At Adventures in Good Company, we’re constantly inspired by the women who travel with us, women who defy expectations, embrace new challenges, and prove that adventure is ageless. We’ve seen women summit mountains they once thought were out of reach, learn to paddleboard for the first time at age 70, or take the leap and join their first group trip solo after years of traveling with a partner.
Somewhere along the way, society started buying into the myth that adventure has an expiration date. That once you reach a certain age, you’re expected to quiet that deep desire to explore. That curiosity should fade, and adventure trips are suddenly off-limits, even though you may be just as healthy as you were the year or decade before! It sounds even more foolish when you say it out loud, doesn’t it?
Because here’s the truth (and let me scream this loud for all to hear), there is no time limit on adventure. It’s timeless, and it doesn’t “expire!” Unless, of course, your doctor says otherwise.
We’ve seen firsthand that age does not define your ability to adventure. We’ve traveled with hundreds of women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who have completely debunked this myth!
So when we say we’re ready to bust some myths about aging and adventure, we’re not guessing—we’re speaking from experience! These myths are backed by real stories from the incredible women who continue to show us what’s possible at any age
Myth 1: “I’m too old for hiking.”
Think hiking is just for the young? Think again. At AGC, we welcome women of all ages and offer a variety of activities at different levels, so you can choose what suits you, not what someone else assumes is “appropriate” for your age.
Many of our travelers are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond, and regularly hiking 4–8 miles a day. They’re not setting speed records; they’re simply taking time to soak in the scenery and appreciate the outdoor spaces around them.
We get it, it’s easy to worry whether your knees can handle it or if you’ll be the slowest one in the group. But here’s the secret: no one (especially at AGC) cares how fast you go. We’re all on our own adventure. What matters most is that you continue showing up for yourself and the outdoors, without ever leaving that part of you behind.
Your body will tell you when it’s time to slow down, and when it does, you simply adjust the pace. But stopping altogether? That’s not the answer. Because why give up what brings you joy?
“At age 68, this was my first hiking trip, which felt like such a personal milestone. I had never thought I would travel to Asia—it wasn’t even on my bucket list—but the experience was absolutely amazing! The stunning landscapes, rich cultural immersion, and the sense of accomplishment from the hikes made it unforgettable. It was a journey of surprises and growth, proving to myself that it's never too late to try something new.” -Cheryl D., Wats and Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia
Myth 2: “Traveling solo isn’t safe at my age.”
Solo travel can feel intimidating at any age. Whether you're 25 or 75, that nervous flutter before a big trip will likely always be there. But traveling solo does not have to mean traveling alone. With AGC, it means stepping into a welcoming community of women who are all taking the same leap of faith, stepping outside of their comfort zone to explore the world on their own terms.
Once you take that first step into solo group travel, chances are you’ll never look back. In fact, you might even laugh at how nervous you once felt.
Our small group adventures are intentionally designed to help solo travelers feel part of something bigger, right from the start. You’ll share meals, trail moments, and plenty of laughter with women from all walks of life, many of whom become lifelong friends.
And let’s not forget, there’s real safety in numbers. So if you’re wondering whether solo group travel is right for you, we’re here to tell you: YES, absolutely it is. And it'll be one of the most rewarding and empowering ways to experience the world.
“We were briefed before each venture and told of any hazards that might be present and what to do or not do. I never felt at any time like my safety was at risk. I worked in environmental, health, and safety, so I really appreciated that the guides were very safety conscious.”-Ann W., Adventures in the Caribbean: St. John
Myth 3: “I won’t be able to keep up.”
Here’s the truth: adventure doesn’t have to mean high-elevation hikes or racing to the summit. At AGC, we offer trips across a wide range of activity levels, and our guides are experts at pacing, encouraging, and supporting every woman to go at the speed that feels right for her.
Maybe there was a time in your life when speed mattered—when you were rushing back to work or home life, or pushing to beat your personal best in a race. But with us, speed is officially off the table. If you’re looking to compete for “fastest hiker,” you might want to look elsewhere.
We slow down on purpose so that we can take in the views, appreciate the landscape, and actually breathe (instead of being out of breath). More importantly, we slow down so we can connect with one another. Conversation flows better when you’re not gasping for air.
“Our guides continually told us not to rush. I am a newbie and have never used hiking poles. They were very patient and said, ‘Take your time.’ They reminded us to do not forget to look at the scenery in front of us.” -Patricia F., Sedona and the Grand Canyon
“Because I am 71 years old, I was hesitant about aspects of hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail, as I knew these are not 'groomed trails', and I have had a knee replacement. However, with one of the guides at the back (as I was usually the last one in the hiking line!), I felt fully supported and not rushed. “-Nancy B., Autumn on the Superior Hiking Trail
Myth 4: “I don’t know anyone, I’ll feel out of place.”
Walking into a group of strangers can feel daunting. We get it, just thinking about that first group dinner or showing up solo to a hike can bring on a wave of nerves. But time and again, our travelers say this: “I came for the adventure, but it was the people that really made the trip special.”
At AGC, we understand the importance of feeling a sense of belonging, especially when traveling solo. That’s why our trips are intentionally designed to foster connection from the very beginning. From shared meals to trail conversations to silly get-to-know-each-other games, the group bonds form faster than you might imagine.
And it’s not just about surface-level friendships. Our travelers come back with lifelong friends. You might start the trip not knowing a soul, but by the end, you’ve swapped numbers, shared stories, and perhaps even made plans for your next adventure together.
You don’t have to be an extrovert to join our trip. You just have to show up with an open heart. We’ll take care of the rest.
“The thing that made this trip special for me was the amazing women I met. There were days each of us struggled and questioned whether we could make it, but we cheered each other on with encouragement and helped find strength when we thought there was not left to be had, helping each one of us to persevere and summit as a group.”-Carrie D., Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari
“This was my first ever guided trip of any sort, and definitely my first trip that was women only. I was nervous going in but enjoyed every moment of it.” -Joy D., Appalachian Autumn Adventures
Myth 5: “It’s too late to start adventuring now.”
This is the myth that holds so many women back, and the one we most love to prove wrong. Joyce is living proof that it’s never too late to chase adventure—she’ll be the first to tell you so.
At 89, Joyce is heading on her fourth trip with AGC, this time to the towering redwoods of Northern California
Joyce wasn’t always adventurous. It wasn’t until her 40s, after a divorce, that she joined a local ski club and began spending more time outdoors.
“After my divorce, I just found myself wanting to do more. So I joined a local ski club—and it wasn’t just skiing. They also kayaked, hiked, and did all kinds of outdoor things. It just felt natural to start saying yes to new adventures. I realized I’m an outdoors person at heart—I simply love being out there doing those kinds of things,” she said.
She has swum in the turquoise waters of the Virgin Islands and Galápagos, ridden horseback in the mountains of Wyoming, and hiked through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
While many women her age might think it’s time to slow down or that trying something new is no longer an option, Joyce sees things differently.
“You only live one life. I want to do everything I can while I can. I feel fortunate that I’ve stayed healthy. And because of that, I keep moving, until I can’t,” Joyce said.
She plays pickleball four times a week, golfs, scrapbooks, and encourages others her age to stop waiting and start doing.
“Older people say, ‘I don’t want to go anyplace anymore.’ But I’m just not that way. You have to keep your mind busy, stay active, and be open to trying new things.”
When asked what she’d say to women in their 70s, 80s, or 90s who think it’s too late to travel, she doesn’t hesitate:
“Connect with a group like AGC. If you're healthy, pick a trip that fits what you can handle—and just go!”
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Joyce’s story is just one of many. At nearly 90 years old, she’s still booking trips, hiking trails, kayaking in crystal-clear water, and making new friends along the way. But you don’t need to be climbing mountains or chasing big milestones to claim your place in the outdoors. You just need to be willing to find whatever adventure suits you best.
Because the truth is, adventure doesn’t look just one way. It might be hiking through a forest you’ve never seen, kayaking calm waters where manatees glide beneath the surface, or finally taking that trail to a summit you’ve always dreamed of.
Adventure may evolve with time. What thrilled you in your 30s might look different in your 60s or 70s—but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop. It simply means it grows with you.
At Adventures in Good Company, we’ve spent decades creating space for women of all ages to travel in community. Whether you're newly retired, newly single, recently rediscovering yourself, or just feeling called to explore in a new way, there’s a place for you here. And we’re ready to walk beside you, every step of the way.
Not sure where to begin your adventure? Explore our activity levels to find trips that match your pace and goals, and download our free fitness guide.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, consider this one. Adventure didn’t pass you by; it’s been waiting for you to say yes.
