Interestingly enough, women currently have the reputation of traveling more than any other group of people. As a result, it comes as little surprise to learn that women’s travel is currently experiencing a boom. Gone are the days when women were confined to the kitchen or some dull and dreary office. Instead, women from all walks of life are now taking advantage of being able to visit the distant shores of exotic holiday destinations. Whether they choose to immerse themselves in the abundant wild life of the African continent, or whether they choose to explore the vast openness of the Scottish Highlands, women are packing their bags and heading off into the great unknown.

Women-only travel has really taken off in the last 15 years, and it’s more popular than ever now. Stressed-out women who have been playing Supermom for years need a break, and realize this is a great way to do it. For at least a week, you really don’t have to take it any more! There are all kinds of women’s vacations you can pick from. What about ziplining in Costa Rica? Sailing a charter yacht in the Greek Islands? Exploring ancient Mayan Ruins in Belize? Or scuba diving in the Virgin Islands? So many fabulous options, and so little vacation time!

Why take women-only travel tour? For one thing, it’s rejuvenating and refreshing, and can make you feel like a new person. When you’re on that yacht in Greece, the problems at home will seem like a million miles away (even if they’re only a few thousand!). Get away from the stresses of a pressure-cooker job, screaming kids (whether in your home or your classroom), nosy neighbors, or a nagging husband. (Yes, husbands can nag too — we know this from experience.) A women’s travel trip is a great way to meet people with shared interests, make new friends, and discover exciting new places. Sometimes you can discover something about yourself too — or a side of yourself that’s been buried so long you forgot about it.

Let me just point out, the idea of women-only tours didn’t come about because of the way women feel about men. In fact, as we all know, men are great most of the time but when husband and wife are together, even on holiday, they tend to continue with their usual roles. That’s right, you’ll once again end up having to do the dishes while he’s out fishing or making the camp fire. On the other hand, when away on your own, you can do the things you want to do, or at least, you can try doing all those things your husband usually does.

Of course, competition and support also come into the equation because let’s say you want to learn how to sail. If you try when you’re with your husband, the chances are you’ll feel a little intimidated, especially if he can sail already. This happens when he keeps offering to help, or he keeps on telling you that you’re doing this wrong or that wrong. On the other hand, if you’re with a group of like minded women, you’ll have to learn to do things for yourself and that’s what it’s about; feeling good about yourself being able to learn something new.

The safety factor is another aspect of women-only tours that many have found beneficial. As we all know, there are many places in the world where it may not be safe for a woman if she’s all alone, and a group tour eliminates that problem because after all, there’s safety in numbers. Of course, you could travel with a group of friends but they may not want to leave their partners at home and even if they do, they may not have the same interests as you, or they may have a different budget. Women-only tours ensures you are with a group of people wanting to do exactly as you want to do, and because the packages are pre planned, all you need to do is show up on time.

Most important of all; going away on holiday is great for your health. For the duration of your trip, you can be free from all that stress back home. Additionally, traveling opens your eyes and let’s you see things from a different perspective because it allows you to see how other people live. Sure, there’s going to be a mountain of work waiting for you when you get back, but you can worry about that when the time comes. No matter what, a holiday is worth it.

You deserve a break, just as much as others do, and before you start feeling all guilty just remember, everybody needs to time to be alone. Right, you have no excuse so go ahead and book a tour now.