Bushwise Women Guide Travelers to Adventure and Fun

If you are the type of traveler that embraces adventure, enjoys meeting women from other destinations, and likes to learn about natural, historic, and cultural landscapes while being guided by local women – who are experts on their home ground – then Bushwise Women is for you. Bushwise Women (BWW) takes small, women-only groups on explorations to areas that have special scenic qualities or environmental significance and creates bonding atmospheres during shared activities including hiking, kayaking, sailing, camping, cycling, or barging on canals. Yvonne Jenkins and Simone Dixon are the owners of Bushwise Women Ltd. and together share years of experience in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits in Australia, Europe, and The Middle East where they promote excellence in risk management, bushcraft, mountain safety, outdoor first aid, and group work - all while supporting the work of the Department of Conservation in caring for the wilderness. Yvonne Jenkins recently discussed with cherrygrrl.com her travel company and how she is empowering women through the fun, educational, and exciting trips that are offered.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): What is involved in a Bushwise Women trip and what can someone expect from the experience?
Yvonne Jenkins (YJ): They will travel in a small group of like-minded women. They will be able to participate in multiple activities, have fun in a safe environment, relax, and have a laugh. They will get the opportunity to extend their comfort zone in the outdoors, guided by an experienced Bushwise woman. They will meet many new friends and want to travel like this again and again!

CG: What is the mission of BWW?
YJ: To make small group traveling to off-the-beaten-track destinations available to all women, regardless of their age or fitness.

CG: How long has BWW been operating?
YJ: Over 17 years.

CG: How many days on average are the trips?
YJ: We do short breaks of four days up to eight-day trips. Occasionally we do 10-14 day adventures.

CG: What is a typical day like during a BWW trip?
YJ: Usually we will participate in an activity – kayaking, biking, sailing, or walking - then have time to chill out in the afternoon. In the evenings we relax and share stories over a glass of wine or two.

CG: Have you had many American travelers take part?
YJ: Yes we get a lot of Americans, particularly on our New Zealand trips.

CG: What is the objective behind having the trips be women only?
YJ: There is a totally different dynamic when you travel with women only. Everyone can be themselves and relax. You don’t get the same degree of showing off and being annoyingly competitive that you do on a mixed trip.

CG: Where are some places that BWW has gone on trips and what do you look for in the places that you visit?
YJ: We have been canoeing in Canada, cruising down the canals in France, walking in Spain, partying in Lesvos, visiting archaeological wonders in Egypt, snow-shoeing in New Zealand, snorkeling on the Barrier Reef, and wine tasting in Tassie… The places that we visit tend to be “off the beaten track” and we pick activities and adventures that women may not be comfortable in doing solo.

CG: What types of women typically take part in your trips?
YJ: All types, all ages, all abilities, all nationalities.

CG: Do a lot of lesbians take part in the trips?
YJ: Yes. Around 75 percent are confirmed lesbians and I suspect the real percentage is even higher!

CG: Do you recommend that those who join a trip are in good physical shape?
YJ: Most of our trips cater to all ranges of fitness. But we do suggest that women will enjoy the trip more if they are able to participate fully in all the activities. We always give an indication of the fitness recommended and in some cases give women a range of exercises to do a few weeks before departure.

CG: Where and when are some of your upcoming trips taking place?
YJ: We have a Tasmania trip in December and in 2009 we have: Byron Bay and Bald Rock National Park in January; Winery and Bikes in South Australia; Banks Peninsular Track in New Zealand in March; Bike and Barge in France in September; Wonderful Wales UK; Lesvos, Greece; and The Wonders of Egypt Trip.

For more information on Bushwise Women and how to take part in an upcoming trip visit http://www.bushwise.co.nz.