Getting away from life's daily routine is not just for fun, but necessary. As women we spend much of our time taking care of the needs of those around us while at the same time neglecting ourselves. We typically just let the stress of life build up, which often damages us physically, mentally, spiritually, professionally and relationally. Very rarely do we invest in ourselves by taking the time to step back from the pressures of life, relax, refresh and refocus. That's why getting away with the girlfriends is important. Taking a step back and refreshing will help you be a better mother, a better employee or employeer and overall, a better woman. Life is hard and getting away is not only essential for you but for those around you. Besides, you deserve it.

 FUN FACTS ABOUT GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAYS…

*Source: Travel Wire--based on a survey conducted by AAA and Aspire

• Most girlfriend getaways consist of 2-3 women (51 percent).

• Girlfriend getaways account for approximately four percent of all U.S. leisure travel spending. (Source: D.K. Shifflet & Associates Ltd. DIRECTIONS? DESTINATION PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM.)

• Women who participated in the focus groups highlighted the importance of spending time with girlfriends in general and taking these types of trips specifically. These women also felt that these types of trips provided an added intensity and importance to their connections with their women friends.

• The leading reasons women gave for wanting to take the girlfriend getaway was to bond with friends or family (70 percent) and/or escape from their daily responsibilities (65 percent).

• 62 percent of women who plan on going on a girlfriend getaway in the next three years said that taking a future trip is as important today as it was when they took their last trip with girlfriends