Tammie
At Vibrant Women Travel, our mission is to provide unique, enjoyable, and safe travel experiences for our guests. Deciding where to run our tours is a blend of careful consideration and thorough research. Hereโs a glimpse into what goes into choosing our tour destinations:
Safety First
Safety is our primary concern. We rely on Smartraveller, a service of the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which provides travel advisories for over 175 destinations. Each destination is assigned an official advice level of 1 to 4, reflecting the risk for average travellers:
Level 1: Exercise normal safety precautions
Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel
Level 4: Do not travel at all costs
We only plan tours to destinations classified as Level 1 or 2. However, it’s important to stay informed, as circumstances can change. For example, when wars or natural disasters occur, the advice level may change, impacting travel planning.
Current Destination Advice
Destinations are regularly reviewed and updated based on new information. As of January 2025, the following countries are considered “Do Not Travel” according to Smartraveller:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic
Chad
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Libya
You should also be cautious of destinations like:
Ethiopia: Reconsider travel due to risk of conflict
Mauritania: Reconsider travel due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime
Egypt: Reconsider travel due to risk of terrorist attack
Countries like India, France, Indonesia, the UK, Philippines, Peru, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and China are classified as “Exercise a High Degree of Caution” due to health concerns, political unrest, and personal security issues. These warnings highlight the importance of being aware and planning accordingly.
Cost Considerations
Cost is another crucial factor. We aim to provide affordable travel experiences while ensuring safety. This often involves striking a balance between exciting, unique destinations and ensuring they fit within acceptable budget constraints. Protecting your money is important, so we choose destinations that also align with travel insurance policies.
Unique and Comforting Experiences
Lastly, we consider destinations where women may not feel comfortable travelling alone. We ensure these tours are well-coordinated and safe, giving our guests the confidence to explore new cultures and destinations.
Your Responsibility
As a traveller, itโs your responsibility to stay informed about the destinations you’re visiting, including those you’re transiting through. This involves understanding risks, local laws, and planning for your safety. Continually check for updates on your travel locations to ensure you’re prepared for any changes that may occur after you’ve booked your trip.
Conclusion
Choosing tour destinations involves balancing safety, cost, and unique experiences. It can be challenging to provide exotic tours while keeping safety at the forefront, but we are committed to offering fulfilling travel experiences. By diligently following safety guidelines and selecting secure, enriching locations, we strive to make each trip an unforgettable adventure.
