Looking to hang out with the rat race for the weekend? Vancouver, Canada is the perfect weekend getaway spot for the busy businesswoman!

From a bike ride in Stanley Park to the hottest concerts and most delectable cuisine, Vancouver promises not to disappoint!  A long weekend will be just enough time to catch a flavor of this hip, international city.

Just be sure get there before the 2010 Winter Olympics make Vancouver too costly and crowded for your budget and enjoyment.

Entrepreneur Goddess Suggests:

Lodging: Fairmont Downtown. Built in 1928, this gorgeous hotel stands out among the modern high rises dotting the skyline. You can’t beat the location, just a short walk from the trendy boutiques on Robson as well as the picturesque waterfront. The downside to staying at the Fairmont: $13/day for in-room internet.

Restaurant: Cardero’s. If you’ve ever wanted to dine over the water, here’s your chance. The seafood will please the most discriminating seafood lovers and the salads, bless them, will bring tears of happiness to vegetarian eyes. Cardero’s also offers a huge selection of locally brewed beer, so drink up.

Recreation: Bike rentals in Vancouver go for about $10 for 2 hours at a bike shop across the street from Cardero’s. If you forget your helmet, it’ll cost you an extra $5. A couple of hours is more than enough time for a scenic ride around Stanley Park.

Free Internet: Blenz Coffee appears to be a few steps ahead of Starbucks in Vancouver, they have one on just about every corner. For the price of a cup of coffee, your wifi is free. Follow them on Twitter: @blenzcoffee.

Related articles

• Vancouver: Perfecting city life with the great outdoors (cnn.com)
• VANCOUVER, SEX WORKERS, TRAINING: Media Training Prior To Winter Olympics (huffingtonpost.com)

Work hard, play hard.

Every Entrepreneur Goddess needs and deserves time to play. A few days or weeks away from the office and rat race does a body, mind, and spirit good. When you return to the office and everyday life as you know it, you’ll be that much more productive.

I’ve escaped the rat race for a few days at Mt. Shasta…and beyond!

Stay tuned.

With the end of February only a week away, the joyful (or joyless) holidays are now a distant memory in our over-worked brains. It’s time to start planning your escape from work. The good news:

Travel in 2009 costs what some would spend on a handbag.

Here are a few deals for a week off:

Italy B&B Vacation- From $1099
Included: Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Rome
6 nights in a 3 star bed & breakfast
Your choice of destination: Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria, Campania, & Sicily
Car rental for a week

Available at: Sceptre Tours

India Super Sale- $1199
Included: Economy class international airfare from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York, or Chicago.
Hotel accommodations with breakfast
Round trip transfers
One sightseeing tour

Available at: Classic Tours

Morocco Sojourn- $649 (10 days)
Included: Hotel (7 nights), multi share gite (1 night), nomad camp (1 night)
Transport: bus, camel
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Visit: Essaouira, Marrakech, Aremd, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Taliouine, Taroudannt

Available at: Gap Adventures

Or, if you prefer to stay in or visit the United States, consider a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable National Park getaway. All you need is a car, national park pass, and camping gear.

This past Saturday, I went to the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show! Those who know me well (or even just a little bit) know that I live and work to travel.

What’s the best thing about traveling in 2009? The best travel bargains ever! We’re talking package deals to destinations such as Australia, India, and Italy (included: international airfare, rental car, hotel) for anywhere from $699-$1200. Beat that!

Here is yours truly at the LA Times Travel & Adventure Show scoping out all the best deals for your hard-earned vacation time: