When I mention that I’m the managing editor of GirlsGetaway.com, most women tell me all about their love of getting away with women that are close and dear to them but every once in a while I get a peculiar reaction that goes something like this: “oh I don’t do girl’s getaways” or “why would I want to waste my time shopping with a bunch of catty women” I never really know how to react to the disdain voiced by these women and I end up feeling kind of sorry for them. It’s hard to explain that a getaway with girls is not just about the shopping, hanging out at the beach or going to Vegas, it’s much more than that. It is an opportunity to strengthen and renew our bonds of friendship, a time where we can share laughter, stories and uninterrupted time together, away from our everyday lives as working women, mothers, and wives. Lisa Kasanicky’s wonderful book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways, beautifully explains the why and how of a Girlfriend Getaway. This book grabbed my heart in the first chapter with a description by Lisa of her giddy happiness on the way home from a fantastic experience at a “Giddy-Up Gals Getaway” As Lisa explains, it’s about the relationships forged, our innate need for connection that makes these getaways truly special. So if you want some downtime with the girls buy this book and start reading up on your next getaway!

Lisa’s book has tons of great advice and delves into all sorts of wonderful getaway options available to women in North America. It is a great primer on how to plan the perfect getaway for you and your best buds. In this book Lisa gives us the tools to organize a girlfriend getaway and all we need to do is add the laughter, nonstop chatter, and pillow fights.

The book is organized into the following sections: Planning, Shopping, Retreats, Culture, Adventure and the Quirky, Wacky and Wild (my personal favorite). Within each section we’re given lots of information on specific destinations, tours and activities geared to girlfriend getaways. It makes for a great reference book for women who are looking for that next great getaway. One of my favorite getaways in the book is the Hanalei Colony Resort and Spa in Hawaii, their Girlfriend Package includes a day for two at the Hanalei Day Spa, a Na Pali boat or horseback ride, wine tasting dinner and all beach supplies. Sounds like pure bliss. Another thing that I really liked was that scattered throughout the book Lisa gives us some great advice and insider tips geared to the topics discussed. At the very back of the book she has compiled a wonderful list of travel resources that cater to women. I’m familiar with all of the companies listed and these women really know their stuff. Since GirlsGetaway.com hadn’t launched at the time this book was published I will forgive Lisa for not including us on this list!

If you love girlfriend getaways as much as I do, check out The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways. I’m sure you’ll find tons of great ideas for a fun-filled trip and new ways to reconnect with your friends.