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Why Choose

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.

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

B W
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
Rebecca C.
Rebecca C.
Amazing experience on the Boots & Roots trip. Lauren and Kara were excellent guides. The hiking spots, food and accommodations were all beyond my expectations.
Erin F.
Erin F.
I took my first trip with Explorer Chick to Slovenia in July 2024. I had high expectations- I knew I would be doing awesome things with rad women, but the trip surpassed my expectations in every way. The adventures, the food, the camaraderie, our guide (Katie 🫶🏼), the laughs- everything was 100/10. The true gift is that Explorer Chick organizes everything in a way that allows you to be truly present and in-the-moment, something I find rare when traveling abroad. I would absolutely recommend Explorer Chick and I can’t wait for my next adventure!
Sabrina C.
Sabrina C.
I had a great first time backcountry backpacking trip at Red River gorge with Explorer Chick. I wanted to challenge myself and see beautiful scenery. Our guide- Jody, was amazing!!! We had the best meals, she even made brownies and brought a candle for one of the ladies to celebrate her birthday. Looking forward to another one very soon!!
Kate O.
Kate O.
What happens when the trip doesn't go as planned and you have to go off itinerary for not 1 but 4 days? Our guides Mary and local guide Anna worked overtime to make sure we had the best trip possible in the Dolomites. Weather threw a serious wrench in the plan as a "storm of the century" showed up early in the season, cancelling most of our planned hikes. But these 2 wonder women stepped up time and again, working and reworking the itinerary to make sure we had an awesome trip! It may not have been the trip we envisioned, but we couldn't have asked better guides to get us to some beautiful vistas and offer up some unique alternatives!
Emilee D.
Emilee D.
I have taken two trips with Explorer Chick this year, with a third coming up in November & I can't say enough good things about this company!! I just returned from the Yosemite 4-day Hiking trip with the most incredible guides. Shout out to Christina and Nicole for making the trip a truly fantastic experience!! They are knowledgeable, kind, fun & truly rad women. They went out of their way to provide amazing service to everyone in the group. As a solo traveler, you can't go wrong booking a trip with Explorer Chick. Trust me, stop thinking about it and just DO IT!!!!
tracy F.
tracy F.
Beautiful Amazing Fantastic ....guides Christina & Nicky AWESOME
Jessica F.
Jessica F.
I went on the Croatia trip with Explorer Chick and was blown away by how well this tour is put together. Not only were the locations we visited amazing, the meals were wonderful, the comradery with the rest of my tour was special, and our guide, Kayla Lamb was unbelievable with all of the details and making our trip enjoyable. I can't wait to take another trip with Explorer Chicks, particularly any with Kayla as the guide!
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As Seen In

Ready to Join Our Girl Gang?

Iceland Glaciers and Hot Springs Winter Adventure
Iceland Glaciers and Hot Springs Winter Adventure

7 DAYS, ICELAND

Bucket List, Glacier Trek, Hiking, Hot Springs, Ice Climbing, International, Multisport, Off Roading, Snowy Adventures
Hotel
Moab and Arches National Parks Hiking Weekend
Moab and Arches National Parks Hiking Weekend

4 DAYS, UTAH

Hiking, National Park, US-Based, Weekend
Shared House
Patagonia W Trek Hut to Hut
Patagonia W Trek Hut to Hut

7 DAYS, CHILE

Backpacking, Bucket List, Hiking, Multiday Treks, New, Trekking
Hotel, Mountain Huts
Alaska Hiking, Kayaking, and Glacier Tour
Alaska Hiking, Kayaking, and Glacier Tour

7 DAYS, ALASKA

Bucket List, Glacier Trek, Hiking, Ice Climbing, Multisport, National Park, Paddling, US-Based, Water Sports, Wildlife
Hotel, Locally Unique
Banff Canada Hiking Hut-to-Hut Backpacking
Banff Canada Hiking Hut-to-Hut Backpacking

6 DAYS, CANADA

Backpacking, Bucket List, Glacier Trek, Hiking, International, Multiday Treks
Hotel, Mountain Huts
Galapagos Island Hopping Multisport Adventure
Galapagos Island Hopping Multisport Adventure

9 DAYS, ECUADOR

Bucket List, Hiking, International, Multisport, Paddling, Tropical, Water Sports, Wildlife
Hotel, Locally Unique
West Virginia Wild Weekend
West Virginia Wild Weekend

4 DAYS, WEST VIRGINIA

Camping, Multisport, National Park, US-Based, Water Sports, Weekend, White Water Rafting
Camping
Yellowstone Hiking and Wildlife with Grand Teton
Yellowstone Hiking and Wildlife with Grand Teton

7 DAYS, WYOMING

Bucket List, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Multisport, National Park, US-Based, White Water Rafting, Wildlife
Hotel
Zion and Bryce Hiking and Glamping
Zion and Bryce Hiking and Glamping

4 DAYS, UTAH

Glamping, Hiking, Multisport, National Park, Rappelling, US-Based, Weekend
Glamping
Slovenia Alps Hiking Hut to Hut and More
Slovenia Alps Hiking Hut to Hut and More

8 DAYS, SLOVENIA

Cycling, Hiking, International, Multiday Treks, Multisport, White Water Rafting
Hotel, Mountain Huts
Shenandoah Hiking, Winery, and Sunsets Weekend New
Shenandoah Hiking, Winery, and Sunsets Weekend

3 DAYS, VIRGINIA

Hiking, Multisport, National Park, US-Based, Weekend
Locally Unique
Italian Dolomites Hiking and Multisport New
Italian Dolomites Hiking and Multisport

8 DAYS, ITALY

Bucket List, Cycling, Hiking, International, Multisport, Water Sports
Hotel, Boutique, Mountain Huts
Croatia Hiking National Parks and Multisport Adventure Tour
Croatia Hiking National Parks and Multisport Adventure Tour

8 DAYS, CROATIA

Bucket List, Climbing, Cycling, Hiking, International, Multisport, Paddling, Water Sports
Hotel
Maine and Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure New
Maine and Acadia National Park Hiking Adventure

7 DAYS, MAINE

Glamping, Hiking, National Park, Paddling, US-Based, Water Sports, Wildlife
Locally Unique, Glamping
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Adventure
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Adventure

9 DAYS, PERU

Bucket List, Camping, Hiking, Trekking
Hotel, Camping
Las Vegas Climbing and Paddling Weekend Adventure
Las Vegas Climbing and Paddling Weekend Adventure

4 DAYS, NEVADA

Camping, Climbing, Multisport, Paddling, Water Sports
Hotel, Camping
Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop
Red River Gorge Backpacking Workshop

2 DAYS, KENTUCKY

Backpacking, US-Based, Weekend, Workshop
Backpacking
Scotland Unspoiled Hiking Tour
Scotland Unspoiled Hiking Tour

8 DAYS, SCOTLAND

Bucket List, Hiking, International
Hotel, Locally Unique
Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Adventure
Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Adventure

10 DAYS, UGANDA

Bucket List, Glamping, Hiking, International, Multisport, Safari, Wildlife
Locally Unique, Safari Lodge