For centuries, adventure and exploration were considered the domain of men. But, lucky for us, history is filled with fearless women who shattered expectations, set out into the unknown, and redefined what was possible.
From circumnavigating the globe in disguise to solo hiking thousands of miles, these women didn’t just explore the world—they changed it. At Adventures in Good Company, we believe in the power of adventure to transform lives, and the stories of these four incredible explorers remind us that no journey is out of reach.
Jeanne Baret: The Woman Who Circumnavigated the Globe (Disguised as a Man!)
In 1766, French botanist Jeanne Baret set sail on a global expedition—which was already an extraordinary feat, especially since women were forbidden on such voyages. In order to join the journey, she disguised herself as a man and became part of the crew.
Her role was to assist naturalist Philibert Commerson in collecting plant specimens, but in reality, Baret did much of the work herself. She became the first woman to circumnavigate the world, enduring harsh conditions and significant personal risk.
Today, we celebrate her resilience and pioneering spirit, which paved the way for women in science and exploration.
Nellie Bly: The Journalist Who Raced Around the World
Imagine setting off on a solo trip around the world—without smartphones, GPS, pre-booked flights, or guides that always seem to have the answers you need. In 1889, journalist Nellie Bly did just that.
Inspired by Jules Verne’s fictional Around the World in Eighty Days, she took on the challenge and completed her journey in a record-breaking 72 days. Along the way, she proved that women could travel independently, shattering stereotypes about their capabilities.
Today, Bly’s legacy is a testament to the power of female curiosity, courage, and determination—the same qualities that fuel the adventurous women who travel with AGC.
Junko Tabei: The First Woman to Stand on Top of the World
Before 1975, no woman had ever reached the summit of Mount Everest. That changed when Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountaineer, became the first to stand on top of the world.
While facing societal pressure that questioned whether women should climb at all, Tabei formed an all-women climbing club and trained relentlessly. Her historic Everest ascent was just the beginning—she went on to become the first woman to climb the highest peak on every continent.
Tabei’s story is a reminder that adventure has no boundaries, and her perseverance continues to inspire women to push their limits, whether hiking in the Alps or trekking through the Himalayas.
Emma Gatewood: The Grandma Who Conquered the Appalachian Trail
Emma Gatewood didn’t just hike the Appalachian Trail—she conquered it solo, at the age of 67. In 1955, this Ohio grandmother became the first woman to thru-hike the entire trail, carrying not much more than a homemade sack, a pair of sneakers, and an unshakable will. She later hiked it two more times, proving that age is no barrier to adventure.
Often called "Grandma Gatewood," she earned her nickname not just because of her age but because of her warm and wise presence on the trail. Her story is one of resilience and simplicity, reminding us that sometimes, all we need is a good pair of shoes and a trail ahead.
We at AGC love the Appalachian Trail and hope to embody Gatewood’s fearless spirit, inviting women to step into the beauty and challenge of hiking this famous trail.
Adventure Knows No Boundaries
These women didn’t just explore the world—they redefined what was possible. Their stories remind us that adventure isn’t about physical strength or experience alone, it’s about determination, courage, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.
Whether you’re dreaming of summiting a mountain, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or embarking on your own global journey, their legacies prove that the world is meant to be explored—by everyone.
At Adventures in Good Company, we celebrate this spirit of fearless exploration. Ready to embark on your own adventure story? Explore our calendar and take the first step toward your next great journey.
