Ultimate Girls Getaway Destinations

One of the keys to choosing a fantastic girls getaway destination for you and your friends is discussing your individual expectations for your vacation. Is this trip about relaxing and spending some time together? Or are you hoping to pack in as much sightseeing and local culture as possible? Of course, the right destination for each group of friends depends on your unique interests, but these are a few examples of destinations that are diverse enough to satisfy all kinds of girls getaway destinations

Chi-town

Photo by Sam Howzit

Chicago doesn’t strike me as a typical girl’s getaway destination, and that’s part of what I like about it. For me, the ideal vacation with friends involves a little bit of glamour and excitement, but also a chance to just hang out together and enjoy being free of responsibilities. I think Chicago offers a good balance of activities and attractions to meet both of these desires. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants where you can splurge on a really amazing meal, but just as many low-key eateries where you can soak-up Chicago culture through deep-dish pizzas and Chicago-style hot dogs.

Photo by Death to Stock Photo

The Magnificent Mile offers the usual upscale stores you’d expect to find in a famous shopping area, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co, but it’s also home to more accessible stores like Forever 21 and H&M. At night, you’ll have no problem finding a club to get dressed up for, but if you just feel like chatting casually over a few drinks, there are countless live music venues where you can relax without the pressure to put on high heels.

There are also plenty of great hotels to call your own, from the Four Seasons Chicago to the JW Marriott Chicago and of course the beautiful Peninsula Chicago. Plus, Chicago definitely has you covered in terms of museums, architecture, theater and other cultural attractions making it a perfect girls getaway destinations

N’aw-lins

Photo by Phillip Kalantzis Cope

New Orleans is the perfect city for a girls getaway weekend because it has that something-for-everyone factor. One friend in your group loves to shop? You’ll find cool boutiques and art galleries on Magazine Street, brand names and air-conditioning in The Shops at Canal Place, and everything from paintings to jewelry at the historic French Market.

Photo by queenkv

If you have some serious foodies to satisfy, New Orleans has a distinct and incredible food scene thanks to its unique heritage, with hearty gumbos, baked Oysters Rockefeller, and simple yet satisfying red beans and rice. Need a little culture to round out your trip? Check out the charming architecture in the French Quarter or the stately plantation homes. For an equally charming place to stay, don’t miss the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

I’m not usually a huge partier, but even I like to experience the nightlife when I’m traveling with my friends. Most people know New Orleans’ most famous festival, Mardi Gras, but this city seems to love any excuse to celebrate. There are dozens of smaller festivals throughout the year, as well as plenty of live music and strong drinks to enjoy on any old night.

Vegas, baby!

Photo by Pedro Szekely

Las Vegas almost certainly isn’t going to be a girls getaway destination that enriches you with its arts and culture scene, but it does fulfill what I think is the universal goal of all travelers: It whisks you away from everyday stresses and worries. It’s impossible to be serious when you’re surrounded by tacky shows and kitschy casinos.

Photo by LaserGuided

Aside from the shows, which range from mind-blowing performances like Cirque du Soleil to the comedic gem that is Chippendales, Las Vegas holds its own in terms of dining (provided that you mostly avoid hotel buffets). While they’re admittedly cheesy, I actually found it surprisingly interesting to wander inside this city’s enormous casinos to see how they present their various themes, whether it’s the gondolas bobbing along the canal that runs through the Venetian; or the replicas of the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty at New York-New York.

Photo by Jonathan Kos-Read

Shopping at the outlet malls is excellent both for bargain hunters and fashionistas, and even if you’re not planning to gamble or party, the Strip radiates a pretty infectious energy at night.

Where would you go with your friends?

Best Places To Escape To With Your Girls