in my heart. ❤️🏕️ Highly recommend this company for your next adventure.

mary S.

I had a great trip with Ashley to Red River Gorge! I would totally recommend working with this company.

Alex B.

What an absolutely incredible experience! Christina and Hannah did such an incredible job leading our group through Moab. This was the best experience of my life and i absolutely recommend it!!!

Jana B.

This was a beautiful, spiritual, and rewarding trek, but it's no joke! It's very challenging, so take them seriously when they tell you to train and be physically prepared. I'm 66 and I did a lot of training (walking, hiking, backpacking, strengthening, yoga) and used the stair-stepper. But it's hard to train going down steps, unless you have access to a stadium to climb up and down the bleacher steps. There are THOUSANDS of rock steps to go up and down at high elevation. We were told there were 5000 steps to go down on our final day to Machu Picchu. Good incentive!Our guides, Katie Klos and our Peruvian guide Orlando were outstanding. Kervi was our additional guide who stayed back with me as I was always the last to come in by a few minutes. I really appreciated having someone (Katie or Kervi) nearby to encourage me or tell me to take my time. I didn't feel rushed, but also didn't feel left behind. I didn't need physical assistance, but they really looked out for me and were very patient.The first 1 1/2 days were quite easy going and we stayed at my favorite campground-it even had flushing toilets and showers (cold water). The other campsites were at higher altitude with beautiful surroundings, especially the final site, our 3rd night on the trail where we woke up overlooking a large cloud bank.The Porters are the true heroes of the trip. I've never seen such hardworking people anywhere! Please consider tipping them generously as they more than earn it. They cook 3 hot meals/day from scratch and they're delicious!#ExplorerChick

Molly M.

Amazing and beautifully curated trip. Everything was beautifully executed.

B W

I went on the Maine/ Acadia National Park Trip and had the best time ever. The Guides were wonderful and the group of women on the trip were great! I can't wait for my next trip!

Sue H.

This was my first trip with Explorer Chick, and I’ll be back! The trips aren’t cheap, but I ended up doing more adventurous things with other like-minded women than I ever would’ve done on my own! It was so worth it to go with guides (Lauren and Morgan) who know the special places to go, who cheer everyone on and are encouraging when it seems like something might be a bit too challenging, and make awesome lunches!! The Shenandoah Sunsets and Winery trip was a great gateway for me to what I hope are many more fun times with amazing women, beautiful places, and a great company! Thanks, Explorer Chick, and especially Lauren and Morgan! Ca-caw!!

Julie M.

Savanah was our guide. She was extremely knowledgeable, professional, caring, encouraging, and fun. Our trips were great and I appreciated her modifying a hike after all hikers agreed due to very warm weather.The food choices were wonderful, something for everyone. Timing of departures was clearly explained and we were on time.There were three total hikers for this trip and we got super support with the hiking, explanation of the geography, and help with improving our hiking nutrition needs.I learned a lot and have been hiking for 40 years.The accommodations were nice, clean, and even had a washer and dryer which we took advantage of.You hear about value for the money, I think it was better than that. I never had to think of a thing and was left to enjoy our wonderful hikes and time together.Most days were filled with each person sharing what they wanted about themselves, we had many appreciation moments for our guide and hikers life experiences.Thank you Explorer Chicks for a trip of a lifetime. I learned that I can say no to some things, thank you Savanah for that, it was huge for me.Regards,Julie

Hannah M.

5/5 stars. Lauren honked in all of the tunnels we drove through, and everyone in the group was so respectful and encouraging to each other, there was no kink shaming to be heard of. Very demure, very classy.Our guides Lauren and Kara put forth so much work, flexibility, and passion into explorer chicks and in this trip. They were always incredibly helpful and validating, and overall it was a lovely experience where I felt I got to learn so much about myself through the entire experience, all while being surrounded by the beautiful Smoky Mountains.I also want to give a bonus star as we saw 6 bear friends while on our adventures.

K L

Zion and Bryce Canyon are absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. Our guides. Christina Bruno and Ashley Butler were two of the most supportive, encouraging, and helpful guides I have had so far on my EC endeavors! The narrows were a unique hike I will never forget! The women I traveled and hiked with were also amazing!! Love meeting people with similar goals and hobbies!!

Denise M.

Had a great time in their Great Smoky Mountain hiking trip. The guides were fabulous, the glamping site was comfortable and the hikes and pottery making class were top notched!!!

Sierra A.

I just finished my second trip with Explorer Chicks (Bryce/Zion National Parks), it was wonderful. Our guides, Ashley and Christina, were warm, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. They made sure we were well taken care of and I had a fantastic experience. Would highly recommend this trip.

Carmen A.

Yosemite with the Explorer Chicks was Amazing !! The 4 day trip was packed full of beautiful scenery, challenging hikes, Fabulous guides cheering us on, food and lots of laughter and sisterhood. Christina B.and Nicole B., could not have asked for two better ladies to guide and take care of us on this wonderful adventure . 10 out of 10 Highly recommend. This is my second trip with the Explorer Chicks and already looking forward to my next !!