Girlfriend Getaways

Atlanta, Ga.: What is a good hotel in New York that would be good for 3 women to share—one that has 2 separate sleeping areas and is reasonable in price?

GG Editors: Manhattan hotels are doing great business these days with all the European tourists coming in to take advantage of the exchange rate, so you may have to adjust your parameters for what you consider 'reasonable.' That being said, you can get good value from all-suites hotels like the DoubleTree Guest Suites Times Square, and long-term stay hotels, like the Marriott Residence Inn, also in Midtown. If the prices you are seeing are still to rich for your blood, I'd suggest glancing over at New Jersey. Locations like Jersey City and Hoboken are convenient to Manhattan through the PATH train, but can be a better bargain. Good luck!

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Decatur, Ga.: My sisters and I have decided to go to Panama for our annual sisters trip in October. This will be our 1st time and we're a little clueless about where to stay. We would really like to be by the beach and have a little night life. We could also use some ideas for some must see and do things besides the Panama Canal. Thanks for the help.

GG Editors: Good choice! Panama has actually been on my own wish list. A place that I've considered is the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, which has an affiliation with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Aside from being in a great locale—the canal is close by, and you're in the rain forest—Gamboa offers aerial tram tours into the canopy, birdwatching, a boat trip that stops at several islands home to howler and capucin monkeys, and a twilight safari. The best part? The resort also has an on-site spa. Since you're traveling with your sisters, Gamboa might also be a good fit because they offer individual rooms, as well as villas for larger groups with kitchenettes and living rooms. If you have the time, try to fit in a day trip to the San Blas Islands and visit the Kuna Indian artisan villages there. As for a nightlife suggestion, there is a popular wine bar located on the Amador Causeway (near the Panama Hotel) called El Cangrejo that has a 200-plus wine menu and live music.

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Harrison Township, Mich.: What to do about the money issue? Say someone reserves rooms for all on their credit card and one person backs out at the last minute? Or how do you fairly share gas expenses? How do you bring up these touchy subjects without hurting the relationship or causing a meltdown?

GG Editors: Perhaps the most invaluable tip that someone once passed along to me is to create a kitty when planning a group trip. If everyone chips in a set amount at the start of the trip, then you won't have to argue over who will pay for the cab or drinks each time. You should also suggest that people divvy up the trip planning. Once you've agreed on the date and place, put each person in charge of an activity, a special dinner out, or a day at the spa. This way, everyone feels involved and one person doesn't end up doing everything. Of course, you don't want to overschedule either—down time with some drinks by the pool can be the highlight of the trip!

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Mount Laurel, N.J.: We are a group of 10 women renting a villa in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast next June. Should we fly into Rome or Naples for the easiest and least expensive connection to our villa? What means of land transportation do you suggest (we don't want to rent a car for the week). Thanks very much! Deb

GG Editors: Hi, Deb. What a fabulous upcoming trip! It'll be easier for you to fly into Naples, which is only about an hour north of Amalfi. In a recent Budget Travel feature on Secret Hotels of the Amalfi Coast, we recommended catching the twice-hourly Circumvesuviana, a clattering old suburban rail line. It leaves from Napoli Centrale Station and makes the trip to Sorrento for about $4. From Sorrento, you can take a bus or ferry to Ravello. You're wise to avoid renting a car as the coastal roads are infamous not only for jaw-dropping views, but hairpin turns and traffic. Stick with buses or taxis; SITA is the main bus company.

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Savannah, Ga.: What is best way to plan a quick weekend getaway for the girls to New York City?

GG Editors: Here are a few good planning resources: NYCVisit.com, the city's official tourism site, has discounts on hotels and events; an ongoing Sunday Stays promotion offers a 20 to 30 percent discount off a Sunday night stay, plus added perks. Specialized tour operator NYCTrip.com offers hotel packages and tickets for tours, Broadway shows, and attractions. All packages include free admission to the Empire State Building, shopping discounts at Macy's, Bloomingdales, and South Street Seaport, parking discounts, and a VIP invite to the CBS Early Show. If you're booking at the 11th hour, try sites like lastminutetravel.com, which currently advertises a rate of $92/night for the Carter Hotel near Times Square. What to do in the city? For the Meatpacking District's hot spots—and hot fall fashions—read NYC's Wild, Wild West. And get the scoop on where to sample grown-up cocktails and authentic New York pizza in our feature, There's Nothing Like the Big City.