Seven Inspiring Destinations for Trailblazing Women
Women have been pivotal in driving change, from pioneers to visionaries and rebels. This month, and always, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women by connecting them with both domestic and international destinations. Ready for a new adventure? Explore these locations to learn more and honor Women’s History Month.
Begin your journey
Washington, DC
Trailblazing Women: Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson
In the 1950s, these three remarkable women served as "human computers" at NASA, calculating orbital paths to the moon. Their contributions remained largely unrecognized for years, until a recent film brought their achievements into the spotlight.
Begin your exploration in DC with a trip to the National Air and Space Museum. After that, embark on a 3-hour drive to Hampton, VA, where NASA’s Langley Research Center and the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility are located. Pay tribute to Vaughan (the first African-American woman to lead a group at NASA), Johnson (recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015), and Jackson (NASA’s first black female engineer) as you tour the campus. These trailblazers exemplify that when it comes to STEM, there’s nothing women can’t achieve.
Plan your trip to DC
Sacramento, CA
Trailblazing woman: Sally Ride
Without the contributions of the three women previously mentioned, Sally Ride’s journey—and those of her fellow astronauts—might never have occurred. A native of LA, Ride became the first American woman in space (and the third woman globally). Following her impressive career as a physicist and astronaut, she tirelessly advocated for STEM education for girls until her passing in 2013. Ride famously stated, “you can’t be what you can’t see,” underscoring the importance of representation.
While you can view Ride’s space suit at the Moving Beyond Earth exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum in DC, we recommend returning to her roots in California. The California Museum in Sacramento hosts a notable exhibition titled “California’s Remarkable Women,” where Ride is prominently featured. This visit also offers a chance to learn about other extraordinary women who shaped both California and American history.
Plan your Sacramento adventure
Tanzania
Trailblazing woman: Jane Goodall
From a young age in England, Jane Goodall dreamed of working with animals in Africa. She fulfilled this dream at just 26 years old. In 1960, she traveled to Tanzania to observe primates, dedicating over 60 years to her work as a researcher, scientist, animal behaviorist, philanthropist, and leading expert. Her research in Gombe Forest provided profound insights into primate behavior and our evolutionary connections.
Embrace your adventurous spirit with a safari in Tanzania to explore its rich wildlife. As Gombe National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site, consider booking with a tour operator that promotes ecotourism.
Plan your Tanzanian journey
Mexico City
Trailblazing woman: Frida Kahlo
Bold, passionate, and a rebel at heart, Frida Kahlo resonates with those who defy convention. Following a tragic bus accident that left her in chronic pain, Kahlo expressed her emotions and thoughts through art. Her vibrant strokes, intimate self-portraits, and striking persona have made her an enduring icon for generations of artists.
Travel to Mexico City to witness Kahlo’s most significant works. Begin at the Museo Frida Kahlo, located in her lifelong home, to see masterpieces like Viva la Vida and personal artifacts. Next, visit Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, the shared studios of Kahlo and her husband, the renowned muralist Diego Rivera. Conclude your journey at the Museo Dolores Olmedo, which houses the largest collection of Kahlo’s works under one roof.
Plan your Mexico City exploration
Salmon, Idaho
Trailblazing woman: Sacajawea
It’s a fact: without Sacajawea, explorers Lewis and Clark would not have successfully navigated their remarkable journey across the Rocky Mountains. Sacajawea was instrumental in identifying edible plants, communicating with local tribes, and saving vital navigational tools when her husband—a French-Canadian trader and guide for Lewis and Clark—nearly capsized their boat. Despite her invaluable contributions, she received no recognition for her efforts.
Visit the Sacajawea Center in Salmon, Idaho, where you can partake in day hikes, learn about the history of native women, and explore exhibits at the Interpretive Center. Families can also enroll in “Outdoor School,” a camp that teaches skills used by Sacajawea during the expedition.
Plan your Idaho adventure
Pigeon Forge, TN
Trailblazing woman: Dolly Parton
A trip to Tennessee is well worth it to honor Dolly Parton’s legendary voice and her commitment to giving children a head start in reading. Parton is the most awarded female country singer ever, having penned over 3,000 songs. Her career spans songwriting, singing, acting, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
To truly appreciate her legacy, Dollywood is a must-visit. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Parton’s theme park is a significant employer in the area, providing over 3,000 jobs in a region that faces economic challenges. So, plan a visit filled with determination, creativity, and inspiration—just remember to fly into either Knoxville’s regional airport or Asheville’s larger airport.
Plan your Tennessee exploration
Warsaw, Poland
Trailblazing woman: Marie Curie
Modern science owes a great deal to Marie Curie. Her groundbreaking theory of radioactivity laid the foundation for much of contemporary scientific study. Curie was also the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize in 1903 and remains the only woman to ever win two Nobel Prizes.
Although Curie spent much of her adult life in France, she was born and raised in Warsaw. Plan a visit to her childhood home, now the Marie Curie Museum, to pay tribute to her extraordinary contributions to science.
Plan your trip to Poland
This is merely a glimpse of the remarkable destinations and the incredible women who have shaped them for the better. No matter where you travel, make sure to discover the trailblazing women who came before and continue to build that powerful legacy.
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