Pack your bags, girlfriend, for the
girls-only getaway to remember.
Girlfriend Getaways are
convenient and sometimes necessary--women
can share rides, rooms and even rental
car fees so the price of that trip is
cut nearly in half. And on cruises,
double occupancy cabins make travel
nearly impossible for the single
traveler who is either alone, or who's
boyfriend or spouse doesn't want to go.
In
fact, women living alone represent more
than half (58%) of one-person households
in the U.S. They influence 85% of all
travel decisions and while that's still
sinking in with hotels, airlines and
cruise ships, the savvy woman traveler
can use a female travel partner to help
stretch travel dollars.
Royal
Caribbean International conducted a
survey which showed that 48% of
respondents had taken a girlfriends-only
trip in the past several years and 53%
wished to go on a cruise with another
female. While women-only travel
companies have increased over 200% in
the past decade, you don't have to rely
on someone else to book your trip when
there are so many California vacations
that you can easily put together
yourself.
What the girls want: Women comprise
40% of all business travelers who, in
addition to being on the road for their
careers, seek special spa retreats
(66%), beach vacations (65%), shopping
trips (57%), taking a break from work
(37%), and taking a break from kids
(33%).
With
six such trips under my belt recently, I
qualify as a "girlfriend getaway"
traveler. From Christmas in the
Caribbean aboard a cruise ship, to road
journeys, train excursions and flights,
the experiences have been interesting
and rewarding. And with so much success,
I seldom think twice when asked to pack
my bags. In addition to expanding my
horizons, I've learned some travel tips,
tricks and techniques for making life
easier on the road. I've also gained a
wealth of material for stories yet to be
written.
Below are a few memorable events from my
recent girlfriend getaway vacations and
working trips:
Mom isn't as young as you - I took
a road trip with my mother, who has an easy-going attitude and adapts
quite well to spontaneity. On the road,
she sometimes stayed in the car, but never complained when I
stopped to explore and photograph the unexpected view.
Impressed by the beautiful Scotts Valley
Hilton hotel room we shared, I did well
to spend a bit more and get us a nice
room with more space, amenities, and
decor. I miscalculated her comfort level
for exploring, however. We took a wrong
turn on a hike
through the forests at Henry Cowell
Redwoods State Park and my mom
unexpectedly panicked, then began
to run. It was a toasty 90-degree day, which caused her to turn
red and nearly pass out. As we exited
the woods, a park ranger passed by,
stopping to give my traumatized mother a bottle of water.
We won't hike in the woods on any future
trips. My mom isn't suited for it, and I
totally forgot that she doesn't travel
much and is not accustomed to such
adventures.
Compromise -
On a Caribbean cruise, my friend and
I returned from dinner the first evening and I
took my shower right away. As I began blow drying my
hair, she
asked me to turn off the noise so she
could sleep. We were from California so
our watches said 7 p.m. while cruise
clocks were set to 10 p.m. No matter the
time, I thought she was out of line. I
should have talked with her before the
trip about our expectations and ability
to compromise. It was no consolation
when she decided a new "lights out"
policy the next day, reflecting her
desire to stay up later. Rather than
argue, I simply treated the experience
like I was sharing a cabin with an
unpleasant stranger. Maybe it's best to
try a one- or two-day vacation first,
and work your female friendships into
7-day vacations upon success.
Back Seat Drivers - They are
everywhere and they can't help
themselves. I drive a lot and recommend
you have some pat answers when your
companions tell you how to do it. Don't
get mad, or shout out in anger. Don't
let them scare you into submission,
either. You need your wits and you have
to bold to get on the freeway on Friday
afternoon in L.A. Once you discover you
have a back seat driver on board, have a
prepared dialogue so you don't have to
spend time thinking about their driving
comments while you're focused on staying
out of accidents.
Expect Good Things - I've been
awakened to new travel products,
restaurants, art galleries and even
travel coping mechanisms from some
really neat ladies and girls. Through
sharing and collaboration, I've come up
with new ideas and insights I would not
have, were it not for these girlfriend
getaway trips. From
compartmentalized, vinyl carrying cases
hung in or near the bathroom for women's
products, to the penchant for gourmet
meals and drinks such as rose-flavored
martinis, women are consumer savvy,
eager to explore, willing to stop and
ask directions and even nap-takers who
know how to relax when necessary.
Know the Money - Be aware about how
much your travel companion can spend. If
you are both on a tight budget, all the
better. Or if you both plan on spending
$50 on a meal, cool! But if you are on
opposite ends of the spectrum in meal
spending and attractions, you may have
some problems during the trip. You need
to know and figure out how to
accommodate your girlfriend's or you own
financial constraints.
Tips for planning a Girlfriend Getaway Trip
