Anyone who thinks a girls’ trip is just an excuse to sneak away and vent about kids and partners hasn’t experienced the true joy of one. A girls’ trip is much more than a vacation with friends—it’s a chance to strengthen bonds, unwind, and focus on ourselves with those who know us best. It’s about days filled with inside jokes and evenings spent in deep, sometimes tear-filled conversations. It doesn’t matter if your BFFs are girls, guys, or a mix of both—being with people who lift us up when we need it most is what this trip is all about.
Whether you’ve been on ten girls’ trips or are planning your first, remember that the destination itself is secondary. I could sit in a cardboard box with my college besties for three days and come home with my cheeks hurting from laughing. That being said, finding a place everyone in your group will love makes the trip much more fun.
Once you’ve set the date and assembled your dream team, the only thing left is to decide where to go. Read on for a curated list of interest-based destination ideas and hotel properties to help inspire your next group getaway.
Beach Vibes Only
The beach is a natural spot for a girls’ trip—a true getaway from our typical lives. Beaches have relaxation built-in. What’s better than lounging in the sun with ocean waves as your soundtrack? Take a jog on the beach, search for seashells, or just laugh with your friends over bottles of rosé—thankfully, there’s not a to-do list or pile of laundry in sight.
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or have time for something further afield, there are plenty of relaxing beach destinations from which to choose. Read on for sun-filled ideas that cater to every beach-bound group.
Tulum, Mexico: With its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and uber-cool vibe, Tulum pairs tranquility and relaxation with fajitas and shrimp tacos. Chill out at beachside cabanas, explore ancient Mayan ruins, or take a dip in a cenote, natural and refreshing subterranean swimming holes found throughout the country.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Known for its low-key atmosphere, wide beaches, and dolphin-filled waters, Hilton Head Island is an easily accessible US destination, especially for groups looking for entertainment beyond the beach. Hilton Head offers various activities, like kayaking, tennis, and golfing at championship courses. But, for those whose definition of relaxation is a beach bonfire with a cooler of cold beer, Hilton Head will deliver.
Ibiza, Spain: It’s easy to think of Ibiza as just a party island, but with its wide stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, traditional Spanish villages, and beach clubs, it has all the makings of a fantastic European girls’ trip. Take a day trip to nearby islands like Menorca and Formentera, where you and your besties can spend endless hours of sunshine on the water.
If your group is keen on a little adventure, hike along the rugged coastline or explore the jagged cliffs of Es Vedrà. When the sun sets, head to a beachfront restaurant to sample fresh ceviche and taste local wine. Ibiza has it all—relaxation, exploration, and culinary adventures.
Where to Stay:
- Be Tulum, Tulum, Mexico
- The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Six Senses, Ibiza, Spain
Adrenaline Junkies
Maybe your crew would rather hike, zip-line, or surf than laze on the beach all day. Having a common thread of adventure with your peeps can translate to luxury hotels in exotic locations. For those craving an adrenaline rush, Iceland, Costa Rica, and the Utah desert will keep your hearts racing and your spirits high. And nothing beats returning to a steam, sauna, or massage after an action-packed day.
Moab, Utah: With its stunning red rock landscapes and majestic mountains, Moab sets a high bar for adventure. Surrounded by Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab offers exhilarating hikes through canyons, challenging mountain biking trails, and off-road Jeep adventures. The Colorado River is nearby for rafting and scenic drives that reveal sweeping vistas around every turn. Moab is the perfect place for nature-filled excitement and awe-inspiring beauty.
Iceland: Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” because of its numerous volcanoes and glaciers. It’s a wonderland for adventure seekers regardless of the season, offering some of the world’s most unique landscapes and thrilling excursions. Aside from volcanoes and glaciers, Iceland has towering waterfalls and craggy coastlines to explore. Whether chasing the Northern Lights, hiking across lava fields, crawling through ice caves, or soaking in geothermal pools, Iceland is a place that promises endless adrenaline-packed adventure.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica offers adventure-seekers lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, and wild coastlines. Surf the waves in Tamarindo, hike the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, and explore caves in Barra Honda National Park. Zip-line through the lush canopies of the Monteverde Cloud Forest or white-water raft on the rapids of the Pacuare River.For those who love the water, Costa Rica’s beautiful coastlines provide opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and even kayaking through eerie mangroves. In Costa Rica, adrenaline junkies will find no shortage of activities to get their heart’s pumping.
Where to Stay:
- Under Canvas, Moab, Utah
- ION Adventure Hotel, Iceland
- Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica
Foodie Escapes
For a girls’ trip where food and wine are the stars, there are destinations near and far that promise an incredible culinary journey, offering everything from private vineyard tours to bustling food markets and Michelin-starred dining experiences. Bond with your BFFs over food and wine in some of the world’s most beautiful settings. Whether seeking robust Italian sauces in Tuscany or umami delights in Tokyo, there’s nothing like sharing stories over great food and wine with your favorite peeps.
Napa Valley, California: A foodie’s playground, Napa Valley, California isn’t just about world-class wines—it’s a feast for taste buds, too. Napa has endless dining options—from roadside clam shacks to multi-course farm-to-table dining experiences. Whether pairing pinots with perfectly seared duck or nibbling on truffle-laced treats at a vineyard picnic, Napa Valley has inspired culinary delights for your hungry gaggle of girls.
Tuscany, Italy: Celebrated not only for its rolling hills and historic cities but also for its rich culinary traditions—Tuscany is the ultimate destination for a foodie girls’ trip. Explore the cobbled streets of Cortona and Montepulciano, indulge in mid-day wine tastings, and savor the region’s iconic dishes. From hearty soups like ribollita to the famous wines of Chianti, Tuscan cuisine revolves around local produce, olive oil, and rustic bread. There’s no place like under the Tuscan sun to create new memories with your best friends.
Tokyo, Japan: Japanese cuisine knows no bounds. From teppanyaki to tonkatsu, soba to sushi, and onigiri to okonomiyaki, Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise. The city’s vibrant food scene blends traditional flavors and innovative creations, with every narrow back street revealing a hidden restaurant or bar. Whether your group wants fresh sashimi from Tsukiji, Tokyo’s famous fish market, or to take part in the refined art of kaiseki dining, Tokyo’s culinary landscape is a feast for all of your senses.
Where to Stay:
- Stanly Ranch, An Auberge Property, Napa, California
- Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy
- Grand Hyatt, Tokyo, Japan
Spa-Bound
A destination spa is perhaps the most indulgent way for you and your friends to get away from it all. There’s no shame in admitting we want to be pampered for a few days every so often. We deserve it. A spa retreat allows us to recharge and regroup. When we take care of our minds and bodies, we’re bound to return home as better parents, better partners, and better friends. If wellness and self-care are the only items on your agenda, there are dozens of places to choose. Here are some of our faves.
Sedona, Arizona: Known for its healing vortexes, spa experiences, yoga retreats, and enormous red rocks, Sedona is an easy choice for a wellness-based girls’ trip. The crisp, fresh air and desert landscape dotted with ancient saguaro cacti feels otherworldly. Sedona’s landscape offers a serene backdrop for meditation and mindfulness with a large dose of natural beauty.
Beyond the spiritual, Sedona’s hiking trails provide another way to become immersed in nature, with breathtaking views that nourish both body and soul. However, no judgment if sitting by the pool with the latest Kristin Hannah novel is as active as you’d like to get. Sedona is a sanctuary for anyone seeking rejuvenation and a break from life’s everyday hustle.
Hudson Valley, New York: Just 90 minutes from New York City, the Hudson Valley is having a moment. Wellness properties seem to pop up weekly in this scenic area of the northeast, offering everything you need to unwind and relax with your closest friends. Think about mornings filled with yoga sessions and meditation overlooking the scenic Hudson River. Imagine afternoons filled with face masks and clay body wraps.
Beyond the spa menu, the Hudson Valley’s food scene is not to be overlooked. Produce and meat from local farms and freshly baked pastries and bread from area markets means no one in your group will go home hungry. Add in bucolic rolling hills and farm stands, and there you have it—an unforgettable destination for a wellness escape.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: A girls’ trip to Cabo San Lucas seamlessly blends authentic Mexican culture and indulgent relaxation. Begin the day with traditional healing rituals inspired by the wisdom of ancient Mexican practices, like a Temazcal steam ceremony guided by a local shaman. Designed to cleanse both body and soul, it’s an experience nothing short of divine.
Spa treatments in Cabo draw on the region’s natural ingredients—cactus-infused facials, agave body wraps, and scrubs made from Baja Peninsula sea salts. Between pampering sessions, savor fresh, grilled fish and hand-made corn tortillas—served tableside with views of the Sea of Cortez sparkling in the distance.
Where to Stay:
- Mii Amo, Sedona, Arizona
- Wildflower Farms, Hudson Valley, New York
- Montage, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas
Jailbreak
My group of college girlfriends started our annual girls’ trip about 15 years ago. We named our escape “Jailbreak.” And while I’d be lying if I said we didn’t sometimes vent about our partners and kids, that’s not what Jailbreak is about. It’s about laughing. And crying. It’s about laughing until we’re crying. It’s about retelling the same stories over and over again and enjoying them as if it’s the first time we’ve heard them. It’s about us. Period.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if your girls’ trip takes you to another continent, another country, or another county. Spending time with those who know and understand you is the best self-care strategy of all. So, where are you and your BFFs off to next? Grab a calendar and start planning. As always, CIRE is waiting on standby.
Jamie Edwards is an avid traveler, travel writer, and photographer. After 25 years of living and traveling around the globe, she launched I am Lost and Found, her adventure/luxury travel website. Jamie’s goal is simple: to inspire travel.
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.
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