Celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 with a getaway to five of the safest cities in the world. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or the ultimate girls’ trip on March 8, get ready to feel empowered, inspired – and safe – at any of these IWD events focused on this year’s theme of #BalanceforBetter.
History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day has roots dating to a Woman’s Day celebration in 1909 in New York and a women’s suffrage movement in Soviet Russia in 1917. The United Nations adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975.
More than two dozen countries now declare IWD as a public holiday, and several other countries have adopted traditions to honor women annually on March 8. In Italy, men give yellow mimosas to women, and in Romania and Bulgaria, women are showered with small gifts from men and children. This year’s events focus on building a gender-balanced world to benefit economies and communities throughout the world.
Germany is the latest country to adopt International Women’s Day as a public holiday. Women (and men) will gather in Berlin for #BalanceforBetter events, and in Toronto, Canada, ladies will gather for an Empower Me brunch. Find out how communities in Ireland, Singapore and New Zealand also are promoting a gender-balanced world as well as some of the safest places in the world for women to travel!
1. 2019 International Women’s Day Celebration | Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand is a country divided – in the best of ways. On North Island, adventurous women can surf off the coast of white sand beaches, hike over active volcanoes and zipline over reflective lakes. South Island is best for whale watching, skiing adventures and trekking through glaciers. Luckily for women everywhere, this year’s IWD event is in Wellington, right in the middle!
IWD Event Hours & Ticket Prices
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Date: March 8
- Place: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Ticket price: 60 NZ
Gather with women from across the globe at the Museum of New Zealand for a series that outlines the importance of creating a better working world. Celebrate diverse female role models with inspirational speakers who will elaborate on triumphs they have faced and battles they have won. The event is sponsored by Global Women and PwC. The series will take place at the same time on March 6 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland and on March 7 at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu in Christchurch.
Top things to do and see in New Zealand during International Women’s Day
Waitomo: located on North Island, less than six hours from Wellington, Waitomo is a village known for its extensive glowworm caves. The limestone caves are said to be more than 30 million years old, and visitors can view thousands of glow worms while exploring the caves on foot or enjoying a boat ride through the area. Travelers also enjoy photographing Mangapohue Natural Bridge and touring Otorohanga Kiwi House while in the area.
Matamata: trek through rolling hills and lush pastures that were featured in the 2001 film “Lord of the Rings.” Just southwest of Matamata is where women on a mission will find the Hobbiton Movie Set, a trail to Wairere Falls and exquisite views of the plains of Waikato. For a look at the region’s history and development, take a tour of the Firth Tower Museum. Matamata is about six hours from Wellington on North Island.
Discover Maori culture: Auckland is the best place to learn about Maori culture. Hire a local guide to explain the history of this indigenous Polynesian people group, admired for their warrior spirit, massive feasts and raucous haka dances.
Queenstown: a flight to Queenstown from Wellington takes about an hour and a half and guarantees a variety of adventure sports. Queenstown is famous for bungee jumping, skiing, river rafting and boating on Lake Wakatipu. Pair up with a girlfriend to ride Skyline Queenstown, which treats passengers with a gondola ride over the lake area. Enjoy panoramic views and Maori performances at a scenic restaurant, and hold on to your hat for a luge ride down!
Milford Sound: tour a world-famous fjord by boat or helicopter on New Zealand’s South Island. Plan a boat cruise to waterfalls, and photograph the sun setting over the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound is a five-hour drive from Queenstown.
Bay of Islands: just an hour flight from Wellington, the Bay of Islands features diving with dolphins, white sand beaches and plenty of opportunities to hang ten with the girls.
Check In to Park Hotel Lambton Quay, Step Out to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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2. 2019 International Women’s Day Celebration | Toronto, Canada
Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the Americas for women to visit alone, and with a national commitment to balance gender rights – and smother everything in maple syrup – how could women NOT want to visit? While art plays a huge role in Canada’s tourism industry, adventure also rates right up there. Women who attend the IWD event in Toronto will have access to spectacular attractions like Niagara Falls and Casa Loma. Other popular attractions in Toronto include the Royal Ontario Museum and the Distillery District.
IWD Empower Me Brunch Event Hours & Ticket Prices
- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Date: March 9
- Place: 461 Cherry Street
- Ticket price: 35 to 50 CAD
Hosted by Southern Africa Embrace Foundation, the 2019 Empower Me Brunch will commemorate International Women’s Day with a series of inspirational talks by female experts. Discussions will center around topics like empowerment for women, women in politics, leadership and entrepreneurship. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit rural women’s health and socio-economic initiatives implemented through the SAE Foundation’s rural development program.
Most popular things to do and see in Canada during International Women’s Day
Niagara Falls: just an hour and a half away from Toronto is where women celebrating IWD will find Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill. Designed for the perfect ladies’ day out, Clifton Hill, adjacent to Niagara Falls, features attractions like Casino Niagara, Bird Kingdom and Hornblower Niagara Cruises. More daring things to do in Clifton Hill include touring the Castle Dracula Wax Museum, The House of Frankenstein and the Nightmares Fear Factory.
Day trips from Toronto
Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies in Calgary: after the IWD event in Toronto, grab a gal pal and book a flight to Calgary in Alberta Province. Spend a day chatting like besties on Lake Louise, and catch a scenic ride to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. Banff National Park is one of Canada’s premier ski destinations during winter months, and the quaint village of Banff is a popular place to stay when visiting Calgary.
Parliament Hill in Ottawa: just four and a half hours north of Toronto, Ottawa’s Parliament Hill overlooks the Ottawa River. Photograph outstanding architecture of government buildings and landmarks such as the Parliament of Canada and the Centennial Flame. Also in the area is Confederation Square, which contains The National War Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sappers Staircase and a display of The Flags of Canada.
Whistler Blackcomb in Vancouver: ski enthusiasts and fans of the 2010 winter games will want to take a trip to Whistler, on the western border of Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia. This alpine village is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and snow junkies enjoy ski jumping in Olympic park as well as tobogganing and sledding. The village of Whistler Blackcomb is nestled between the foothills of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peaks and offers family-friendly accommodations with views of Alta Lake.
Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec): plan a two-day trip from Toronto to Old Quebec and schedule a stop in Montreal along the way. Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains some of the city’s most historic landmarks. Book a stay in the dazzling Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and be within walking distance of attractions like the Quartier Petit Champlain, La Citadelle de Quebec and Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral.
Stanley Park in Vancouver: located on a luscious peninsula in Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park is a sprawling outdoor area loaded with walking trails, bike paths and interesting Totem poles. Families love the Vancouver Aquarium and activities at Beaver Lake, and gal pals enjoy afternoon tea at Stanley Park Pavilion and a laid-back stroll through Stanley Park Rose Garden. A great way to see the park is by booking a ticket with Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours.
Check In to Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel and Suites, Step Out to Niagara Falls
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3. 2019 International Women’s Day Celebration | Waterford, Ireland
Ranked in the top 10 of the 2018 Global Peace Index, Ireland is not only one of the safest places for women to travel alone, it also contains some of the most stunning scenery on earth. Celebrate International Women’s Day in the country’s oldest city of Waterford, where landmarks like the House of Waterford Crystal and Reginalds Tower attract women from all over the planet.
IWD Sip & Paint Waterford Event Hours & Ticket Prices
- Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Date: March 8
- Place: The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms, 2 Great George’s Street
- Ticket price: 35 EUR
With a theme of Balance for Better, the March 8 Sip and Paint Waterford event will celebrate female icons with an emphasis on socializing. Single women and small groups are invited to pour a glass of wine, grab a paintbrush and enjoy the company of like-minded women during an evening of fun and creativity.
Things to do and see in Ireland during International Women’s Day
Malin Head in Donegal: gaze over seaside cliffs at the most northern point in Ireland. Take a photo from Banba’s Crown and Hells Hole to prove you’ve been to the very edge!
Dingle Peninsula in Kerry: recognized as the most beautiful place on earth by National Geographic magazine, Dingle peninsula sightseeing ranges from cliffside views to sandy beaches. Photograph the Monument of Fungie, the city’s legendary dolphin, near the waterfront, and tour the Gallarus Oratory, a dry-stone church that is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. Travelers also love a visit to The Famine Cottages and Dingle Sheepdog Demonstrations, where working sheepdogs can be seen in action and visitors learn about life on a farm.
Leap Castle in Roscrea: watch out for ghosts when you visit Leap Castle! Considered to be the most haunted castle in the entire world, Leap Castle might provide a perfect way to bond with your best female buds.
Killarney National Park: the first national park in Ireland was established in 1932 and offers a unique blend of mountainous peaks, sprawling woodlands and peaceful lakes. Visitors can spend the day exploring three lake areas, trekking through forested hiking trails and touring attractions like Ross Castle, Muckross House and Muckross Abbey.
Cliffs of Moher: start in Doolin and walk down the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail for one of the most spectacular cliff views in the entire world. The Cliffs of Moher are undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Ireland, and any girls trip would not be complete without a photo from the top!
Check In to Newrath House, Step Out to House of Waterford Crystal
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4. 2019 International Women’s Day Celebration | Singapore
Treat yourself and your gal pals to a Singapore Sling while sipping safely on the riverside in Clarke Quay. Singapore is not only one of the safest cities for solo women travelers, but it also offers some of the most convenient transportation options on earth. Singapore attractions are seriously just a short ride away from one another. Spend a girls day shopping on Orchard Road, or enjoy the Singapore Zoo – without the kids!
IWD Bloom Event Hours & Ticket Prices
- Time: 6:30 to 11 p.m.
- Date: March 8
- Place: Secret location
- Ticket price: 35 to 45 SGD
Join women who love art to connect and strengthen relationships during Bloom, a workshop sponsored by Women in Art, the first and only network for women in arts in Singapore. Attendees will attend a dinner with emphasis on making new friends before being transported to a secret location where the main networking event will take place.
Top things to do in Singapore during International Women’s Day
Gardens by the Bay: ogle at 18 illuminated vertical gardens in Supertree Grove, and tour modern marvels like the OCBC Skyway and Marina Barrage.
Universal Studios Singapore: the first of its kind to open in Southeast Asia, Universal Studios Singapore is located on Sentosa Island and features roller coasters and theme park rides in zones with Hollywood themes. Seek thrills in Ancient Egypt and go back to prehistoric ages in The Lost World.
Fort Canning: see where Sir Stamford Raffles built his first home and how the area served as the headquarters for the British Army during World War II.
Clarke Quay: with a never-ending selection of bars, open-air restaurants and shopping boutiques, Clarke Quay provides all you need for an epic ladies-only night on the town.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: open since 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are one of Singapore’s oldest and most significant outdoor complexes. The park showcases more than 10,000 species of flora and fauna and serves as a research and breeding center for orchids. Enjoy a picnic on Swan Lake while watching the many monitor lizards that guard the grounds.
Check In to Pan Pacific Singapore, Step Out to Gardens by the Bay
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5. 2019 International Women’s Day Celebration | Berlin, Germany
Ladies who love a good workout and a glass of wine as a reward should join the inaugural International Women’s Day celebration in Berlin. With historic landmarks like the Berlin Wall Memorial and Brandenburg Gate, Berlin offers everything a girl needs for a perfect vacay. Plus, with destinations like the Swiss Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle just a day away, gal pals can see a little bit of everything, guaranteeing #BalanceforBetter!
IWD Berlin Travel Festival Event Hours & Ticket Prices
- Time: noon to 7 p.m., March 8; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., March 9 and 10
- Date: March 8 to 10
- Place: Arena Berlin
- Ticket price: free for women
In honor of Germany’s first official International Women’s Day holiday, women will enjoy free entry into this year’s Berlin Travel Festival. The annual festival hosts more than 100 speakers and exhibits focused on the latest innovations and travel destinations. Ladies can attend workshops, master classes and inspiring lectures at no charge for the entire day.
Best things to see in do in Germany during International Women’s Day
Neuschwanstein Castle: the most photographed piece of architecture in all of Germany sits in the Bavarian Alps and inspired Walt Disney when he created the animated blockbuster “Sleeping Beauty”.
Brandenburg Gate: built for King Frederick William II in 1791, Brandenburg Gate features 12 Doric (ancient Greek and Roman) columns and a sculpted quadriga (horse-drawn chariot) on top.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): overlooking the Rhine River, the Cologne Cathedral is a masterpiece in High Gothic architecture. The historic landmark is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and was built in 1248.
Black Forest: trek through lush forests, rolling hills and small villages in this natural region known for its spas, wineries and proximity to Switzerland and France.
Rhine Gorge: designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley lends the opportunity for girlfriends to tour 40 castles and at least 60 medieval villages in the ultimate cruise down the Rhine River.
Berlin Wall Memorial: see what is left of the historic wall that divided the country until 1990, when most of the Berlin Wall was demolished. Most of the historic landmark is now graffiti-covered, and markers for historical events can be seen in sections at Checkpoint Charlie and Humboldthafen, which sits across the street from the Reichstag Building, where the names of people who died while trying to escape former East Germany are engraved.
Check In to The Mandala Hotel, Step Out to Brandenburg Gate
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