Program Success September 2012 | Page 9

PROGRAM SUCCESS – SEPTEMBER 2012 PAGE 9 10 TIPS FOR HOSTING A GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY Vacation partnering is on the rise among women . With many people facing the rising costs of caring for families , paying down debt and still wanting to live ‘ the good life ,’ traveling for pure relaxation seems out of reach . That is why partnering with sisters and friends is a way to enjoy traveling while sharing the cost and having a fun experience . The best way to have a great time on a group vacation is to stay away from agendas and networking structured activities . Make it a true vacation so those who are not joiners are not embarrassed by wanting to do as she pleases the entire time !.
Ten Tips to Host A Group Getaway : 1 . Select a place you have always wanted to visit . 2 . Begin planning at least nine months ahead . 3 . Send out an email to select family and friends and invite them to ask a friend . 4 . Visit home rental websites for best bargains and negotiate weekly rental rate . 5 . Do your math , factor in house rental and food expenses then set a per person rate . 6 . Get a deposit ; include a portion that is non-refundable . 7 . Guests make own travel arrangements - it ’ s cumbersome to include travel cost . 8 . Plan week ’ s meals . Bring food with you or locate supermarkets upon arrival . 9 . Get there early to scope out the rooms prepare the first meal and to add a welcoming touch . 10 . Be the best host you can be and if you can , stay an extra day to have to yourself .
About the Sisters and Friends Getaway to Martha ’ s Vineyard
For the past four years , the end-of-the-summer vacation to Oak Bluffs , Martha ’ s Vineyard ’ s historic African American retreat has been the destination for African American women on a Sisters and Friends Getaway . Scheduled from Sunday to Sunday , the week after Labor Day at high season end , makes it a perfect time to catch sales and low cost of housing rental . Oak Bluffs has great beachside walking paths , and the famous Inkwell Beach where African Americans gather is still in tack ! The place is perfect for savoring the Atlantic Ocean and the island ’ s clean air , for taking an historic walking tour and traveling on the local bus to enjoy peace and serenity while on the island . During the Sisters and Friends Getaway , each house has breakfast foods and snacks , a dinner meal is prepared for guests each day and then topped off with desert to enjoy at days ’ end . Women from Seattle to Atlanta to Pennsylvania and Connecticut are scheduled to go this year . Sisters and Friends Getaway to Martha ’ s Vineyard begins the Sunday after Labor Day . Guests come and go as their schedule permits .
Connie Portis is the host of the annual Sisters & Friends Getaway Retreat to Oak Bluffs in Martha ’ s Vineyard . To attend this year or for
more information , contact her at caportis @ hotmail . com or 412-400-8809 .
Girlfriends Getaway Matha ' s Vineyard Connie Portis Jacksonville , Florida September 2012
Kay Harper Law Firm Jacksonville , Florida September 2012