Imagine you've been hiking since dawn. You reach back into your pack for a swig of water and the most beautiful bird you've ever seen glides by, only to perch on a tropical tree limb a few feet above your head. You hear the rhythmic breathing of the hikers around you and wonder what brought you to this magnificent mountain. You aren't on expedition here, you're on vacation. Like thousands of other women across the globe you've ditched your ordinary life back home for some adventure. You and your companions are women of all ages from all over the country with at least one thing in common: you're looking for a vacation other than a cruise to Hawaii.
Women aren't waiting for their husbands or family to plan their vacations for them. As 50% of the solo travel market, they're taking it upon themselves to discover the world they live in. While many women find it empowering to travel on their own, most enjoy the company of other women as partners in discovery. Studies have found men are more action-oriented while women enjoy a spiritual and enlightening experience, which may include anything from hiking in the Rockies to swimming with wild dolphins in the Florida Keys. So if your partner in life groans every time you mention your dream of sailing the Greek Islands, remember there are married, single, divorced and widowed women who are living their dreams traveling with other women just like you.
Women's travel groups offer such diversity it's hard to decide what your first experience should be. Do you want to travel the authentic roads of Italy in search of the perfect wine and pasta or paddle the beautiful waters of Costa Rica? Is shopping in Paris your idea of spiritual enlightenment or do the almost untouched Galapagos Islands seem like Nirvana? No matter what your dream vacation consists of, there's a women's travel company that offers it a trip close to it.
Women Traveling Together offers an amazing trip, limited to 16 women, which will explore London and the English countryside showcasing the best of the city, royal castles and historic gardens for 9 days. The trip includes airport transfers, breakfast and dinner, lodging and excursions such as a cruise on the Thames River and a private tour of Leeds Castle.
Mariah Wilderness Expeditions offers 14 days of Peru's Amazon jungle with the majestic beauty and mystique of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. You and your guide will discover the diversities of the land and the people of Peru including women artisans, local healers and shamans, enjoy fantastic bird and wildlife in the rainforest, visit ancient Incan sites, explore Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, and trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
AdventureWomen offers an excursion in paradise including luxury Caribbean sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands. You can enjoy BBQ's on the beach, gourmet food while staying in a luxurious, air-conditioned cabin.
So next time you're longing to get away -- get lost! 
