Morris Murdock Finds Girlfriends Still Trying to Escape Utah

The popular “girls-getaway” has gone upscale and extends beyond the traditional weekend escape, reveals a recent poll of 246 American Express Travel agents. The poll, which found an increase in “girls-getaways” according to two-thirds of agents, also found that women traveling together are seeking more active and luxurious vacations. Three in four agents said that “girls-getaways” – including vacations with girlfriends or female relatives – are a significant trend. While spa, beach and shopping vacations still dominate as favorites for “girls-getaways,” agents say women are increasingly taking cruise, culinary, city and active vacations that include golf (36%), skiing (33%), scuba diving and biking (20%).

More than two-thirds (68%) of agents polled reported that when traveling together, women are indulging in more luxurious vacations than in years past. The majority of agents (56%) say these getaways are not merely weekend retreats, rather they are between 4-7 days long. While away, women are splurging on ultra-customized tours and experiences (42%), traveling first or business class (36%), and staying in private villas (20%). More than one-third (35%) of agents said women are spending between $2,600 to $5,000 per person when traveling with a group of girlfriends or female relatives. Even bachelorette getaways are going more upscale, say 57% of agents polled. In order by ranking, agents cited the most popular “girls-getaway” destinations as: the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Canada and South America.

“What girl doesn’t want to get away from the daily grind and relax with friends?” asked Amy Ochoa, Marketing Manager for Morris Murdock Travel. “These trips are a chance to enjoy friendships that you don’t have time to nourish on a regular basis. Take a week or just a weekend and visit a spa together or rent a house in Costa Rica. We take care of all the planning and the details, the rest is up to you.”

Some “girlfriend-getaways” being offered by Morris Murdock Travel include:

• A New York shopping trip with radio hostess Alicia Richmond where participants will stroll through the city’s hottest neighborhoods where celebrities get their style and shop NYC's most unique shopping districts to build a gorgeous wardrobe for cents on the dollar of regular retail.
• An exotic tour of China with 2007 Miss Utah Jill Stevens that allows travelers to explore historic cities like Beijing (Host of the 2008 Olympic Games), Hong Kong and Xi'an and experience the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and a day of shopping to find discounted prices on clothes, shoes, handbags, and much more.