REI adds more adventure trips in U.S., Africa and Europe

November 21, 2018

REI Adventures Southern Africa Mountain Biking and Safari (Photo courtesy of REI)

The following is a press release from REI:

REI Adventures, the active adventure travel company of national outdoor co-op REI, has added 30 new trips this year, including South AfricaMozambiquePortugalGreece and the United States. The co-op also announced more of its popular women’s trips and options for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace. The newly launched itineraries add to REI’s collection of experiences that travelers won’t find anywhere else, like the first-of-its-kind mountain bike adventure in Zululand and Mozambique.

“For more than three decades, we have had an unwavering focus on human-powered vacations that explore off-the-beaten-path destinations with local guides who are deeply knowledgeable in their country’s rich history and culture,” says Cynthia Dunbar, general manager of REI Adventures. “Our latest introductions are perfect for anyone looking to discover the world by two wheels, hikers who long to explore history and iconic routes, or animal lovers hoping to witness the big five in their natural habitat.”

South Africa Adventures
During REI’s new nine-day Southern Africa Mountain Biking and Safari – Zululand to Mozambiqueguests are immersed in vibrant culture, unforgettable wildlife and more. Travelers mountain bike through lush hills and acacia forests, iSimangaliso’s ancient subtropical “sand forest” and UNESCO World Heritage site of Lake St. Lucia; safari in a private conservancy for the big five – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant; pedal fat bikes on Mozambique’s unspoiled beaches; and snorkel at the pinnacle reefs before enjoying down at a seaside paradise with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

For those seeking a relaxed pace and less intensity, Discover Southern Africa – Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Cape Town & Kruger is a nonstop reel of bucket-list wildlife sights, walking and gentle cycling through diverse habitats of savannahs, mountains and lush grasslands. The 12-day journey starts in the adventure hub of Victoria Falls with a magical evening cruise to spot elephants, followed by a day hike to take in the thundering falls and rainbow spray. Travelers stay four nights at a private camp in the heart of Southern Africa’s most pristine safari ecosystem where they are delighted by the sights of lions, leopards, wild dog and more. Finally, the group takes a relaxed cycle trip through the famous Cape Winelands.

Trekking and multisport in Europe
Based on the popularity of its Camino de Santiago trek, REI Adventures is adding a seven-day Camino de Santiago – Portuguese Way trip. Together with their local guide, guests hike three historical paths of the Portuguese Camino though shorelines, forests and rural countryside. Culture and epicurean highlights include the exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage sites and local fare that features tapas, fresh-caught seafood and Iberian wine. The epic journey ends in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. REI is also introducing a seven-day Discover the Heart of Portugaltrip that is a gentler pace itinerary where travelers explore the country’s best kept secrets from Lisbon to Porto.

In response to the popularity of its easier active collection, REI is adding Discover Greece – Santorini and Crete, a nine-day sun-soaked trip that is a perfect balance of gentle activity and relaxation. REI’s easier active trips are lower impact and travelers cover fewer miles each day. In Discover Greece, guests experience Santorini by sea and kayak the Cretan coast while stopping to dip their toes in the sand or float in warm waters. They take in fields of olive groves and grapes, then hike along Santorini’s edge with unbelievable sea views and winding coastal paths, and visit the archeological sites of Akrotiri and Knossos Palace. The itinerary immerses travelers in Greek cuisine, including a cooking class.

Popularity of women’s travel 
Today, more than half of all REI Adventures travelers are women. The company launched its women’s adventures in early 2017 and today the category is experiencing participation growth of 70 percent. Four new trips join the collection, including Arizona Hiking – Sedona Women’sAdventureCoastal Carolina Women’s Sea KayakingGrand Canyon Women’s Backpack and Yellowstone Women’s Backpacking – Bechler River. The new itineraries are four days in length. As with all of REI’s women’s adventures, small groups are led by female guides and trips blend outdoor activities with local highlights, cuisines and communities that a traveler wouldn’t replicate on her own, including surprises along the way.

About REI Adventures 
Award-winning REI Adventures has been a global leader in worldwide guided active adventure trips since 1987. As the travel business for national specialty outdoor retailer REI, the company offers unique itineraries focused on sustainable, human-powered outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and more. Guests experience iconic destinations as guides take them off the “beaten, common path,” and provide opportunities to explore a destination, get to know the local people, their culture, the flora and fauna and discover things they would not be able to duplicate on their own or with another travel company. REI members receive a special discount price on most trips. For more information, full itineraries and trip reviews provided by guests, visit http://www.rei.com/adventures.

REI launches Force of Nature campaign to promote gender equality for outdoor activities

April 3, 2017

REI Force of Nature
(Photo courtesy of REI)

The following is an excerpt from an REI press release:

Outdoor co-op REI has launched a comprehensive effort to advance gender equity in the outdoors, encouraging millions of its members to embrace the outdoors as “the world’s largest level playing field.” From gear to experiences and from nonprofit partnerships to powerful women-first storytelling, Force of Nature aims to ensure that women are just as inspired and equipped as men to embrace life outside. Force of Nature features four components: a comprehensive effort to change the male-dominated imagery of people in the outdoors; a $1 million commitment in 2017 to support nonprofits that create opportunities for women in the outdoors; a stepped-up effort to develop and offer high-quality technical gear and apparel for women; and the launch of over 1,000 events designed for women, beginning May 6.

Force of Nature is a public-facing effort that builds on nearly eight decades of REI work to create more access to the outdoors for women. The co-op has a balanced leadership team. Women hold more than 40 percent of senior leadership roles, including the current chief financial officer, chief information officer, and the heads of human resources, merchandising and strategy. One third of the REI board of directors are women.

REI also published a national study commissioned to better understand the role the outdoors plays in women’s lives and how the outdoors is perceived today. The study revealed that 7 out of 10 women believe that women are under more pressure to conform than men, and that they also view the outdoors as an antidote to that pressure. Additionally, the study found that more than 85 percent of women see the outdoors as key to better physical and mental health, and overall well-being, and 73 percent say they would like to spend more time outdoors.

Changing the Male-Dominated Imagery of People Outdoors
The co-op has committed to putting women first and foremost in all of its storytelling for the remainder of 2017. The effort will “take over” REI’s digital marketing, social media content and media partnerships, and storytelling across member communications, REI Adventures, Outdoor School, REI Adventure Projects and internal communications. REI will host a film festival this fall focused on women in the outdoors, and partnered with Outside magazine to help them create their first ever all-women’s issue, due on newsstands April 11.

$1M to Support Community Organizations that Create Opportunities for Women Outdoors
As part of its annual commitment to create access to the outdoors for all, the co-op will invest over $1 million in community organizations that create more opportunities for women and girls to get outside in 2017. Roughly $500,000 will support organizations such as Camber Outdoors, GirlTrek and the YMCA’s BOLD/GOLD initiative. REI also unveiled a new $500,000 fund, available through an open call submission process, for additional organizations that create opportunity for women and girls in the outdoors. Up to $300,000 of this fund will be fueled by a custom-designed bandana, an artist collaborative T-shirt and member-exclusive REI Flash pack.

Outfitting Women for Outdoor Adventure
REI will continue to work with its partners to elevate and invest in companies that are creating the world’s best outdoor gear for women. For decades, REI has pushed the outdoor industry to put the “pink-it-and-shrink-it” philosophy aside and offer high performance women-specific outdoor gear. Women-specific product has improved dramatically, but in certain product categories, there remains a gap between the quality of high end men’s and women’s gear available. Several brands have stepped up as partners with an increased focus on world class women’s gear, particularly in women-specific fit and assortment, including Osprey, GHOST, Oiselle, Arc’teryx, Terry, Oboz, Darn Tough, Outdoor Research and prAna.

Over 1,000 Events Designed to Get Women Outside
REI opened registration to hundreds of REI Outdoor School classes and experiences across the country designed for women. On May 6, the co-op will offer a full day of Force of Nature experiences and programs hosted by its Outdoor School’s expert instructors and community partners. These events will continue throughout the summer, with more than 1,000 events, many of them happening weekly on “Force Wednesdays” in select markets.

The co-op will also host three REI Outessa retreats at breathtaking mountain settings. These immersive, three-day outdoor adventures enable women to find their outdoor community, do what they love and try something new in the country’s most beautiful outdoor playgrounds. Retreats are scheduled at Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California from July 14 to July 16, Mt. Hood in Oregon from August 18 to August 20 and Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire from September 22 to September 24.

REI Adventures has also launched a collection of 19 Women’s Adventures in Africa, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand and North America. These extraordinary journeys are designed specifically for all-women groups and led by female guides.

REI Outessa announces its 2017 schedule of retreats

February 22, 2017

REI Outessa

REI Outessa, now in its second year, has announced the details of its three retreats for 2017. According to REI, the three-day outdoor adventures “are designed to connect women with the outdoors in a supportive learning environment. The getaways are filled with activities and inspiration, offer access to coveted gear and products, serve up great food and wine, and create the environment for making new friends and lasting memories.”

The dates and locations are:

  • July 14 to July 16, 2017: Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood, California, near South Lake Tahoe
  • August 18 to August 20, 2017: Mt. Hood Skibowl in Government Camp, Oregon, and 12 miles from the Mt. Hood National Forest
  • September 22 to September 24, 2017: Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville, New Hampshire, in the White Mountain National Forest
REI Outessa
(Photo courtesy of REI Outessa)

Registration for REI Outessa is $799 (U.S. dollars) per person, which includes classes led by REI’s professional guides, use of on-site gear, chef-prepared meals, wine and beer, evening entertainment, inspirational speakers, and a goodie bag packed with products and gear.

REI Outessa attendees will customize their weekend from start to finish. They will choose accommodations from three options: resort rooms or condos; “fancy camp” deluxe camping with fully-outfitted canvas tents, amenities and a concierge; and DIY camping at Camp REI, where guests bring their own gear. Participants will also select their daily schedules from more than 200 activities based on personal interests, outdoor goals and skill levels.

REI Outessa
(Photo courtesy of REI Outessa)

Each morning, women will start their day with a full breakfast before heading out on the trail, crag or water for small group adventures. Evenings are filled with chef-prepared meals and fire-side relaxation complete with s’mores, wine and beer, inspirational speakers, and conversations that reflect on the day.

REI Adventures adds trips exclusively for women

January 27, 2017

REI Adventures is launching a collection of 19 Women’s Adventures in Africa, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand and North America. In addition, REI Adventures is expanding its cycling offerings into fully supported mountain bike trips and growing its Signature Camping itineraries on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and along the Inca Trail in Peru.  According to a press release from REI: “REI’s Women’s Adventures are extraordinary journeys designed especially for women who want to experience a destination—not just see it. Guests travel with female guides and a ready-made group of girlfriends. These lively trips blend outdoor activities with local spots, cuisines and communities a traveler wouldn’t find on her own, and include little surprises along the way.”

Examples of REI’s new Women’s Adventures include:

  • Baja California Women’s Adventure: Escape to a beachy oasis for an eight-day vacation where women kayak, snorkel, stand-up paddle board, surf and do yoga. In addition, guests meet local artists at galleries, enjoy gourmet meals along the way and have an opportunity to volunteer at a local nonprofit where women build their own greenhouses.
  • Greek Islands Women’s Adventure: Perfect for foodies and history-lovers, spend nine days island hopping Tinos, Naxos and Santorini. Guests hike through whitewashed villages and ancient trails of lush vineyards, terraced hillsides and olive groves. They unwind with beachside yoga, wine tastings, swimming in the Aegean Sea and learning how to prepare a traditional Mediterranean meal.
  • New Zealand Women’s Hiking – Southern Alps: Over 10-days, hike the wilderness through larger-than-life landscapes of South Island’s peaks, plains and golden hills. Take a break from the trail by paddle boarding Lake Wanaka and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a woman-owned dairy. Evenings are authentically Kiwi with stays at the iconic Rex Simpson Hut and historic Ben Lomond lodge.
  • South Africa Ultimate Women’s Adventure and Safari: From Cape Town to Johannesburg, the 11-day odyssey explores the country’s rich heritage by hiking, cycling, sea kayaking and a safari at the famous Sabi Sands Reserve. As one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in the world, the group will wander the backroads and stop at estates to taste the celebrated vintages.
  • Yosemite Women’s Backpacking – Half Dome:  A four-day adventure to the summit of Yosemite’s most iconic peak. Guests hone their backpacking and wilderness skills during daily hikes, and evenings are filled with hearty gourmet dinner prepared by the guides and camaraderie around the campfire.

Here are the details of REI Adventures’ two new international destinations for its Signature Camping itineraries:

  • Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route is an 11-day experience up one of the seven summits of the world and the highest peak in Africa. Known as one of the most scenic routes on the mountain, guests hike across six ecological zones as they acclimatize, take in the scenery and learn about the region from local guides. REI’s unique approach to Kilimanjaro’s Southern Circuit includes new exclusive camp locations featuring REI Signature Camps that keep guests comfy and energized as they summit.
  • Machu Picchu – Inca Trail Trek is a nine-day, fully supported journey through lush valleys filled with wild orchids and rainbow-colored mosses to the breathtaking “Lost City of the Incas.” Trek up to seven miles each day with only a day pack, while a Signature Camp awaits your arrival each evening with spacious tents, amazing meals and more.
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