New Years Eve Getaways - Daytime TV Show

Where are some unforgettable places to celebrate New Years Eve? Here are some suggestions from The Getaway Girl® during her recent Daytime TV Show segment. To view, click on image above.

“12 Days ‘til Christmas” Getaway Giveaway Helped Women “Getaway” From Holiday Stress With $11,000 in Vacations

When the holiday season approaches, women’s stress levels start to rise. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday craze, but the Girls Getaway Guide has a way to give back to women everywhere and help remind them how important it is to spend quality time with their gal pals.

The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl just ended her Fifth Annual “12 Days ‘til Christmas” Getaway Giveaway promotion. Nearly 1,000 women from across the U.S. visited the Girls Getaway Guide website and entered to win $11,000 in fabulous travel vacations. The prizes were given away Dec. 1-19. On each of the 12 business days leading up to Christmas, a terrific girlfriend getaway vacation prize was awarded to a lucky winner. Many thanks to the following businesses that partnered with the Girls Getaway Guide to make this giveaway a huge success!

• Arizona Tourism Center
• Gaylord Palms Resort
• Orlando Premium Outlets
• Homewood Suites
• Inn On Bourbon
• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
• Tradewinds Island Resort
• Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
• Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spa
• Ocean Club Resorts
• Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Palace Resorts

And congratulations to the lucky ladies who won prizes this year. Stay tuned for next year's giveaway!

'12 Days til Christmas' GRAND PRIZE Winner Announced!

Congratulations to Jennifer L. of Dunedin, FL who won the GRAND PRIZE - a Girls Getaway to Cancun - in the Girls Getaway Guide's Fifth Annual '12 Days til Christmas' Getaway Giveaway!

Valued at $3,258, Jennifer and a friend will enjoy flights to Cancun, Mexico plus three-night stay for two at the all-inclusive Beach Palace Resort Cancun with Selvatica Tour and Underwater Museum Tour. Donated by: Cancun CVB and Palace Resorts

Hotelier Magazine's 'Passion Points' Article Features The Getaway Girl®

Check out this article from the most recent issue of Hotelier magazine, which features an article on Hotel Trends titled "Passion Points." It features The Getaway Girl® (wedged between the MGM Grand and Donny Osmond) who is quoted and featured in this magazine as the leading authority on the Girlfriend Getaway travel market (click links or photo to read article).

As Canada’s leading hotel publication, Hotelier magazine continues to define the standard for excellence in trade magazine publishing. Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary in 2009, the award-winning national magazine serves as the authoritative voice of Canada’s dynamic and competitive $18 billion hotel industry.

12 Days til Christmas Update

As Christmas draws closer, the first 12 winner of the Fifth Annual Girls Getaway Guide's "12 Days til Christmas" Girlfriend Getaway Giveaway have been announced. The winner of the GRAND PRIZE Girls Getaway to Cancun will be announced on Monday, Dec. 19!

Dec. 1 - Girls Getaway to Arizona
Two-night stay for two adults in your choice of either Sedona or Scottsdale (winner’s choice). Donated by: Arizona Tourism Center
Value: $300
Winner: Saniel U., Scottsdale, GA

Dec. 2 - Girls Getaway to Arizona
Two-night stay for two adults in your choice of either Sedona or Scottsdale (winner’s choice) Donated by: Arizona Tourism Center
Value: $300
Winner: Anissa M., Riverview, FL

Dec. 5 - Girls Getaway to Arizona
Two-night stay for two adults in your choice of either Sedona or Scottsdale (winner’s choice) Donated by: Arizona Tourism Center
Value: $300
Winner: Cat L., Wilmington, NC

Dec. 6 - Girls Getaway to Orlando with ICE! VIP Package
One-night stay (including resort fee, taxes and self-parking for one car) during the Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration, and four (4) combo tickets to ICE! Shrek the Halls attraction and SNOW! Donated by: Gaylord Palms Resort
Value: $425
Winner: Audra., Barboursville, VA

Dec. 7 - Girls Getaway to Orlando & Shopping Spree
Two-night stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton, plus a $125 gift card for Orlando Premium Outlets, VIP coupon book, VIP Platinum Passport & Chic Shopping Bag
Donated by: Orlando Premium Outlets & Homewood Suites
Value: $465
Winner: Laurie V., Sebring, FL

Dec. 8 - Girls Getaway to Orlando & Shopping Spree
Two-night stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton, plus a $125 gift card for Orlando Premium Outlets, VIP coupon book, VIP Platinum Passport & Chic Shopping Bag
Donated by: Orlando Premium Outlets & Homewood Suites
Value: $465
Winner: Kimberly D., Greenwich, CT

Dec. 9 - Girls Getaway to New Orleans
Two-night stay at The Inn on Bourbon in New Orleans in a Deluxe Suite
Donated by: The Inn On Bourbon
Value: $500
Winner: Cessie C., Coral Gables, FL

Dec. 12 - Girls Getaway to Santa Monica
One-night stay in a Deluxe Room includes dinner for two at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Donated by: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Value: $550
Winner: Debbie P., Sebring, FL

Dec. 13 - Girls Getaway to St Pete Beach
The Tradewinds Island Resorts’ “Barefoot Beach Babes” package, which includes a two-night stay for two, one breakfast for two plus two Beach Babe tote bags and a bottle of wine.
Donated by: Tradewinds Island Resort
Value: $830
Winner: Alex M., Lutz, FL

Dec. 14 - Girls Getaway to Florida’s Emerald Coast
Two-night stay in a Grand Complex 2-bedroom condo at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Donated by: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Value: $980
Winner: Renee T., Springfield, MA

Dec. 15 - Girls Getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Three-night stay in a Junior Suite for two and one (1) 50-minute Swedish massage at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa. Donated by: Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spas
Value: $1,220
Winner: LeeAnne S., Ada, OH

Dec. 16 - Girls Getaway to the Turks & Caicos
Three-night stay in a one-bedroom deluxe suite for 2-4 guests at Ocean Club West. Donated by: Ocean Club Resorts
Value: $1,397
Winner: Virginia C., Sarasota, FL

Dec. 19 - GRAND PRIZE: Girls Getaway to Cancun, Mexico (With Airfare & Tours)
Flights for two to Cancun, Mexico plus three-night stay for two at the all-inclusive Beach Palace Resort Cancun with Selvatica Tour and Underwater Museum Tour.
Donated by: Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau & Palace Resorts (www.CancunTravel.com)
Value: $3,258
Winner: TBA

Stressed About The Holidays? Here Are Some De-Stressing Holiday Tips

The holidays are a particularly stressful time for people, especially women. Women are charged with shopping, Christmas parties, keeping up with the kids, juggling holiday schedules, dealing with traffic and crowds, cooking, entertaining, hosting relatives/visitors, and a myriad of other details to assure the “forced family fun” that the holidays bring comes off without a hitch.
With all of these responsibilities, it is important for women to remember to take care of themselves in order to avoid fatigue and burn out and, most importantly, so they too enjoy the holidays. With that in mind, the Girls Getaway Guide has compiled the following list of ways in which women can take care of themselves during this stressful time of year.

Pamper Yourself - While your focus is often on others, be sure to take time out for yourself. Get a massage, a manicure, get your hair done, etc. Spa time, even if brief, is a great was to re-charge your holiday batteries and ensure some “me time.”

Escape Reality – Find a nice, quiet place to escape reality. Curl up with a book or magazine, take a bubble bath or just drink some herbal tea. This will help you divert your mind from the holiday madness and focus on something else for a while.

Schedule a Girlfriends Date – One of the best ways to release stress is to talk about it, and no one can relate better to holiday stress than your girlfriends. Schedule a “date” with them. Perhaps you meet for lunch or dinner, but make sure you set time aside to commiserate with those who understand you the best. Laughter will do wonders!

Exercise – It is important to remain physically active. Exercise will release endorphins into your body and help prevent emotional overload. Working out can include aerobic activity and your usual exercise routine, but it can also include relaxing workouts such as yoga and Pilates. Whatever you do, stay active and avoid falling into the sedentary lifestyle that the holidays often seem to catapult us into.

Be Organized and Delegate – Women often feel as though they have to do everything for everyone, especially around the holidays. You don’t. In fact, it is helpful to delegate tasks to others. It makes them feel helpful and a part of the holiday festivities. In order to delegate, one must be organized to evaluate what must be done. Coordinate a schedule, have a calendar and delegate tasks. This will reduce your stress and get others involved.

New Years Eve Getaways

New Years Eve is always a great time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the brand new year ahead. And there’s no better way to ring in the New Year and a New You with an incredible (and even life-changing) vacation. Daytime’s Getaway Girl Casey Wohl is here to share some amazing New Years Eve trips with us.

India
On Dec. 29-Jan. 11, The Gandhian Legacy and Grassroots Development will be an epic New Years Eve adventure. Leading this unique tour to India are Dr.Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and his son Tushar Gandhi. Join Global Exchange on this once-in-a-life-time opportunity to hear Dr. Gandhi's first-hand personal stories about his grandfather and to retrace the footsteps of the great teacher of Satyagraha- non-violent direct action. Dr. Gandhi is a retired journalist, having written for the Times of India for 30 years. He is a tireless activist for peace, conflict resolution.

Tanzania
Looking to start your New Year with a major accomplishment? During the December 25th departure of the Kilimanjaro and The Serengeti 
Roof of Africa trip in Tanzania, travelers will begin their final ascent to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro on December 31st. They will arrive at Uhuru Peak (Kilimanjaro Summit) on New Years Day. This will be the first year ever 
that this trip has aligned so perfectly.

St. Petersburg, Russia
Spend New Year's at the Czar's Ball in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian Winter Wonder Land: New Year's in St. Petersburg - Nobody loves New Year's Eve like the Russians do - it's the most festive holiday of the year, with parties, presents, and champagne toasts. Ring in the New Year at a late-night dinner in a Russian home, feasting, raising toasts and singing songs. Or opt to don gown and tux and join the crème de la crème at the glittering Czar's Ball at Catherine's Palace.

Denver
With 300 days of sunshine, a walkable downtown, thriving arts and culture, an award-winning culinary scene, and the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Denver offers an affordable mix of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.
If you are convinced 2012 will mark the end of the world, plan to visit Denver's Hotel Teatro (AAA Four Diamond award, one of the "Top 50 Large City Hotels in the U.S" in 2009 and 2011 and "Top 500 Hotels in the World" in 2010 and 2011 by Travel + Leisure, top ten hotels in the world on Expedia's 2011 Insiders' SelectT list, etc.).
The hotel is offering three special New Years Eve packages that focus on recovery, romance and dining that range from $339 to $400. And if you are convinced the world is going to end in 2012 and want to go out in style, they offer a “Live While You Are Alive” package that includes champagne, caviar, limos, helicopter ride, private butler, in-room massages and a $25,000 shopping spree. This package starts at $35,000.

Best Places to See Christmas Lights

You are never too old to enjoy Christmas lights, and there are plenty of places in the nation to gaze in awe at the dazzling displays. Many thanks to Y! Travel for these top destinations for holiday lights.

Baltimore, MD
When it comes to Christmastime magic, it seems that “34th Streets” across the country are a bona fide breeding ground for just that. Just look to Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood each holiday season, where for more than 60 years, a charming block of row houses on 34th street has been transformed into what’s been dubbed “Christmas Street” and the “Miracle on 34th Street.” Residents come together in a labor of love to bedeck their properties with a holiday hodgepodge of larger-than-life snow globes, flashing angels, musical trains, and blinking lights galore – a handful of the homes will even allow visitors inside to peek into their indoor Christmas wonderlands, as well (November 26–January 1; free; www.christmasstreet.com).

Try and coordinate your visit with the colorful “Parade of Lighted Boats,” an event where more than 50 vessels festooned with holiday lights illustrate Baltimore’s nautical and Christmas spirit on December 3 (free; www.fpyc.net). Plus, new for 2011, the harbor-front Power Plant building will shine with holiday lights, lasers, and 3D effects during early evening hourly show times (now–December 31; free; www.itsawaterfrontlife.org).

Newport Beach, CA
For more than a century, Newport Beach’s “Christmas Boat Parade” has delighted spectators with a “Christmas-sea” feeling all its own. A fine flotilla of some 200 vibrantly decorated vessels, from multimillion-dollar yachts right down to simple canoes, glides through Newport Harbor as holiday music and costumed carolers fill the air with melodious merrymaking. The brilliant boat parade (it’s the oldest one in the country) attracts close to a million viewers; it’s held nightly from December 14 through December 18 and lasts about 2.5 hours – show up on the closing night for a fireworks finale. Viewing areas for the beaming 14-mile boat route are on the public beaches and establishments bordering the Balboa Peninsula, the Fun Zone amusement area (where you can hear live commentary from Captain Mike Whitehead, the official voice of the parade), and Balboa Island.

What’s more, many harbor-front homeowners and businesses participate in the annual “Ring of Lights” contest, showcasing their own elaborate holiday displays, while providing a striking backdrop to the boat parade (free; www.christmasboatparade.com). Well worth a detour, the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside (set less than 50 miles away) is the setting for an extravagant showing of more than 3.6 million holiday lights in its “Festival of Lights” event; expect 400-plus animated figures, live reindeer, and even snow machine-produced flurries – come on opening night for a fireworks display, to boot (November 25-January 8; free; www.festivaloflightsca.com).

Branson, MO
Nestled in southwestern Missouri’s scenic Ozark Mountains, the city of Branson transforms into a veritable winter wonderland each holiday season, bursting at the seams with lavish light displays and dozens of Christmas spirit-infused shows and events. For the most gleeful glitz, head to the 1880s-style theme park Silver Dollar City, site of “An Old Time Christmas,” with an elaborate light-and-music show showcasing no fewer than 4 million radiant lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. Highlights include the musically inclined 5-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, which, along with the surrounding square, beams with over a million lights that “dance” to select Christmas tunes; there’s also a holiday light parade with light-embellished musical floats that runs twice each evening (now–December 30, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas; park admission of $55 adults and $45 ages 4 to 11 applies; www.silverdollarcity.com).

Shift gear for some yuletide cheer at the “Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through,” a mile-long drive set aglow with some 175 luminous displays (now–January 2; $12 per vehicle; www.explorebranson.com), or opt for the “Trail of Lights,” winding through a 160-acre historic homestead, complete with themed sections, holiday music, and more than 4 million colorful Christmas lights – don’t miss the “Santa’s-eye view” from the atop the 230-foot-high tower (now–January 2; $10 adults, $5 ages 4 to 16; www.trailoflights.com).

San Antonio, TX
San Antonio’s River Walk is always a hotbed of activity, but the holidays take it to new heights, particularly so in 2011, with the infusion of 20 times more Christmas lights (thanks to the city’s move to more energy-efficient LED lighting). You’ll find the bulk of the 1.8 million holiday lights garnishing nearly 200 trees (done up with 10,000 bulbs apiece) and on 20 holiday-hued bridges, all brightened up even further by carolers bellowing their tunes nightly from passing river barges (singers perform November 26– December 18). The festivities kick off on November 25 (and run through January 1), when the switch is flipped and the “Ford Holiday River Parade,” complete with an entourage of lit-up festooned floats, unfolds.

The quarter is also home to the luminous “Fiesta de las Luminarias” on select weekends (December 2–18), whereby some 6,000 luminarias (candle-lit paper lanterns) symbolically light the way for the Holy Family. Come by after December 3, and you’ll also get to ogle the “River of Lights” spectacle, featuring over 100 underwater lights and fiber optic-outfitted water features along the new Museum Reach section of the River Walk (free; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com). In conjunction with the amped-up display, the city is additionally holding its inaugural “Light Up Downtown Holiday Contest” in 2011, which has downtown business owners competing for the most creative holiday light displays – and your starry-eyed attention.

Girls Getaway to Aspen - Day 4 (Guest Blog)

Guest blog by Teresa Wagner

Our final day in Aspen and after tidying up Le Mazot, we headed out to the Aspen shopping center for lunch at Poppycock’s where I had a breakfast burrito (they serve breakfast all day…open until 2pm) with fresh fruit and Casey had the Turkado from the lunch menu. This was basically a TurkeyLT add avacado and swiss which Casey thoroughly enjoyed with a side of chili. We then wondered down to the Aspen Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory where I purchased a Macadamia Bear Claw…enough said. The shops in Aspen are high-end sporting a good representation including Burberry, Prada and Ralph Lauren with some specialty and gift shops as well. After wondering about and enjoying yet another windless, sunny mid-day, we headed east on our trek back to Denver for Casey to fly to LA the next morning.

On the way, we stopped in Glenwood Springs for a little more shopping and found some fun, eclectic shops including Confetti Design, Personality Clothing, Lavender Rayne and Treadz. A couple of hours shopping and we were back in the car and on the road again back to Denver.
En route, we got hungry again and stopped at Dam Brewery in Dillon, CO. We split a delicious chicken and sausage pasta served with salad and bread. Definitely, a homey, lodge-type atmosphere with a friendly waiter named David. We finally made our way back and called it a night and a successful and fun Girls Getaway with the Getaway Girl and my good friend, Casey Wohl!!

Girls Getaway to Aspen - Day 3 (Guest Blog)

Guest blog by Teresa Wagner

Today we focused our efforts on skiing at Aspen Mountain. After picking up our equipment from the super friendly and over the top helpful crew at Incline Sports, we headed up the mountain in the Gondola. We happened to be riding with a young man who quickly inserted his ipod into the player and serenaded us with music on the way up. He shared that his faves are Katy Perry, Lady GaGa and Black-eyed Peas. A couple of runs in, we needed sustenance and stopped off at Il Miluno slopeside for a small feast of Club Sandwich and Soup Sampler. All were uniquely crafted with the sandwich featuring a twist of fried egg in place of the usual ham and the lentil soup, egg drop soup and tuscan soup all outside the usual ingredients. After lunch, we sat and soaked up the sun as the weather was perfect with very little wind and not a cloud in the sky. Oh and I guess I should mention here, the flourless chocolate cake that I had for dessert that was more like a piece of fudge and just a little less than a slice of heaven! Content and relaxed, we just hung out for a while and then, headed up the mountain for one last run before returning to Le Mazot for some blogging and relaxation in the comfort of our own place. After another nap, we pulled ourselves together and headed out for more shopping and exploration. We ended up at Jimmy’s for dinner and ordered from the bar menu which is more than ample. I chose the Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Casey had the Southwest Ahi Tuna Salad. I substituted Mac & Cheese for the grits that accompany the pork which was an excellent choice as the Mac & Cheese is to die for!! After dinner, we headed back to Le Mazot and had a quiet evening watching movies and packing up for our expedition back to Denver tomorrow.

Girls Getaway to Aspen - Day 2 (Guest Blog)

Guest blog by Teresa Wagner

What a great day we had starting with a workout at the Grand Hyatt Aspen where my brother also owns a time share. We then, went to lunch at the Red Onion which was a down-to-earth sports-type bar with tables in the back for a more family type atmosphere. The Red Onion was born at the height of the silver boom in 1892 when Tom Latta built the two-story structure on Cooper Avenue. The saloon’s business came from men interested in sports of the day. Prize fighting, wrestling & cycling. Local legend has it that the upstairs operated as a brothel. At the time it was a standalone building and one of the three places in Aspen to get a meal. Casey had the Mediterranean Steak Salad and I had the Sedona Chicken Sandwich which was spicy and delightful especially with their spicy fries. Next, we shopped around a bit and had ice cream at the Paradise Bakery. We then spectated a few runs of World Cup Skiing which happened to be taking place while we were in town. By that time, we were pretty exhausted from the walking and the altitude so took a brief nap until dinner time. We dined at L’ Hostaria where Casey and I shared some exquisite Bruschetta and Homemade Spinach Pasta with Meat Sauce which was wonderful as well. From there, we caught the Cowboy Mouth concert on the Gondola Plaza and Fireworks after from the top of the Grand Hyatt with our new friend, Captain John. We met a lovely couple from Florida who told us stories of their world travels and were so gracious to take us into their suite to watch the fireworks. One thing is for sure, Casey has never met a stranger. After the activities of the night, we were again exhausted and headed back to Le Mazot for bed.

Girls Getaway to Aspen - Day 1 (Guest Blog)

Guest Blog by Teresa Wagner

After several busy months at work, I finally have some time off to start blogging and what do I do but take a trip! The thing that is special about this trip is that I am with Casey Wohl, The Getaway Girl, who writes travel books for women and takes women who are recovering from a catastrophic illness or event in their lives on trips to help them get away from it all and figuratively, “Leave their Baggage at Home”.
So, Casey and I met in Denver, CO and drove 4 hours to my brother’s condo in Aspen, Le Mazot (petit chalet). On the way, we stopped in Vail at la cantina for a small, inexpensive dinner that was just the right thing but definitely more of quaint, quick place than anything fancy. However, the guacamole was tasty and the soft chicken taco was good. On the way, I got to hear Casey’s stories of women and trips that she had taken this year who had survived betrayal, divorce, breast cancer, death of a son and other life changing events and the wonderful places she has taken them such as Canada and France as well as within the United States. We had previously taken a trip to Santa Fe together and I had gotten to see her in action using her social media network to promote and report out on various activities during the experience. Now, it was my turn to take Casey on a trip so she could relax and recharge.
We arrived in Aspen and eventually found Le Mazot, if you are ever interested in staying there just contact me and I can refer you to my brother. It is the cutest, most quaint little condo decked out in every nook and cranny with collectibles that make the experience unique and homey. It has one bedroom and a small bath so perfect for a couple, individual or small family to get away. There is also a really nice pull out sofa bed, where I slept, which was comfortable. Jorge’s partner, Rick, has gone to great detail to ensure that the guests have every possible need fulfilled. We were both exhausted after our trek to Le Mazot so, we headed to bed. Today, we will be exploring Aspen Village to see what it has to offer. Will write more and add photos later. Till then!!

Girls Getaway to Aspen

On November 25-29 we are setting off for a Girls Getaway to Aspen, Colorado! Aspen is known for being the Rocky Mountain playground of the rich and famous, but this authentic mountain town offers far more than just glitz and glam. It is consistently rated one of the world's top ski areas by ski and travel publications, and ski-in, ski-out lodges are the norm.

Follow our adventures on Facebook and Twitter as we uncover everything Aspen has to offer.

17 Things You Should Know Before You Start A Business

YSF Entrepreneur Magazine's recent article 17 Things You Should Know Before You Start a Business helps you decide is entrepreneurship is for you. If you have a great idea, but aren't quite sure where to start, read these 17 tips from entrepreneurs including The Getaway Girl®!

Getting Hitched When They Should've Ditched - Huffington Post

Check out The Getaway Girl® mentioned in this recent Huffington Post article "Why Women In Their 20s Get Hitched When They Should've Ditched."

Tell us what you think!

Career Reinvention: Find Your Inner Getaway Girl

The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl spoke at the 2011 Florida Public Relations Association Conference in Naples, FL. Her topic “Career Reinvention: Find Your Inner Getaway Girl” was given to a packed room during the statewide conference. Here is some of the feedback received from audience members:

• Casey was an excellent presenter & I plan to follow her website & social media. She was very down-to-earth & fun to listen to.
• Great, motivational speaker.
• Absolutely great inspiration for those individuals who are looking for a shift! Those of us who have considered making the leap in the direction of doing what we love could all benefit from Casey’s presentation. It was just the right push that one needs.
• Awesome! Best speaker of the conference so far!
• You are a gift to the world! A very fun, informational and inspiring presentation!
• Really enjoyed it. I left feeling excited and inspired and hope to incorporate some of her ideas into my life!
• Fantastic! She’s going to be a huge star and her journey is relevant and inspiring. These days, we all need to find ways to reinvent ourselves and stay relevant.

For more information, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

Harvest Getaways on Daytime TV Show Airs Nov. 17

On November 17, The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl will share some of this year's best Harvest Getaways on the Daytime TV Show.

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what life has provided and celebrate with an abundance of food. And while many people will go to the grocery to buy their food, there are some incredible Harvest Getaways that allow you to get “up close and personal” with your food and where it comes from.

To check dates and times in your city, visit www.DaytimeOnline.tv.

Daytime TV Show Tapings

On November 15, The Getaway Girl® will be in Tampa for a Daytime TV Show Taping. The Daytime TV Show is geared towards daily lifestyles and entertainment content. Each day get ready to live, laugh and learn about new things that will make you smile.

Celebrity guests include: Oprah, Cindy Crawford, Jay Leno, Donald Trump, Jane Seymour and Dolly Parton. The Getaway Girl® will be in studio to tape three travel segments....stay tuned!

Win A Girls Getaway to Cancun, Mexico (With Airfare & Tours)

On Dec. 19, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away the GRAND PRIZE....flights for two to Cancun, Mexico plus three-night stay for two at the all-inclusive Beach Palace Resort Cancun with Selvatica Tour and Underwater Museum Tour valued at $3,258.

Donated by: Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau & Palace Resorts.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide!

Win A Girls Getaway to the Turks & Caicos

On Dec. 16, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away a three-night stay in a one-bedroom deluxe suite for 2-4 guests at Ocean Club West, includes taxes and service charges, valued at $1,397. Donated by: Ocean Club Resorts.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

On Dec. 15, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away a three-night stay in a Junior Suite for two and one (1) 50-minute Swedish massage at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa valued at $1,220. Donated by: Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spas.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to Florida’s Emerald Coast

On Dec. 14, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away a two-night stay in a Grand Complex 2-bedroom condo at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort valued at $980. Donated by: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to St Pete Beach

On Dec. 13, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away a Tradewinds Island Resorts’ “Barefoot Beach Babes” package, which includes a two-night stay for two, one breakfast for two plus two Beach Babe tote bags and a bottle of wine valued at $830. Donated by: Tradewinds Island Resort.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to Santa Monica

On Dec. 10, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away a one-night stay in a Deluxe Room includes dinner for two at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel valued at $550. Donated by: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to New Orleans

On Dec. 9, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away one (1) two-night stay at The Inn on Bourbon in New Orleans in a Deluxe Suite valued at $500. Donated by: The Inn On Bourbon.

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to Orlando & Shopping Spree

On Dec. 7 & 8, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away one (1) two-night stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton, plus a $125 gift card for Orlando Premium Outlets, VIP coupon book, VIP Platinum Passport & Chic Shopping Bag valued at $465 each. Donated by: Orlando Premium Outlets & Homewood Suites

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win A Girls Getaway to Orlando with ICE! VIP Package

On Dec. 6, the Girls Getaway Guide’s 12 Days ‘til Christmas promotion will give away one-night stay (including resort fee, taxes and self-parking for one car) during the Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration, and four (4) combo tickets to ICE! Shrek the Halls attraction and SNOW valued at $425! Valid until January 1, 2012 and based on availability. Donated by: Gaylord Palms Resort

Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Win a Girls Getaway to Arizona

Girls Getaway to Arizona

On Dec. 1, 2 & 5, we will give away one (1) two-night stay for two adults in your choice of either Sedona or Scottsdale (winner’s choice) valued at $300 each. Donated by: Arizona Tourism Travel Center. Enter online to win at Girls Getaway Guide.

Lux Delux Premiere in Las Vegas

On November 11-13, The Getaway Girl® will attend the first Lux Delux Premiere in Las Vegas, which is an invitation-only event. Lux Delux provides exclusive, invitation-only memberships for those who want to experience all that life has to offer. Lux Delux Premiere conference is by invitation only. Invitees include taste-makers and early adopters who have an appetite for cutting edge ideas and social web trends. Launched in Las Vegas by industry veterans of Google, YouTube, Zappos, and Amazon, Lux Delux will be expanding into other cities. https://luxdelux.com/.

Stay tuned for more details, and follow The Getaway Girl® on Twitter at @GetawayGirl.

Heartbeat Radio for Women - Listen Online

Heartbeat Radio For Women is a great place for Women, with Music, Informative Segments and Talk Shows that deal primarily with issues that affect the lifestyles of women.

Be sure to listen online every Thursday at 9:30 AM (EST) and at Noon on Sundays for "All Things Travel" with The Getaway Girl®!

The Getaway Girl's Travel Tips - Daytime TV Show

On this Daytime TV Show segment, get some travel tips from The Getaway Girl® on everything from packing to re-packing and finding out where to go and what to see on your next vacation. Also, find out how you can win a Girlfriend Getaway!

Rollins Alumna Casey Wohl Becomes Girl’s Getaway Guru

Rollins College recently featured an online article on The Getaway Girl®. Here's a peek:

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. That’s the motto that reinvigorated alumna Casey Wohl (Class of 1996) when she found herself suffering through a devastating divorce and job loss in 2007. With a handful of her closest friends by her side, Wohl began reinventing her life..."

To read the full article, click here.

Culinary Getaways on the Daytime TV Show

With all of the Cooking Show craze, it’s no wonder that travelers are looking to get more than just a “taste” of the destinations they visit. In fact, vacationers are cooking up an expanding menu of culinary trips all over the world that include demonstrations by resort chefs, to weekend schools, to academies that put students to work from morning to night.

Daytime’s own Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl is here to share a few morsels of information on some tasty Culinary Getaways and how you can channel your inner Top Chef. To watch the segment, click here.

Fabulous Fall Getaways on Better TV

If you are looking to score some amazing travel deals, fall is definitely the best time to do it. The Getaway Girl, Casey Wohl®, gives her recommendations on Better TV for the best leaf peeping to beer tasting. To watch the segment, click here.

Fifth Annual '12 Days til Christmas' To Give Away $11,000 in Travel Prizes

This is our fifth year helping women beat the holiday madness, as the Girls Getaway Guide hosts a countdown to the big day. Women everywhere can visit the Girls Getaway Guide online to sign up for fabulous vacation giveaways, which are sure to provide welcome holiday cheer during this stressful time of year.

The winners will be selected on each of the 12 business days starting Dec. 1-19. Every day leading up to Christmas, a terrific Girls Getaway vacation prize will be given away to a randomly-selected entrant. So just when you thought there was no such thing as a free vacation, we are here to prove you wrong. Be sure and register today! Here's a list of prizes:

Girls Getaway to Arizona
Two-night stay for two adults in your choice of either Sedona or Scottsdale (winner's choice)
Donated by: AZ Tourism Travel - Value: $300

Girls Getaway to Orlando with ICE! VIP Package
One-night stay (including resort fee, taxes and self-parking for one car) during the Christmas at Gaylord Palms celebration, and four (4) tickets to ICE! Shrek the Halls attraction and SNOW!
Donated by: Gaylord Palms Resort - Value: $425

Girls Getaway to Orlando & Shopping Spree
Two-night stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton, plus a $125 gift card for Orlando Premium Outlets, VIP coupon book, VIP Platinum Passport & Chic Shopping Bag
Donated by: Orlando Premium Outlets & Homewood Suites - Value: $465

Girls Getaway to New Orleans
Two-night stay at The Inn on Bourbon in New Orleans in a Deluxe Suite
Donated by: Inn On Bourbon - Value: $500

Girls Getaway to Santa Monica
One-night stay in Deluxe Room with dinner for two at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Donated by: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel - Value: $550

Girls Getaway to St Pete Beach
The Tradewinds Island Resorts' "Barefoot Beach Babes" package, which includes two-night stay for two, one breakfast for two, two Beach Babe tote bags & bottle of wine.
Donated by: Tradewinds Island Resort - Value: $830

Girls Getaway to Florida's Emerald Coast
Two-night stay in Grand Complex two-bedroom condo at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Donated by: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort - Value: $980

Girls Getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Three-night stay in Junior Suite for two & one 50-min Swedish massage at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
Donated by: Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spas - Value: $1,220

Girls Getaway to the Turks & Caicos
Three-night stay in one-bedroom deluxe suite for 2-4 guests at Ocean Club West
Donated by: Ocean Club Resorts - Value: $1,397

GRAND PRIZE: Girls Getaway to Cancun, Mexico (With Airfare & Tours)
Flights for two to Cancun, Mexico plus three-night stay for two at the all-inclusive Beach Palace Resort Cancun with Selvatica Tour and Underwater Museum Tour.
Donated by: Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau & Palace Resorts - Value: $3,258

Study Says: Girlfriends Are Key To Women's Optimism

As women, we all know that girlfriends are an important part of our lives. But we may not have realized just how important. A new study finds that women are more optimistic than men and it is largely due to our girlfriends.

According to a recent article in USA Today, ".....25% of women ages 45 to 55 give themselves a 10 out of 10 on optimism about their future, finds a Gallup-Healthways daily poll of Americans' well-being. These women have a sense of meaning and engagement. They love learning new things. And they expect in five years to be at the top of a ladder of well-being."

The article also states: "The most optimistic women spend about six hours a day in social interaction. Some of that time may be with a friend at work, with family, a husband or children, or with a partner, a love interest or neighbors. But girlfriends are the bedrock. The most optimistic women have an inner circle of anywhere from four to a dozen friends who 'have their back' and will drop everything to help in a crisis."

So if you get flack for chatting with your girlfriends too much, just tell them you are working on increasing your optimism :).

Girls Getaway to the French Riviera - Five Sexy Bitches

After a quick stop at Alziari, a well-known olive oil store, we made our way back to the hotel and prepared for our farewell French Riviera dinner at La Petite Maison with Monsieur Christophe Aldunate, the hotel’s general manager, and Liliana who told us this was one of the best restaurants in all of Nice and Bono’s (of the band U2) favorite place to eat when in town. It is very popular with celebrities. In fact, Barbara Streisand was there a week before we dined there, and Dita Von Teese, a popular burlesque dancer, was eating there while we were there.

Along with the terrific food, great company and honest host, we were thrilled when Akon’s “Sexy Bitch” song started playing and the staff escorted an ignited sign that read “Welcome to Nice!” to our table. It was the perfect way to end our perfect trip to the French Riviera. I miss you ladies already!!!

Many thanks to Concorde Hotels and Laura Davidson Public Relations for hosting an amazing and completely unforgettable trip. Merci!

Girls Getaway to the French Riviera - Sightseeing, Food, Shopping & A Wine Revolution

The next morning was full of exploration as we were escorted by Olivia and Liliana to around Old Town with our first stop at Castle Hill. First the Greek Acropolis, then the medieval stronghold before the population settled at its foot to form what is now the Old Town. The Castle Hill, which is 270 feet high, is a wonderful place to stroll. We enjoyed the incredible panorama over the city from Terrasse Frédéric Nietzsche, located on the highest point of the Castle Hill Park. After our hike up Castle Hill, we toured the Lascaris Palace, which was the residence of the Vintimille family from 1657 to the French Revolution. This historic building was restored after 1963 to become a museum, and now houses antique instruments. All of Old Town is a lovely setting of Baroque architecture, delectable restaurants and a maze of narrow streets lined with amazing shops and boutiques. One of our favorites, Girofle et Cannelle, sells all types of salts and peppers in a very interactive manner.

We stopped at the wine cellar Cave Bianchi, which was started in 1860 and is one of the oldest wine cellars in Nice, for a wine tasting and sampled French wines in the same caves as Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp. Franck gave us a great overview of the history of wine and the current wine revolution that began in 1985. He explained that the current revolution in wine is rose wines, as the “pink wave” started in St Tropez 20 years ago and has moved to London then New York City then San Francisco and now throughout the rest of the world. He made the profound statement that, “wine is the one thing you can taste that can remind you of a place or time as it evokes memories.” No wonder I like it so much :)!

After the tasting, we enjoyed an outdoor lunch at Le Grand Balcon followed by shopping at Cours Saleya, one of the busiest parts of Old Nice with an antique market on Mondays. What a fabulous day!

Girls Getaway to the French Riviera - A Palace & Perfume

As we woke up the next morning to transfer to another luxurious hotel, the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice, some of us were moving quite slowly as the festivities from the previous evening had caught up with us. Nice is the largest city in the French Riviera and home of France’s third-largest airport. Upon arrival at our new hotel, we had lunch with Liliana, the hotel’s sales & marketing manager, at Le 3e located inside the hotel. Although food wasn’t the most important thing to me at the time, our server made the experience absolutely wonderful and the food was delicious. We checked into our fabulous suites at Palais de la Mediterranee (thank you for my awesome views of the Med Sea, but it was difficult checking emails while overlooking the beach and water...lol). This hotel has a wide range of accomodations, including suites that have a terrace, large living room, dressing room, and beautiful ocean views. And I was conveniently a few doors away from the fantastic Hammam spa room (hammam means 'spreader of warmth'), which is open to hotel guests.

After lunch we drove to the ancient town of Eze to Galimard Perfume where we got to make our own perfume and learn about the making of and history of perfumes. This was one of the coolest things I have ever done. Caroline, a trained perfumer, helped us mix and concoct the perfect scent for each one of us during a six-step smelling and measuring and mixing process (watch video). Stay tuned for “Getaway Girl, The Fragrance” to hit stores soon!

Girls Getaway to the French Riviera - La Palme d'Or, La Chunga & Champagne Bottles on Fire

After a hotel tour (including the 10,700 square foot suite; one of the largest in Europe), we enjoyed a delectable dinner at La Palme d’Or Restuarant, a two-star Michelin restaurant featuring Chef Christian Sinicropi. This was one of the most decadent meals I have ever eaten with the presentation just as spectacular as the food. In fact, the chef and his wife make all of the serving dishes by hand so they create the exact type of presentation for each entree. We started with the Dublin Bay Prawn, marinated and roasted, as a tartare seasoned with sour and smoked flavors with splits of black truffle, purple Hollandaise sauce, basil leaves and combawa citrus fruits, and a cubic of beetroot gazpacho.

Our entree was The Cheek of Veal, preserved and served with young carrots with mimosa seasoning and zests of citrus fruits. After that, we were presented with a selection of cheeses, a pre-dessert, then the restaurant’s signature dessert, The Chocolate ‘Palme d’Or’ that is creamy and crispy golden Jivara chocolate with a Tonka bean ice cream. And if that was not enough, we enjoyed herb tea steamed right in front of us after the herbs were hand cut from the plant. To top it off, we enjoyed fireworks over the Mediterranean Sea thanks to a Russian wedding reception that was taking place on the beach just outside our table's balcony. Then, on our way out of the restaurant, we received a parting gift....more dessert!

After dinner, Nubia, Lara and I made our way to La Chunga, a piano bar/club located just across the street from our hotel, for a night on the town. After all, we were in Cannes on a Saturday night. One minute we are outside with our cocktails, the next minute we are inside and someone is pouring us champagne out of a huge bottle that is on fire. Welcome to the party! The party ended for me when an angry (and very intoxicated) French woman threw champagne on me. It was very dramatic....just like something out of a movie!

Girls Getaway to the French Riviera - Yachts, Monks & Wine

The next morning we left the hotel’s pontoon, boarded our private boat and made our way to Saint-Honorat Island, which is located off the Bay of Cannes, opposite the Hotel Martinez. In the year 405 on this parcel of land in the middle of the sea, a monk named Saint Honorat established a place for the monastic life. In 1869, the island saw the arrival of the first Cistercian monks from the monastery of Senanque. Today, about 20 monks still reside there are maintain a vineyard, Lerins Abbey, which produces about 40,000-50,000 bottles per year. The monks of Saint-Honorat (or Monk Island as I called it) are earning acclaim for their wines. We were fortunate enough to enjoy a private wine tasting while at the island.

After working up an appetite tasting wine, we enjoyed lunch at the island restaurant La Tonnelle, which involved more wine, then returned to Cannes by boat. The French Riviera is a major yachting and cruising area with several marinas along its coast, so the boat ride provided close views of some incredible yachts. The Riviera hosts 50% of the world's super yacht fleet, with 90% of all super yachts visiting the region's coast at least once in their lifetime.

Once back, we toured the old town of Cannes “Le Suquet” with its interesting history, lovely narrow streets and amazing views from the top of the Musee de la Castre.

Girls Getaway to the French Riviera - Cannes, Zplage & Rose Wine

With 300 days of sunshine per year, 560+ miles of coastline and beaches, 18 golf courses, 14 ski resorts, 3,000 restaurants, countless casinos, incredible shopping (from Versace to Gucci) and the Cannes Film Festival, its no wonder that the French Riviera (or Côte d'Azur) was one of the first modern resort areas and is still a popular vacation destination. Located on the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, the French Riviera is the perfect place for a Girlfriend Getaway. Plus, you know you are going to a great destination when a supermodel is aboard your flight!

On the famous Boulevard de La Croisette in the heart of downtown Cannes, next to the beautiful sandy beach is the iconic Hotel Martinez, which would be our luxurious home for the next two nights. Stars such as Eva Longoria, Benicio del Toro, Tim Burton, Woody Allen, Javier Bardeem, Naomie Watts, Meg Ryan, Lionel Richie, Pharrel Williams and Mila Jovovitch have all stayed at the Hotel Martinez, so (of course) we felt right at home as we each checked into our own suite with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The Hotel’s own private beach, Zplage, is just steps across the boulevard from the front door and evokes a laid back atmosphere in the daytime with sun loungers on the pontoon, as well as delicious food and drinks. At night in the summer, Zplage turns into a Cannes hot spot complete with music (focusing on disco and seventies), cocktails and a tapas menu.

After lunch at Zplage’s waterfront restaurant, we were treated to our choice of spa treatments. I chose the one-hour Lancaster Facial Absolute Oxygen Sensation. For most facials, you must chose either moisture or anti-aging. However, with this treatment options, you no longer have to choose. This beauty ritual does it all, responding precisely to what your skin needs with in-depth re-oxygenation and regeneration of the skin. After our spa treatments, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the Zplage Beach Club with our own sun loungers on the pontoon and a bottle of rose wine. I quickly found out that in the French Riviera, they don’t ask you if you want wine, they simply ask you what color wine you want.

Our evening began with champagne at the hotel bar, Bar l’Amiral that features live music and both indoor and outdoor seating, and was followed by dinner at the Bistro Le Relais Restaurant. We all turned in early as we were still trying to adapt to the time change.

Girls Getaway to the South of France

There's nothing like a trip to the South of France with stops at both Nice and Cannes. Follow our adventures as we "rester" at Hotel Martinez and Palais de la Mediterranee.

Girlfriend Getaway Submission - Cancun

This month's Girlfriend Getaway photos were submitted by Cessie Cerrato from Miami.

She writes: "For our Girls Getaway to Cancun, we stayed at the Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa, where we also caught the Shakira concert- went to Isla Mujeres as a day trip for some shopping, seafood eating and golf carting.

Isla Mujeres has the most amazing seafood, fresh delicious Coconut Ice Cream, lots of cool shopping for unique jewelry and silver, home to whale sharks during the summer months and a laid back lifestyle."

Everyday Etiquette, For The (Sometimes) Not So Nice Travel World

I am thrilled to share a wonderful new book, Everyday Etiquette: How to Navigate 101 Common and Uncommon Social Situations, written by my friend Patricia Rossi who is also a correspondent for the NBC Daytime TV Show. We have spent several mornings in the show’s Green Room and always have the best conversations as you cannot help but instantly like her. Like me, Patricia was raised in the south and spent most of her childhood as a tomboy.

Patricia is an etiquette coach, consultant and public speaker. Her nationally syndicated Manners Minute airs weekly on a number of NBC, CBS and ABC television stations. She’s Twitter’s #1 etiquette professional and she (like me) resides in Florida.

When Patricia sent me a copy of her new book, I couldn’t wait to read it, especially the Chapter Eight about Travel. How appropriate that I read this book in an airport during a three-hour flight delay. As if traveling by plane is not challenging enough, imagine a plane full of people who have already waited three hours just to be crammed into a small space with bad air. I am now with many cranky and unhappy people, which is when etiquette and manners are seldom found.

Airplane/airport etiquette (or the lack thereof) is one of my biggest pet peeves since I spend more time there than I do at my house. Patricia’s tip: “Before pushing back in your seat, be considerate. Take a glance backward and give a verbal cue to the person seated behind you....” should be printed and posted on the seat back in front of everyone. I cannot tell you how many times people have flown back in their seats only to slam into my laptop or even hit me in the face. It’s just plain rude.

I could go on and on about travel etiquette, but Patricia’s book does a great job of covering the essentials. Her book also covers etiquette in the areas of social media, introductions, table manners, business matters, children, petiquette, giving/receiving gifts, sports and celebrations. In addition (hey singles), her section on dating gives quite a few helpful tips (yes, I have been on dates with men who snap their fingers at waitstaff and are completely annoying).

So be sure to check out Everyday Etiquette: How to Navigate 101 Common and Uncommon Social Situations. I guarantee you will find something that will assist you with your professional or personal life. To buy the book, visit Amazon.com. For more information about Patricia, visit www.PatriciaRossi.com.

Girls Getaway Guide Announces Promotional Opportunity

Girls Getaway Guide Announces Fifth Annual "12 Days 'til Christmas" - Promotional Opportunity for Resorts & Hotels

To help people continue to enjoy the gift of travel, the Girls Getaway Guide is thrilled to announce The Getaway Girl's® fifth annual "12 Days 'til Christmas" holiday promotion.

In an effort to help people beat the holiday madness, the Girls Getaway Guide will host a countdown to the big day. Women everywhere can visit the Girls Getaway Guide online at www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net to sign up for fabulous vacation giveaways, which are sure to provide welcome holiday cheer during this stressful time of year.
The winners will be selected on each of the 12 business days starting Dec. 7 through Dec. 22. Each day leading up to Christmas, a terrific Girls Getaway Guide vacation prize will be given away to a randomly-selected entrant.

We are currently seeking hotels and resorts to partner with us once again for this successful promotion that will be running October-December 2011. There is no cost to participate. We ask that you donate a vacation package that can consist of any amenities, meals, activities you prefer; however, they must include at least one night stay. Partnering businesses will be promoted on all of the Girls Getaway Guide's communication channels, including blog, website, E-newsletter, social media and Heartbeat Radio for Women which reach more than 50,000 fans/followers/visitors/subscribers each month.

If interested in donating, please contact us at Info@GirlsGetawayGuide.net by Friday, September 16, 2011.

The Getaway Girl Featured on CheapFlights.com's Waiting to Board

The Getaway Girl® was recently featured on CheapFlights.com website in the Waiting to Board section. The Q&A covered all types of travel-related info, such as challenges she faced while switching careers into the travel industry, how anxious travelers can cope and the secrets behind her travel research.

Girls Getaway to Alaska - Thank You!

We had an unbelievable trip to The Last Frontier. Visiting Alaska should certainly be on everyone’s bucket list. This vast land is a reminder of just how magnificent nature really is. Thank you to the State of Alaska Tourism and Thompson & Co. for setting up this amazing and unforgettable Girls Getaway to Alaska! For more information about visiting Alaska, visit www.AlaskaTravel.com.

Girls Getaway to Alaska - Day 7

Our last day in Alaska was spent with the Seavey family at their Ididaride Sled Dog Tour. Mitch Seavey, 2004 Iditarod Champion, and his family have about 200 working sled dogs. The intrigue of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, also known as Alaska’s Super Bowl, came alive as we met competitors and heard their stories. The Iditarod race covers over 1,150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer with jagged mountain ranges, frozen river, dense forest, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coast at the mushers and their dog teams. Add to that temperatures far below zero, winds that can cause a complete loss of visibility, the hazards of overflow, long hours of darkness and treacherous climbs and side hills, and you have the Iditarod.

After a brief introduction to the family and business, we walked back to where the dog are kept. I was expecting covered kennels, and was shocked to find tons of dogs each equipped with their own, private kennel. As the staff started hooking up the sled, the dogs became more and more excited, almost saying “pick me; I want to go.” It was incredible feel how powerful, excited and smart these dogs are. Since we were there in the summer, we rode in a wheeled cart that they use to train the dogs with when there’s no snow on the ground. We rode behind 16 dogs for two miles mushing through the Alaskan wilderness to the base of Resurrection Mountain and along Box Canyon Creek. After our ride, we toured the kennel facilities, saw what the mushers wear during the Iditarod race, and met future sled dogs that were only a few months old. This tour was chosen as one of Alaska’s Top Twenty Attractions, and is certainly one I will never forget.

Girls Getaway to Alaska - Day 6

The next morning we checked out of the Alyeska Resort and continued driving south to Seward for the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise. We opted for the four-hour Resurrection Bay Cruise that included a lunch stop at Fox Island for a salmon and prime rib lunch. During the boat ride, we saw otters, sea lions (my favorite), horned puffins, bald eagles and tons of birds. As the boat arrived back at the dock, we saw fishermen unloading their daily fishing catch of silver salmon into wheelbarrows.

We checked into the Seward Windsong Lodge, a charming lodge with several out buildings scattered around the property. It’s award-winning Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant and the Goliath Bar & Grill was the perfect dining choice as they offered an ample list of local beer and had a great wine and cocktail selection....very important after a tough day of sightseeing :).