Q Do you have any thoughts for a trip, preferably in the western United States, for a group of women ages 45 to 80? We'd like a package so we can dine together, and we like such activities as hiking, yoga and horseback riding. We also enjoy spa options, but don't want a spa.
Amy Reznick
Fairfax
AAn upscale dude ranch may be a good option, or you could go with a tour operator that specializes in trips for women.
Tour operators include:
• Adventure Woman (800-804-8686, www.adventurewomen.com), founded in 1982, which caters to women over 30. The company has 17 trips scheduled for 2005, including a week at the 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky, Mont., on July 16-22; cost is $2,295 per person double.
• Explorations in Travel (802-257-0152, www.exploretravel.com), which is geared toward women over 40. It will offer 20 trips next year, including a week-long hiking/rafting trip on the Klamath River in California on May 14-21 for $2,395 per person double.
• Canyon Calling (928-282-0916, www.canyoncalling.com), for women over 30. In 2005, it has a dozen trips scheduled, including an Arizona itinerary to the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell for $1,695 per person double.
• Adventures in Good Company (877-439-4042, www.adventuresingoodcompany.com), a Baltimore company with 36 trips set for 2005. A New Mexico tour May 8-15, for example, starts at $1,459 per person double.
Guest ranches that offer special weeks for women only include Kay El Bar Guest Ranch (800-684-7583, www.kayelbar.com) in Wickenburg, Ariz.; Colorado Trails Ranch (877-711-7843, www.coloradotrails.com) in Durango, Colo.; and White Stallion Ranch (888-WSRANCH, www.wsranch.com) in Tucson.
