Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

By MzTravelDiva ⋅ April 23, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

source:(Tricia Defossey/Go Eco Traveler/AP Photo)

These days women are stretched in so many directions - home, family, education, career. At times, we get so caught up in trying to keep things moving along in our lives, that we end up losing contact with friends that have been closest to us. As we grow older and the responsibilities grow with us, it becomes much harder to stay connected. Somehow friendships that once consisted of hanging out all the time have now been reduced to an occasional phone call or email. Friends that used to be around each other in the same dorm, apartment, office, or neighborhood, have now moved across the country….and you can’t remember the last time you saw their face.

Many women realize how essential it is to maintain their friendships and how these connections make life so fulfilling. Male friends, boyfriends, husbands, the kids, and even the pets are great. But, nothing beats getting that REAL opinion on your outfit selection…venting about everything…and laughing during a ‘chick-flick’…with your best gal pals.

One of the best ways to strengthen your friendships is a girl getaway! Where you and your girls can just pick up and leave it all behind TOGETHER… Women have been so eager to reconnect with their friends as girl getaways are the latest, big trend in travel.

Tune in this Thursday at 9pm to the Fine Living Network for the premiere of All-Girl Getaways. The show highlights vacation adventures of girlfriends across the country, who set out to get some much needed female bonding. All-Girl Getaways is hosted by Stephanie Oswald, editor-in-chief of travelgirl magazine. Ironically, I was reading travelgirl a few days ago and saw the advertisement for this show. It said “If you’re not a girl…you’re not invited!” I thought the ad was cute, and that the concept of the show was great. You can check out a few snippets of the show online on the Fine Living Network’s website, featuring upcoming episodes such as, “April in Philly”, “Caribbean Cruise”, and “Sun and Salsa”.

If you’ve been wanting to round the ladies up for a weekend getaway or even extended vacation, DO IT! I know…coordinating a trip is the hard part. The All Girl Getaway website has a great video that gives some great tips on how to get your trip planning started…and make it a reality.
1. Gather a group of friends with similar interests
2. Determine 3 preferred dates
3. Divide tasks
4. Schedule a planning meeting or conference call/ IM session

Going on ‘vacay’ with my girls has always been important to me. Some of my most memorable trips have been with my closest female friends. From hopping around the French Riviera, spring breaking in Jamaica and Mexico, fighting slot machine addiction in Vegas, beach-bumming in Puerto Rico, and salsa dancing in Italy… these girl getaways brought me closer to my friends and created some great experiences that I’ll always treasure. Plus, the stories that we will share for years to come are priceless (and TOP SECRET)!

Next month I’ll have two more vacations with my girls - a weekend trip to Los Angeles with my best friend and an week-long excursion to Costa Rica with my JetSet Diva. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with traveling with the guys - it’s got it’s perks too…but there’s something exciting about exploring new places with your favorite friends - especially those you haven’t seen in a while.

Some themes for a spectacular girl getaway are:
1.Spa days - nothing but pampering and relaxation
2. Culture and history - Broaden your horizons with a trip filled with theater, art galleries, or museum tours.
3. Dancing - get your groove back!
4. Club-hopping - relive your party animal days. Make sure you rest up for this one!
4. Shop ’til you drop - Shoes, purses, accessories, and clothes - here we come!
5. Adventure - if your girls are up for the challenge…take on some rafting, surfing, hiking
6. Beach lounging - self explanatory!

travelgirl gives a cute checklist of things to bring with you to add to the fun:
1. Old photos - you’ll laugh at that hairdo…or cry over how skinny you were.
2. Small fun gifts to share - candles, cookbooks, beauty care products, and other girly stuff.
3. Lounging clothes - you’ll probably be hanging around and talking all night. Might as well be comfy.
4. A travel journal - everyone can write in it, giving quotes or some memories from the trip.

So Divas, get the girls on the phone and tell them that’s its time to JetSet…and you’re not taking no or I can’t for an answer! Then make sure you come back and tell us about it.

Be sure to tune in to All-Girl Getaways this Thursday. and every Wednesday thereafter, to get inspired for your next trip with girls….and remember….no boys allowed!