More than women-only - what really makes a Sidetracks group
Maybe you've thought about joining a small group tour, but you're not quite sure.
What if everyone already knows each other? Will I be the only one traveling on my own? What if I struggle to keep up?
We hear these concerns from women considering their first tour with us. And we understand them. Joining a group of people you've never met takes a little courage.
After six years of running women-only tours, we've learnt quite a lot about what helps people feel comfortable, included and genuinely part of a group.
There's more to it than women-only
Traveling with other women can make a real difference. Many find it easier to relax than in a mixed group, be themselves and enjoy the company without feeling they have anything to prove.
Simply bringing ten women together doesn't automatically create a good group.
We've found that it's the small, everyday things that matter. Taking time to get to know each other, sharing experiences, looking out for someone who's having a harder day, and having a good laugh when things don't quite go to plan.
Our groups are small, with no more than ten women. That gives everyone the chance to get to know one another, without feeling lost in a crowd. And as guides, we have the time to get to know you too.
Why we're particular about where we stay
When we're choosing accommodation, we look beyond the bedrooms. We want somewhere the group can spend time together. A comfortable lounge, a kitchen, a dining table big enough for everyone. These things make a surprising difference to how a group gets along.
In a hotel with separate rooms and nowhere comfortable to gather, people naturally disappear into their rooms after the day's activities. And that's a shame, because some of the nicest moments happen when the walking or cycling is finished.
Of course, we can't always choose. On private walking tracks, accommodation is often part of the arrangement. In some remote places, there's simply only one option.
But wherever we have a choice, communal space is high on our list. We've even been known to bring our own table when there wasn't a suitable one!
And there's another reason we like having a kitchen and dining area.
We cook many of our meals ourselves. While we're preparing dinner, people wander in, offer to help, sit down for a chat or simply enjoy being together. By the time everyone gathers around the table, the conversation is usually well underway.
We could eat in restaurants every evening, but we'd miss much of that relaxed time together. And after a day outdoors, there's something very nice about sitting down to a home-cooked meal with people you've got to know.
It's lovely when someone else takes care of things
Many women spend a good part of their lives organising things for other people. On our tours, it's your turn to have someone look after you.
Take lunch, for example. On almost all our tours, we prepare your lunchbox in the morning. You just put it in your daypack and off we go. When we stop for lunch, it's ready to enjoy.
Sometimes there's morning or afternoon tea along the way. And when we arrive at our accommodation, there's someone making sure the evening meal is taken care of.
It's these little things that make a difference. The pleasure of not having to think about all those practical details for a change.
Good guiding is about people, not just tracks
Over the years, we've learnt that knowing the route is only one part of being a good guide.
A good guide notices when someone is finding the day harder than expected. She knows when a break would be welcome, when the group needs to slow down and when a little encouragement will help someone over the next hill.
Our tours have a comfortable group pace. We don't expect everyone to have the same fitness or experience, but we do want everyone to feel part of the group throughout the day. Sometimes plans need to change. The weather might have other ideas, or the group may need a little more time somewhere.
For us, guiding means taking responsibility for the day and paying attention to the people we're sharing it with. You can enjoy the walking or cycling, knowing we're keeping an eye on the things that matter.
Coming on your own? You'll have plenty of company
These days, there's hardly a tour without someone who has traveled with us before. Some women have been coming back for years.
We love having our returning women along, not least because they make such wonderful icebreakers. They know how our tours work, they're happy to start a conversation, and they often help newcomers settle in without even realising they're doing it. For us as guides, that's lovely to see. And it makes our job easier too!
Traveling on your own is very common on our tours. In fact, you're likely to find several other women who have arrived on their own too. So there's no need to worry about being the odd one out.
Conversations start on the track, over a coffee, while helping in the kitchen or sitting around the table after dinner. Sometimes they're about where we've been and what we've seen. Sometimes they're about families, work or getting older. And sometimes they're about more personal things that women may only feel comfortable talking about when they're among other women they trust. Quite often, those conversations are what people remember long after the tour has finished.
"A wonderful experience! I have done two trips with Sidetracks Woman before and about to embark on my third trip. Participants come from various backgrounds; in my case – like for many other women – my partner doesn’t share my enthusiasm for walking, so I leave him home alone for a few days (:)) and enjoy this wonderful opportunity to walk, cycle and/or kayak in some of New Zealand’s beauty spots, with a group of like-minded women, in a safe – and very fun – environment. The food is great, too."
Molly - Banks Peninsula Track hiking tour
What makes a Sidetracks Women tour different?
Women-only tours have become much more common, and we're pleased to see more opportunities for women to travel together. But we believe it matters how a tour is run, not just who is invited.
For us, that means keeping our groups small, choosing accommodation thoughtfully, preparing meals where we can, taking care of the practical details and making sure our guides have time for everyone.
It's how we've always liked to travel ourselves, and it's the experience we want to share with you.
If you've been thinking about joining a tour but aren't sure whether group travel is for you, have a look at our walking and cycling tours.
Or get in touch and tell us what you're looking for. We're happy to answer your questions and help you find a tour that feels right for you.
We'd love to have you along.
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