Up-and-coming travel companies that empower women

Sparking social change can be as easy as planning your next trip with a travel company that empowers women; you’ll get an unforgettable experience while simultaneously unlocking possibilities for local communities.

The following up-and-coming companies have been supported by Booking.com’s Social Responsibility Programmes, which aim to make a positive impression on the travel industry so that both locals and travellers can benefit from exploring the world.

SASANE Sisterhood Trekking and Travel

Nepal’s wild and mountainous landscape makes it one of the world’s top destinations for trekking, with trails that weave through jungle-cloaked valleys where you’ll find hidden monasteries and that cross the Himalaya, the world’s tallest mountain range. For those who don’t want to navigate the mountainous terrain by themselves there are many tour companies to guide you, including SASANE Sisterhood Trekking and Travel. This organisation is committed to helping survivors of human trafficking reintegrate into society. They do this by training these women to be trek and tour guides, which also includes first aid certifications. All the profits made are reinvested into the women’s education, with many studying to become paralegals. The organisation also hosts group cooking classes where the women teach you how to prepare Nepali momos (steamed dumplings filled with spiced vegetables or meat).

Authenticook

India is a place that ignites all the senses. Especially in terms of its cuisine, with traditional dishes varying hugely throughout the country. But for the ultimate Indian culinary experience, Authenticook will arrange for you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family. This way, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in Indian culture while tasting dishes that – more often than not – have been passed down from generation to generation. Only 26% of Indian women are active in the nation’s workforce but this dining experience allows unemployed women to turn their kitchen into a means of income for their family.

Women On Wheels

Taking public transport in a foreign country can require extra caution on the part of female travellers. But thanks to Women on Wheels (a safe transport solution for women driven by women), it’s easy to get around without worry by booking one of its Sakha cabs in the cities of Jaipur, Kolkata and Delhi. This company trains women from marginalised and resource-poor communities, providing them with the skills to become a self-sustained personal driver or chauffeur. And it has successfully taught close to 700 women since launching. These women also get trained in self-defence and first aid, plus they know all the best places to visit, so you can explore the city like a local and help them create a better future for themselves.