Words by Rachel L. Miller

For some, adventure means journeying out to a remote destination and living off the land for five days, without a guide...or a map. For others, like me, adventure means doing something completely new - whether it's a group hike in Colorado or traveling solo in a foreign city. But no matter your level of daring, there's a company out there just waiting to help you realize your potential, and that's what this list is all about. The following companies specialize in trips for women, so you can kayak or canoe without the tense atmosphere of competition and testosterone that you get on some co-ed trips. You don't have to worry how you look -- you can just concentrate on bonding with other female travelers and, most importantly, on getting to know yourself.

Exploring the Antarctic Region. Photo: AdventureWomen

Adventure Women -- How would you like to be one of the few people to ever set foot on Antarctica? How about cycling and snorkeling in Vietnam? One of the oldest adventure travel companies for women (founded in 1982), AdventureWomen specializes in trips for women over 30. According to its website, in 2002 it is offering "26 different vacations which include activities such as downhill skiing, sea kayaking, safaris, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding, not to mention numerous international cultural and ecological journeys." If you're looking for a cheap getaway, drive to grandma's house - these trips aren't for you. Costs vary from almost $9,000 for the Antarctica trip to $1,800 for the Montana Cowgirl Sampler. But the experience you'll receive in return for your hard-earned cash is bound to be one you'll never forget. http://www.adventurewomen.com

Call of the Wild -- Founded in 1978 by Carole Latimer (who RTM has featured in a profile), Call of the Wild is the longest-running women's adventure travel company in the world. Trip destinations are mainly in the Western U.S. - in Arizona, California, Alaska and Hawaii. One of the many perks of a Call of the Wild trip is the food - Latimer is known in the adventure industry as a chef extraordinaire and has published a book full of wilderness gourmet recipes. (CONTINUE...)