Schools out, your girls are coming home from college for the summer, and you’re finally taking a much-needed vacation from work. Now is the perfect time to relax with your girl friends because, let’s face it, we all need a girls trip from time to time.
I take a girls trip at least once a year to bond with old friends and make new ones. It’s quite empowering being around a diverse group of women from various work fields and backgrounds, with varying personalities. We laugh, share experiences, and create lasting moments to look back on. Whether you’re looking for close destinations, exclusive beaches, somewhere with a plethora of food options, or just looking to unwind, here are the best locations for a girls trip.
Atlanta
This historic city is home to a variety of fun-filled, culturally conscious people and events. On any given day, you’ll find an art show, live musicals or concerts at Fox Theatre and outside concerts at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Atlanta.
Austin, TX
Austin has the 3 B’s: BBQ, brunch, and boat rides along the Colorado River. The city is home to trendy shopping spots, chic restaurants, and exciting nightlife. You can also check out their art scene on 5th Street and surrounding areas.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the perfect destination for those wanting an adventurous getaway with their girls. You can chill with monkeys, zip line over waterfalls and learn how to surf with Witch’s Rock Surf Camp.
Paris
Paris used to be a place for lovers and it’s still somewhat of a romantic city, however, with your girls, it doesn’t have to be. Go on a shopping spree, grab some pastries and get dolled up and head to the Eiffel Tower for an Instagram-worthy pic of you and your friends.
Miami
Miami is probably my second favorite city in the country. There are endless parties and events. Miami is known for its popping nightlife and beautifully curated art murals all over the city. Any group larger than five will definitely get noticed on South Beach. It’s also the perfect place to catch a celebrity sighting. Reality star Safaree caused roadblocks last time he was on South Beach signing autographs and taking photos.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Grand Palladium Hotel is your one-stop shop, all-inclusive resort with great food and onsight clubs for the ladies who don’t want to leave the hotel to find fun things to get into. There’s also easy access to water excursions like the Dunn’s River Falls waterfall and Blue Lagoon beach.
Here’s a tip: the food is still great late night, made in any style.
Napa Valley, California
There’s nothing like sipping great wine with your girlies. Napa Valley is the perfect place for a girls trip. Explore wineries in Carneros and Calistoga, go on a Getaway Adventures bike tour, or fly in a hot air balloon for a breathtaking view of San Francisco.
Nashville, TN
Don’t be fooled by the country music and cowboy boots. Nashville knows how to have fun! Nashville Shores is a popular water park that gets pretty packed, especially during the summer. I still go once a year, since it’s the closest thing to an amusement park with rides, funnel cake and other amusement park favorites.
New Orleans
It’s NOLA, baby! Now I can’t promise your experience will be like the movie Girls Trip but imagine 13+ ladies performing Beyoncé’s #beforeiletgochallenge at a day party in denim and white. It got pretty lit, especially with the DJ cheering us on and others joining in. We messed up but we also had fun living in the moment.
New York
In the Big Apple, the fun is endless, especially for a girls trip. Turn heads walking around Times Square, go on a shopping spree, or dine at the cutest restaurant in Astoria, Blend Astoria, right off the water.
Savannah, GA
Savannah is for romantics, but also spa lovers. The Savannah Day Spa offers regular deals and specials on facials, massages and other relaxing services. Selective about your salt scrubs? Create your own at the Salacia Salts workshop.
Toronto
Oprah Magazine listed Toronto as a popular city for a girls trip. It’s a short flight from the east coast and a few hours drive from New York. Stop by one of Drake’s favorite restaurants or hit di road during Caribana.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is a city dedicated to authenticity: authentic food, authentic music, and authentic Dominican culture. The night tour encompasses all 3; a local gastronomy party, a contemporary/merengue dance show, and food from one of the most authentic restaurants in the city.