A good old fashioned girlie get together can be a real tonic when our busy lives allow it So if you're opting for a night away with your friends, it's a good idea to put a little thought into your planning to make sure you get real value for money and the most fabulous time catching up - and having a giggle of course

The troops have been rallied and they've already packed their toothbrushes The opportunity's finally arrived for you to leave the washing up, ironing and dusting behind because a night with the girls is just around the corner and you probably can't wait

We're all so busy running here and there and trying to keep our heads above water that sometimes the weeks just race by leaving us in danger of losing touch with our nearest and dearest It's a sad state of affairs when we can't find the time to stay close to our girl friends, but these days it does seem to be a fact of our hectic stress filled lives that leisure time is getting scarcer and, when we do have any, we're usually too tired to do anything with it

You’ve decided it’s time to treat the whole family to a holiday, so you’ve made a note to cancel the milk, take the dog to kennels and leave a spare key with the neighbour But that’s where things get tricky

We all love escaping to a hotel for a few days, but there always seems to be so much to do before we can actually switch off from our everyday lives and begin to enjoy the good life To begin with, how do you choose the right destination

Even if you're holidaying with the whole family it's nice to know you can relinquish a bit of responsibility for the kids from time to time And choosing a hotel that turns a nice family holiday into a fantastic family holiday isn't all that difficult if you know what to look for

You want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for some well deserved pampering - but you can't decide whether to visit a luxury hotel or a spa Chances are you've already made a few enquiries - maybe even gone online - in search of that perfect destination

Assuming you're heading off to stay in a hotel for a few days, and that you don't want to pack the kitchen sink, here are a few hints that might help lighten your load - or at least get rid of some surplus baggage Remember to pack according to where you're going and who you're going away with

When the demands of juggling a hectic work and home schedule get too much, it might be the time to take the plunge and step off the treadmill for a while If you fancy some proper pampering and relaxation, then a weekend visit to a luxury Spa could be the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of everyday life

Weekends - they're too short, often sweet - and most of us don't make the most of them But without them life really would be unbearable, so if it's time to push the boat out and arrange a much deserved weekend break away, here are a few ideas to ensure you get the most out of your precious time