You definitely won’t be the same person at the Hanalei Bay Resort that you are at home. You and the girls will experience true paradise. Here the world moves a little more slowly. Smiles replace frowns. Stress dissipates. Instinct takes precedence over intellect.  The spirit of Aloha truly starts to mean something.

Hanalei Bay Resort is what your mind pictures when you think of a Pacific paradise. Soft, white sand beach. Tradewind-cooled days. Cobalt-blue ocean. Plumeria-scented nights.

134 spacious one bedroom suites overlook either tropical courtyards or wide expanses of open, blue ocean.

GIRLS’ CAPE ESCAPE WEEKEND

 

South Yarmouth, MA — Still wondering what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? Well, the Red Jacket Beach Resort of Cape Cod, MA has the perfect gift. A weekend away with the “girls”! Reservations are still being taken and gift certificates are available for the Girls’ Cape Escape Weekend, May 30th - June 1, 2008 at the oceanfront resort. With three successful “Girls’ Cape Escapes” in past years, the resort will once again welcome girlfriends, sisters, moms, college roommates and best friends on a themed weekend where each guest will choose whether to participate in all the activities offered or just spend time catching up and relaxing.

 

Unique among girls’ getaway packages, the “escape weekend” provides a variety of guest speakers and activities which are included in the package price. All meals and several complimentary drinks are also included. The only added costs are spa treatments, golf lessons, psychic readings and additional drinks.

Weekend entertainment will include dueling piano entertainment as well as hip-hop dance lessons, psychic readings, a dj and dancing. Workshops include “Achieve a Healthy Weight in ‘08″ by Debra Wein, President and Co-Owner of Sensible Nutrition, Inc. and “The Tao of the Defiant Woman” by author C.J. Golden. Classes will be held in yoga as well as the worldwide fitness movement, NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) which combines dance, martial arts and healing arts. Weekend food and beverage offerings range from healthy speicalties to dessert buffets.

Resort amenitites at Cape Cod’s oceanfront Red Jacket Beach Resort include a private beach, indoor pool with whirlpool, a full-service spa and access to an award-winning par-3 golf course. Full weekend package prices include 2 nights’ accommodations, cocktail reception, welcome gift, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners and nightly entertainment, workshops and activities, 10% discount on spa treatments and all taxes and gratuities. The package rate is $395 per peson based on double occupancy. Single, triple and quad occupancy rates are also available. For more details, visit www.capecodgirlsweekend.com or call 1-800-CAPE-COD to make reservations.

Red Jacket Beach Resort is one of seven Red Jacket Resorts in New England owned and operated by The Davenport Companies of South Yarmouth, MA. For more information, please contact Beth Patkoske at (508)394-880 ext. 142.

 

 HEARTH & HOME

BODY & SOUL

With a strong legacy of church involvement combined with its fame as one of the “most haunted places” in the U.S., Gettysburg has become a metaphysical, holistic and spiritual center. This activity-packed three-day, two night itinerary (GGG/B&S) includes

•  two nights at an area historic bed and breakfast with two full breakfasts
• an energy healing with a Reiki Master teacher
• a holistic or spiritual activity, such as a guided labyrinth meditation, an energy healing class, a mini-course in traditional Chinese medicine or ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, or a Q&A session on holistic nutrition.
•  There’s time for an on-your own self-indulgence, such as a massage, reflexology treatment, or tarot or psychic reading.
• At the evening “Dessert with the Gutsy Gals of Gettysburg” you’ll find out what inner fortitude and faith meant in 1863, followed by stories “from the other side”.
• Tarot reading and aromatherapy basics
• a visit to a unique nursery to learn about medicinal herbs
• and a walking tour of Gettysburg historical churches, during which you’ll learn about the role they played during and after the Battle.

Spend a week with your mother at the luxurious Lake Austin Spa in Austin, TX. From March 17, 2008 to March 23, 2008 Lake Austin Spa will be hosting a Mother/Daughter Celebration.

With workshops designed specifically for learning, sharing and growing, this week is the perfect time for mother and daughters to get together. And with deliciously healthy cuisine, world-class spa services and a serene lakeside setting, Lake Austin Spa Resort is the perfect place.

Click here for more details on guest speakers and pricing/availability.

Visit the BYOG! for more Mother/Daughter Getaways!

I have to admit, up until 2 months ago accessorizing was a thing of the past for me. With two small children, working, housework, etc. I was lucky if I left the house with my clothes matching never mind coordinating earrings, scarves or bags. But I finally turned that corner where my children are a little older and my routine is more streamlined and I find I do have a couple minutes to give myself a more polished, pulled-together look.The trick I discovered is to find pieces with real punch. Instead of going for the matchy-matchy necklace, bracelet and belt find a dramatic piece that works with most of your wardrobe and you will always look fabulous and confident.

Portland, Oregon is a sure hit for your next Girlfriend Getaway

This well-planned big city with a small town feel offers all the elements of a perfect weekend away with the girls. Following are some highlights to help you plan your itinerary. Email the BYOG for more information or trip ideas!

Portland Saturday Market — enjoy local artisans work and meet the artists, enjoy the international food court and enjoy local music and performance groups. Visit http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ to plan your day ahead of time.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is currently featuring Body Works 3. Explore this and some great “green getaways” at http://www.travelportland.com.

The Pearl District is a neighborhood previously consisting of sheet-metal warehouses and trucking distribution centers rehabbed into a SoHo-like village. You will find galleries, high-end shops, unique boutiques and trendy eateries. See more at http://www.pearldistrict.com

Nighttime Fun

McMenamins is a company reviving old buildings in Portland. They have managed to create some very unique and fun establishments. Pubs seem to be their passion. Visit their website to see what they have up their sleeve now: could be an American Music Festival, a scotch and cigar dinner (men alert!), movies on the lawn or a ladies night. http://www.mcmenamins.com

For a budget night out Bagdhad Theatre second run movies with table to eat pizza, drink microbrews and local wine. Visit http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=9&id=176.

For a wine treat visit Noble Rot where they serve 50 wines by the glass and samplers. http://www.noblerotpdx.com/

Where to stay

The always trustworthy Marriott hotels offers several possibilities: Marriott City Center, Marriott Residence Inn - Riverplace or the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. Visit the Marriott website for pricing and reservations.

Hotel Lucia has the “Nothing To Wine About” Package and it truly is nothing to wine about.

For a very trendy and contemporary feel try the Avalon Hotel & Spa. This is a renovated Motor Court and you should see the crazy stuff going on there.

It’s going to be tough to cram it all into 1 weekend, you may want to make it a long one! Pack the tshirts, totes and tastebuds and get ready to make some memories.

Football season is upon us! I love going to football games. One of my favorite vacations involved traveling to Tampa Bay to watch my Patriots play the Tampa Bay Buccanears. I admit I am a fair-weather fan. I need to have sunshine and at least 60 degrees but when all the elements are in place it’s the best.

Football games, whether college or professional are perfect girlfriend getaway destinations. The tail-gaiting is a blast, the excitement of the game is a thrill, the people watching is always great and if you happen to be single then where else can you be surrounded by men? You just may have to look past the beer drinking and face paint.

Email or call the girls, compare your schedules, pack your BYOG Football fan tshirts and your face paint and GET READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

Some Great Football Cities:

Check out your home team’s schedule and attend an away game: http://www.roadtrips.com/?screen=scnGetExtHtml&_param=FGsched_pl1

Week 1 -
Arizona at San Francisco –stay at the Orchard Hotel

Week 2 -
Kansas City at Chicago — stay at one of the many Marriott hotels in the area Marriott offers reservations for almost 2,800 properties around the world. Book your next hotel room at Marriott.<

Week 3 -
Carolina at Atlanta –stay at one of the many Marriott hotels in the area. Marriott offers reservations for almost 2,800 properties around the world. Book your next hotel room at Marriott.<

Week 4 -
Green Bay at Minnesota — incorporate it into a Secret Scenic Tour

Week 5 -
Miami at Houston — stay at one of the many Marriott hotels in the area. Marriott offers reservations for almost 2,800 properties around the world. Book your next hotel room at Marriott.<

Week 6 -
New England at Dallas — stay at one of the many Marriott hotels in the area. Marriott offers reservations for almost 2,800 properties around the world. Book your next hotel room at Marriott.

There are 17 weeks and countless options. Check out roadtrips.com for NFL and College football game and hotel packages.

Sail The Eastern Caribbean On A Rock n’ Roll Cruise

Embark on a voyage of musical memories that you’ll share with your best friends. Sail to distant ports, enjoy excursions or simply bask in the sun and be waited on hand and foot.
The Package, The Place:
15th Annual Concerts at Sea Caribbean Cruise.
7 Nights of Pure Rock n’ Roll Fun Aboard Costa Mediterranea January 19-26, 2008

On this action-packed Caribbean Rock & Roll Cruise, you’ll enjoy the fabulous music of Paul Revere & the Raiders, The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Davy Jones of The Monkees. Plus! The Fabulous Chancellors and Stacey Wayne as ‘Elvis’.

This cruise has anything and everything a group of girls looking for the perfect getaway could want.

Rate: Start at $1099 see flyer for details and prices. Download cruise flyer. Single Traveler? Ask about our Guaranteed Share Program!

Cruise includes:

• Cruise Accommodations, Gratuities, Taxes & Fees, AND Exclusive Concerts At Sea™
• Entertainment Package: Nightly Entertainment, Private Cocktail Party, Onboard Dance Hosts, Dance Classes, Daily Trivia, Sock Hop with Games and Prizes, Commemorative T-Shirt, Question & Answer Session with Artists, Autograph and Photo Opportunities with Artists and more!

Reservation Information
Travel Harmony
Booking Contact: Anne Michaelson
Reservation #: 561 212-6057
Email: travelmta1@aol.com

The countdown has begun for my weekend girlfriend getaway!Only 10 days left until a gold minivan comes tearing down my street and pulls into my driveway. The automatic side door on the van will already be open and after kissing three little faces goodbye, I’ll boldly go where no one has gone before…

Believe it or not, even though travel is my business, I really don’t like flying. Over the years I have found a few tricks to ease my anxieties. Meditation, a personal DVD player, valium and now Planecomfort® .

Planecomfort® is an all-in-one travel comfort kit. This cleverly designed travel accessory provides three essential comfort items (50″ x 60″ microfleece blanket, fleece-topped pillowcase and inflatable pillow) in a handy and hands-free tote. The cozy comforts of home, packed to go with you, wherever you travel.

I love the fun and flirty zebra stripe design (also in dots, navy, red and black) that houses the most snuggly, lightweight fleece blanket in an energizing shade of pink. My 7 year old daughter agreed, it’s as comfy as her “blankie” and much cleaner. Perfect for a drafty plane or when you need an extra barrier between you and the stranger in the next seat.

For added convenience, the outside zippered pocket is the perfect place to stow your boarding pass, ID, magazine or snack and included with the fashion prints is a coordinating luggage identifier for your checked bag. How cool is that!”

I was just blown away by the value of this product. $29.99 for the solid styles, $39.99 for the fashion print.

Planecomfort® is ideal for use on planes, trains, and motor coaches – no more sharing pillows and blankets with strangers. I am placing my order for all my sisters to receive one as a special gift before our sister getaway in September.

Other uses for my Planecomfort® :

• Soccer and/or football games– nylon bag for my butt, blanket for my shoulders
• Campfires
• Out on the boat
• Automobile emergency kit (add a first aid kit to the front pocket)
• Sleepovers for the kids
• Daycare

B.Y.O.G. Great Deal Alert!!!

Click here for your own Planecomfort® and other travel accessories at http://shop.planecomfort.net/ and be sure to include the coupon code BYOG upon checkout to receive 15% off your purchase.