We women are on the move!
With 32 million trips taken last year, U.S. women are predicted to spend more than $125 billion on travel during 2007.
Travel expert Marybeth Bond has written a book geared to all of us who want to treat ourselves to “gals only” trips — whether it’s celebrating a milestone birthday or connecting with female families and friends. The National Geographic guide 50 best Girlfriends Getaways in North America is now in its second printing.
Bond suggests 50 destinations, organized by theme: Big City Getaways, Spirit Boosters, Birthday Blowouts, Female Family Bonding, Adventure Escapes, Friends Reunions, Best Places to Heal, Golf Getaways, Pampering Retreats and Retail Therapy.
“I have come to learn that travel is one of the most powerful ways to reconnect with our deepest female soul mates — our girlfriends,” writes Bond. “There are reasons to travel that are unique and truly important to women.” She cites reuniting with childhood girlfriends, exploring big cities, being pampered at a spa and the drive to “shop ’til you drop in a retail mecca” as some of the ways to reconnect while on the road.
The trips are geared for 3-6 day getaways. Each destination has been researched and includes recommended hotels in safe neighborhoods that feature both character and reasonable rates. Bond is drawn to quality food and good service in restaurants along with such details as interior design of hotels and the mood of a late-night jazz club. And of course she includes the highlights of each place, along with activities to suit various tastes. There are also tips, tricks and secrets ranging from what to pack and expect to what to avoid and not miss.
Bond’s destinations range from New York City, Quebec and San Francisco for urban adventures to soothing retreats in Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende and New Age, New York.
The book retails for $15.95 and is available in bookstores and through amazon.com.