Remove the male influence and women suddenly become girlfriends again, concise conversation becomes giddy gossip, deeply logged secrets are liberated to the surface, and effervescent laughter fills the room. Thanks in part to the proliferation of female bonding pop culture exemplified in TV shows and books, like Desperate Housewives and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, combined with an increase in financially self-sufficient women, we are no longer burdened by the heavy-hearted guilt of getting away from our families for a few days of well-deserved girls-only pampering and adventuring. A slew of travel-industry trailblazers are leading the path to the adult version of pre-teen pajama parties. Here are a few of our favorites:

– Laurel House

WHAT/WHERE: Women & Wine: Wherever there is a wine region, Women & Wine will travel. Santa Ynez, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Umbria, British Columbia, Washington, Chile, France, Mexico
BASICS: Luxury women’s wine tours and custom itineraries offer rare access to the world of wine, including private wine-tastings with the wine makers, wine-paired dinners, spa treatments, and luxury accommodations.
SAMPLE TRIPS: May 26 – 29 – Women & Wine & Wilderness at King Pacific Lodge in British Columbia. Trip includes guided rainforest hike, ocean fishing, and private wine-tastings.
PRICE/ CONTACT: Women & Wine & Wilderness All-inclusive (minus air) – $4,800 per person For more information visit www.womenwine.com

WHAT/WHERE: Nirvana at Avania: The Ultimate Girl’s Getaway at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
BASICS: One night accommodations, a bottle of house wine, two decadent “Lushly” Pedicures, unlimited use of Spa Avania’s Fitness Center, plus complimentary Shopping and Dining Incentive book with over $800 in discounts
SAMPLE TRIPS: Packages are available year-round for a quick girls getaway.
PRICE/ CONTACT: During the month of May,package starts at $613 per double occupancy room. For more information call (480) 483-5558 or visit www.hyatt.com

WHAT/WHERE: Adventure Women, Inc.: Bhutan, Austria, Bavaria, Italy’s Cinque Terre, Alsace-Lorraine, Galapagos Islands, Iceland, New Zealand, Grand Canyon, etc…
BASICS: Travel, adventure, comfort, and luxury for active women over 30. Encourage women to follow their passions for action, personal challenge, or much needed R&R.
SAMPLE TRIPS: “Humanitarian and Cultural Adventure to the Kingdom of Bhutan,” hiking trips in Italy’s Cinque Terre, or a gourmet barge trip in France’s Alsace-Lorraine.
PRICE/ CONTACT: All-inclusive per person price ranges from $2,295 – $6,995 depending on the trip. For more information call (800) 804-8686 or visit www.adventurewomen.com

WHAT/WHERE: Adventures in Good Company: Anasazi ruins in Canyon de Chelly, Harpers Ferry where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge, Appalachian Trail, Road of St. James
BASICS: Active, outdoor trips for women featuring healthy, primarily vegetarian, eating. Perfect for novice to experienced adventurers with lodging ranging from inns to wilderness camping
SAMPLE TRIPS: June 24 – July 2 – “On the Road of St. James (El Camino de Santiago).” Retracing the 12th century pilgrimage route along the Road to Santiago complete with traditional lore and tradition.
PRICE/ CONTACT: Trips range from 4 days to 21 days and vary from $525 – $3900 per person. For more information call (877) 439-4042 or visit www.adventuresingoodcompany.com

WHAT/WHERE: Sacred Journeys for Women: Seven to fourteen-day retreats to Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Scotland, England, Bali, and more.
BASICS: Women’s spiritual travel focusing on food as medicine, yoga as a moving meditation, and visiting sacred sites around the world to find a deeper connection to the earth.
SAMPLE TRIPS: Bali Yoga Retreat – Yoga, chanting, and renewal in the Balinese countryside.
PRICE/ CONTACT: Prices vary from $595 – $3995 based on the retreat and destination. For more information call (888) 779-6696 or visit www.sacredjourneys.com

WHAT/WHERE: TransGlobal Vacations Girls Getaways: Getaway trips to Cancun, Las Vegas, Jamaica, Puerto Vallarta, Aruba, and more.
BASICS: Complete spa vacations promising your every pampering pleasure.
SAMPLE TRIPS: Plan your girlfriends’ getaway anytime you want, with the bells and whistles that make the most sense for your lifestyle and pocketbook.
PRICE/ CONTACT: Book 60 days prior to your trip and readers will receive up to $300 off! Enter promo code EBDHUG at the time of purchase to save 5%. For more information visit www.tgvacations.com

WHAT/WHERE: The Ritz Carlton Chicago: “Girls Will Be Girls” getaway package.
BASICS: Enjoy a cosmo in the Greenhouse, followed by fresh-popped popcorn and a movie in your room. Be beautified with a complementary makeover at Saks.
SAMPLE TRIPS: Girls Will be Girls is offered year-round at this five-star resort. Enjoy a weekend getaway on a whim!
PRICE/ CONTACT: Double occupancy rates start at $335 per night, plus $190 for an additional connecting guestroom. For more information call (800) 806-9232 or visit www.fourseasons.com

May/June 2006

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