Family vacations are fun, and a romantic getaway can be sweet, but for laughter and bonding, there’s nothing like a trip with your best girlfriends!
Girls’ weekend, bachelorette party, sisters’ getaway – whatever you want to call them, they’re all great reasons to head out of town with your girls. And sure, you’ll have fun with your best friends anywhere. But some cities are just perfect for a “girls only” trip.
So call your girls and pack your bags, because these are our top travel destinations for women.
Albufeira, Portugal
With its mix of European charm and relaxed beach vibes, Albufeira is the more affordable cousin to the Italian and Spanish coasts. It’s a lively and exciting beach resort town, with a warm sunny climate and beautiful waters. If you and your friends want a break from the ocean, you can stroll through Albufeira’s quaint Old Town, where the historic streets are lined with restaurants, shops and bars. Looking for more nightlife? Head over to “The Strip” at the nearby New Town. If you’re looking for the perfect hotel in Albufeira, look no further than Hotel Baltum, located right in the middle of Old Town and just minutes from the popular Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach).
Austin, Texas
One of the most vibrant cities in the Lone Star State, Austin is known for its lively downtown. Al fresco dining and a lively nightlife make it the perfect destination for female fun. Possibly Austin’s most famous dining experience is Franklin’s Barbecue, which advertises as “the best barbecue in the known universe.” The wait is so long that visitors have turned waiting for a table into a pre-game, bringing lawn chairs, drinks, and games. Austin also has a fantastic gallery scene – check out Art on 5th while you’re there.
Barcelona, Spain
This chic and cosmopolitan Spanish city is the perfect blend of city sites and beachside fun. Stay at the Hotel Arts and you’ll be right at the harbor, in the midst of all the fun – shopping, nightlife, and restaurants. Plus, their adults-only infinity pool, overlooking the ocean, is the perfect place to relax. When you want to play tourist, the wide, tree-lined Las Ramblas offers plenty of window-shopping. Barcelona is well-known for its architecture – the stunning Sagrada Familia cathedral, designed by Gaudi, is a must-see. And when it comes to dining, the Spanish cuisine in Barcelona is top-notch. Paella, calamari, and tapas are all a delicious end to a day of sightseeing in Barca.
Dublin, Ireland
The enchanting land of the fairies is the perfect locale for a fun-filled girls’ trip that includes plenty of opportunities for gorgeous nature selfies. The city is rich with culture and history, and locals are known for being friendly and welcoming. Ireland is, of course, known for its pubs, and Dublin is no exception. Even if you and your crew aren’t big drinkers, be sure to snap a pic at Temple Bar, the Emerald Isle’s iconic 14th century pub. If you like history, take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral, the first building in Dublin (built in 1030). In the evenings, get ready to dance: local musicians regularly set up impromptu shows at restaurants and pubs all over Dublin.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The beautiful Adriatic seasides of Croatia are ideal if you and your friends want a girls’ trip to the European beaches, but need to stick to a budget. Croatia is known for its locally produced foods, so be prepared to indulge in fresh seafood, honey, and olive oil. The ancient walls surrounding the city date back to the 7th century; walking the walls is one of the most popular tourist activities. And if you and your girlfriends were big Game of Thrones fans – Dubrovnik was used as the setting for King’s Landing. You can even book a tour of some of the most famous sites from the show!
Huntington Beach, California
Enjoy the beach vibe with a girls’ trip to sunny, laid back Cali. Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City, is wave rider’s paradise. If you’ve never surfed before, your crew can book a lesson with HB Surf School. If surfing’s not your group’s thing, there are also daily yoga classes right on the sand. When you’re done playing in the water, you can stroll around the shops or dine at one of Huntington’s delish waterfront restaurants. If you prefer the pool, Huntington’s luxurious resorts offer private cabanas where you and your friends can share a rosé in the shade.
Miami, Florida
The U.S.’s southernmost hot spot is perfect for an extravagantly fun girls weekend! The golden sand beaches, with their turquoise waters and people-watching, are one of the main attractions. But Miami is more than just a beach town. Stroll down Ocean Drive and pick a table at one of the many al fresco restaurants – they’re all delicious! Do some shopping at the swanky Bal Harbour shops, just a 15 minute drive up palm-lined Collins Ave.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Also known as NOLA or The Big Easy, New Orleans has all the ingredients for the perfect girls’ trip. The charming French Quarter is full of sightseeing spots such as music-filled Jackson Square and the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral. The food is sensational, with its unique blend of Cajun, Creole, and French influences. Need a quick snack? You’ll want to make a stop at Cafe du Monde for one of their famous beignets! And when the sun sets, don’t forget: Pat O’Brien invented the Hurricane right in New Orleans. And as for accommodations, nothing says “girls’ weekend!” quite like having an Art Deco hotel such as the iconic Raleigh for your homebase.
Rome, Italy
There are so many spectacular cities in Italy that it’s almost impossible to pick just one for a girls’ trip. Luckily, the Italian rail system can take you pretty much anywhere in the country you can think of. That said, the capital has everything you and your best girls would want from a vacation. Charming cafes dot the cobblestoned streets, and a gelato will keep you cool while you play tourist. Cathedrals and museums, including the Vatican Museums, are filled with stunning artwork. And the sightseeing is legendary, with insta-worthy spots such as the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain vying for your attention. Stay at a centrally located hotel such as the Aleph Rome, with its rooftop pool and Colosseum views, so you can walk all over the city.
