That moment was more than a personal victory—it was a turning point. It ignited something within us. It showed us what’s possible when women come together with intention, and it planted the seed that blossomed into WHOA. Since then, we’ve helped thousands of women push past their limits, connect meaningfully with the world, and look at travel as a way to support local communities in sustainable ways.

Ihave been thinking a lot about something that I believe doesn't get nearly enough airtime in outdoor adventure circles: the nitty gritty behind physical performance at high altitude. Which really covers everything from trekking to Machu Picchu and up Kilimanjaro to climbing on Aconcagua to learning how to swing ice tools on Mount Baker! After years of guiding and personal high-altitude pursuits, I'll say this much: there are 3 things I wish every climber and trekker knew before stepping above 14,000 ft.

Last year Unyoked and AllTrails conducted the first ever global nature study, and found that 2 nights in nature was 50% more powerful at improving wellbeing, than mindfulness and meditation techniques. Considering wellness is a $5.6 trillion industry, it's pretty amazing to think that it could really be as simple (and fun) as just stepping outside!

Some guests have even said they are more humbled after their Bhutan experience. Personally, I hope they take the very essence of the impermanence of life and to be good, kind, and compassionate. It's all that is ever important in the world.

Mongolia is one of those destinations where the lessons you take away will come from what you put in. If you learn how to keep the sand from knocking you down from your bike, you might find a totally new kind of freedom, racing through vast stretches of nothingness. If you push yourself up the seemingly impossible off-trail vertical incline, you might find yourself reenergized in a patch of snow that you couldn't even see from the bottom. If you help the neighbors herd their livestock, you might find yourself recharging with vodka and laughter at their house afterwards.

Gear up for a successful Kilimanjaro summit night with our comprehensive visual guide on what to wear and pack. Stay warm, safe, and comfortable with these expert tips!

Now, more than ever, it’s important to prioritize sustainability at the grassroots level. Here at WHOA, we remain committed to designing experiences that incorporate sustainability both in the details, and in our overall approach. (Sleeping under the stars beats 5 star hotels on so many levels!) Our sustainability impact report is a part of our commitment to be transparent, continually improve and reevaluate our initiatives, and to keep us on course in our goal of helping protect Mother Earth.

The truth of being adventurous is that you will encounter wetness at some point—whether it's rain, condensation, or a fellow adventurer’s leaky water bladder. That’s why stuff sacks and dry bags are your best friend! They come in all shapes and sizes and are a great SUSTAINABLE way to waterproof your gear (no single use plastic here)! A bag full of wet clothes can be a real trip-ruiner when you’re 4,000 m up a mountain. Keep dry, keep comfy!

In 2019 we started our sister non-profit, The Carabiner Collective, to support more people with access to the outdoors and remove barriers to entry in adventure travel. One of the ways we do this is through Trailblazer Awards, which celebrate people who are breaking stereotypes and leading by example in their communities, creating a ripple effect of change.

Whether the word “ultralight” isn't even on your radar, or you’ve completely Marie Kondo’ed your 60L, there’s always room to make your backpacking adventures even better. We asked our GALs, who have thousands upon thousands of adventure miles under their boots, to share their favorite pro tips that help make backpacking more fun and more manageable! Here’s what they said (#4 was unanimously at the top of everyone’s list)!

The best part about climbing Kilimanjaro with Nicole is that her love for this mountain is contagious - it’s her favorite place in the world and you can feel that on the trail. The second best part is her catch phrases, which are famous in world of WHOA and best delivered with her wit and in her special Nicole way! So here they are, the top 5 Nicoleisms for success on Kilimanjaro, direct from the source:

Mother Earth. Connection. Community. Each of these comes in different shapes, sizes, and forms, and to feel them all together is one of the most powerful and inspiring things a person can experience. We had millions of these moments this year, so you can imagine how hard it was to narrow it down to just 24!

Give others (and yourself) grace to learn and be imperfect. Always try to look for glimmers, and remember, even though we’re all in this together, we’re all climbing our own mountains. Let’s create a space where everyone can not only grow, but thrive, and gain a better understanding of this big beautiful world!