Magazine helps women plan getaways

Today's woman wears many hats. The woman of the 21st century is often a wife, mother, housekeeper and chauffeur. These are only her household duties. A good majority of women have full-time jobs on top of full-time family responsibilities. Everyone deserves an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, so it is no wonder that the girlfriend getaway has become a new trend.

In response, Budget Travel Magazine, has created a spin-off magazine geared specifically toward women looking to take a group vacation. "Girlfriend Getaways is a magazine and Web site designed for female thrill-seekers everywhere," said editor Carrie Sloan. "I believe that in many ways being with your closest girlfriends is important."

The magazine, published bi-annually

with a spring/summer and fall/winter issue, gives tips on locations that are perfect for a group of women. There are recommendations for sophisticated ladies, wine-filled weekends, relaxing spa retreats and sand and sun. Sloan said she believes that women having their own money is one of the factors playing into the all-female vacation trend. "It's a running joke at work that you'll laugh 17 percent more on vacation with girlfriends," said Sloan.

Girl getaways don't need to be a two-week ordeal. The magazine's current issue offers suggestions for 50 quick trips, most of which can be great for women who have less than a week for vacation. The magazine also features articles on planning bachelorette parties, wine country weekends, and great

long weekends.

Up & Away Travel in Fairfield holds an annual day retreat for the seven women in the office.

"We go every December to shop and go to dinner and the theater in New York City," said Jo Anne Iodice Silva, co-owner of Up & Away. The women look forward to their annual gathering and already have the arrangements in order, which include tickets to see the musical "Billy Elliot." The two men in the office are not invited to take the train in and ride around in the comfort of a van with hired driver.

There are hotels that are following the women's travel trend as well, according to Sloan. Omni Hotels offers a girlfriend getaways gift basket; Kimpton Hotels has a martini and manicure package; W Hotels even offer a shopping package with discounts to select stores, a membership to Bag Borrow or Steal, and complimentary cosmopolitans.

Jane Engelson, co-owner of Up & Away Travel, also sees a clear trend.

"The tour operators are all offering promotions for girl getaways," said Engelson. "We also see a lot of women traveling together for bachelorette parties to destinations like Las Vegas."

Gutsy Women Travel tours are high-end luxury retreats and offer spas, cooking tours, art tours and wine country tours, among many other adventurous packages. The company was launched in November of 2001 as a division of Gate 1 Travel. President and Co-founder April Merenda, said that the company was started because of changes in national demographics.

"The car companies and pharmaceutical companies were marketing for women, but there wasn't really anyone in the travel industry," said Merenda. "Forty percent of women over 40 are either divorced, widowed, or single. Women are in careers and travelling for business, so to travel for pleasure is not uncommon now."

The destination completely depends on the personality of the group traveling, said Sloan. One overwhelming trend is yoga for the restless, which combines some sort of adrenaline rush activity with daily yoga. White water rafting in Utah, hiking in the Berkshires in Massachusetts, or horseback riding in Montana are just a few options that combine adrenaline and tranquility. Exotic locations that do not involve the Euro have been very popular recently, according to Merenda. Some of these destinations include Moracco, Peru, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica. Despite the Euro currently being stronger than the American dollar, Italy seems to avoid any type of currency problems according to Merenda, who says that Venice and Lake Como are still among popular women's vacation spots.

Sloan had advice for saving money and finding the right location.

"Plan far in advance," said Sloan. "Find a time that will work for everyone. Have everyone pick their top destination and vote. Choose the right hotel. Pack enough DVDs and books to swap, and book spa appointments when you get there right away."

If you're taking a long flight, arriving at the hotel can be overwhelming. Sloan recommends taking a short nap, no longer than 20 minutes. If you head to the spa for some relaxation, jet lag shouldn't be an issue.

In addition to booking spa appointments once through the door of the hotel, Sloan said discussing dinner reservations with the concierge will give a sense of accomplishment, so travelers will not feel that the first day of vacation is a waste.

Women traveling in a group may have different interests. Sloan suggests taking the approach teenagers take at the mall — split up and pick a meeting place and time to share souvenirs, stories, and pictures over drinks.

"It's about girl bonding," said Sloan, "but it doesn't have to be 24/7 togetherness. It's also about giving you good photo-ops and bragging rights when you get home." The fall/winter issue of Girlfriend Getaways goes on sale at newsstands on Aug. 5.

For further information on vacations for women, visit www.girlgetaways.com or www.gutsywomentravel.com.