• A women-only vacation is a way for women to meet new people and be themselves.women/friends paddling in the sea image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Sometimes women need to escape their daily lives with a solo retreat or a women-only vacation. This is also a chance to take a break from the men in their lives--as much as they love them--and just be women. Some women want to go sightseeing, while others prefer spa treatments to unwind. Thrill-seekers appreciate finding a safe locale for adventure sports, where they can meet other active women. Finding a comfortable getaway that caters to women is key to enjoying that precious time away from home.
  
  

Sydney, Australia

• Sydney has beaches and museums to keep women entertained.sydney image by hugy from Fotolia.com
  
  Sydney is a gorgeous city with beaches, spas, fine dining and museums for women who want a relaxing, urban holiday. Market Watch recommends Australia for women traveling alone. Australians are easygoing and helpful--and women won't get any stares for being solo travelers. Women who want to lounge can get a manicure and sunbathe at Bondi Beach. Others prefer swimming or wandering the city's parks. Sydney has plenty of cultural museums for women who want to learn more about Australian history and Aboriginal life. Frommer's recommends walking tours, harbor cruises or a helicopter ride for unique views of the city.
  
  Captain Cook Cruises
  
  Pier 26, Aquarium Wharf
  
  Darling Harbour
  
  Sydney, NSW 2000
  
  Australia
  
  011-61-2-9206-1100
  
  captaincook.com.au
  
  

Cusco, Peru

• A visit to Machu Picchu offers unbelievable views and a peek into Inca history.Wayna and Machu Picchu image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com
  
  History lovers who want to explore a new culture will enjoy a trip to Cusco, Peru, a city brimming with Inca and colonial history. This is another Market Watch recommendation for single women. In Market Watch, Travel Lady online magazine founder Madelyn Miller states that men in Peru tend to respect women even when they are traveling alone, although Frommer's warns women to travel together when possible and avoid staying out alone at night. In addition to being easy to navigate on foot, Cusco is affordable, with plenty of chances to haggle at local markets. Women can also join an organized excursion to Machu Picchu to learn more about the ancient Inca and enjoy unbelievable views.
  
  Sungate Tours
  
  Urb. Bancopata G-7
  
  Cusco
  
  Peru
  
  011-51-84-23-2046
  
  sungatetours.com
  
  

Seminyak, Bali

• A women-only surfing vacation in Bali is an escape for active women.going to surf image by javarman from Fotolia.com
  
  Adventurous women who love the ocean can head to Bali for a Surf Goddess retreat, a Travel Channel recommendation. It's a women-only retreat, with yoga sessions, gourmet brunches, spa treatments, swimming and local shopping--plus plenty of chances to surf. Women can surf on their own or take a women's surfing class, whether they need to learn the basics in a novice class or hone their skills with a surfing coach. Other local activities include elephant rides and visits to the Temple of Ubud. At night, women stay in a quiet villa with a pool, an open-air yoga studio, wireless Internet and--on days when they miss the men in their lives--free phone calls home.
  
  Surf Goddess Retreats
  
  Jalan Kayu Aya
  
  Seminyak, Kuta 80361
  
  Indonesia
  
  011-1-858-997-0808
  
  surfgoddessretreats.com
  
  

Grand Canyon, Arizona

• A trip to the Grand Canyon provides remarkable views and hiking opportunities.grand canyon image by A74.FR Ben Fontaine from Fotolia.com
  
  Women who don't want to hassle with a passport can enjoy a United States getaway at the Grand Canyon. Its popularity as a tourist attraction makes it safe to explore during daylight hours, with plenty of hiking opportunities. Women who want a relaxing vacation going for walks and taking photos will also enjoy wandering along the canyon. Rafting needs to be booked several months--or even a year or more--in advance. Adventures in Good Company, an adventure travel company for women, organizes a week-long trip to Havasu Canyon with tour guides and pack horses to carry belongings. This lets women focus on swimming, hiking and snapping photos.
  
  Grand Canyon National Park
  
  P.O. Box 129
  
  Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
  
  928-638-7888
  
  nps.gov/grca