Girlfriend Getaways

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Girlfriend Getaway (Courtesy Amy Hockett)

Once, we shopped so much that we had to take the shoes out of their boxes so we could fit everything else in the trunk. Lenora Primus, New York, N.Y.

Everyone is allowed to pack as much as she wishes without reproach. Lori Knowland, Gainesville, Fla.

Here's what we do not bring: men, children, BlackBerries, laptops, business attire, business talk, gossip, attitudes, or umbrellas. One of our most memorable moments was in Miami, getting caught in a downpour of warm raindrops and taking off our heels to stomp barefoot in the puddles. Now that is living. Donna Williams, Redwood City, Calif.

In New Orleans, we renewed our friendship, shook off the corporate dust we carried in, and breathed a little again. Jennifer Betityen, New York, N.Y.

Our girlfriend getaways can border on wild, as there's always a winery involved. The twist: We're a faithful group and always look for a chapel to remind us to keep a good perspective on things. Maureen Paulett, Richfield, Ohio

Each year I get together with a group of women to do the Avon walk for breast-cancer awareness. We met in 2000 as individual walkers but have since become very close. We walk 26.2 miles the first day and 13.1 the second day, nursing each other through sore legs and blistered feet. We sleep in tents, always bringing decorations for our humble abode. This event has enriched my life far beyond words. Janice Farrell, Bay Shore, N.Y.

Last year we stole a sled from a neighboring hut and laughed for hours as we whizzed down a beautiful snow-covered hillside. Laurel Amsel, Boulder, Colo.

For two years, my friend Michelle was telling me to meet her for a weekend in Las Vegas. I'd always been too nervous, but last March--when my daughter was 5 years old--I thought, What the heck, you only live once! It was such a great weekend in so many ways. We were able to shop, walk, and reconnect. We ate, tried the nickel slots, and went to a show, and we laughed! I haven't laughed that much in a very long time. Cora Waschkowski, London, Ont.

So many places, so little time. We've simply got to pick up the pace! Mary Ann Borchert, Belton, Mo.