By: Barb Keck

Why do women find it hard to escape their daily duties for a getaway weekend? They agonize, analyze, feel guilty, and come up with every excuse they can think of not to go. Women find it difficult to take time for themselves, and often make plans around what their partners are doing. And men, well, they just get up and go fishing, or golfing or… you get my point. The answer? Simply do as the men do - go fishing! Really, sincerely and seriously – GO!

It’s time to make plans for yourself; to do what you need and want in life.

If getting away for a weekend is too much for you, make it a day trip. A festival, a sports event, or a visit to a town or museum you’ve always wanted to see

is just the start of many ways to enjoy time with friends. With a full weekend getaway you will definitely find yourself more prepared and ready to take on life with a new perspective. You will regain energy you thought you lost.

When should you go? Soon. Don’t wait until you feel burnt out, or so overwhelmed that you can’t deal with a minor crisis. Refresh, rejuvenate, and reward yourself. You’ll be a happier more content person and life will be less of a struggle. You’ll be amazed and so will everyone around you at the change in your attitude.

Where do you go? Out of town is the best place to escape to get the most out of being away from it all. Depending on budgets and the type of weekend you want there are many ways to make arrangements for accommodations. It’s a bonus if a member of the group has a cottage. If not, be creative go camping, or each time you get together rotate homes – in different towns of course.

Here’s a few ways and ideas to get you motivated.

Pick a few like minded friends and discuss ideas. Don’t plan too much; half the fun is being spontaneous. Choose the type of weekend you would like; outdoor sports, relaxing and being pampered, or something cultural. Then invite those that would enjoy the same.

Have you every been to a rodeo?
How about a bus tour?
Try having a sleep over – are you ever too old to have a pajama party?

Find a group with similar interests to you that take trips. It could be music, art, theatre, cars, motorcycles, horses – the list goes on.

A Weekend Spa. If it’s too expensive, with a little planning you can do pedicures and manicures for each other. Have one person to do the scrubs, one do the massage and leave the paint job to the one who can do it best. Have fun painting designs on your big toe!

My favorite “Getaway” was hosted by a friend who invited 4 of her friends that never met before to a weekend at her cottage. She only had to plan and organize a few surprises for us to make it memorable. Friday, our first night, we shared stories over a few glasses of wine, painted mugs and learned about and discovered each other. I came back so full of life – it was incredible. Truly, an everlasting memory.

What else can I say – get going for a girls getaway of your own.

Myself, I’m planning to meet my friend half way for an extended weekend of photography and relaxation – she’s 1,500 miles away.

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Read Barb Keck's Biography

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