More women head out, leave the menfolk behind
— -- Gal getaways, a heavily marketed success for the past few years, aren't going away.
A 2007 survey of 2,000 women for AAA says 24% of American women have taken a girlfriend getaway in the past three years and 39% plan to take one.
A recent survey of 246 American Express travel agents found that more women are traveling together to bond and escape stress, that they're spending more and looking beyond traditional spa and shopping weekends. Vegas bachelorette parties, for instance, have never been more popular.
Travel providers are tailoring more packages to meet demand, and the range of options is broadening. Some of the more offbeat:
• Art "safaris" in picture-perfect Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif Three days of work in a studio under the direction of professionals, fueled by wine and chocolate and a nighttime painting party, aim to unleash the inner artist in anyone. Courses include "Intuitive Abstract Painting," from $1,275 a person, double, if booked and paid for by Dec. 31. Otherwise, rates start at $1,375, including lodging, breakfasts, two other meals, art materials, instruction and daily yoga. Lodging options include the Cypress Inn, co-owned by Hollywood legend Doris Day. 831-625-5748; www.artistacreative.com
• Gals-only cruises in the Galapagos Islands For the first time, the Galapagos Network is selling women-only departures to the Galapagos. The week-long cruises (April 13-20 or Aug. 24-31) offer sightings of giant tortoises, kayaking, scuba diving and tours with on-board naturalist guides. Rates for the cruises on Ecoventura's 20-passenger motor yachts start at $2,675 a person, double, including meals and excursions, but not airfare. Departure is from San Cristobal, Ecuador. 800-633-7972; ecoventura.com
• Dog-sledding in the Northwoods. Make pleasant mush of your muscles learning how to drive a dog sled in Minnesota. A March 16-20 trip out of Ely, from women's adventure travel specialist Adventures in Good Company, includes sledding and instruction, meals and four nights' lodging (three in an inn, one in a wilderness yurt). Cost: $1,095, plus airfare. Other outings include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and sea kayaking in the Caribbean. 877-439-4042; adventuresingoodcompany.com
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