How to Book a "Man-cation"

You don't have to spend every free moment with your spouse or significant other. Really, I am writing your permission slip! Sometimes men need a break doing the "guy thing" off on their own. Here are a few ideas on how to achieve it...

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Two or more guys (its hard to male-bond on your own)
• Internet access
• A block of days to travel

1. Get the Cigars Ready... Getting away with just the guys can be great - especially when your wife or significant other isn't that interested in the same sports or recreation you are passionate about. To plan a week or long weekend with just the guys, start by finding your group. Usually the more men, the more personalities, the more fun, so invite every one of the guys, young and old. You can plan weeks or months ahead.
2. Winter Man-cation Now that you know who is going, decide what you can all do and where to go. Can everyone ski - or is willing to learn? What about snowmobiling, snowboarding or cross-country skiing? Check out the great ski locations and condos or rental homes that can house the group.
3. Fall Man-cation Sports not your girl's passion? Go with the guys! Get the gang together and book a long weekend for Gameday. If you live in the same city, rent a condo near the stadium just for the men to crash after the game and a night out on the town celebrating victory!
4. Summer Man-cation Need a break from the summer heat? Head for the water. A great place for guys to relax is on a charter boat - anywhere! Go to the Florida Keys! (Hemingway loved it!) Fish and kick back enjoying the island life.
5. Spring Man-cation Of course, there is always the Golf Man-cation! With great courses all over the country and if you are willing to spurge - all over Europe, you can have a tee time and with enough guys - your own tournament. For a change of pace, plan it around the US Open or Player's Championship, so you can watch the pros then play 18 the next day.
6. Indy or Nascar? Race fans? There are plenty of good Indy and Nascar races to see. Book a trip to Daytona Beach for a race and the Nascar Hall of Fame, then head to Orlando to try Richard Petty's Driving Experience where you are encouraged to speed!
7. Go on Safari! Hunting? Fishing? Great Outdoors? You can even safari in Africa or trek Costa Rica! See www.ChicTravelDeals.com - extras tab- and look for the "YTB Outdoors" logo for some extreme adventure vacations. (Or see my other article in this)
8. Being with the guys brings balance Whatever your plans, it's really all about being with the other guys, stories, cigars, beverages, good food, and good times. And it's about achieving a balance to better appreciate your home, and the woman (and perhaps children) in your life that will be waiting for you when you get off the plane.

Tips & Warnings

• Make it a yearly event and add more guys as you go.
• Great for Fraternity Reunions and Guys-only Family Reunions, too!
• Start planning the next year's man-cation as soon as the last one is over to get the best results on price and attendance
• See Resources below for Mancation Tools - or contact this author for help planning a group Mancation specifically for you!
• Sign up for the "Steals and Deals" newsletter (see my other article on signing up for this) and get the latest news on low airfare and destination ideas