When was the last time you went on vacation? And no, that overnight to your daughter’s all-state soccer competition definitely does not count! We’re talking vacation-vacation: a luxurious hotel room, reservations at world-class restaurants, tourist traps and off-the-beaten-path attractions alike, getting away from it all, reconnecting with your BFFs over a delicious chardonnay, and letting hubby handle all the day-to-day hassles of ordinary life.
Has it been a while? It’s time to call up your girlfriends, start looking into last minute travel deals, and pack your swimsuit. Here’s our list of the top five destinations for an unforgettable girls’ trip to save your sanity!
Las Vegas
If you and your gal pals are into glamour, glitz, and the good life, then look no further than good ol’ Las Vegas for your next getaway. You don’t have to be a gambler to enjoy the high-roller lifestyle here, either. There’s plenty of other activities to keep you entertained: incredible restaurants, including bountiful buffets that have to be seen to be believed, A-list acts including musicians, magicians, acrobats, burlesque, comedians, dance troupes, and plenty of performers, like Blue Man Group and Absinthe, that defy categorization.
Would you rather get up on your feet than sit still and watch a stage? No problem! Tour the Titanic artifact exhibition or the Mob Museum, go go-karting or zip-lining, dance the night away, or take a walking tour of the strip. There’s truly something for everyone in Vegas, which means that you and your besties can go your separate ways during the day, then reunite for cocktails and swap stories!
Orlando
You might think of Orlando — home to Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot Center, and LEGOLAND — as an ideal vacation destination for families. And it is just that — but it’s also so much more.
Swim with dolphins, encounter playful otters, and feed tropical birds at Discovery Cove, of one Orlando’s best-kept secrets. Indulge your inner Hermione at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Stroll the boardwalk or soar high above the city in a hot air balloon.
EDM fans can dance the night away at one of Orlando’s world-class nightclubs, or if you’d rather indulge in delicious adult beverages and get lost in some girl talk, head to Wall Street Market or Universal CityWalk.
Another benefit to Orlando is that it’s centrally located, so side trips to Kennedy Space Center, the Everglades, St. Augustine, and Miami are well within the realm of possibility.
Cocoa Beach
Plenty of people would rather skip the lines, the crowds, the crying children, and the overpriced souvenirs altogether, however; if you count yourself among their number, why not give Cocoa Beach a try?
This is a perfect destination for a group of girlfriends who are constantly on the go in their ordinary life, and who just want to get away from it all, kick back and relax.
By day, don your bikinis and head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the area to soak up some sun and salt air. There are also many opportunities to enjoy the picture-perfect Florida weather while getting your workout on: stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, or rollerblading are just a few of the options.
When (if?) you get bored of watching the waves and feeling the sun on your shoulders, visit the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Museum, Manatee Sanctuary Park, or the Cocoa Beach Pier.
Miami
Miami is well-known the world over as a playground for the rich and famous, but that doesn’t mean the hoi polloi can’t enjoy this cosmopolitan city, too! In addition to the iconic Miami Beach and South Beach, as well as the famous nightlife, there are loads of attractions to keep you and your besties busy.
Plan a stroll down Calle Ocho in Little Havana to soak in the Cuban culture, and be sure to stop for a mojito or a media noche. One area that’s a must-see for architectural and design fans is the Art Deco District, which will transport you to the glamorous early-20th century era with its sleek lines, neon signs, and gleaming chrome.
New York
Whether you’ve visited New York city a hundred times, or this is your first excursion to the Big Apple, this is hands down one of the best destinations for a girls’ vacation.
Why? Broadway. Dozens of museums, offering everything from fine art to a glimpse of tenement life. F.A.O. Schwartz. Momofuku Milk Bar. Central Park. Ellis Island. Rockefeller Center. Tapings of your favorite television shows. Street-vendor pretzels. Opportunities galore to shop ‘til you drop, taste exotic cuisine, spot celebrities on the street, and otherwise experience the city that never sleeps.
Bon Voyage!
What’s your dream vacation destination? Would you rather immerse yourself in the exciting hustle-and-bustle of a major metropolis, or veg out on the beach and enjoy the sand between your toes? Have you taken any unforgettable girls’ trips with your BFFs? Let us know in the comments!