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Adventure travel has exploded in popularity in recent years, and whether you’re looking for an individualized journey, eco-friendly group tour or multi-generational trip, the 10Best travel companies can help.
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Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing and yoga.
Photo courtesy of Wild Women Expeditions
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Up In the Air Life is a luxury travel company tailored to Black travelers. They design lavish private and group trips. From Antarctica to Tanzania, from Peru to Australia, Up In the Air will provide the finest lodging, food, and travel accommodations for a unique and memorable experience.
Photo courtesy of Up In the Air Life
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Abundant Life Adventure Club
Nashville, TN
Abundant Life Adventure Club hosts guided outdoor adventure tours and monthly meet-ups near Nashville to inspire wellness and abundant living. Members hike, bike, kayak, and more. Their "epic adventures" are ideal for Black people with "little to no outdoor experience looking to challenge themselves to try something outside their comfort zone and make new friends."
Photo courtesy of Abundant Life Adventure Club
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Kevin Knight founded Urban Events Global as a travel company for African American adventure seekers looking to explore with like-minded travelers. The company hosts regular camping weekends, as well as group tours to destinations like Cape Town, Barbados, Dubai and Aruba.
Photo courtesy of Urban Events Global
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Women High on Adventure, or WHOA, works with female guides and business owners to build unique travel experiences. WHOA group adventures are scheduled all over the world, from Kilimanjaro and Peru to Iceland and Bavarian Octoberfest. WHOA also offers surprise outdoor Wild Card Adventures for a small group of family or friends a few hours from home!
Photo courtesy of Women High On Adventure
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MT Sobek have been leaders in the adventure travel industry for more than half a century. Today, travelers can choose from some 200 journeys designed to inspire and exhilarate, with interest categories like Family Adventure, Women’s Adventure, Cruising, Wellness, Hiking & Trekking or Rafting & Kayaking.
Photo courtesy of MT Sobek
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Journeys International builds private and small group trips based on a variety of worldwide destinations and landscapes, centering each adventure on certain travel goals the individual or group desires to achieve. Each party is assigned an adventure specialist who makes personalized choices of locations and activities to include in the experience. All journeys are designed to give every person involved a special and unique lifetime memory.
Photo courtesy of Journeys International
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
Bryson City, North Carolina
Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the southeast United States' most well-known destinations for outdoor lovers. They offer a variety of experiences, including rafting and kayaking, ziplining, paddleboarding, biking and hiking. NOC will also package several activities into one exciting adventure.
Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center
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GeoEx takes travelers “to the ends of the Earth” on luxury small group tours and custom journeys. Itineraries are grouped by interest, from family, solo travel and special occasions to philanthropy, active or trailblazing.
Photo courtesy of Geographic Expeditions
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Bindlestiff Tours specializes in small group adventures with a focus on the American Southwest. Guests enjoy fully customized touring vehicles with enlarged viewing windows, free wifi and most campsites and the myriad benefits of insider expertise, like the best spots to photograph a sunset or favorite local restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Bindlestiff Tours
The top 10 winners in the category Best Adventure Travel Company are as follows:
- Wild Women Expeditions
- Up In the Air Life
- Abundant Life Adventure Club - Nashville, TN
- Urban Events Global
- Women High On Adventure
- MT Sobek
- Journeys International
- Nantahala Outdoor Center - Nantahala, NC
- Geographic Expeditions
- Bindlestiff Tours
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all the winners on the 10Best list!
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The Experts
Lauren Gay
Lauren Gay is the creator of Misadventures of the Read More
Lauren Gay is the creator of Misadventures of the Outdoorsy Diva Blog, host/producer of the Outdoorsy Diva Podcast, published photographer, speaker and CEO of Lauren R. Gay Consulting where she offers professional consulting services for blogs and podcasts, courses, as well as curated group adventure trips.
She is a travel writer and social media influencer who is passionate about inspiring and empowering black women to step out of their comfort zones for new experiences in travel and adventure and embracing nature as therapy. Lauren is also a dedicated long time advocate for racial diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation and adventure travel.
Lauren Gay
Lauren Gay is the creator of Misadventures of the Outdoorsy Diva Blog, host/producer of the Outdoorsy Diva Podcast, published photographer, speaker and CEO of Lauren R. Gay Consulting where she offers professional consulting services for blogs and podcasts, courses, as well as curated group adventure trips.
She is a travel writer and social media influencer who is passionate about inspiring and empowering black women to step out of their comfort zones for new experiences in travel and adventure and embracing nature as therapy. Lauren is also a dedicated long time advocate for racial diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation and adventure travel.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at
www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at
www.chezconnects.com.
Rue Mapp
Rue Mapp is the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a... Read More
Rue Mapp is the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit organization with offices in Oakland, CA, and Washington, D.C. Rue’s skills and background make her a unique voice via the leadership and programs she has instituted through her career, enlightening a diverse community to the wonders and benefits of the outdoors. Rue resides in Vallejo, CA and is the proud mother of three young adults. Visit www.ruemapp.com.
Rue Mapp
Rue Mapp is the Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit organization with offices in Oakland, CA, and Washington, D.C. Rue’s skills and background make her a unique voice via the leadership and programs she has instituted through her career, enlightening a diverse community to the wonders and benefits of the outdoors. Rue resides in Vallejo, CA and is the proud mother of three young adults. Visit www.ruemapp.com.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.