Traveling with like-minded people makes being away from home so much less stressful because everyone's in it for the same (or very similar) reasons. It's the reason I go on gay vacations with other LGBT people. Or zero in on a niche group like I did at Camp John Waters. So even though I won't ever be able to try one of these vacations out for myself, it's fantastic to see that Overseas Adventure Travel is offering a whole new slate of women-only vacation adventures for 2020 due to popular demand.

Vacations for 2020 include a Morocco Sahara Odyssey, a Safari on the Serengeti, the Ultimate Africa Safari Experience, Sicily's Ancient Landscapes & Timeless Traditions, Japan's Cultural Treasures, an Adriatic tour of Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Slovenia, a tour of South Africa and Swaziland, a Heart of India experience and Real Affordable Peru.

Each of these adults-only adventures are limited to smaller groups of female travelers and include international airfare, as well as pre- and post-trip add-on itineraries. 

For dates and booking information, please visit Overseas Adventure Travel at oattravel.com

How many times in the real world could you have used a bubbly-on-demand service? Well, the Shake for Champagne™ service on the adults-only line of cruise ships does exactly what it promises. 

Understanding that most passengers (or Sailors as they're known here) will not leave their phones back in their cabins, they have developed a snazzy app that's loaded with features to make the most of every sailing, but the one I can't wait to try in person is Shake for Champagne. As the name suggests, users simply jostle their phones a bit, a secret button appears and after a single press a chilled 750ml bottle of Möet Chandon Imperial will be delivered with two glasses. 

But don't worry, you can send back one of the glasses if you're getting the bottle all for yourself. 

Book before November 30, 2019 for half-off all deposits for April and May 2020 sailings, plus receive a free bottle of Möet Chandon Imperial onboard. Details here.

virginvoyages.com

UPDATE: After much of the resort was destroyed by a fire not too long after their grand opening, they're now accepting reservations for an anticipated re-opening in December 2019. Here's hoping everything goes smoothly and on-schedule.

Who's ready for a Keys party? The picturesque Florida Keys have welcomed a new all-inclusive, adults-only resort with the opening of Bungalows Key Largo. The gorgeous oceanfront property features unlimited five-star dining and premium beverages during your stay, plus non-motorized water sports, and unlimited opportunities for a little romance under the sun or stars.. Choose from bungalows with garden or ocean views and for a limited time, enjoy introductory rates of $399 per person per night for garden view (two-night minimum) or $499 per person per night for water view (two-night minimum). So get to booking!

bungalowskeylargo.com

Photo credit: Bungalows Key Largo

Planet Hollywood Cancun just went up several notches on our vacation wish list. Available for booking now, the new Adult Scene section will feature 380 suites, a private beachfront area, two exclusively adult restaurants, plus a pool area with swim-up bar—all exclusively available to guests over 18.

According to a press release from Globe News Wire, travelers can book a room now for up to 75% off, but probably easier to call instead of book through the web site. Click here for the full scoop.

planethollywoodhotels.com

Ah, summer camp. Not a care in the world except what adventure awaits next. The business of adult summer camps continues to grow and the latest entry into this niche market is Camp Big for Adults. Located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, the kid-free destination will play host to its first 100 guests September 13-16, 2019.

Rates start at just $660 per person for the four-day/three-night flashback to your youth (or first-time camp experience for some). The price includes three meals per day, happy hour, and activities galore ranging from archery and arts & crafts to kayaking and paddle boarding on one of the 150-acres property's two lakes.

Use code 50DISCOUNT at checkout for $50 off registration.

campbigforadults.com                                                                                          

​Photo credit: Camp Big for Adults

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Not only are the oceans getting a little more adult these days, so are the world's rivers with the launch of three new river cruise ships setting sail in 2020. TUI River Cruises will debut three ships, the Isla, Maya, and Skyla. Each can only be booked by passengers 18 and over and feature an all-inclusive approach to sailing. With itineraries ranging from the Danube to the Rhine, these vessels will offer a great new way to explore Europe. Now booking, so get out next year's calendar.

tui.co.uk

Photo rendering courtesy of TUI River Cruises

The next best thing to an adults-only hotel, is a kid-free escape within the larger property. My partner and I first experienced this in San Antonio at La Cantera Resort & Spa. There, adults can book rooms in an exclusive floor with a club lounge, access to the adults-only spa, and an adults-only pool. Well, the trend is catching on (hopefully!) as Marriott debuts Parklane, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Cypress.

Guests can book one of 16 lifestyle suites in an adults-only wing, plus gain access to the luxe adults-only pool (pictured) with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Gorgeous! But most of all, tranquil.

Photo by Marriott

The year has barely entered the second quarter, but it's never too soon to start thinking about end-of-year vacations. The December holiday season is a prime time to get away to a tropical destination, so why not check out the absolute newest adults-only property while you're at it? Opening in December 2019, the Barceló Maya Riviera will be a luxurious oasis 47 miles from Cancún. 

The 850 rooms are either suites or junior suites, many with ocean views and swim-up access from a sparkling pool. Each will feature a private hot tub on the balcony, too. Five restaurants and five bars welcome guests who enjoy all-inclusive access, including a daily restocked mini bar. Plus, guests of this new property will have access to all five nearby Barceló properties to change up the scenery by spending time at their pools, beaches, restaurants, and bars. Of course, these other resorts allow children, so you may not want to stay too long of you're seeking unlimited margaritas without the soundtrack of crying bambinos.

barcelo.com

Photo by Barceló Hotels & Resorts

The adults-only travel trend continues with a new ship, the Marella Explorer 2 (pictured), a 17-and-over vessel with itineraries that venture through the Mediterranean and Caribbean, sometimes in the some voyage. By today's cruising standards, the ship is small, but that can be a positive, too. Especially when you're not having to hide from screaming children.

But don't think it's too small, either. The 14-deck Marella Explorer 2 still boasts 907 staterooms, nine restaurants, 10 bars, one nice-sized pool, a spa, and four hot tubs for ultimate relaxation. The all-inclusive pricing makes it a bargain, even if you're having to fly from another country to get to the European departure ports.  Each cruise includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at five different restaurants, as well as  selected beer, cider, spirits, house wine, soft drinks by the glass and a range of cocktails all included. Not too bad for cruises that can be had for about $1,000 per person for an eight-night, kid-free adventure.

tui.co.uk

Photo credit: Marella Cruises