35 Best Girls Trip Destinations in the World

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The best girls trip destination depends on what your group wants most. Choose Maui for beaches and outdoor time, Las Vegas for nightlife, Charleston for a walkable weekend, Lisbon for food and culture, San Juan for a passport-free Caribbean trip for many U.S. travelers, and Reykjavik for adventure. The 35 destinations below are numbered for navigation, not as a universal ranking.

A good group trip is not the place to force one travel style on everyone. Agree on the budget, pace, room setup, and one or two non-negotiable experiences before anyone pays a deposit. Then choose the destination that creates the fewest compromises.

Quick picks: the best girls trip destinations by travel style

• Best overall: Maui for the strongest mix of beaches, relaxation, restaurants, and adventure.
• Best for nightlife: Las Vegas, with Nashville and New Orleans as more music-focused alternatives.
• Best walkable weekend: Charleston in the U.S. or Venice in Europe.
• Best beach-focused trip: Maui, Cabo San Lucas, San Juan, or Key West.
• Best food-and-culture trip: Lisbon, Seville, Kyoto, or Paris.
• Best adventure: Reykjavik, Auckland, or Denver.
• Best lower-cost options: Indianapolis, Budapest, Bali, and Wilmington, depending on airfare and season.

Best girls trip destinations at a glance

Use this table to narrow the list by the experience your group wants. The cost scale is editorial and relative; it does not replace checking live airfare, hotel rates, local taxes, activity prices, and cancellation terms for your dates.

Destination	Best for	Ideal trip	Relative cost
Maui, Hawaii	beaches, spa time, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures	4-6 days	$$$
Las Vegas, Nevada	nightlife, shows, pool days, and groups with mixed budgets	3-4 days	$$-$$$
Palm Springs, California	pool time, spas, mid-century design, and a relaxed long weekend	3 days	$$-$$$
Portland, Oregon	food carts, craft drinks, green spaces, and easy nature add-ons	3-4 days	$$
Napa Valley, California	wine, food, spa stays, and milestone celebrations	3-4 days	$$$
Charleston, South Carolina	food, architecture, history, and a walkable Southern weekend	3-4 days	$$-$$$
San Francisco, California	neighborhood food, museums, architecture, and bay views	4 days	$$$
New Orleans, Louisiana	live music, distinctive food, nightlife, and festivals	3-4 days	$$
Austin, Texas	live music, casual food, outdoor time, and a social weekend	3-4 days	$$
Newport, Rhode Island	coastal walks, sailing, historic mansions, and seafood	3 days	$$$
San Diego, California	beaches, brunch, outdoor activities, and mild-weather city time	4 days	$$-$$$
Wilmington, North Carolina	TV-location nostalgia, a riverfront weekend, and nearby beaches	3 days	$$
Denver, Colorado	museums, breweries, live music, and a mountain add-on	3-4 days	$$
Indianapolis, Indiana	an affordable city weekend, sports, museums, and low-friction planning	2-3 days	$-$$
Scottsdale, Arizona	resort pools, spas, desert hikes, golf, and celebration weekends	3-4 days	$$-$$$
New York City, New York	Broadway, museums, shopping, restaurants, and a high-energy city break	4-5 days	$$$
Key West, Florida	water activities, casual nightlife, warm-weather downtime, and a car-free stay	3-4 days	$$$
San Juan, Puerto Rico	Caribbean beaches, food, history, and passport-free travel for many U.S. travelers	4-5 days	$$
Nashville, Tennessee	live music, bar hopping, group celebrations, and an easy long weekend	3-4 days	$$
Venice, Italy	art, architecture, food, and a compact car-free city break	2-3 days	$$$
Santorini, Greece	sunsets, wine, caldera views, and a scenic celebration trip	3-4 days	$$$
Paris, France	museums, food, fashion, architecture, and a classic European city trip	4-5 days	$$$
Marrakech, Morocco	riads, design, markets, hammams, and a culturally immersive short trip	3-4 days	$$
Buenos Aires, Argentina	late-night dining, tango, architecture, cafes, and city culture	4-5 days	$$
Bali, Indonesia	wellness, villas, beaches, temples, and a longer-value trip	7-10 days	$-$$
Hvar, Croatia	sailing, island hopping, beach clubs, and summer nightlife	3-4 days	$$$
Athens, Greece	ancient history, food, rooftop evenings, and a Greek-island add-on	3-4 days	$$
Kyoto, Japan	temples, gardens, traditional culture, and food	4 days	$$
Cartagena, Colombia	Caribbean architecture, food, rooftop evenings, and short boat trips	3-4 days	$$
Seville, Spain	architecture, tapas, flamenco, and a slower city break	3-4 days	$$
Lisbon, Portugal	food, viewpoints, day trips, and better-value Western Europe	4 days	$$
Auckland, New Zealand	city comforts, volcanic landscapes, wine islands, and a North Island road trip	5-7 days	$$$
Budapest, Hungary	thermal baths, architecture, nightlife, and a value-focused European weekend	3-4 days	$-$$
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico	resorts, boat days, nightlife, and a short international escape	3-4 days	$$$
Reykjavik, Iceland	waterfalls, geothermal bathing, road trips, and Northern Lights attempts	4-6 days	$$$

How we chose these girls trip destinations

A destination earned a place here because it offers a useful combination of group-friendly lodging, clear activities, food and nightlife options, realistic trip length, transportation choices, and enough flexibility for friends with different priorities. We also considered seasonality, relative cost, walkability, flight access, safety planning, and whether the destination adds something more specific than a generic “fun weekend.”

• Group logistics: Can several people reach the destination and move around without constant coordination?
• Range: Does the trip work for people who want different mixes of food, nightlife, culture, beach time, or outdoor activity?
• Budget flexibility: Can the group make meaningful tradeoffs between lodging, dining, and activities?
• Information gain: Does the destination have a clear reason to choose it over a similar alternative?
• Trust: Are there practical cautions, rules, or limitations the group should understand before booking?

How to plan a safer, lower-stress girls trip

No destination is completely safe, and a country-level rating does not describe every neighborhood or activity. Before an international trip, review the current U.S. State Department travel advisory or the equivalent guidance from your home government. U.S. travelers can also consider the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for embassy updates.

• Book a well-reviewed base near the activities you will do at night, not simply the cheapest property in the wider metro area.
• Prearrange airport transfers and late-night transportation in destinations where street pickups or informal taxis create uncertainty.
• Share flight, lodging, insurance, and emergency information in one document that works offline.
• Agree on a “nobody disappears” rule for nightlife, water activities, and remote hikes.
• Leave room for weather, illness, fatigue, and different social batteries; a packed itinerary is not proof of a successful trip.

Best girls trip destinations in the USA

For U.S.-based groups, domestic destinations reduce passport and entry-rule friction. The strongest choices range from beach trips and resort weekends to food cities and live-music breaks.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Best for: beaches, spa time, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures
Ideal trip: 4-6 days
Relative cost: $$$

Maui is the strongest all-around pick for a group that wants relaxation without committing to a resort-only trip. Being from Hawaii, I am biased, but the mix of swimmable beaches, mountain scenery, good restaurants, and day-trip options is hard to beat. It works best when the group agrees to spend more on lodging and a rental car in exchange for an easy mix of beach and adventure.

Build the trip around two or three anchor experiences rather than trying to cross the whole island every day. Ka’anapali and Wailea are convenient beach bases; Big Beach is better for a scenic outing. For adventure, consider a Molokini snorkeling trip, a carefully paced Road to Hana day, or hiking in Iao Valley. If sunrise at Haleakala is on the list, the National Park Service requires an advance vehicle reservation for the sunrise entry window.

Good to know: Maui’s regions are farther apart than they look on a map. Choose one main base, leave room for weather changes, and check current park, ocean, and road conditions before long drives. Our guide to the best Hawaiian island for your travel style can help if the group is still comparing Maui with Oahu, Kauai, or the Island of Hawaii.

Where to stay in Maui

• Splurge stay: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
• Mid-range stay: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
• Value stay: Kohea Kai Maui Ascend Hotel Collection

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Best for: nightlife, shows, pool days, and groups with mixed budgets
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$-$$$

Las Vegas is the easiest choice when the group wants high-energy nights, polished hotels, and plenty to do without renting a car. It can support a value-focused weekend or a full splurge, but the real advantage is flexibility: one person can book a spa morning while others shop, gamble, or recover by the pool.

Start with one major reservation per day. That might be a headliner, a tasting menu, a pool cabana, or one of the many Las Vegas tours and experiences. Leave the rest of the schedule open for the Strip, downtown, and meals. Our guides to the best things to do in Las Vegas and restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip make it easier to narrow the options.

Good to know: Compare the full hotel price, not only the advertised room rate; resort fees, parking, and weekend surcharges can materially change the total. Groups also save time by choosing one hotel cluster instead of repeatedly crossing the Strip.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

• Splurge stay: Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
• Mid-range stay: Paris Las Vegas
• Value stay: Hilton Grand Vacations on the Vegas Strip

3. Palm Springs, California

Best for: pool time, spas, mid-century design, and a relaxed long weekend
Ideal trip: 3 days
Relative cost: $$-$$$

Palm Springs is a practical girls weekend when the group wants a stylish rental or hotel pool, good meals, and very little pressure to sightsee. It is especially easy for Southern California groups, and the downtown core keeps restaurants, design shops, and bars close together.

Balance a slow pool day with one outing. Browse El Paseo, book a spa treatment, check the current drag-brunch calendar, or follow our guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs. Joshua Tree National Park also works as a day trip; groups that want a second night outside the city can compare options such as AutoCamp Joshua Tree.

Good to know: Desert heat can make midday outdoor plans unpleasant or unsafe in the hottest months. Schedule hikes early, carry more water than you expect to need, and use the afternoon for the pool, spa, or a long lunch at one of the best Palm Springs restaurants.

Where to stay in Palm Springs

• Splurge stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, An IHG Hotel
• Mid-range stay: Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs
• Value stay: Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel

4. Portland, Oregon

Best for: food carts, craft drinks, green spaces, and easy nature add-ons
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Portland fits groups that want a city break without giving up access to forests, waterfalls, and the coast. The strongest itinerary combines neighborhood time with one day outside the city rather than treating Portland only as a base for driving.

Spend a city day around Powell’s City of Books, the Pearl District, Washington Park, and the food-cart pods. A donut tour is an easy group activity, while our Portland attractions guide covers museums, gardens, and neighborhoods. For the second full day, choose the Columbia River Gorge or Cannon Beach rather than trying to squeeze in both.

Good to know: Rain is part of the experience for much of the year. Pack waterproof layers and keep one indoor option in reserve. If nobody wants to drive, book a guided Gorge day trip and stay near downtown or the Pearl District.

Where to stay in Portland

• Splurge stay: The Duniway Portland
• Mid-range stay: Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland
• Value stay: The Mark Spencer Hotel

5. Napa Valley, California

Best for: wine, food, spa stays, and milestone celebrations
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$$

Napa Valley is best for a group that wants a polished, food-and-wine-focused trip and is comfortable booking ahead. The region rewards slower travel: two or three tastings in one day usually feel better than racing between wineries, especially when lunch is part of the plan.

Choose a base before choosing wineries. Yountville is convenient for restaurants and a walkable evening; downtown Napa has more nightlife and a wider lodging mix. If the group plans to drink, use a designated driver or reserve a guided Napa wine tour. Our Napa Valley guide also covers kayaking, spas, and non-wine activities.

Good to know: This is one of the higher-cost trips on the list, and tasting fees add up. Set a per-person comfort range before anyone books, then select a mix of one premium experience and more casual stops.

Where to stay in Napa Valley

• Splurge stay: The Estate Yountville
• Mid-range stay: Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa
• Value stay: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Napa Valley

6. Charleston, South Carolina

Best for: food, architecture, history, and a walkable Southern weekend
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$-$$$

Charleston works well for a first group trip because the historic core is compact, restaurants are a major draw, and the schedule can stay simple. A strong weekend includes one history-focused activity, one meal worth dressing up for, and enough unplanned time for the waterfront and side streets.

Use our Charleston itinerary ideas to connect the City Market, the Battery, Rainbow Row, museums, and nearby beaches. Food is central to the trip, so reserve at least one restaurant from our guide to the best restaurants in Charleston. Groups that want an easy evening activity can consider a private sunset sail.

Good to know: Charleston’s appeal is inseparable from a difficult history. Choose tours and historic sites that address slavery, the domestic slave trade, and Gullah Geechee culture directly rather than presenting plantations only as decorative estates.

Where to stay in Charleston

• Splurge stay: The Spectator Hotel
• Mid-range stay: Moxy Charleston Downtown
• Value stay: Aloft Charleston Airport and Convention Center

7. San Francisco, California

Best for: neighborhood food, museums, architecture, and bay views
Ideal trip: 4 days
Relative cost: $$$

San Francisco suits groups that would rather explore neighborhoods than stay at one resort. The city offers excellent museums, destination restaurants, coastal walks, and enough distinct areas to make each day feel different.

Group nearby sights to avoid spending the trip in transit: North Beach, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero work together; Golden Gate Park and the western neighborhoods make another day. Reserve Alcatraz early, then use our guides to essential San Francisco sights and San Francisco walking tours for the rest. Afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel is a memorable option when the group wants one formal, indoor experience.

Good to know: Bring layers even in summer, and never leave luggage or visible valuables in a parked car. Staying near Union Square, the Embarcadero, or a well-connected neighborhood reduces late-night transportation friction.

Where to stay in San Francisco

• Splurge stay: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
• Mid-range stay: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
• Value stay: citizenM San Francisco Union Square

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

Best for: live music, distinctive food, nightlife, and festivals
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

New Orleans is a better girls trip than a generic party weekend because the food, music, and history can carry the itinerary from morning through late night. The French Quarter is the obvious starting point, but Frenchmen Street, the Garden District, and the Warehouse District add more range.

Food is doing a lot of the work on a New Orleans trip, so it is worth booking ahead – our roundup of the best restaurants in the French Quarter is a good place to start the itinerary.

Plan one food experience, one music night, and one history or culture activity. A Cajun and Creole cooking class gives the group a shared activity without relying on alcohol, while a steamboat cruise or ghost tour can fill an evening. Most short stays do not need a car; our guide on getting around New Orleans without one explains the tradeoffs.

Good to know: Heat, heavy rain, and hurricane-season disruptions can affect plans. Keep reservations flexible, use licensed transportation after late nights, and do not treat the city’s residential neighborhoods as a party backdrop.

Where to stay in New Orleans

• Splurge stay: Windsor Court Hotel
• Mid-range stay: Le Pavillon New Orleans
• Value stay: Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District

9. Austin, Texas

Best for: live music, casual food, outdoor time, and a social weekend
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Austin is a good match for groups that want nightlife without building the entire trip around clubs. Live music, barbecue, breweries, swimming spots, and neighborhood shopping create a flexible weekend with room for different energy levels.

Check the event calendar first, then choose a base. Downtown is convenient for first visits; South Congress has a more neighborhood-oriented feel. Use our guides to the best things to do in Austin, where to stay in Austin, and Austin breweries to build the weekend. During the seasonal bat emergence, an evening kayak or bridge viewpoint can be a fun group outing.

Good to know: Summer heat is intense, and popular events can push hotel rates sharply higher. Book the dates around the activity the group values most, not simply the cheapest flight.

Where to stay in Austin

• Splurge stay: Fairmont Austin
• Mid-range stay: Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District
• Value stay: Origin Austin

10. Newport, Rhode Island

Best for: coastal walks, sailing, historic mansions, and seafood
Ideal trip: 3 days
Relative cost: $$$

Newport offers a compact New England weekend with a clear rhythm: mansion tours and the Cliff Walk by day, then seafood and harbor views in the evening. It is best for a group that likes history and coastal scenery more than late-night clubbing.

Tour one or two Gilded Age mansions rather than all of them, then reserve time for the waterfront, Thames Street, and a sail on Narragansett Bay. The Cliff Walk provides ocean views alongside the estates, though sections can close after storms or maintenance. Our guide to the best East Coast beaches can help if the group wants to extend the trip.

Good to know: Summer weekends are busy and expensive. A weekday stay or shoulder-season trip can make restaurant bookings, parking, and room rates easier to manage.

Where to stay in Newport

• Splurge stay: Forty 1 North
• Mid-range stay: Newport Bay Club and Hotel
• Value stay: Days Inn by Wyndham Middletown/Newport

11. San Diego, California

Best for: beaches, brunch, outdoor activities, and mild-weather city time
Ideal trip: 4 days
Relative cost: $$-$$$

San Diego is a dependable choice when the group wants beach time but still prefers a real city over an isolated resort. La Jolla, Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and the Gaslamp Quarter support very different days without requiring a long excursion.

Start with a morning walk at Torrey Pines, La Jolla Shores, or Balboa Park, then build the day around food and the water. A sunset sail on San Diego Bay works well for a group celebration. Our guides to things to do in San Diego and the best San Diego restaurants cover the rest.

Good to know: San Diego is spread out. Choose a neighborhood that matches the main goal – La Jolla for coast, Little Italy for dining, or downtown for nightlife – and budget for rideshares or a car if the itinerary crosses several areas.

Where to stay in San Diego

• Splurge stay: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
• Mid-range stay: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
• Value stay: The Guild Hotel, San Diego

12. Wilmington, North Carolina

Best for: TV-location nostalgia, a riverfront weekend, and nearby beaches
Ideal trip: 3 days
Relative cost: $$

Wilmington is a focused pick for friends who bonded over One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, or The Summer I Turned Pretty. Even without the TV connection, the compact riverfront, historic homes, independent shops, and access to Wrightsville Beach make it a relaxed weekend.

Spend one day downtown along the Riverwalk and at the Cotton Exchange, then use the second day for Wrightsville Beach or a history and architecture walking tour. Bellamy Mansion, Burgwin-Wright House, and Thalian Hall give the trip more depth than a filming-location checklist alone.

Good to know: The beach and historic downtown are separate bases. Decide which matters more before booking lodging, then plan transportation instead of assuming the whole area is walkable.

Where to stay in Wilmington

• Splurge stay: DREAMERS by DW
• Mid-range stay: Hotel Ballast Wilmington
• Value stay: TownePlace Suites Wilmington Wrightsville Beach

13. Denver, Colorado

Best for: museums, breweries, live music, and a mountain add-on
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Denver is a useful compromise for a group split between city activities and the outdoors. The city has serious museums, a strong brewery scene, and Red Rocks nearby, while the Rocky Mountains are close enough for a separate day trip.

Choose one city day and one nature day. The Denver Art Museum, Museum of Nature & Science, and RiNo can fill the first; a guided mountain outing, beginner-friendly rafting trip, or Red Rocks can fill the second. Our Denver activity guide and Denver brewery guide help narrow the choices.

Good to know: Altitude can affect sleep, hydration, and alcohol tolerance. Keep the first day lighter, drink water, and avoid scheduling the hardest hike immediately after arrival.

Where to stay in Denver

• Splurge stay: Four Seasons Hotel Denver
• Mid-range stay: Grand Hyatt Denver
• Value stay: Vib Hotel by Best Western Denver RiNo

14. Indianapolis, Indiana

Best for: an affordable city weekend, sports, museums, and low-friction planning
Ideal trip: 2-3 days
Relative cost: $-$$

Indianapolis is one of the better value picks for a group that wants a city break without the price or logistical intensity of New York, Nashville, or Chicago. Downtown, Mass Ave, and Fletcher Place make a compact weekend with restaurants, museums, and nightlife.

Build the trip around the event calendar. The Indy 500 and major conventions require early booking, while ordinary weekends are easier to plan. Use our guide to the best things to do in Indianapolis for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Newfields, the canal, and neighborhood dining.

Good to know: Indianapolis is strongest as a two- or three-night trip. It also works well for friends driving from different Midwestern cities; our guide to places to visit in the Midwest offers alternatives if the group is still choosing.

Where to stay in Indianapolis

• Splurge stay: Conrad Indianapolis
• Mid-range stay: Hotel Indy
• Value stay: SpringHill Suites Indianapolis Downtown

15. Scottsdale, Arizona

Best for: resort pools, spas, desert hikes, golf, and celebration weekends
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$-$$$

Scottsdale is built for groups that want a polished resort base with optional outdoor time. Spa menus, pools, golf, Old Town restaurants, and desert trails make it easy to split up for a few hours and regroup for dinner.

Hike early at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Pinnacle Peak, then move indoors or to the pool as temperatures rise. Our guides to things to do in Scottsdale and Arizona trip ideas cover galleries, desert activities, and day trips. For a spa-centered stay, compare resort facilities before choosing solely on room price.

Good to know: The climate should determine the schedule. In hot periods, treat sunrise as the outdoor window and avoid exposed midday hikes; in peak winter and spring, expect higher hotel demand.

Where to stay in Scottsdale

• Splurge stay: The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
• Mid-range stay: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley – Scottsdale
• Value stay: Hyatt Place Scottsdale

16. New York City, New York

Best for: Broadway, museums, shopping, restaurants, and a high-energy city break
Ideal trip: 4-5 days
Relative cost: $$$

New York City is the best pick when the group wants maximum choice and is willing to plan around reservations, walking, and a higher daily budget. The city can support a theater weekend, a food trip, a museum itinerary, or all three, but trying to cover every borough in a few days creates unnecessary friction.

Organize each day by area. Pair the High Line with Chelsea Market and the West Village; combine Central Park with museums; reserve a separate evening for Broadway. First-time groups can use a New York sightseeing tour for orientation. Our comparisons of New York attraction passes and guide to the best restaurants in New York can help control both time and cost.

Good to know: Large groups need earlier restaurant reservations and a clear meeting plan for subway transfers. Choose a hotel near the activities that matter most rather than automatically booking Times Square.

Where to stay in New York City

• Splurge stay: 1 Hotel Central Park
• Mid-range stay: NH Collection New York Madison Avenue
• Value stay: Four Points by Sheraton New York Downtown

17. Key West, Florida

Best for: water activities, casual nightlife, warm-weather downtime, and a car-free stay
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$$

Key West works for a group that wants a tropical-feeling U.S. trip with sailing, snorkeling, bars, and short travel distances once on the island. The strongest days mix one water activity with unstructured time around Old Town and Duval Street.

Book a sail, snorkel, or beach day, then add the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Hemingway Home, or a food and cultural walking tour. Our Key West day-trip guide explains what is realistic for travelers coming from elsewhere in the Florida Keys.

Good to know: Key West is often more expensive than its casual atmosphere suggests, and the drive from Miami takes most of a day with stops. Hurricane-season weather can also disrupt flights and water activities, so flexible reservations matter.

Where to stay in Key West

• Splurge stay: The Saint Hotel Key West
• Mid-range stay: Hampton Inn Key West
• Value stay: Hilton Garden Inn Key West

18. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Best for: Caribbean beaches, food, history, and passport-free travel for many U.S. travelers
Ideal trip: 4-5 days
Relative cost: $$

San Juan combines an atmospheric old city with beaches, strong food culture, and easy day trips. It is especially useful for U.S. groups whose members do not all have passports: U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a passport for Puerto Rico, while international visitors follow the same entry rules that apply to the mainland United States.

Spend a full day walking Old San Juan and the forts, then use another for Condado, a beach, or an island excursion. A food tour in Old San Juan is an efficient introduction to dishes such as mofongo and arroz con gandules. Our guides to things to do in San Juan and Puerto Rico trip ideas add rainforest and adventure options.

Good to know: Old San Juan’s streets are steep and uneven, and beach conditions vary. Plan footwear, transportation, and water activities with the group’s mobility and swimming ability in mind.

Where to stay in San Juan

• Splurge stay: O:LV Fifty Five Hotel
• Mid-range stay: Hyatt Place San Juan
• Value stay: Sandy Beach Hotel

19. Nashville, Tennessee

Best for: live music, bar hopping, group celebrations, and an easy long weekend
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Nashville is one of the most popular celebration trips for a reason: live music is available throughout the day, the city has a deep bench of group-friendly hotels and restaurants, and the schedule can be as structured or loose as the group wants.

See the Grand Ole Opry or Ryman Auditorium, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and save one night for Broadway. A hop-on, hop-off trolley helps first-time visitors connect the main sights. Our guides to things to do in Nashville and the best Nashville bars make it easier to find options beyond the busiest blocks.

Good to know: Broadway can be loud, crowded, and expensive. Groups that want sleep and neighborhood restaurants should consider staying slightly outside the core and ridesharing in for one planned night.

Where to stay in Nashville

• Splurge stay: The Hermitage Hotel
• Mid-range stay: Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
• Value stay: Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End

Best international girls trip destinations

International trips require more coordination, but they can give the group a clearer shared experience. Check passports, entry authorization, travel advisories, insurance, and airport-transfer plans before anyone books a nonrefundable rate.

20. Venice, Italy

Best for: art, architecture, food, and a compact car-free city break
Ideal trip: 2-3 days
Relative cost: $$$

Venice is a strong international girls trip for a group that values atmosphere, architecture, and long meals more than nightlife. The city is compact enough for a short stay, but its bridges, crowds, and indirect walking routes make a slower schedule more rewarding.

Reserve the major sights, then leave time to wander beyond St. Mark’s Square. A gondola ride is most enjoyable when the group treats it as a shared experience rather than a checklist item. Our guides to things to do in Venice, the Grand Canal, and restaurants in Italy can help shape the itinerary.

Good to know: Venice applies an access fee to some day visitors on designated dates. Overnight guests are generally excluded from payment but may need to document their exemption. Check the official Venice Access Fee portal before arrival; rules and application dates can change.

Where to stay in Venice

• Splurge stay: Hotel Cipriani
• Mid-range stay: Hotel L’Orologio
• Value stay: Arcadia Boutique Hotel

21. Santorini, Greece

Best for: sunsets, wine, caldera views, and a scenic celebration trip
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$$

Santorini is best for a group willing to pay for a setting-driven trip. The caldera views, cave-style hotels, wineries, and sailing options create a memorable celebration, but the island is less convenient for travelers who dislike stairs, crowds, or moving between villages by taxi.

Choose the base by mood: Fira offers easier transport and more nightlife, Oia prioritizes scenery and quiet evenings, while Kamari and Perissa provide beach access. A caldera cruise, a winery visit, and Akrotiri form a balanced three-day plan. See our guides to things to do in Santorini and where to stay in Santorini for more detail.

Good to know: Sunset viewpoints and small restaurants fill quickly in peak season. Reserve only the experiences that truly matter, then allow extra time for traffic, stairs, and photo stops.

Where to stay in Santorini

• Splurge stay: Mystique
• Mid-range stay: Magma Resort Santorini
• Value stay: Santellini Hotel

22. Paris, France

Best for: museums, food, fashion, architecture, and a classic European city trip
Ideal trip: 4-5 days
Relative cost: $$$

Paris works when the group wants culture and food with enough choice for different interests. One person can prioritize museums, another shopping, and another cafes, then everyone can regroup for dinner or a Seine cruise.

Do not build the schedule as a race between landmarks. Pair the Louvre with the Tuileries and Palais Royal, save a separate half-day for Montmartre, and book timed museum tickets where available. Our 36-hour Paris itinerary, guide to the cost of a Paris trip, and overview of the Louvre Museum are useful planning starting points.

Good to know: A central address is not automatically the best value. Choose the arrondissement based on the evening routine the group wants, then use the Metro for daytime sightseeing. Keep bags closed in crowded transit and tourist areas.

Where to stay in Paris

• Splurge stay: Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
• Mid-range stay: Hotel De Fleurie
• Value stay: Best Western Plus Hotel Sydney Opera

23. Marrakech, Morocco

Best for: riads, design, markets, hammams, and a culturally immersive short trip
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Marrakech is a rewarding choice for a group that wants a destination to feel meaningfully different from home. Staying in a riad, exploring the medina, visiting gardens and palaces, and booking a hammam create a compact trip with a strong sense of place.

Start with a guided medina walk so the group can understand the layout and local customs, then return independently to the souks. Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, Jardin Majorelle, and Jemaa el-Fnaa can fill two days without adding a long desert transfer. A day trip into the Atlas foothills is more realistic than treating the Sahara as a quick add-on from Marrakech.

Good to know: Dress expectations, bargaining, street navigation, and unsolicited guiding can feel unfamiliar. Use registered guides, confirm taxi fares or apps in advance, and review the current official Morocco travel advisory before booking.

Where to stay in Marrakech

• Splurge stay: Royal Mansour Marrakech
• Mid-range stay: Kenzi Club Agdal Medina
• Value stay: 2Ciels Boutique Hotel

24. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best for: late-night dining, tango, architecture, cafes, and city culture
Ideal trip: 4-5 days
Relative cost: $$

Buenos Aires fits groups that enjoy cities through neighborhoods, meals, and nightlife rather than a fixed list of monuments. Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, and La Boca each offer a different angle, and the city’s late schedule suits friends who prefer slow mornings.

Plan a tango performance or lesson, a long dinner, and at least one architecture or art day. La Boca is visually striking but is best visited deliberately rather than wandered without context; San Telmo and Palermo are easier for extended cafe and shopping time. Travelers continuing elsewhere on the continent can compare coverage in our guide to travel insurance for South America.

Good to know: Inflation and exchange conditions can change quickly, so old budget figures are unreliable. Check current payment guidance shortly before departure, use reputable transportation at night, and keep phones secure in crowded areas.

Where to stay in Buenos Aires

• Splurge stay: Alvear Palace Hotel
• Mid-range stay: Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires – MGallery
• Value stay: Bulnes Eco Suites

25. Bali, Indonesia

Best for: wellness, villas, beaches, temples, and a longer-value trip
Ideal trip: 7-10 days
Relative cost: $-$$

Bali is best treated as several destinations on one island, not a single resort zone. My first international trip as an adult was to Bali, and the combination of villas, spa treatments, temples, cafes, and day trips made it easy to build a trip that felt special without spending at luxury-island levels.

Choose no more than two bases for a one-week trip. Ubud works for temples, rice terraces, food, and wellness; a southern coast base works for beach clubs and ocean time. Use a driver rather than assuming short map distances mean short drives, and dress respectfully at temples. Our guides to Bali beyond the busiest sights and Bali food provide more specific ideas.

Good to know: International visitors are required to pay Bali’s tourism levy, currently IDR 150,000 per person. Pay through the official Love Bali portal and confirm current entry rules before travel.

Where to stay in Bali

• Splurge stay: The Laguna
• Mid-range stay: Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
• Value stay: Quest San Denpasar

26. Hvar, Croatia

Best for: sailing, island hopping, beach clubs, and summer nightlife
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$$

Hvar is the strongest pick for a group that wants a Mediterranean island trip with both water time and late nights. Hvar Town is the practical base for first-time visitors because the harbor, restaurants, fortress, and nightlife are close together.

Reserve one boat day for the Pakleni Islands and another flexible block for beaches, the old town, and the climb to Fortica. Our Hvar travel guide and broader Croatia destination guide help connect the island with Split or Dubrovnik. Nightlife venues and ferry schedules are highly seasonal, so verify the calendar before booking around a specific club or route.

Good to know: Peak-summer lodging, boats, and restaurants are expensive. A shoulder-season trip offers a calmer experience, but the nightlife and ferry frequency may be reduced.

Where to stay in Hvar

• Splurge stay: Hotel Moeesy
• Mid-range stay: Pharos Hvar Hotel
• Value stay: Fontana Resort

27. Athens, Greece

Best for: ancient history, food, rooftop evenings, and a Greek-island add-on
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Athens is a practical choice for groups that want major history without giving up restaurants and nightlife. It also works as the start or end of a longer Greek-island trip, which can reduce the pressure to make a separate international journey for only a few days.

See the Acropolis early, then use the cooler part of the day for the Acropolis Museum, Plaka, Monastiraki, and a rooftop dinner. A private Athens tour can be worthwhile for a group that wants context and efficient transport. Our comparison of Italy versus Greece can help if the group is still choosing between the two.

Good to know: Heat and exposed archaeological sites can make midday sightseeing exhausting. Wear supportive shoes, carry water, and avoid stacking the Acropolis, a day cruise, and nightlife into the same day.

Where to stay in Athens

• Splurge stay: Grand Hyatt Athens
• Mid-range stay: The Stanley
• Value stay: Athens Tower Hotel

28. Kyoto, Japan

Best for: temples, gardens, traditional culture, and food
Ideal trip: 4 days
Relative cost: $$

Kyoto is the best international pick on this list for a group that wants culture and beauty without making nightlife the center of the trip. Temples, gardens, tea, crafts, and distinct neighborhoods create full days, while Japan’s rail network makes it easy to pair Kyoto with Osaka or Tokyo.

Start popular sites early. Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama are easier to appreciate before tour groups build. A tea ceremony can add useful context when it is run respectfully and does not reduce local dress or ritual to a costume. See our guides to Kyoto versus Tokyo, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for planning details.

Good to know: Respect signs, private property, photography limits, and quiet residential streets. A smaller group moves more easily through buses and narrow lanes, so split up temporarily if the party is large.

Where to stay in Kyoto

• Splurge stay: Hotel Kanra Kyoto
• Mid-range stay: Rihga Hotel Kyoto
• Value stay: Hotel Mystays Kyoto – Shijo

29. Cartagena, Colombia

Best for: Caribbean architecture, food, rooftop evenings, and short boat trips
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Cartagena offers a concentrated mix of colonial architecture, Caribbean food, warm evenings, and easy access to the water. The walled city and Getsemani are the main bases for a short trip, while a boat day can provide a break from the heat and street activity.

Walk the old city early, return to the hotel during the hottest hours, and plan a sunset or evening activity when the streets are livelier. A Cartagena Bay sunset cruise is simpler than a full island day. Use vetted operators for longer boat trips and confirm what is included before paying.

Safety note: As last verified July 22, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Colombia at Level 3, “Reconsider travel,” with risks and restrictions that vary by region. Read the full Colombia travel advisory, use reputable transportation, avoid displaying valuables, and make a group plan for nights out.

Where to stay in Cartagena

• Splurge stay: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
• Mid-range stay: Hilton Cartagena
• Value stay: GHL Corales de Indias

30. Seville, Spain

Best for: architecture, tapas, flamenco, and a slower city break
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$

Seville is one of the easiest European cities to enjoy without an overfilled itinerary. The Alcazar, cathedral, Plaza de Espana, tapas bars, and evening walks are close enough to create full days without constant transit.

Book the Real Alcazar in advance, then add Casa de Pilatos and Setas de Sevilla if the group wants more architecture. A live flamenco performance is worth planning carefully; on a family birthday trip, the musicians invited my mother-in-law to dance, and it remains one of our best memories from Spain. Our guide to places to visit in Spain can help extend the route.

Good to know: Summer afternoons can be punishingly hot. Follow the local rhythm: sightsee early, take a long midday break, and return for dinner and performances later.

Where to stay in Seville

• Splurge stay: Nobu Hotel Sevilla
• Mid-range stay: Melia Sevilla
• Value stay: Hotel Alcazar

31. Lisbon, Portugal

Best for: food, viewpoints, day trips, and better-value Western Europe
Ideal trip: 4 days
Relative cost: $$

Lisbon is one of the best first international girls trip destinations because it balances culture, food, nightlife, and day trips without the same typical lodging costs as Paris or Venice. The hills are real, but compact neighborhoods and strong public transit make a four-day visit manageable.

Divide the city by area: Baixa and Chiado, Alfama and Graca, then Belem. A tuk-tuk overview tour can help groups with limited mobility, but walking reveals more detail when everyone is comfortable with slopes. Reserve a separate day for Sintra rather than squeezing it between city sights. Our Portugal and remote-work destination guide includes more context for longer stays.

Try pastel de nata and a guided food or wine experience, but keep the terminology straight: Port is a fortified wine made by adding grape spirit during production, not simply a liquor. Good to know: Historic trams are useful but can be crowded; keep phones and wallets secure and use the Metro or rideshare when it saves significant time.

Where to stay in Lisbon

• Splurge stay: The Ivens Autograph Collection
• Mid-range stay: Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel
• Value stay: Quinta Colina by Shiadu

32. Auckland, New Zealand

Best for: city comforts, volcanic landscapes, wine islands, and a North Island road trip
Ideal trip: 5-7 days
Relative cost: $$$

Auckland makes the most sense as the gateway to a wider North Island trip rather than the only stop. The city adds restaurants, museums, harbor views, and an easy first day, while Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, and the west coast provide the experiences most groups travel to New Zealand for.

Spend one or two days in Auckland, then choose a focused route. A Hobbiton and Waitomo day trip is long but efficient when nobody wants to drive. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves remain one of the most unusual places I have visited, even though I had never watched The Lord of the Rings before seeing Hobbiton.

Good to know: Entry authorization depends on nationality. Many visa-waiver travelers need an NZeTA before travel; use Immigration New Zealand’s official checker rather than a third-party application site.

Where to stay in Auckland

• Splurge stay: SOHO Hotel Auckland
• Mid-range stay: voco Auckland City Centre
• Value stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

33. Budapest, Hungary

Best for: thermal baths, architecture, nightlife, and a value-focused European weekend
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $-$$

Budapest gives groups a lot of variety in a compact stay: thermal baths, grand architecture, ruin bars, river views, and hearty food. It is a particularly good winter option when the baths and Christmas-season atmosphere matter more than warm weather.

See the Parliament exterior, cross to Castle Hill, and save a half-day for a bath such as Szechenyi. Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a plan for storing valuables. Our guides to things to do in Budapest, Buda Castle, and Danube river cruises cover the main choices.

Good to know: Bath rules, renovation schedules, and ticket systems can change. Check the official venue site before arrival and do not assume every bath has the same atmosphere or facilities.

Where to stay in Budapest

• Splurge stay: Queen’s Court Hotel & Residences
• Mid-range stay: Corinthia Hotel Budapest
• Value stay: Danubius Hotel Arena

34. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Best for: resorts, boat days, nightlife, and a short international escape
Ideal trip: 3-4 days
Relative cost: $$$

Cabo San Lucas is the easy resort choice for a group that wants sun, a boat day, and lively evenings without building a complicated itinerary. The trip works best when the hotel location and beach access are chosen intentionally; not every beach in the area is safe for swimming.

Book a sailing and snorkeling trip to see El Arco, then leave another day open for the resort, spa, or downtown. Our guide to traveling in Mexico on a budget can help groups decide where a package adds value and where it does not.

Good to know: The U.S. travel advisory for Mexico varies by state and region. Review the current Mexico travel advisory, use prearranged airport transportation, and confirm whether the hotel beach is swimmable before booking.

Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas

• Splurge stay: Montage Los Cabos
• Mid-range stay: Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Blanco Beach Resort
• Value stay: Comfort Inn & Suites Los Cabos

35. Reykjavik, Iceland

Best for: waterfalls, geothermal bathing, road trips, and Northern Lights attempts
Ideal trip: 4-6 days
Relative cost: $$$

Reykjavik is the best adventure-led girls trip on this list for a group that is comfortable with changing weather and early starts. The city itself is small; the value comes from using it as a base for the Golden Circle, South Coast, geothermal bathing, horseback riding, and seasonal Northern Lights tours.

Keep the first or last day for Reykjavik, then reserve full days for the countryside. A Golden Circle tour avoids winter driving stress, while our guides to day trips from Reykjavik, things to do in Iceland, and Iceland’s landscapes help with route planning.

Good to know: Icelandic weather and road conditions can change quickly. Check the official SafeTravel Iceland guidance before driving or hiking, respect road closures, and keep at least one flexible day in a winter itinerary.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

• Splurge stay: The Reykjavik EDITION
• Mid-range stay: 22 Hill Hotel
• Value stay: 100 Iceland Hotel

How to get the girls trip out of the group chat

1. Choose the trip type before the destination. Decide whether this is mainly a beach break, food trip, nightlife weekend, outdoor trip, or milestone celebration.
2. Set a real budget range. Include flights, accommodation, local transportation, meals, tips, activities, taxes, and an emergency cushion – not only the hotel room.
3. Confirm passports and date constraints. Use our guide to places U.S. travelers can visit without a passport when document timing is the limiting factor.
4. Pick one decision-maker and one finance tracker. Too many equal planners can stall every choice, while one person carrying all the work creates resentment.
5. Book the scarce items first. Secure limited-entry attractions, a large dinner table, a guide, or a special hotel before filling in lower-stakes activities.
6. Use a 70/30 schedule. Plan about 70% of the trip and leave the rest open for weather, rest, shopping, or a recommendation discovered on the ground.
7. Protect the friendship. Make room for separate activities, name money concerns early, and do not treat different energy levels as a personal rejection.

For cost-sensitive groups, start with our guide to affordable places to travel. For long-haul or weather-dependent trips, compare cancellation terms and consider appropriate travel insurance before paying nonrefundable deposits.

Frequently asked questions about girls trip destinations

Do you still need ID if you are not carrying a passport?

Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories, so a trip there is a domestic flight. Since May 7, 2025 a domestic flight requires a REAL ID-compliant licence – the one with a star in the upper corner – or another ID the TSA accepts: a US passport or passport card, an Enhanced Driver’s License (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington issue them), a DHS trusted traveler card such as Global Entry, or a Department of Defense ID. A licence printed with “federal limits apply” is not enough on its own. Passengers under 18 are not required to show identification for domestic travel.

If you reach the checkpoint without an accepted ID, the TSA’s ConfirmID process costs $45 through Pay.gov and covers a 10-day travel period from the travel start date you enter. The TSA states plainly that identity verification is not guaranteed, so check the card in your wallet before you book rather than at the airport.

Choose the destination that fits the group – not the trend

The best trip is the one your friends can afford, reach, and enjoy without forcing everyone into the same pace. Start with the table, choose two finalists, price the complete trip for the same dates, and let each person name one non-negotiable. That process usually reveals the right destination faster than another week of sending reels to the group chat.

Related resources

• Most beautiful places in the world
• Affordable shopping destinations around the world
• Best places to travel in your 20s in the United States
• Best beach vacation spots
• Best weekend getaways in the USA
• How long it takes to travel around the world

Editorial note: This article was originally written by Kyle Kroeger, updated by Brittney Liu, and reviewed by Kim Magarici using the ViaTravelers team’s trips to the destinations covered. Current entry rules, advisories, fees, and availability should be rechecked immediately before publication and again before travel.