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Girlfriends� getaways a booming trend in travel

April 21, 2008 | Hospitality Industry

Girlfriends' getaways - where women travel with other women and leave the menfolk home - are booming. And the phenomenon is not just about bachelerotte parties or 20-somethings on spring break.

Women are taking knitting trips, adventure trips and spa trips. The Fine Living Network is launching a series on April 24 called “All-Girl Getaways,” hosted by Stephanie Oswald, editor-in-chief of travelgirl magazine. And Marybeth Bond, the author of “50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America,” has just written a sequel � “50 Best Girlfriends Getaways Worldwide.”

Bond, who has been tracking data since 1993, said there has been a 230 percent increase in the number of women-only travel companies in the past seven years. And many women who are taking girlfriends’ getaways are married � but leaving their husbands at home.

Oswald said some women feel guilty about taking a vacation without their mates. But Bond said men often encourage their significant others to travel with other women to enjoy activities that husbands and boyfriends may not be interested in � whether it’s shopping, cooking classes or visiting a botanical garden or museum.

Get the full story at MSNBC

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