The girls’ getaway isn’t just an overnight trip to a spa these days.
Visiting spas, beaches and shopping vacations are still the top activities for trips taken by girlfriends or female relatives, but cruises, culinary trips, visits to cities, and active vacations that include golf, skiing, scuba and biking are also part of the trend, according to an online poll of 246 agents from American Express Travel, www.americanexpress.com/travel.
Two-thirds of the agents reported an increase in bookings for girlfriends’ getaways, while half said the getaways they are booking are not just weekend retreats but are between four and seven days long.
About three-fourths of the American Express agents also said they’ve seen an increase in mother-daughter travel, while two-thirds report a rise in multi-generational travel that includes grandmothers, mothers and granddaughters.
Wi-Fi campgrounds gain popularity
Ah, camping. The tent. The sleeping bag. The camp fire. The laptop.
What’s a campground or RV park without Internet access these days? People say they want to get away from it all, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to live without e-mail.
You can find Wi-Fi campgrounds and RV parks on the Internet. One Web site is www.wififreespot.com/rv.html. For listings for Kampgrounds of America sites only, go to www.koa.com/wireless.
The service is also increasingly provided for free. In the 2007 KOA Directory, 324 of the 379 KOAs offering Wi-Fi list it as free. In 2006, only 281 KOAs offered Wi-Fi, and only 167 of those were free.
Travel deals
Commune with wildlife, and expert biologists, in Yellowstone Park this fall for about $120 more than hotel alone. The Wolf &Elk Discovery deal is $579 per person double and includes four nights at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel; biologist-led hikes; daily breakfast and lunch, plus one dinner; park transport; and evening programs. Dates are Aug. 31 and Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28. About $46 additional in taxes. Hotel rates typically start at $105 per night. Book at 307-344-5566. Info: www.travelyellowstone.com.
Cruise 411 is discounting a seven-night Alaska cruise with Holland America. The Statendam cruise starts at $344 per person double for an oceanview cabin (plus $335 in taxes and port charges), and sails from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. In addition, receive a $100 dining card redeemable at more than 8,500 restaurants. Cruise departs Aug. 26. Brochure rate is $1,350. Info: 800-553-7090, www.cruise411.com.
Travel classes, seminars
Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door hosts free travel classes from 10 to 11:30 a.m. most Saturdays at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds.
* Venice, Florence, Rome with Gene Openshaw, 10 a.m. July 21.
* Packing light and right with Joan Robinson, 10 a.m. July 28.
* Greece with Julie Coen, 10 a.m. Aug. 4.
Reservations are recommended. Call 425-771-8303, ext. 298, or visit www.ricksteves.com/seattle.
The Savvy Traveler offers travel seminars at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. most Saturdays at 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds.
* Italian for Travelers, 6 p.m. Thursdays, July 26 to Aug. 23.
* French for Travelers, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, July 31 to Aug. 28.
* Packing Like a Savvy Traveler, 10 a.m. Aug. 25.
Classes are free, reservations recommended. Call 425-744-6076, 877-225-1994, or visit www.savvytraveleredmonds.com.
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