From fighting for women’s right to vote to summiting Mt. Everest, conquering flying, and rescuing gentle giants, women have proven time and again there’s nothing they can’t do.
So, as we celebrate Women’s month, Agoda, one of the world’s fastest growing online travel agents (OTAs), highlights destinations and exciting activities that allow you to visit new places while paying homage to some amazing women pioneers.
Fly high in Cappadocia as a salute to Sabiha Gökçen
The first woman in Turkey to earn a pilot’s license and is also believed to be the world’s first female combat pilot: Sabiha Gökçen. She earned the distinction of having one of Istanbul’s airports named after her. Though a visit to Istanbul—among the top five 2018 destinations in Europe according to Agoda’s booking data—is an adventure on its own, being able to fly in a hot air balloon over the majestic landscape of Cappadocia, Turkey will help you connect with Gökçen and her love for the skies on a whole other level.
Stay at the Vineyard Cave Hotel and enjoy your morning coffee with a wonderful view of the amazing hot air balloon experience that awaits you.
Embrace the adventurous spirit of Junko Tabei
According to an Agoda-commissioned study, trying a new sport is a top bucket list item of Pinays for 2019. Let Junko Tabei, the first woman to reach the top of Mount Everest, inspire you to give mountaineering a try.
While Mount Everest may be too daunting for most, you can experience the thrill of hiking at Mt. Batulao, just two to three hours away from Manila. The dormant volcano promises a stunning panoramic view of Batangas and is perfect for newbie climbers.
Book a room at Casitas de Victoria for the perfect respite after a day of trekking.
Explore the hometown of Filipino suffragette Josefa Llanes Escoda
Have you ever wondered who the lady on the one thousand-peso bill is? Well that’s Ilocana Josefa Llanes Escoda. Her image on the Philippine official banknote is a recognition of her work as a social and civil servant and as an active member of the Philippine suffrage movement.
Travel up north to discover the sights and sounds of Josefa’s hometown, Ilocos Norte, where you can visit the famous Paoay Church, windmills of Bangui, and the astonishingly white rock formations of Kapurpurawan. Or push your boundaries with thrilling 4×4 rides and sandboard along the Paoay sand dunes. For your accommodation, check in at Alta Vista Ilocandia and have the whole private villa to yourself. The place is so spacious, the family or barkada won’t have problems finding their own cozy sleeping spot.
Stroll alongside Sangdeaun Lek Chailert’s favorite gentle giants
While elephant rides have been a popular tourist activity in parts of Asia including homeland Thailand, Sangdeaun Lek Chailert recognized the mistreatment and abuse that these colossal creatures suffered at the hands of their trainers and keepers. In 1996, Chailert established the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai to provide a sanctuary and they have rescued over a hundred elephants since.
Take a walk in the park as a volunteer or visitor. The Elephant Nature Park offers one up to seven days volunteering projects. Rest up at the Dusit Princess Chiang Mai Hotel at the end of each day, so you’re fully energized when you come to meet the elephants again the next day.