GRAB YOUR GIRLFRIENDS AND GO!
Bachelorette parties, turning 30, 40 or 50, even sorority sister soirees; there are any number of reasons women can find to gather a few girlfriends together and jump in the convertible for a quick weekend sojourn or a more itinerary-heavy weeklong romp in a European capital. Girlfriend Getaways are all the rage and the travel industry has noticed. Now there is even a magazine dedicated to this growing niche segment of the travel industry.
Girlfriend Getaways magazine was born three years ago as a supplement to the popular periodical, Budget Travel. Although still a supplement, it is printed twice per year – Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter – and caters to women who are intent on still cherishing time with their girlfriends in spite of children, husbands, careers, and the multitude of events, activities, chores and duties that occupy our lives. Very quickly Girlfriend Getaways has gained a reputation for targeted, well-rounded articles and features like the Bliss List, their list of the destinations that help us to relax, renew and bond.
“
"This is a magazine that answers a need and a demand for women who want to travel together,” says Girlfriend Getaways copy editor, Danielle Lipp. And although it was a publication born out of the very value vigilant, Budget Travel magazine, Lipp notes that Girlfriend Getaways, “is for the budget conscious and the women who want to splurge.”
For instance, Lipp says, a great way to enjoy your girlfriend vacation and sample everything you want without breaking the bank is to, “go to a really great restaurant one night and then cheaper restaurants the remainder of the trip.” Also don’t forget, many properties will, “offer discounts for women traveling in groups.”
Check out consignment stores wherever you may be. They offer good quality designer pieces for less and local boutiques are always a good source for talented up-and-coming designers at still affordable prices.
We also asked Lipp to weigh in on the growing stay, and now daycation trend. How can girlfriends plan a fun day together and save money? Here are her tips:
Plan a wine party with a theme! (Why didn’t we ever think of that?) Choose a country – Argentina, France, Spain, Australia – and have everyone bring a wine from the chosen country. Or even better, are there wineries in your state? Then have everyone pick a wine from your own backyard! (not literally, of course)
Plan a wine party with a theme! (Why didn’t we ever think of that?) Choose a country – Argentina, France, Spain, Australia – and have everyone bring a wine from the chosen country. Or even better, are there wineries in your state? Then have everyone pick a wine from your own backyard! (not literally, of course)Hire a mobile spa to come to your home for a relaxing, on-premise massage or mani/pedi. You may never leave home again for these services.
Hire a mobile spa to come to your home for a relaxing, on-premise massage or mani/pedi. You may never leave home again for these services.Plan a backyard barbeque but go the extra mile: Light candles in votive jars; put out bandannas instead of napkins; forget the ketchup and lettuce and tomato. Instead, create a burger bar with exotic toppings and sauces; and play fun games like Bocce or Croquet.
Plan a backyard barbeque but go the extra mile: Light candles in votive jars; put out bandannas instead of napkins; forget the ketchup and lettuce and tomato. Instead, create a burger bar with exotic toppings and sauces; and play fun games like Bocce or Croquet.Plan a dinner party for your girlfriends with an all-male catering staff. Can anyone say Yum?
Plan a dinner party for your girlfriends with an all-male catering staff. Can anyone say Yum?And finally, how about a gown and high-heel night for… no reason. Just a glamorous dress-up night that’s all about everyone looking and feeling their best and sexiest. When was the last time you did that?
And finally, how about a gown and high-heel night for… no reason. Just a glamorous dress-up night that’s all about everyone looking and feeling their best and sexiest. When was the last time you did that?See below for more glamorous girlfriend getaway tips and don’t forget to pick up the August issue of Budget Travel which contains the Fall/Winter issue of Girlfriend Getaways. You can also read it online at www.girlgetaways.com.
