Girlfriend Getaways

Of all the trends that get served under the media spotlight--eco-tourism, all-inclusives--one that's been brushed beneath a rug is Girlfriend Getaways. It's not a way to get your significant other out of the house but, instead, a phenomenon that sees troupes of women banding together to travel the globe, apart from their families.

"Traditionally, women planned family vacations where they were the ones 'making sure everyone is happy, everyone is safe, everyone is entertained,'" said the Associated Press, "Meanwhile, men went camping, fishing or golfing with the guys, and teenagers started traveling too, with school and youth groups--while their parents footed the bill."

Only in the past seven years has this trend truly ignited, spiking 230 perfect, and causing travel agents and hoteliers top take notice. According to industry reports, women are gravitating toward eco-adventure countries, only to contrast the locale with a pampering resort; when they aren't flying along zip-lines through a Costa Rican jungle, they are at a Cancun all-inclusive, receiving a hot-stone massage.

When planning a Girlfriend Getaway, there are some tips you should keep in mind:

• Be flexible with travel dates. Traveling at off-peak times will enable you to avoid some of the crowds and find better rates.

• Plan and book early. Generally, the further in advance you can book, the better your chances of finding a good deal.

• It's never too late! While it's always advisable to plan ahead and book early, it's never too late to get away. If you're still anxious to go but haven't booked yet, keep your eye out for last-minute specials and you might be surprised by what you find.

• If flying out of a cold weather climate, take the earliest flight possible. Your chances of incurring a delay are much greater late in the day.

• If you can, leave the laptop and PDA behind. It's much easier to unwind with sand between your toes if you leave your work at home.