Emanuele Scorcelletti

Is there any vacation that’s more exciting to look forward to than a girls trip? No significant others, no kids, just your (chosen) family. But we know finding the perfect girls-trip destination is easier said than done: Do you want the hustle and bustle of New York City? Or is the vibe more to totally unplug (babymoon style) somewhere sunny? Are your friends wanting to stay put in America for a quick weekend getaway, or are they game for international jaunts to Mexico or Europe?

We’ve helped narrow it down for you, with a comprehensive list of trip ideas that feature some of our favorite spots from around the globe (and hotels we've stayed in). Read on for where to go for the best girls trips.

Nashville

Some of the best food in the South, live music everywhere you turn, and lots and lots of whiskey: What’s not to love about the capital of Tennessee? Spend your mornings brunching at spots like Henrietta Red or the rooftop at White Limozeen, and your nights exploring why they call this town Music City. Catch songwriter shows at The Bluebird Cafe and 3rd and Lindsley, or the bigger names at Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. For a destination in its own right, stay at the Virgin Hotel which not only has a great rooftop pool scene which offers an oasis away from Broadway, but it also has one of the chicest lobby / coffee areas with tons of books and games on offer if your liver needs a break, and genuinely one of the coolest bars we've been to, the Late Great. If Anthropologie and Ralph Lauren gave birth to a music-themed speakeasy, this would be it. Come for a tasty cocktail, stay for Sofar Sounds: Hear This!, a monthly music series featuring emerging artists. For something smaller, we also the adore Bobby Hotel in downtown Nashville, and if low-key Southern is more your speed, we also recommend a road trip to The Harpeth Hotel in nearby and charming Franklin.

New Orleans

We probably don’t need to sell you too hard on the Big Easy: It’s been top of the list for girls trips probably since the city was founded in the 18th century. It’s a place that’s both rich in history and nightlife, which is why we love tours like Drink and Learn, where you can stroll some of New Orleans’s most famed streets with a cocktail in hand. And when you’ve had your fill of beignets, jazz, and vintage shopping on Magazine Street, you can stay at The Eliza Jane, a charming boutique hotel located ideally between the French Quarter and Arts District. The literary buffs in your crew will love that it's the former home of the The Daily Picayune and named for Eliza Jane Nicholson, the first woman publisher of any major newspaper, who worked there in the 19th century (how's that for on theme for a girls trip?). It offers the perfect respite from any Bourbon Street antics, with a lovely outdoor oasis where you can all unwind (seriously, you'll think you're in another city). With 50 stylish suites, a chic restaurant, and a bar with live music, there's more than enough space for your pals to enjoy, even if they don't want to leave the property.

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Asheville, North Carolina

Courtesy of The Radical

If you and the best friends have already conquered the Southern cities of Nashville and Austin, may we suggest a long weekend trip to this charming spot in western North Carolina? Known for its high concentration of stellar restaurants and breweries, a lively arts community, and easy access to outdoor adventures (hello, Blue Ridge Parkway), a girls trip here can be as laid-back or packed to the gills as you wish. We recommend staying in the buzzy River Arts District (RAD), at the brand-new hotel The Radical. Its rooftop is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset while sipping on some fantastic cocktails.

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Barcelona

Courtesy of Almanac Barcelona

This may not be the spot to travel to if you’re looking for a 9 p.m. bedtime, but if you’re ready for late-night dinners, bar-hopping until the early-morning hours, and days spent on the beach or taking in jaw-droppingly cool architecture, then the Spanish city of Barcelona is calling your name. Book rooms for you and the gal pals at the chic Almanac Barcelona. Not only does the hotel’s year-round rooftop bar Azimuth have stunning 360-degree views of the city, but the staff can also arrange for fun group activities like guided tapas tours.

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Bermuda

Courtesy of brand The Loren

With a flight time of less than three hours from many East Coast destinations, the sunny and chic island of Bermuda is one of our favorite picks for a quick girls trip. And since the island is north of the Caribbean, there’s no rainy season, making it an appealing pick for typical shoulder-season months. The beaches here are probably the biggest draw, and for good reason: They’re actually pink-sanded and the water is impossibly clear. Snag rooms for your party at The Loren: We love this beachfront property’s Sisley Spa and open-air meals at The Pink Beach Club.

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Norwegian Cruise

norwegian aqua pool deck

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

If you're traveling with some indecisive besties, or simply find trip planning a bit tiring (same), then a cruise might just be your best bet, and the Norwegian Aqua, the newest in Norwegian's fleet, is one of our fresh faves. Choose from four or seven night itineraries from Miami, New York, and Port Canaveral to fab destinations like Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and the Virgin Islands. You can spend the day soaking in the adults-only infinity pool, take a thrill ride in the first-ever slide-coaster, activate your competitive streak in the arcade or on the glow-in-the-dark pickleball court that turns into a dance floor, and enjoy the Prince-themed show at night. The best part might just be the bath house at the spa though, where you can while away the hours relaxing. Oh, and a fun curio for the Modern Family fans in the crew? Eric Stonestreet is the ship's godfather. Like your girls trip with a side of alone time? “It’s great for groups. Everyone can go do what they want during the day and meet back at dinner,” he told Glamour, adding that the Thai restaurant is a must. (We happen to agree.)

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New York City

Views from Mandarin Oriental NYC

Shawn Talbot Photography

The City That Never Sleeps is a good match for any girls vacation when you plan, well, staying out late. If your crew loves to cocktail, some of our favorite spots that you won't find anywhere else are Shinjis, which has some of the most inventive tipples we've ever seen (and by seen, we mean you actually get a show) and the newly opened No. 79 Bar & Terrace on the Lower East Side. But aside from NYC’s bar scene, this is also paradise for anyone who loves boutique or vintage shopping (check out Printemps!) and really good meals. Make time to explore charming downtown Manhattan neighborhoods like the West Village, and cross the river to check out top spots in Brooklyn, like Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and DUMBO. Planning to take in some Broadway?Consider the ideally-located five-star hotel Mandarin Oriental. Situated high above Central Park, it has a world class spa, and impeccable service. While it's a splurge, if you book through Luxury Escapes, you'll get a discounted rate and free breakfast (considering how much brunch cost these days, that's a pretty good perk).

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Monaco

Karl Lagerfeld Pool at Odyssey-Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo

Emanuele Scorcelletti

You and the gals can live like Grace Kelly (cue: Mika), no yacht required. Monaco delivers the full royal fantasy. The ultra-glam principality on the French Riviera is famously luxe, but it’s also walkable, with cliffside views, a glittering harbor, and more than a few places to dance until dawn. Stay at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, where the pool was designed by Karl Lagerfeld and looks like something out of a modern myth (literally, it's inspired by The Odyssey). Also renowned for it's spa by Guerlain, everything here, including the elegant (yet approachable) interiors are well-considered. You'll truly feel like a modern princess.

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Buenos Aires

A strong dollar against the Argentine peso makes this South American capital an especially savvy trip idea for you and your best friends. But even without the financial incentive, there are few cities in the world that offer the same jubilant mix of beautiful neighborhoods, innovative food and drink, and storied history as this one. Treat yourself and your friends to a stay at Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, a hotel housed inside a landmarked palace that’s surrounded by a gorgeous garden. And make sure to leave time to check out the on-site Ahin Wellness Spa: You’ll need it after a night of tango.

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The Berkshires

Unplugging more your speed? Then we recommend a rejuvenating girls weekend getaway to the Berkshires, a bucolic and beautiful part of Western Massachusetts. While you can certainly day-trip to the area’s many charming small towns (Great Barrington, North Adams, and Stockbridge, to start), make lively Lenox your home base. Reserve rooms at the über-chic Life House Berkshires, where communal spaces include a cozy library lounge, wood-paneled cocktail bar, and gorgeous hiking trails all minutes from the lobby.

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Costa Rica

If your pals are adrenaline junkies, there may be no better place on earth to get your heart thumping than the outdoor playground that is Costa Rica. From otherworldly hikes in cloud forests to riding the waves in Tamarindo to sky-high zip-lining, this Central American country is perfect for an adventurous girls trip. But at the end of the day, you can still relax in style: Snag a reservation at the adults-only Hotel Three Sixty. The 12-villa property is ideal for large groups and we love its secluded location inside a 58-acre rainforest reserve.

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Denver

Colorado’s capital is one of our favorite cities in the West because, depending on what season you visit, it’s like hanging out in an entirely new town. Come with friends in the winter, and you should obviously take advantage of the city’s proximity to the many ski mountains. But in the warmer months, you can enjoy everything from white-water rafting to cycling to rock climbing. In the evenings, relax at one of Denver’s famed breweries before tucking in for the night at the playful Curtis Hotel, which has themed roomsand unique packages. Pro tip: You’re definitely going to want to reserve the Barbie suite for you and the girls.

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Dominican Republic

With direct flights from most major East Coast and many Midwestern cities, this tropical paradise wins bonus points for how easy it is to get to. And of course, once you arrive, the pristine beaches and 18 national parks will make leaving the island a tall order. We recommend staying in Punta Cana, at the easternmost tip of the country. The beaches here are especially stunning, and the airport is less than 20 minutes away. Our favorite property for a ladies-only vacation? The high-touch boutique hotel Eden Roc Cap Cana, where many suites boast their own private pool, and the delicious food is some of the best in the Caribbean.

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Edinburgh

This Scottish capital packs a punch in a small package. A girls getaway here could encompass a climb to Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano with beautiful views of the city, golf, and a stroll through the postcard-perfect Water of Leith Walkway. But leave your nights open for experiencing the city’s nightlife (especially the whiskey scene). Snag splurge rooms at The Balmoral, one of the city’s most famous properties, and make sure you leave time in the itinerary to check out its famed afternoon tea and the killer spa, which has both a Turkish steam room and a Finnish sauna. Plus, there's nothing cuter than Highland cows.

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Helsinki

There’s a reason Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world for many years running: You feel healthier as soon as you land in the Helsinki airport. What makes this European city great for a bachelorette party or girls trip? Aside from the friendly Finns: the underrated yet spectacular restaurant scene that’s fit for foodies; epic boutique shopping; and where else can you hang out all afternoon sipping on Finnish Long Drink and alternating between sauna sweats and ice-cold dips in the river? Make sure to book a stay at the brand-new Hotel Maria, which opens this December. It features a tightly curated on-site boutique, spa suites with their own saunas, and craft cocktails with live piano music at Bar Maria.

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Hudson Valley, New York

Just a few hours’ road trip from New York City and Boston is this stretch of bucolic farmland and picture-perfect hamlets, ideal for a weekend filled with farm-to-table eats, mountain hikes, and nights around a bonfire. One of the most popular resorts for a girls getaway in the Hudson Valley is the newish Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection. Here activities range from requisite hiking and fitness classes but also encompass much more unique offerings, like focaccia-making workshops, sound baths, and daily feeding of the on-property chickens.

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Island of Hawaii

Close your eyes and picture your perfect island vacation: Is there any chance it wasn’t Hawaii? And while all of the islands offer their own unique, compelling reasons for visiting, we’ve been lately drawn most to the Big Island, known as the “island of adventure.” A trip here can include everything from swimming with manta rays, lying on black-sand beaches, and getting up close and personal with active volcanoes. Make Four Seasons Resort Hualalai your home base: Unique experiences to share with your besties include a jaw-dropping swimmable aquarium, paddling in an outrigger canoe, and traditional lomi-lomi massages at the dreamy spa.

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Lisbon

At eightish hours from most East Coast cities, a long weekend trip to Lisbon isn’t as crazy as you might think. And once you’re on the ground, the pedestrian-friendly capital is quite easy to explore even if you’re short on time. Spend your days wandering trendy neighborhoods like Bairro Alto, Príncipe Real, and Cais do Sodré, and your nights feasting on seafood and shellfish, before toasting with the sour-cherry liqueur ginjinha. Post up at NAU Palacio do Governador, a boutique hotel with multiple heated swimming pools, charming rooms with barrel-vaulted ceilings, and a location right in the historic center of the Belem neighborhood.

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London

This capital city needs no real introduction but remains one of our favorites for an international girls trip for its high number of direct flights, English-speaking citizens, and those adorable double-decker buses. And if you’ve got a group of gal pals with disparate interests, we promise London offers something for everyone: world-class theater in the West End, epic shopping in Shoreditch and Notting Hill, and a pub and cocktail culture that puts basically every American city to shame. We love staying at 11 Cadogan Gardens: Not only is its location in Chelsea incredibly central, but the back entrance to the hotel opens up onto Pavilion Road, one of the best stretches in the city for a fabulous brunch. And as far as hospitality is concerned, the equally ideally located Mayfair Townhouse can't be beat. The stunning hotel has one of the best concierges in town just in case one of the girls dropped the ball on your dinner reservations.

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Los Angeles

When most of the continental USA dips into chilly temperatures, it’s a comfort to know that Southern California will almost always be positively balmy. But this glittering West Coast city has far more to recommend it than just its sunny clime: Some of the country’s hottest restaurants, bars, and boutique shopping are here, not to mention plenty of gorgeous urban trails. If you’re looking to relax and unplug, this is not the trip for you, but if you and your girls want to squeeze every last drop out of your vacation days, we can think of no better city. Grab reservations at W Los Angeles West Beverly Hills and make sure to reserve poolside cabanas for you and the crew before starting your night with cocktails at the buzzy Living Room Bar.

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Mexico City

You could spend a year in this sprawling capital city, also known as CDMX, and still not uncover all of its charms. But that also means that even in the span of a weeklong vacation, there is a lot to pack in every day, from taking a street-food tour to watching Mexican wrestling and touring Frida Kahlo’s home. We recommend making the vibrant Condesa or Roma neighborhood your home base, which is filled with some of the city’s top boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. We’re big fans of Colima 71, a new boutique property in Roma Norte with rooms boasting full kitchens and private balconies.

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Miami

FS at The Surf Club Champagne Bar

Christian Horan Photography

Another excellent choice anytime of year is the fun-filled playground that is Miami. If you’re looking for a trip heavy on the nightlife, spend your evenings in South Beach, but don’t overlook Wynwood, which lays claim to many of the city’s hottest restaurants, boutiques, and breweries. To help you rejuvenate during the day, stay at the Four Seasons at the Surf Club. Tucked away in Surfside, just north of Miami Beach, the beautiful property exudes old Hollywood charm. Relax in a beach cabana, toast your friendship at the Champagne bar, take a dip in all three of the pools, hit the spa, or enjoy dinner at its Michelin-starred restaurant by famed chef Thomas Keller.

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Napa Valley, California

Yes, you absolutely can take a trip to Napa just for wine tasting, but we promise there’s far more to do in this gorgeous swatch of Northern California than just visit one of the more than 400 wineries. Your food-obsessed friends, for one, will probably want to hit up at least one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in wine country (The French Laundry, anyone?), while anyone in your posse who’s a wellness guru will enjoy a day trip to Calistoga’s mineral springs or mud baths. And everyone on your girls trip will appreciate the pampering at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection. We especially love the wellness services here, which range from cedar and steam saunas to private yoga classes and deep-tissue bodywork.

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Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis

This island in the Lesser Antilles has had a bigger profile since Hamilton premiered (Alexander Hamilton was born here), but it’s high on our list for girls-trip destinations for a more current reason. JetBlue launched a new, direct flight from New York to the country this fall, making it that much easier to escape to the island’s clear waters and gorgeous beaches. Snag rooms for your and the gal pals at Four Seasons Resort Nevis: a dreamy hotel with nearly three miles of beachfront, four pickleball courts, and programming like rum tasting or monkey spotting tours.

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Palm Springs, California

Start your day off with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning views of the city, then get your dose of vitamin D with a hike on the Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons. And since this part of California is all about midcentury modern (it's one of the more Instagrammable cities), book rooms at the retro-chic Ace Hotel and Swim Club. We love the deep bench of activities at this property, from weekly bingo and trivia nights to live jazz and dinner series. And when you need to cool off, don’t miss the boozy slushies from on-site cocktail bar the Amigo Room.

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Paris

Eiffel Tower and Seine River at sunrise, Paris, France

Alexander Spatari

The City of Love isn’t just for your, well, lover. It’s also one of the most lively and beautiful trips you can take with your girls (and a major bucket list destination). From days spent wandering the Marais’s unparalleled shopping to nights exploring some of the world’s most innovative restaurants, a trip to Paris can bring a twinkle to anyone’s eye, including your hard-to-please foodie friend and the art history buffs among you. One of the city’s buzziest new hotels is also perfect for a girls trip: Hôtel Des Grands Voyageurs is a charming, high-design boutique property in Saint-Placide that also houses one of the Left Bank’s coolest speakeasies, Poppy.

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Puerto Rico

Hungry for a tropical getaway but not all your ladies got their passports renewed in time? Trust us, we’ve been there. Luckily, one of the best destinations in the Caribbean is a US territory. And Puerto Rico, at only two and a half hours from Miami, is also one of the easiest islands to travel to if you’ve got limited time. It’s also packed with things to do, from the famed bioluminescent bay to rainforest hikes and more than 300 beaches. We recommend reserving the adults-only Condado Ocean Club in San Juan: Oceanfront bar Sandbox is the perfect spot to start your night, and we love relaxing at the infinity pool with views of the Atlantic.

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Punta de Mita, Mexico

There may be no international destination more popular for girls trips than America’s dynamic neighbor to the south: Mexico. And while we could write a whole article just on places to go within that country, for this list, we’re going with our perennial favorite of Punta de Mita. Easily accessible from Puerto Vallarta, this sun-drenched peninsula is known for its silky white-sand beaches, über-chill vibes, and stellar hotel properties. We recommend the Conrad Punta de Mita: a secluded and tranquil resort with four pools, two miles of beach, and activities like whale watching and sailing.

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Reykjavik, Iceland

While beach vacations or major city explorations might be the more popular options for vacations with your girls, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, we’d love to suggest the otherworldly landscape in and around Reykjavik. Iceland’s capital is less than a six-hour flight from many major East Coast cities, and its wealth of activities are certainly not excursions that are easy to find in the US. The summer–when it stays light basically all day and evening–is the perfect time to explore. Post up at The Reykjavik Edition, a modern hotel steps from the city’s main shopping area of Laugavegur Street with chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of the bustling city.

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Savannah, Georgia

There are few cities in America more beautiful, charming, and fun than Savannah. And while you could certainly spend a whole weekend just ogling the stunning mansions and wandering through the city’s verdant gardens, it’s also home to some of the South’s best restaurants, bars, and boutiques. And only 20 minutes away lies Tybee Island, a laid-back beach town that’s a perfect addition to a long-weekend trip. Our favorite property in the city is Perry Lane Hotel: We love its location in the Historic District, the unique cocktails at on-site bar The Wayward, and—pro tip—that you can throw private tea parties in the hotel’s library.

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Turks and Caicos

If your friends are craving white-sand beaches, water sports, and minimal flight time, then there is really only one answer: Turks and Caicos. These islands located in the Lucayan Archipelago boast some of the world’s most beautiful stretches of sand (Grace Bay is the most famous), along with plenty of prime spots for snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing. The British Overseas Territory is also home to some of the best resorts in the region, including The Somerset on Grace Bay. With a superb location on the beach, other perks at this hotel include gargantuan suites perfect for sharing with pals, kiteboarding lessons, and private spa experiences for you and your friends.

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Washington, DC

Sure, our nation’s capital is fun for history buffs, but even if you don’t set foot on The Mall, DC is a vibrant, exciting place all on its own. And in recent years the city has seriously upped its game when it comes to food and drink. Just take a look around The Wharf and Navy Yard, two neighborhoods that have fast become meccas for innovative dining and buzzy cocktails. One of our new favorite hotels is right in the heart of it all too. Pendry Washington DC has beautiful views of the water; one of the city’s best rooftop cocktail bars, Moonraker; and, when the weather is right, a sleek outdoor pool, complete with cabanas.

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