Womens Travel

Womens Travel - Jungle Janes

Female baby boomers, career women, housewives, and ladies who lunch, in fact women of whatever age, race and background are being invited to celebrate their independence and take on new challenges by Gecko Travel, with the introduction of the new 'Jungle Jane' tour. Candidates are being urged to leave their men at home on their next holiday and join the sisterhood, starting on International Women's Day which is being held on 08 March 2006.

Lesley Schofield, Director of Gecko Travel, comments: "We have seen a noticeable increase in women booking holidays together and leaving for SE Asia without their men in tow. Typically, Thailand is the top destination when it comes to women as this offers the most adventurous options from white water rafting to elephant riding, jungle trekking, and even a spot of karaoke should the mood take the sisters!"

Thailand is closely followed by Malaysia and Vietnam in terms of the top three choices of Gecko Travel tours for women but the company has decided to develop the Jungle Jane tour based on the specific appeal of each female-friendly activity to women who have previously travelled with Gecko Travel.

On 08 March 2006 the first scheduled Jungle Jane tour will depart for Thailand and Gecko Travel is also launching a website campaign alongside the new tour which will allow members of the sisterhood (or even their men friends) to send celebratory cards to other women in honour of International Women's Day itself. This global yearly event aims to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women and commemorate the struggle of the fairer sex for equality, justice and peace. In that sense the challenges offered by adventure holidays are a perfect fit for women striving to push
themselves forward to new heights ­ making Gecko Travel's support for the day itself even more meaningful.

Aside from the inspiring messages, in support of womanhood, each card will also include a 10% gift voucher for those women who receive them to use on a Gecko Travel adventure. People will be able to email the cards directly from the Gecko Travel website (www.geckotravel.com) to female friends and family as an instant sign of appreciation, creating a real feel good buzz amongst the sisters of the UK, and heightening their desire to take on new adventures.

Lesley Schofield, comments: "This is an inspiring day to launch the tour which we hope will give a real boost to women's self-confidence the world over. Most women find that all-girl getaways are a great option for bonding and strengthening relationships. Adventure holidays also offer some out of the ordinary challenges which help to create some really emotional experiences, bringing women closer together."

The Jungle Jane tour ends in Chiang Mai which leaves the options open after the adventure for a spot of Thai cookery, including guided tours of the local markets or even the chance for a relaxing spa stay at the end of the tour.

'Girls just wanna have fun'

Getting off the beaten track and into Northern Thailand the tour will take the sisters away from the tourist traps and across the central plains with their emerald green rice paddies, up-country to Phitsanolok town ­ the gateway to the North. Women travellers will be invited to sample the sights of Sukhothai ­ the former Capital of Siam by cycle, before letting their hair
down and heading through to the remote town of Nan for jungle trekking close to the Lao border. Jeep excursions, elephant riding and white water rafting will leave plenty of challenges in store for those women who want to step up the pace: while the overnight homestay will offer up the opportunity to experience life with the H'mong women. Chiang Mai is the final destination, the northern and cultural capital of Thailand, its quiet lanes and picturesque temples make it a quiet contrast to bustling Bangkok, with time for some last minute retail therapy at the famous night bazaar.

Gecko Travel's NEW Jungle Jane tour costs FROM £1,200pp. Prices include flights, all accommodation (no single supplement), meals, activities and entrances, the tour leader, local guides as appropriate and transport. The first scheduled tour will depart on International Women's Day itself - 08 March. Separate dates can be booked with Gecko Travel on a stand alone basis and require a minimum of four travellers. Telephone Gecko Travel on 023 9225 8859 or visit Gecko Travel at www.geckotravel.com for further information.
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