New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/07/2010 -- Girlfriends are invaluable to women. Recent scientific studies reveal why these relationships are vital. A University of Michigan study confirms that feeling emotionally close to a friend boosts well-being and reduces stress and anxiety levels. Harvard Medical School researchers determined the absence of close friends or confidants is as bad for our health as smoking or carrying extra weight. Yet, according to a study by sociologists at Duke University and the University of Arizona, female friendships have decreased in recent years. This leaves women feeling isolated and their physical and emotional well-being at risk.

Girlfriends EnTourage Travel Club LLC (http://GirlfriendsEnTourage.com) – a travel and social club for women– was established to help reverse this negative trend. Girlfriends EnTourage Travel Club promotes women friendships and celebrates the girlfriend experience through women-only local events and travel experiences. The club plans a variety of events and activities that showcase the local arts, culture, and dining scene. On Sunday, October 24th at 2PM the group will celebrate the launch of the New York City Chapter at Calle Ocho Restaurant on Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side.

“No matter what is going on in your life right now, a girls’ night out or a girlfriends getaway can quickly lift your spirits and improve your state of mind. That’s the power of girlfriends,” Roxanne Ravenel, Girlfriends EnTourage Founder & Director says. “After a memorable girlfriends’ getaway with my best friend in 2003 I realized girls’ nights out and girlfriends’ getaways are not a luxury. They are a necessity for healthy, happy women. I wanted to expand on that experience and share it with other women.”

"I have lots of girlfriends and we enjoy spending time together," says Robin Ransom, Chapter Director of the newly launched New York City Chapter. “But I love traveling, experiencing other cultures, and discovering new cuisine. I often traveled alone because my girlfriends weren’t able to travel with me. Girlfriends EnTourage connects women like me who want travel partners.”

“I’m a native New Yorker. I love this city. I’m excited to introduce women to events centering on three topics I’m passionate about – great food, shopping, and travel,” Ransom says. “The New York Chapter will give positive, local women a chance to connect, explore a side of New York that perhaps they haven’t seen, and build lasting friendships. It’s going to be an extraordinary experience.”

The first Girlfriends EnTourage Travel Club chapter was established in November 2008 by Ravenel. The club is quickly expanding with local chapters in Atlanta, GA; Raleigh, NC; and New York City. To learn more about Girlfriends EnTourage Travel Club or to attend the Girlfriends EnTourage Travel Club New York City Chapter Launch Party on October 24th at 2:00PM visit http://nyc.girlfriendsEnTourage.com.