I like to think of a girls trip like a little recharge button. The trips I’ve gotten to take with my girlfriends have been so good for my soul! I cannot recommend getting away with the girls enough, even if it’s only for a night. In this post you’ll find ideas about planning the perfect trip, activities, destinations, and more!
Steps for Planning the Perfect Girls Trip
Choose Your Destination – This is the part that I love! It’s so fun to find out where your girlfriends want to explore and to bounce ideas back and forth. Plus, you can use trip planning as an excuse to get together for brunch or a girls night. Start with the destination, then it will be easier to figure out the rest!
Pick a Date – Often times, planning a girls trip can be tough! With so many different work schedules, kid schedules, etc. it can be hard to find the time. I suggest choosing your dates after deciding on the destination. My girlfriends and I usually go for a long weekend. But if you’re a mom, you know that there are so many moving pieces that follow. Do you have childcare while you’re gone? Do your kids have events that they will need to get to? Can you take the time off work? This is always the hardest part, so get that out of the way quick!
Budget – Next, set a budget, respect where everyone is financially, and stick to it! This doesn’t mean you have to share your financials with your girlfriends, but be mindful that everyone might not be in the same position as you. Don’t feel bad to speak up if you just simply can’t afford what others are suggesting. There are so many budget friendly options out there!
Think About the Activities – Once you have picked your dates and set the budget, then it’s time for the fun part! Create a wish list of activities that you would like to do at your chosen destination. My girlfriends and I usually always have something outdoorsy, some kind of pampering, and something relaxing on our lists. And these ideas might change, based on the time of year you’re able to travel together. Be open minded and brave enough to try out some new activities that might not be on your list.
Girls Trip Activities:
- Spa treatments & pampering
- Get outdoors and take a hike
- Hit up a beauty bar for a makeover
- Go wine tasting
- Go for a bike ride
- Relax on the beach
- Take a road trip
- Explore a new city
- Go dancing or sing karaoke
- Watch a sunrise or sunset
- Visit a quaint town
- Take a yoga class
- See a show or concert
- Go on a ghost tour
- Have a quiet wine & movie night
- Go to a fancy restaurant
Designate a Leader – If someone in your group has more of a take charge personality, designate them as the group leader! We all need someone to keep us on track with our schedule and reservations, especially when we get together with our best friends!
5 Epic Destinations for Your Next Girls Trip
These are some of the girls trip destinations I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of! I can’t recommend these locations enough!
Estes Park, Colorado
My most recent girls trip was to Estes Park this past October. It was such a wonderful fall weekend, spent hiking in the mountains during the day and relaxing in the evenings! I will always suggest traveling to the mountains when you need a little reset.
Estes Park Highlights:
- The Stanley Hotel
- The Shining Ghost Tour
- Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mimosas & brunch at MollyB’s
- Spa Day at the hotel
- Downtown Estes Park
- Margaritas & Mexican food at Casa Grande
Click here for my full Colorado Girls Trip guide!
Snowbird, Utah
One of my most memorable girls trips was to Snowbird, Utah. My best friend and I did some intense hiking, but also made time to relax at the spa and take a yoga class. But, what I enjoyed the absolute most was the day we ordered room service for every single meal and watched true crime documentaries the whole day!
Snowbird Highlights:
- The Cliff Lodge
- Sunrise hike to Cecret Lake
- Renting a mustang convertible
- Exploring Gloria Falls
- Being there for the first snowfall of the season
- Spa day
- Hot tubbing
- Relaxing at the lodge
- Spending a day exploring Salt Lake City
Click here for my full Utah Girls Trip guide!
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is always a good time, especially so when you’re with your girls! There are so many different options to explore when you’re visiting this city. But my favorite activity is probably eating, the more fresh seafood the better!
San Francisco Highlights:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Lands End Hike
- Pier 39
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- China Town
- Baker Beach
- Golden Gate Park
- Delores Park
Chicago, Illinois
My first ever trip to Chicago was several years ago on a girls trip! I didn’t really know what to expect here, but we ended up having an absolute blast! I tried some new foods that I wouldn’t normally pick, took in all the sights, danced the night away, and have returned to Chicago several times since. It’s a really great girls trip option, there are so many things to do and see! Late spring, early summer is a wonderful time to visit, the city is bursting with flowers!
Chicago Highlights:
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- The Navy Pier
- Millennium Park
- Skydeck Chicago – Willis Tower
- Wrigley Field
- JoJo’s Shake Bar
- Portillo’s
New Buffalo, Michigan
Fall in Michigan is breathtaking! This Texas girl was thrilled to see what fall is actually like in other parts of the country! I can still envision walking along the quaint waterfront towns and wanting nothing more than to move there. Even though it was a quick weekend getaway, it was so memorable. Grab your girlfriends and your cutest sweaters and booties and make the trip this fall!
New Buffalo Highlights:
- Marina Grand Resort
- Dinner at the Stray Dog
- Lake Michigan road trip
- Day trip to St. Joseph Lighthouse
- Day trip to Saugatuck
- Mt. Baldhead Park
- Lunch at Wicks Park Bar & Grill
Click here for my full Michigan Girls Trip guide!
Destinations and Activities on My Girls Trip Bucket List
- California Wine Weekend
- Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
- Spa Weekend in Aspen
- Waterfall Hiking in Oregon
- Explore Savannah, Georgia
More Tips for an Unforgettable Girls Trip
- Don’t try to pack too many activities into one trip.
- Rent a cool car, I suggest a convertible!
- Use the Splitwise app to split the cost of the trip/activities.
- Don’t spend the whole time talking about your kids or your job or your hubby!
- It’s perfectly okay to order room service for every meal & watch true crime tv all day!
- Plan a Staycation in your nearest city if you’re on a budget and tight schedule!
Just remember, it’s not always about the destination, but rather the people that you’re with! Chances are, no matter where you end up, you’re going to have an amazing time with your best girlfriends! I do hope that you find this information helpful. I’d love to hear your favorite girls trip destinations and activities, so leave me a comment. Happy travels, my friends!
Road Trip Queen 