From trailblazers to visionaries, rebels, and more, women play some of the most change-inducing roles in our society. From humble beginnings to where great achievements were born, this month (and always) we honor contributions made by extraordinary women by pairing them with domestic and international destinations. Ready to start a new adventure? Head to one of these destinations to learn more and celebrate Women’s History Month.
Washington, DC
Pioneering women: Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson
In the 1950s, these three women worked at NASA as “human computers,” to calculate orbital trajectories to the moon. Though their song went unsung for many years, a recent motion picture finally brought their accomplishments to public light.
Start your journey in DC with a visit to the National Air and Space Museum. Then, drive the 3-hour trek to Hampton, VA, home of NASA’s Langley Research Center and the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility. Celebrate Vaughan (the first African-American woman to supervise a group of staff at NASA), Johnson (awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015) and Jackson (NASA’s first black female engineer) as you tour the campus. If these scientific leaders have taught us anything, it’s that, when it comes to STEM, there is nothing women can’t do.
Sacramento, CA
Pioneering woman: Sally Ride
Without the three ladies mentioned above, Sally Ride’s path – as well as those of astronauts before her – may never have happened. Born in LA, Ride was the first American woman in space (and 3rd woman overall). After her career as a physicist and astronaut, Ride championed STEM programs for girls until her death in 2013. She is famously known for saying that “you can’t be what you can’t see,” hitting home that representation matters.
Though you can see Ride’s in-flight suit at the Moving Beyond Earth exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum in DC, we suggest going back to her roots in California. The California Museum in Sacramento has a signature exhibition called, “California’s Remarkable Women” where Ride is a big part of it. Plus, it’ll give you the opportunity to learn more about the many other amazing women that shaped California – and American – history.
Tanzania
Pioneering woman: Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall spent her childhood in England dreaming of working with animals in Africa. She made that dream a reality when she was just 26. In 1960, she first went to Tanzania to study the behavior of primates, where she spent much of her 60+ year career as a researcher, scientist, animal behaviorist, philanthropist and preeminent scholar. Her studies in the Gombe Forest gave us some of the deepest insights into primate behavior – and led research into our evolutionary connections.
Indulge your adventurous side with a trip to Tanzania and a safari to discover wildlife. As Gombe National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site, we’d recommend booking with a tour company that advocates for ecotourism.
Mexico City
Pioneering woman: Frida Kahlo
Fiery, passionate and a contrarian at heart, those who go against the grain will find a kindred spirit in Frida Kahlo. After a devastating bus accident left her in perpetual pain, Kahlo put her emotions and thoughts to canvas. Her colorful strokes, intimate self-portraits and bold personality made her an icon for generations of artists to come.
Travel to Mexico City where you can see Kahlo’s most important works. Start at the Museo Frida Kahlo, located in her lifelong home, to see famous pieces like Viva la Vida as well as artifacts from her daily life. Then, head to Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, the former studios of Kahlo and her husband, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Finally, stop at the Museo Dolores Olmedo for the largest collection of works by Kahlo under one roof.
Salmon, Idaho
Pioneering woman: Sacajawea
Fact: Without Sacajawea, explorers Lewis and Clark would have never made their incredible journey across the Rocky Mountains. Sacajawea was able to identify edible plants, communicate with local tribes and saved essential navigational tools when her husband – a French-Canadian trader hired as Lewis and Clark’s guide – managed to nearly capsize their boat. For her expertise and work, she received nothing, so she deserves extra recognition.
Head to the Sacajawea Center in Salmon, Idaho, where you can take part in day hikes, learn about native women’s history and visit the exhibits in the Interpretive Center. Families can also sign up for “Outdoor School,” a camp that teaches some of the skills Sacajawea used to lead the expedition.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Pioneering woman: Dolly Parton
Celebrating Dolly Parton’s legendary voice and pursuit of giving children a headstart with reading is worth the trek to Tennesee. Parton is the most-honored female country singer of all time and has written more than 3,000 songs. She’s built a career as a songwriter, singer, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Of course, to see the full reach of her legend, Dollywood is the goal. Parton’s theme park is nestled in the Smoky Mountains, which has a higher unemployment rate and low wages. Dollywood brings over 3,000 jobs to the region, as its biggest employer. So plan a trip with a bit of grit, gumption and creativity – just be sure to fly into Knoxville’s regional airport or to Asheville’s larger one).
Warsaw, Poland
Pioneering woman: Marie Curie
Modern science is forever indebted to Marie Curie. Her theory of radioactivity was ground-breaking and is the basis for much of what scientists today study and test. Curie was also the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903 and remains the only woman in history to win two Nobel Prizes.
Though Curie spent much of her adult years in France, Warsaw was where she was born and raised. Arrange for an excursion to Curie’s childhood home, which is now the Marie Curie Museum, to honor this woman’s remarkable discoveries.
Of course, this is only a small sample of destinations and the amazing women that changed them for the better. Wherever you travel, be sure to discover the trailblazing women who have gone before and keep adding to that powerful legacy.
This blog was originally published on March 5, 2019 and updated on March 3, 2022.
