After decades of being stuck in kitchens and confined to dreary office cubicles, it's no surprise that women travel more than any other group of people. How else can they keep their sanity? Shopping? Even that gets old, and the "feeling" only lasts an hour or two at best.

Women of all kinds -- tall, short, young, old, married, divorced, widowed, and single -- are leaving dirty dishes in the sink and saying "Adios" to cranky coworkers. These travelers want to see the world, try new things, and live a more exciting life -- if only for a week.

Women's travel has really taken off since the early 1990s and continues to grow as stressed-out women everywhere scream, "I'm sick and tired of this and I'm not going to take it anymore" (Well, at least not for 7 to fourteen days!) There are all kinds of women-only travel options to choose from that might help revive your spirit: horseback riding on the open range; sky walking in Costa Rica; meditation camp at an Ashram; or even cooking in France or Italy. True, some people just can't cut the kitchen chord, sigh... But at least the kitchen is staffed with French chefs!

For one thing, it's a great way to get your groove back, especially if you didn't know it was missing. Getting away from the everyday, be it a bitchy boss, hyper-active children, a needy husband, or the same four beige walls (you've been meaning to paint, but who has the time?), can help put the wiggle back in your walk.

A women-only trip can also provide a much needed change of scenery, a venue to meet (and make) new friends, some time to reconnect with yourself, and opportunities to learn new skills. And no, "women-only travel" is not secret code for "lesbian outing." It's a not-so-secret code for "women only", and all women are welcome.

What's wrong with men? Nothing in general -- men can be great! However, when it comes to vacations, especially those that take place in the great outdoors, men tend to dominate the fun stuff. When traveling together, women and men tend to behave in a predictable manner. Men do the physical stuff, like playing games and building fires, and women cook and chit chat. When the men stay home, women are more apt to challenge themselves both mentally and physically.

Many women, especially those that grew up before women's sports became popular, feel less intimidated trying new things (think kayaking, snorkeling, or rock climbing) with other women. They acquire new skills and gain confidence in a nurturing, rather than competitive, environment. That doesn't mean the ladies can't be competitive. Everyone likes to be a winner sometimes, just not in burping contests.

Women's travel tours also offer security and companionship.  It's safer with a group than going on your own, and usually more fun, too. If you're a novice traveler, or you want to travel but your friends don't have the same schedule, agenda or cash reserves, a women-only trip solves those problems by providing a safe environment, knowledgeable tour guides, and ready-made camaraderie. As any woman will tell you, women can enjoy the company of other women whether they've known them for 24 years or 24 hours. Plus, the tour company makes all the arrangements and you only need to show up, ready and willing for your big adventure. What can be easier than that?

Finally, women's travel is good for what ails you, be it over-scheduled days, sleepless nights, your thighs, or life in general. Travel inspires and excites all the senses, and makes you feel alive. It provides time for self-reflection, self-discovery and self-expression. When you travel you not only discover new places, you discover a new you -- a more complete you, renewed, rejuvenated, wiser and more worldly.

Think you'll feel guilty taking a little time for yourself? Don't give it a second thought, as the men will be sure to lay it on thick when you return. And that could have you thinking about your next women-only trip sooner than you planned!