I've been brainstorming ideas for fun yet atypical bachelorette party ideas for gals who would prefer to explore a new city rather than leave their hard-earned bills in the undies of a random "exotic performer."

I was on a web quest for find some "I do" inspiration when the wedding gods smiled on me in the form of an email from Gretchen at HolidayGolightly.com. I quickly discovered it is the treasure trove of travel information for which I'd been searching.

As I perused the site, I started wishing I could get married again (to the same great groom, of course!) just so I could go on a girlfriend getaway to a fabulous locale. I also [briefly] caught myself wishing to be in yet another wedding just so I could justify a jaunt to an unfamiliar city under the guises of being a good bridesmaid.

When I checked out the Austin Spa Getaway, I pictured us wrapped in plush robes, reclined around a crystal blue pool, sipping tea infused with some exotic fruit. The only break in our relaxing conversation would come as we took turns getting an unwinding massage. All together now: ahhhhhhhhh.

Then I noticed the word "cuisine" in two getaway options. Oooh, a trip centered around meals? That's my kind of excursion, especially when you've been eating too many rice cakes and baby carrots to slim down for that lovely dress that really only looks good on the skinniest bridesmaid in the party.

Just the thought of Chicago deep dish pizzas and Chicago dogs got my juices flowing when I read about the Chicago Cuisine Getaway. Then when you add the "private party at chocolate lounge" to the package, well, I thought I couldn't go on. Pizza and chocolate? 'Nuff said. But then I forced myself to look ahead to the Seattle Cuisine Getaway which not only includes reservations at a sumptuous restaurant, but also features a food tour and a cooking class. If you have a bride whose culinary skills consist of pouring soy milk on cereal and ordering Chinese takeout, this could be a fun way to help her learn how to make at least one meal to share with her new husband!

But I was practically salivating after dreaming of delicacies on the cuisine getaways and I was sure I'd gained some weight just thinking about them so I clicked over to a trip that's a bit more figure flattering: the Boulder Active Getaway. We could strap on a helmet for the mountain bike tour to pump out the frustration of wedding planning and then take in a calming yoga class to chill after we'd purged our angst outside.

When planning a big out of town bachelorette party, though, you always have to think of Vegas, baby! Of course the Vegas Getaway includes show tickets and reservations at a swanky restaurant. The only question is how much of the bride's honeymoon budget are you going to gamble?

HolidayGolightly.com's trip to Tuscany and Umbria Getaway would be a phenomenal splurge excursion... but you can still make wonderful memories on a fantastic shopping getaway or delicious wine getaway. Just ask the Golightly gals to plan your perfect travel party.

At the moment, my mind has traveled to Casablanca... the movie -- not the real town in Morocco -- because I'm so glad I've found HolidayGolightly.com. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship...