These 15 remarkable women are reshaping the way we experience travel.

Women hold significant sway in the travel sector, influencing up to 85% of travel decisions—from choosing destinations to booking flights, accommodations, and activities. Their impact continues to grow: women now account for 50% of solo travelers with Intrepid, a company known for responsible travel, up from 45% before the pandemic. According to Skift’s 2019 Travel Trends Survey, this trend is clearly on the rise.

Despite their influence, women are still underrepresented in key decision-making roles within the travel industry. The Global Business Travel Association found that only 18% of corporate travel policies address the unique safety needs of female business travelers. Even though women make up 54% of the travel workforce—compared to 39% in the broader economy—they tend to dominate in service and clerical roles, which often lack stability, long-term career prospects, and decision-making authority.

With this in mind, we at Dinogo decided to shine a spotlight on women who are not just influencing change, but actively driving it. From sustainability advocates to fearless cruise ship captains, here are 15 women who are making a significant impact on the travel landscape.

Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushmen, the visionary founders of The Inclusive Guide, are reshaping the travel experience for marginalized communities.

Since its inception in 2019, The Inclusive Guide has been dedicated to making travelers feel safe, respected, and truly represented wherever they go.

From 1936 to 1966, Victor Green, a Black postal worker, and his wife Alma published 'The Negro Motorist Green Book,' an invaluable resource during the Jim Crow era that helped Black travelers navigate a world where discrimination was rampant. Nearly six decades later, two Black women from Colorado, Crystal Egli and Parker McMullen Bushmen, have created a modern-day version, The Inclusive Guide, continuing this legacy of safe travel.

Launched in 2019 in Denver, The Inclusive Guide is a user-driven review platform similar to Yelp, where customers rate businesses on safety, respect, representation, and inclusivity. With ratings ranging from one to five, the platform helps users find businesses where they feel valued, and provides feedback to businesses on how they can improve their inclusivity practices.

McMullen Bushman explained in a July 2022 interview with Dinogo, 'Our lives are shaped by so many factors, so we realized that to truly understand a place from various perspectives, we needed to create a platform where many different voices could share their experiences.'

While The Inclusive Guide draws inspiration from the Green Book, it sets itself apart by broadening its scope. Instead of just highlighting the experiences of Black travelers, it aims to be an inclusive resource for all, encompassing people of color, gender-diverse individuals, and those with disabilities. —Bailey Berg

Marlene Valle, the passionate founder behind Deafinitely Wanderlust, is breaking barriers for the deaf travel community.

Through her YouTube and Instagram platforms, Valle provides a space for deaf travelers to share their unique journeys and experiences.

Marlene Valle, a deaf Latina YouTuber and travel content creator, has always embraced her rebellious spirit. 'I’ve always been a bit of a rebel,' she says. 'I was told, ‘It’s better to travel with people who have 'normal' hearing.' It felt like I couldn’t manage on my own. But I knew I had to find my own answers.' Through her content, Valle spreads awareness about deaf travel and culture while offering practical tips for fellow deaf travelers.

In 2011, Valle began her travels with other deaf individuals, first exploring U.S. cities and then expanding globally. Her pivotal moment came in 2015 after a backpacking adventure in Asia. 'While planning that trip, I realized there were few resources for deaf travelers and hardly any role models,' she recalls. 'That’s when I decided not to wait for someone else to make a change—I’d be the one to start it.'

On her Deafinitely Wanderlust YouTube channel and Instagram feed, Valle shares useful travel tips while highlighting deaf artists, entrepreneurs, and communities around the world—from a Mexican painter to Taiwanese news anchors and a deaf-owned pizzeria in San Francisco. 'My platform has become a space where deaf travelers, especially deaf women, can share their experiences because not every deaf traveler’s story is the same,' Valle explains.

After a well-deserved break during the pandemic, Valle is now planning her next adventures, including possible trips to South Korea, Japan, and Puerto Rico. She also intends to return to vlogging and blogging, creating more educational content to make travel accessible for all. Public speaking and writing a book are also on her radar. We—and her fans—can’t wait to see what comes next. —Billie Cohen

The powerful trio behind Textured Waves.

Where are all the Black female surfers? They’re paddling alongside this inspiring group of women.

Chelsea Woody, Danielle Black Lyons, and Martina Duran are lifelong friends and passionate surfers who found peace and joy in the ocean. However, they often felt isolated, as they rarely saw other Black women in their surf lineups. In 2019, they launched the Instagram page Textured Waves, which quickly grew into a vibrant global community of women of color in surfing. Today, Textured Waves has become an organization with a mission: to share the joy of surfing with more people of color, build an inclusive sisterhood of surfers, and normalize the sight of Black women riding waves. The community now boasts over 27,000 followers.

‘Creating this space was crucial for all of us,’ said Black Lyons in a 2022 interview with Dinogo. ‘We wanted to make sure others could find a sense of community, no matter where they were in the world.’

Textured Waves not only champions the unique needs of Black surfers—like caring for Black hair and hairstyles in the water—but also hosts events to unite local surf communities. In 2020, the organization helped organize the Paddle Out for Unity in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter event, which saw thousands gather in support following George Floyd’s murder. Textured Waves also holds an annual ‘co-wash’ retreat in Waikiki, where women of color from all over the globe join the founders for a day of surf lessons. For more information on upcoming events, check out their social media and events page. —Mae Hamilton

Judy Tudor, a seasoned travel advisor, is committed to providing personalized travel experiences for her clients.

A travel advisor assists clients with mobility challenges in navigating the ups and downs of global adventures.

As a travel advisor at Fora, a woman-founded agency focused on creating inclusive and tech-driven travel experiences, Judy Tudor works to make the world more accessible for everyone. After being diagnosed with transverse myelitis at age 16, which left her paralyzed from the waist down, Tudor's passion for travel ignited later in life. It wasn't until she met her husband Glenn, a seasoned traveler, that she began exploring the world. Since then, she's visited much of the U.S. and over 40 countries. Tudor believes that with the right guidance, anyone can experience the world, regardless of their physical abilities.

‘When I first considered traveling, I had no idea what was possible,’ Tudor recalls. ‘I had to figure out where I could go, what activities were accessible, and whether I could even do them. Helping others understand how accessible travel can be is why I became a travel advisor.’

Tudor not only helps clients find suitable trips, but also guides them through every step of the process—from navigating airport security to notifying airlines of their needs ahead of time. She assists with finding the best transportation options (like cruising, which is often more accessible than flying for wheelchair users) and locating accessible accommodations. Tudor dreams of a world where travel is comfortable and accessible for all, regardless of physical abilities.

‘The truth is, the more we make travel accessible, the better it is for everyone,’ says Tudor. —M.H.

Martinique Lewis

The president of the Black Travel Alliance has modernized the historic 'Green Book' for today’s Black travelers.

In 2018, Martinique Lewis found herself in Amsterdam, feeling unsettled. Despite having traveled the world for over two decades, she couldn’t find Black-owned businesses. ‘I was looking for other Black people in Amsterdam,’ Lewis told Dinogo in 2020. ‘I wasn’t sure if there were any, but then I thought, ‘I see a few!’' She later connected with Lene, the founder of Amsterdam Black Women, who opened her eyes to Amsterdam’s vibrant Black community. This moment sparked a realization for Lewis: ‘If I, as a travel expert, don’t know about these places, then so many others don’t either.’ Inspired, she sought a way to share these hidden gems with the world beyond social media.

In 2020, Lewis released The ABC Travel Greenbook, a modern take on Victor Hugo Green's famous Green Book. This guide—much like the original series that helped Black travelers find safe places to eat, sleep, and explore during the days of segregation—serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to connect with the Black diaspora around the world.

This year, Lewis’s work inspired her latest project: Black Travel Across America, a National Geographic TV show where she visits historical Green Book sites and contemporary Black travel destinations. For Lewis, showcasing Black experiences is just the start of creating meaningful change in the travel industry. —Katherine LaGrave

Cathy Dreyer

Introducing the 'rhino whisperer'—the first woman to become head ranger at South Africa's largest game reserve.

Spanning over 7,500 square miles, Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most renowned game reserve. With more than 2,000 plant species, over 500 bird species, and 147 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhino, it’s no wonder that this park has become a beacon for conservation efforts. Leading the charge in protecting this wildlife haven is Cathy Dreyer, who made history in May 2021 by becoming the first female head ranger of Kruger.

Today, Dreyer leads a team of around 400 rangers in managing a park roughly the size of New Jersey. She also focuses on building relationships with the 2.5 million people living in the surrounding areas, where 80% of the economy is supported by tourism. A key part of her role is combating wildlife crime, particularly poaching, as Kruger faces some of the world’s most severe rhino poaching pressures. Rhino horns are illegally hunted due to outdated beliefs about their medicinal properties.

Few are more qualified for this role than Dreyer. In her early 20s, she began as a conservation student working to monitor black rhinos. Her pioneering efforts in establishing new rhino populations in South Africa earned her the nickname 'rhino whisperer.' In 2016, Sir David Attenborough presented her with a Tusk Conservation Award for her impactful work. Her daily dedication continues to inspire travelers around the world to advocate for the preservation of wild places through their visits and support. —Jennifer Flowers

Zakia Moulaoui Guery

Her Invisible Cities tours, which are led by individuals who have experienced homelessness, offer travelers a fresh perspective on cities.

Zakia Moulaoui Guery’s involvement with the Homeless World Cup, an international organization that uses soccer as a platform to empower those experiencing homelessness, turned her 20s into a whirlwind of global travel. As she engaged with unhoused individuals, she heard powerful stories that were difficult to convey to friends. This sparked a desire to share more about the lives of people from diverse backgrounds. In 2015, she envisioned a way to bridge that gap: city tours led by those with firsthand experiences of homelessness.

In 2016, Moulaoui Guery founded Invisible Cities, a social enterprise offering tours led by people who have experienced homelessness. The business reinvests its profits to train and support new guides. Tour themes range from exploring York’s economic history to Manchester’s music culture, all while highlighting the personal stories of the guides. Since its launch in Edinburgh, Invisible Cities has expanded to four other UK cities and currently employs 16 guides.

Through the unique insights offered by Invisible Cities, Moulaoui Guery aims to promote more genuine travel experiences, even when it involves exploring a city's more challenging histories. 'It’s important to acknowledge these themes because they are integral to the identity of the city,' she explains. 'I believe many travelers are eager to explore these sides of a destination.' — Chloe Arrojado

Maayan Ziv

Thanks to her platform AccessNow, Ziv is proving that having a wheelchair shouldn't stop anyone from exploring the world.

In September 2022, Maayan Ziv flew from Toronto to Tel Aviv to speak at an accessibility conference. At 32, Ziv lives with muscular dystrophy and is a passionate advocate for making the world more inclusive and normalizing discussions about disability.

Upon arriving in Tel Aviv, Ziv discovered that her wheelchair had been so severely damaged during the flight that it was beyond repair. 'This wheelchair is my mobility,' she tweeted. 'My entire life depends on it.' Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time an airline had ruined one of her mobility devices. She explained that this type of mistreatment is all too common for many people with disabilities traveling the globe. (After a public outcry, the airline eventually agreed to replace her wheelchair.)

In 2015, Ziv launched AccessNow, a crowdsourced app designed to map the accessibility status of locations around the world. The app allows users to share their personal experiences at hotels, restaurants, and attractions, helping others avoid the frustrating task of trying to gather scattered information from unreliable online sources.

While many businesses claim to meet accessibility standards, for the 41 million Americans with disabilities, the most useful information comes from fellow disabled travelers. Ziv has often found this to be the case during her own travels.

AccessNow has grown significantly, now employing 15 full-time staff, 40 part-time workers, and receiving contributions from tens of thousands of users. During the pandemic, they expanded their efforts by launching AccessOutdoors, a feature that tracks accessible parks and trails, providing reliable information for travelers seeking to explore nature. — Sarika Bansal

Julia Simpson

As the president of the World Travel & Tourism Council, Julia Simpson has set ambitious goals, including a commitment to achieving carbon net-zero in the sector.

The bright side: Travel has the power to create a profound positive impact globally. The downside? Travel also has a significant negative impact on the world.

In recent years, the environmental impact of travel has become increasingly evident. As climate journalist Kendra Pierre-Louis reported for Dinogo in December 2022, aviation accounts for 2% of human-generated carbon dioxide worldwide. While this number may seem small compared to other sources like electricity, cars, or home heating, aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize.

For many within the industry, the pause caused by the pandemic provided an opportunity to rethink our relationship with the planet and how we can travel more sustainably. In November 2021, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), outlined a roadmap to decarbonize travel and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This is just one of several initiatives WTTC has undertaken to promote sustainability. In April 2022, they launched 'Hotel Sustainability Basics,' a set of minimum criteria for hotels to drive responsible tourism. Additionally, in June 2022, WTTC hosted its first Sustainability and Investment Summit in Puerto Rico. Leading the charge is Julia Simpson, who became the president of WTTC in May 2021, guiding the organization through the aftermath of travel's worst-ever crisis.

Julia Simpson, with an extensive background in aviation and public service, including serving on the British Airways board and advising the U.K. prime minister, expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge when appointed as president of WTTC. 'I look forward to driving the sector’s ambitious agenda for long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth,' she said upon her appointment. —K.L.

Caramel Curves

This vibrant all-women motorcycle club is unapologetically glamorous while embracing freedom in the American Southeast.

For the New Orleans-based Caramel Curves, high heels, styled hair, and flawless makeup aren’t just personal choices—they’re a signature look for the motorcycle club. 'It’s the pull up for me,' says founding member Nakosha 'Coco' Smith. 'I love seeing people’s reactions when we arrive on bikes.' Launched in 2007 by Smith for women seeking a supportive motorcycling sisterhood, the group has now expanded to 17 members. With careers ranging from mortician’s assistant to pharmacist, these women all share a passion for hitting the road—from short neighborhood rides to long-haul adventures. Their signature combination of high-speed thrills and glamorous outfits has earned them a fanbase that includes Rihanna, who featured them in a Fenty Beauty campaign in 2021.

Although they never set out to be symbols of representation in the motorcycle world, their social media messages tell a different story. 'We make women think outside the box and feel like they can do it too,' says member Shanika 'Tru' Beatty. With the 2021 launch of an Atlanta chapter, Caramel Curves hopes to continue inspiring women to embrace their confidence. 'If you feel the desire to ride, or even just want to feel free, get on that bike,' says Andrea 'Hoodpriss' Shepherd. 'Because at the end of the day, that’s what it brings to so many of us.' —C.A.

Deb Haaland

Honoring the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary in the United States government.

For many travelers, America’s most breathtaking destinations lie in its vast wilderness: towering glaciers, expansive prairies, and lands teeming with wildlife. But often forgotten are the stories of Indigenous peoples, who were forcibly removed to make room for national parks and conservation areas. Since being sworn in as the 54th U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 2021, Deb Haaland has overseen the stewardship of public lands and cultural heritage across the country.

As the first Native American to hold a cabinet secretary role, Haaland has made it her mission to center Indigenous voices. She is working to restore control of lands to their original inhabitants, pushing for the reparation of broken treaties between the government and tribal nations. Through her efforts, Indigenous communities are reclaiming their histories and reaffirming their connections to the land and wildlife that have long been a part of their heritage.

Haaland's advocacy has already reshaped how we engage with America's natural landscapes. In 2021, she signed a groundbreaking law that returned the National Bison Range in Montana to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Nearly a century ago, the land was taken from them without consent for bison conservation. Now, these tribes manage the nearly 19,000-acre range, where visitors can witness bison roaming the plains and by the streams. The updated visitor center now provides a more accurate cultural and historical narrative, sharing the story of the original bison herd that the tribes worked to preserve long before the U.S. government’s involvement.

In 2022, Haaland spoke passionately about the loss of tribal lands and buffalo herds, acknowledging the deep connection plains tribes had with the buffalo. Despite the painful history, she celebrated the resilience of the people. 'Despite that terrible tragedy and loss, we are still here. You are still here. And that is something to celebrate.' —J.F.

Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network

An organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous Australian women in their efforts to safeguard the land.

According to the National Indigenous Australians Agency, approximately 50% of Australia’s land is either owned by or has recognized land rights for Indigenous Australians. Much of this land is managed by Indigenous rangers, who combine ancestral knowledge with modern technology like drones to monitor coral reefs. One notable group focuses specifically on empowering the women who are leading these conservation efforts.

Founded in 2018, the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network operates across Australia’s diverse landscapes—from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and coastal regions. The organization is guided by managing director Larissa Hale.

In Queensland, women represent just 20% of the ranger workforce. However, since its inception, the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network has trained over 60 women to protect Australia’s vital ecosystems. The network also provides members with mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities.

"When I began as the Ranger Coordinator for Jalunji Warra, I was the only female Indigenous Ranger Coordinator in Queensland," Hale shared via email. "By bringing women together, we build strength and share knowledge, and this confidence helps us uplift our communities."

A chapter of the Queensland Indigenous Women Rangers Network, the Indigenous Women of the Great Barrier Reef, recently won the prestigious Earthshot Prize—one of the world’s top environmental awards, launched in 2021 by Prince William and Sir David Attenborough. The award comes with a 1 million euro grant to further their impactful work. For Larissa Hale, the Traditional Custodians—Indigenous people with ancestral ties and responsibilities to the land and sea—are inherently linked to the country, and in turn, the country is intertwined with them. It’s only natural that these women are key players in the management of Australia’s immense landscapes.

"When Traditional Custodians care for their land and ensure its health, the land, in turn, keeps us healthy," Hale explains. "The more we create opportunities for women to serve as rangers, and provide them with the necessary support to thrive in these roles, the better the environmental outcomes for all." — M.H.

Captain Kate McCue

America’s first female mega-cruise captain is making waves as a Celebrity at sea.

In 2019, Captain Kate McCue, widely known as “Captain Kate” to her 500,000 Instagram followers, became the first American woman to command a mega cruise ship: Celebrity Cruises' $1.2 billion flagship, Celebrity Edge. She was responsible for 3,405 guests and 1,350 crew members—a task that redefines the meaning of 'exhausting.' Since then, she has been promoted to captain of Celebrity Beyond, the most luxurious ship in the fleet, cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean. There, she has gained celebrity status of her own.

Celebrity’s first female president and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, appointed McCue as Master Sailor in 2015. Lutoff-Perlo has made promoting women into senior leadership roles a key mission at the luxury cruise line. According to the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association, as of 2020, only nine out of 300 passenger cruise ships worldwide had female captains. While that’s progress compared to the outdated belief that women at sea were bad luck, the industry still has a long way to go.

This is why it’s so rewarding to see Captain McCue receiving thousands of likes on her Instagram for showcasing moments like her chief officer Eva Pavlou’s flawless maneuver to navigate out of St. Martin’s port; the courageous rescues of refugee boats in January; and even the antics of her hairless Elf Sphynx cat, Bug Naked, enjoying life on deck. — Laura Dannen Redman

Mickela Mallozzi

For professional dancer Mickela Mallozzi, creator, and star of the TV show *Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi*, travel isn’t just about observing—it's an active experience.

Mickela Mallozzi, based in New York City, seems to absorb new dance styles like a sponge. Throw anything her way—a tango, Scottish reels, Viennese waltz, or even the Lumbee dance of the Spring Moon—and within minutes, she’s got her body moving in perfect harmony, and she’s doing it all on camera. Her show, *Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi*, now in its sixth season, celebrates her love for connecting with people and cultures through music and dance, which she believes is one of life’s greatest joys.

"I realized early on that dancing was an incredible way to travel and instantly connect with locals," Mallozzi shared with Dinogo during a *Bare Feet* tour of Ireland. As Dinogo contributor Hillary Richard noted, "People of all ages, from every walk of life, joined in the dance: twirling, marching, shuffling, bumping into each other—all while laughing uncontrollably. It was a perfect initiation into the local culture—a boundary-breaking experience like no other." With her infectious energy, Mallozzi has an unmatched ability to make strangers feel like family, spreading joy wherever she goes, one dance step at a time. — L.D.R.

Teara Fraser

As the first Indigenous woman to establish her own airline, this Métis pilot is carving out new routes to connect remote First Nation communities.

Starting an airline is a monumental challenge on its own, but imagine doing so in the midst of a global pandemic. For commercial pilot Teara Fraser, based in British Columbia, that didn’t stop her. She made history as the first Indigenous woman in Canada to create an airline—just as the world came to a standstill. Originally intended to offer charter flights between Vancouver International Airport and remote Indigenous communities to open up travel and business, Fraser quickly shifted her focus to delivering essential supplies when the pandemic hit. With support from SheEO and Lift Collective, two organizations backing women and Indigenous entrepreneurs, Fraser flew food, masks, and sanitizers to First Nations communities on Vancouver Island. “If there are communities in need, and we can bring them what they require, then Iskwew Air is fulfilling its purpose,” Fraser told Indigenous news outlet APTN News.

The name 'Iskwew' (pronounced Iss-kway-yo), which means 'woman' in Cree, was intentionally chosen by Fraser, a proud Métis woman, as a statement of empowerment. As one of Canada's three distinct Indigenous peoples, she sees the name as a way to reclaim womanhood, matriarchal leadership, and language. 'Yes, I am a woman and a proud Métis woman,' Fraser shared with CBC affiliate Chek News in 2021. She also highlighted the lack of diversity in the aviation industry, where women and women of color are underrepresented. Fraser is working to change that, using her platform to increase diversity and promote cultural exchange, with scheduled nonstop flights now helping more people connect and learn from one another. —L.D.R.