Gateway Destinations

Below is an article written by Jan Acorn based on a survey for the members of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

With an increase in discretionary money available to them, an impressive number of women are traveling today for pleasure.  This trend is expected to not only continue, but grow as more women enter the professional workforce and many female “baby boomers” retire with sizeable financial assets.  A recent survey of members of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) revealed that 92% of women travel for leisure, with over one-third traveling at least five times per year.  Not only does the frequency seem to be on the rise, but this survey indicated that 85% of female travelers are taking extended vacations (more than two weeks duration) for at least one of their trips.Coupled with traveling more often, a significant number of women travel alone or with other women.  An astounding 57% of women surveyed revealed that they travel solo at least 25% of the time, and 17% do so nearly all of the time.  Women traveling with other women (friends or family members) accounts for another significant trend in travel, as 76% of women travel in this manner one out of four trips.   When asked what appeals to them most about women’s travel, 43% stated they are single and feel more comfortable traveling with other women, while 31% stated they like the safety of traveling with a group.  An additional 13% of women surveyed stated they travel with women because their spouses don’t enjoy the same type of travel.

When asked about their favorite dream destination, the clear choice was Australia and New Zealand, with Italy and Alaska close behind.  International venues amounted to 79% of the overall choices and over 80% plan to visit their dream destination within the next three years.  It appears that the frequency, duration and distance women travel will increase in the future, creating opportunities for travel consultants, hotels, clothing manufacturers and transportation suppliers.  In turn, travel options for women will continue to broaden.

By
Jan Acorn
Feb. 13, 2008

Chefs from Tutti a Tavola of Tuscany, Italy visited Tucson for the first time during the week of February 19 - 27, 2008.  The four chefs from the Chianti region, invited to Tucson by former students, shared their very special culinary talent in private homes for four delicious dinners.  One of the dinner hostesses, Jan Acorn of Gateway Destinations, is excited to include a visit to their cooking school in her Chianti Cooking & Tuscany Spa Retreat tour for women beginning October 5, 2008. 

A women’s tour to Provence is planned for May 2008.  Immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside and enjoy regional food and wine, stroll through charming villages as your guide talks about the history and architecture, and help prepare a typical regional meal. You are invited to add your comments to this page during or after your trip!

Colorful market day in a small village in the Luberon area of Provence, France

Want to see how the locals prepare their delicious age-old recipes, taste regional wines, luxuriate in natural thermal springs and explore intimate, charming villages as well as beautiful Florence and Siena? Come to Tuscany in October 2008!

What can we say?  Tuscany is truly an envious place to live!

Immerse yourself in the age-old history of Athens, then relax on several of the beautiful and diverse Greek islands in May 2008! The food is great, people are friendly and the sun is warm - join us for a Greek adventure to remember!

Acropolis, with the prominent Parthenon under constant restoration

Itineraries for our 2008 tours will be finalized by mid-November.  At least four women’s tours will be offered during 2008. Look for detailed information on offerings for France, Italy, Greece and perhaps London as well on our website soon!  Go to www.gateway-destinations.com.  We look forward to traveling with you!