By Ronnie Robertson

Travel columnist

Are you a woman who yearns to explore? Do you have a secret desire to take a cooking class in Tuscany?

You may be single, widowed, divorced, or even married to a husband who doesn't like to travel. Women tend to enjoy things most men don't such as shopping excursions, cultural events, etc.

There are a variety of tours offered from weekend mini-retreats to week-long national and international travel excursions.

Destinations such as magnificent Florence and Tuscany, will arouse your senses with authentic Tucson cooking lessons. Only have time for a short adventure?

It's all about Southern Comfort. Be spoiled in Savannah and Charleston, S.C. Enjoy a lunch at Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons Restaurant famous for southern home cooking.

See New York inside and out, enjoy an evening cruise of New York harbor, shop at Macy's and Bloomingdale's with sightseeing from uptown Harlem to ground zero downtown.

Women-only tours are professionally planned with stays at upscale hotels, quaint inns, and elegant resorts and spas. How about a Jamaica or St. Lucia girlfriends get-a-way with a private yoga or tai-chi class? Enjoy an hour massage or manicure and pedicure.

A women-only tour can enrich travelers by opening up new worlds and new attitudes. It gives you time to relax and have a good time. Groups never exceed 15 and range from teachers to housewives to secretaries to nuclear scientists, as well as waitresses who come together to become friends before the end of the trip. Many become such good friends they often travel together on future trips.

If your mind is racing for adventure and you're yearning to experience exciting, even exotic destinations and meet new friends, pack your high heels and hiking boots, and call Gadabout Travel for details on other exciting destinations.

Whether it is hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon or indulging in the amenities of a spa or a week of tango and samba in South America, exotic destinations await you.

Ronnie Robertson is a travel consultant for Gadabout Travel. She can be reached at (321) 253-3674.