14 Girls Trip Ideas For You and Your Besties
We all deserve a break now and then, so what better way to do it than by getting out of town with your best friends? Whether you and your besties...
We all deserve a break now and then, so what better way to do it than by getting out of town with your best friends? Whether you and your besties plan to explore the world or just have a girls’ weekend trip, here at The Good Patch, we’ve got you covered!
Taking a vacation from work, school, or day-to-day life has all sorts of benefits, such as:
- Improving mental and physical well-being
- Avoiding burnout
- Increasing productivity and focus
- Lowering stress
- Building relationships
Everyone has a different idea of the perfect girlfriend getaway, so consider this a jumping-off point to help you figure out your ideal trip. While summer is often the most popular time for a vacation, we’ve put together a list of year-round trip ideas to inspire you.
Between sunbathing, sightseeing, spa treatments, and skiing, our list is sure to have something to suit your needs.
How To Plan the Best Girls’ Trip
Undoubtedly, your girls’ trip will be a wonderful time, but ensuring that will take some dedicated planning, flexibility, and lots of communication. Getting everyone involved in the planning process and being prepared for the unexpected will ensure you’re all happy campers.
Here are our tips for getting started:
Set a Budget
Before anything else, figure out how much money each of you is prepared to spend, and then stick to it! Trips can be expensive, so being open about your budget is the best way to avoid any stress. Luckily there are many ways to enjoy a vacation without spending too much.
Choose a Destination
This step in your planning is no small task. Sure, we’ve got a few suggestions for you, but there are about a million more destinations you could choose from.
While that might seem overwhelming, ask yourself some questions to narrow it down:
- Does your group love camping and outdoor activities? Consider heading to Yosemite or another hiking-friendly location.
- Looking for a relaxing girls’ weekend getaway of massages and spa time? A wellness resort in Costa Rica might be just the thing. For all our yogis out there, perhaps a meditation retreat in India would be perfect.
- Are you celebrating a bachelorette party, or just hoping to go out on the town? Book a BnB for all the girls down in New Orleans and enjoy a weekend of some of the best food and music the country has to offer.
Book Ahead
Don’t wait until the last second and get caught scrambling to book your accommodation and activities! Lock down any tickets and reservations ahead of time to avoid unnecessary stress down the road.
Pack Accordingly
Check the weather forecast and make a checklist of essentials so you can spend your first day having fun rather than stocking up on toothpaste and extra socks.
Before you zip up your suitcase, toss in a few packs of The Weekender Set for you and your gal pals to cover all your bases for maximum rest, relaxation, and recovery! Or grab a skincare patch set to rejuvenate your face every morning.
Have a Blast!
Despite all the logistics of planning a trip, the most important part is still to have fun! As you try to see all the sights of your destination, don’t forget to lay back, laugh, and make wonderful memories with your closest friends.
Weekend Trips in the U.S.
1. Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California
Known around the world for its picturesque wineries, Napa Valley is one of the best weekend destinations in the country. Take a tour of wine country or just stroll through the vineyards at sunset.
Almost as famous is Napa’s cuisine and foodie culture. You’ll find the best restaurants serving plates packed with fresh, organic ingredients. A hotspot for tourist season, get ahead of the game and book a few rooms in one of Napa Valley’s many boutique hotels!
2. Skiing in Park City, Utah
Ideal for year-round outdoor fun, Park City is a great option for the more adventurous of us. Hit the slopes during the snowy months, or go mountain biking, ziplining, and horseback riding as it starts to warm up.
3. Action-Packed Weekend in New York City
Regardless of when you choose to go, there’s always something happening in The City That Never Sleeps!
Catch a Broadway (or off-Broadway) show, wander through central park, or treat yourselves to fancy new shoes from the Upper East Side. NYC will not disappoint with its perfect combo of vibrant nightlife and scrumptious brunch scene.
4. Camping and Hiking in Yosemite National Park, California
With some of the country’s most stunning mountains and lakes, Yosemite National Park should absolutely be on your bucket list of girls' trip destinations.
You’ll have to make reservations well in advance and bring plenty of food and water, but once you’re there, all the planning will have been worth it. Don’t forget your Relief patches to soothe any aches after a beautiful day of hiking!
5. Road Trip Along the Pacific Coast Highway, California
If you would rather be on the move, consider driving from San Francisco down to Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway. The spectacular ocean views and lovely small towns along the way will have something for everyone.
6. Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia
Get off the beaten path a bit and set off towards the east coast to the exciting whitewater rapids of West Virginia. Book a guide, snug up your life jackets, and hold tight!
7. Weekend on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada
Those looking for a more extravagant long weekend might find it in Las Vegas. Have a fun-filled few days in the casinos, watching magic and circus shows, or shopping along the strip.
When you’re in the mood to unwind, retire to your hotel’s pool or check out Vegas’ blossoming fine-dining industry.
8. Catch Some Waves in Hawaii
The sparkling white sand beaches and striking Hawaii waterfalls are undoubtedly some of the best destinations for a girls’ vacation. Do some bonding in the warm waves with surfing lessons or paddle boarding and snorkeling if that’s more your speed.
9. Jazz and Soul Food in New Orleans, Louisiana
The lively atmosphere of New Orleans is difficult to match anywhere else in the United States. Indulge in BBQ and beignets before hitting the town for live music.
If you’re looking to get off Bourbon Street for a bit, join a cooking class and learn how to cook up some classic Cajun cuisine.
Weekend Trips Abroad
1. Sightseeing and Museums in Paris, France
Filled with almost everything you can think of, Paris has endless options for activities to do with your girlfriends. Once you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the Seine river, explore Montmartre, and visit art museums like the Musée d’Orsay.
2. Photography Workshop in Santorini, Greece
If you’ve got an artsy crowd, flying out to Santorini could be just the right blend of relaxation and creativity. The stunning beaches, crystalline water, and unique villages are something out of a daydream.
Sign yourselves up for a photography workshop and capture the beauty of Santorini to take home with you. In the evenings, stroll down to the beach for a dip in the sea and a bite of Mediterranean food.
3. Gondola Rides in Venice, Italy
Of all the gorgeous European cities, it’s hard to top Venice's winding canals, delicious food, and grand architecture. Though often seen as a romantic getaway, you and your gals can enjoy it just as much.
Make the most of the car-free city by walking to all the sights or hopping in a gondola to float down the famous canals.
4. Beach Vacation in Tulum, Mexico
We can’t talk about beach vacations without mentioning the beautiful waters of the Mayan Rivera. A few hours south of Cancún, Tulum is an excellent place to get to know the Caribbean sea.
Lounge at a beach club with tacos during the day before heading into town for music and dancing in the evening. Make sure to pack your Revive patch to revitalize after a long night on the town.
5. Cultural Immersion in Morocco
Get a taste of a new culture in Morocco’s many beautiful cities. Take a walk down blocks packed with food vendors and street performers in Marrakesh before making an unforgettable trip into the Sahara desert on camelback.
Conclusion
We could go on for days, but ultimately you will have to decide where you want to go! Hopefully, this list has given you some useful ideas. The best girls’ trip will vary depending on your preferences and interests.
In the end, don’t forget that the most important thing is to spend quality time together making memories.
Sources:
Why Vacation is Important | McMaster University
The 10 Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley | NapaValley.com