Women's Travel & Girlfriend Getaways: Adventure Ahead
The attractively dressed woman waved across the airport to her two longtime “girlfriends” already seated in the boarding lounge as she approached, trailing her wheel-aboard bag and sipping a Starbucks. They returned her salute, and jumped up excitedly to hug one another hello.
Their long-anticipated adventure was finally underway: this time a thrilling river cruise through the lavender and sunflower fields of Van Gogh’s and Cezanne’s Provence to be kicked off by a short Paris stay.
“Okay, did you actually do it this time? Bring an empty bag for shopping?” one asked. “Well, practically,” another answered. “I just wish we could bring home some of the food we’re going to whip up in our cooking classes!”
Women are venturing out
Such scenes are becoming more commonplace as grown women of all ages venture out to see and experience the world in the company of other women, enjoying sightseeing and activities presented from a woman's perspective.
And it’s gals-only by choice. Not so long ago few women would consider traveling without their mates. Not so now. Whether on luxury vacations, adventure travel, or a European river cruise, women are getting together with their friends and/or their daughters, and doing it!
Women today work hard, whether at home or in their careers, and need time to play, to get out of the pressure cooker of daily life and just have fun or find time for personal enrichment.
Women understand the value of travel in their lives
Our experts help many women realize their travel dreams. These women grew up traveling as students or young career women, and just because they may now be mothers or wives doesn’t mean their wanderlust has diminished, especially for those who have had to postpone traveling when their kids were small.
Women now are much savvier about the value of travel to enhance their understanding and knowledge of the world. Plus it’s just so much fun! But whether as a group or individuals, women have much different needs and concerns than male travelers. Most women want a certain level of comfort and convenience. And, most important, women have very security concerns that wouldn’t necessarily register on men’s radar.”
Where are women heading and what are they doing?
Women love to hit the spas whenever possible. They adore doing Pilates and yoga, eating healthy food for a change, and just relaxing without the responsibilities of kids, homes, pets or work. Others are seeking adventure everywhere from Galapagos cruises to the African safaris to Southeast Asia vacations. Retreats in the rainforests on a Costa Rica vacation, heli-hiking in Canada, or staying at an American spa can serve as vehicles for physical and emotional change.
But there are many other women who don’t have available female travel companions. What do they do when they get the urge to explore?
For women who want to join a group, I offer everything from a Pilates getaway in St. Lucia to an “Ultimate Pajama Party Weekend” at Jasper Lodge in the Canadian Rockies to a cruise on the Nile in Egypt,” says Karen Satzman, TravelStore's women's travel expert. Karen limits her customized women’s travel to small groups and select hotels and cruises from moderate to extremely deluxe. Trips have included a visit to the Mexican Colonial Capitals and a Prague to Budapest itinerary that includes a cruise on the Danube.
“I don’t really care where I go as long as the experience is stimulating. Just getting out of my environment for a time is the main thing,” explains courtroom translator Betty Loiederman. “When I return, the travel afterglow carries over to benefit both my work and family life for ages!”
To arrange your next girlfriend getaway for yourself or group of friends, contact our women's travel experts.
