The Best Girls’ Trips for All Your Group Getaway Needs
No boys allowed, obviously.
If you’re reading this article right now, you’re either (a) planning a trip with your crew or (b) desperately in need of one (or joining one of the million bachelorette trips before all these weddings happening in 2023, anyone?). Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Plus, everyone needs to live out their best movie-montage lives at least once. Maybe even thrice?
This is why we’ve scoured the world (wide web) for the best places for a girls' trip on literally any budget. Bar-hopping in Brooklyn? Check. De-stressing in Hawaii? Hell yeah. Literally anything in Mexico? Sure!
And if you can’t wrangle your girls to take a trip right this second, don’t sweat it. There are these two great things called ~manifesting~ and Pinterest you can use to keep these spots and this epic potential trip at the forefront of your mind—and your savings account.
So start the conversation *now*, because we don't need to prolong the amount of time you sit hunched over at your desk without your best friends and a piña colada in your hand. The Maldives are waiting!
Without further ado, here’s our list of the 30 best girls' trips for your handy-dandy reference. Pro tip: Send it to your group chat immediately with tentative dates and watch your dream vacay unfold. Go forth, get planning! Live your best lives! Just don’t forget to pack SPF or else I’ll yell at you.
Psst! Have you heard of CosmoTrips? Not to brag, but we planned a bunch of very cool trips for you and your BFFs in our favorite cities across the U.S. Check 'em out if you're in the mood for a vacay...
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Best for: poolside sipping
A proper girls trip calls for the spiciest of margs and poolside drinks, so with that in mind, may I recommend the picture-perfect Conrad Tulum? The resort itself is capital-S Stun-ning, and the drinks aren't the only detail worth obsessing over. The hotel is home to 11 dining venues, so you can your crew can chow down on everything from sushi platters to Mediterranean tapas. With so many options (and an incredible jungle sanctuary spa) there's truly no reason to leave the resort during your stay. Looking for something a little more lush? The overwater bungalows at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in nearby Playa Del Carmen are luxury ~livin~ at its finest. While you're there, check in (and stay for a while) at the newly renovated/v. posh Fairmont Mayakoba.
Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
Best for: An OTT long weekend
Show us a more luxe girls getaway destination than Puerto Rico's Dorado Beach. Situated on the island's northern coast, Dorado Beach is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property that's one of only five in the entire world (um, a major flex). Go for the golf course and hit the links with your gals, or book a group treatment at the world-class spa that's beloved by celebs like Megan Fox and MGK (they got engaged at the hotel, NBD).
Shelter Island, NY
Best for: going off-the-grid
Few destinations are as picturesque as Shelter Island, NY. This v remote (v gorg) island sandwiched between Long Island's north and south shores is idyllic for more reasons than just the fact that it's as scenic as scenic gets. Go off the grid with your gals and book a cottage at The Pridwin Hotel—the island's iconic waterfront resort. The cocktails at the hotel's on-site restaurant are can't-miss, as are the views of the Shelter Island Sound.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Best for: whimsical wanderers
The sun never sets on the country’s capital. No, literally, during the summer, the sun barely sets, meaning you can wander the city all night if you please. Stay in the heart of the city on Reykjavik’s main shopping drag, Laugavegur, at Alda Hotel Reykjavik. Enjoy the stars or Northern Lights from the outdoor hot tub, or decompress after a long day in the tranquil indoor sauna. Then, if you’re feeling adventurous, plan a trip to the famed Blue Lagoon for swoon-worthy Insta shots.
Tulum, Mexico
Best for: spiritual sisters
If you’re ready to graduate from the spring break vibes of Los Cabos, Tulum will definitely become your group’s next go-to. La Valise is the perfect hotel for groups who like a little spirituality during their stay, as you can spend your days doing wellness treatments at the spa, attending traditional healing ceremonies, or taking private yoga classes. When you’re ready to explore, the hotel offers tons of amazing adventures, from guided snorkel tours to a hike through the Mayan jungle complete with a home-cooked lunch.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Best for: small-town beach babes
If you’ve ever dreamed of a small-town life à la Lorelai and Rory, Nantucket is basically Stars Hollow if it had a nautical twin (think beaches and biking). Begin your day by picking up some sandwiches at Provisions, then bike down to the beach for a day in the water. When you’re satisfied with your tans, head back to your room at Life House to reset and get ready for dinner at Lola 41. Finally, end the night at Loines Observatory for some top-tier bonding and stargazing.
The Maldives
Best for: going all out
As I’m sure you all know, the Maldives has become a top choice on basically everyone’s must-see lists lately. So, if you and your gang are looking for the ultimate place to relax, this is freaking it. Book your stay at the Ayada, which boasts 8 different restaurants with 8 different cuisines for your enjoyment. When you’re ready to get out of bed, hop on the hotel’s jet skis or try out windsurfing for a day of water sports. If you’re celebrating something specific—or just want something intimate to do with your besties—definitely be sure to end your vacay with the hotel’s deserted island picnic.
Joshua Tree, California
Best for: hikers and zen-seekers
Home to Joshua Tree National Park and starry nights described by many as “magical,” Joshua Tree is perfect for groups who love to be outdoors. After spending your days hiking the park (and getting all of those amazing desert pics) book a private sound bath session to relax and clear your mind. Looking for some real adventure? Joshua Tree also offers tons of rock climbing opportunities for beginners and experts alike. At night, book a two-hour stargazing experience with Sky-Watcher in Hidden Valley before heading back to your rooms at Mojave Sands.
Fiji
Best for: island adventurers
If you’ve ever dismissed Fiji as an unattainable paradise, you were kinda right—with over 300 islands, endless beaches, and gorgeous hiking trails, everything about Fiji screams paradise. The best part, though, is that it’s super attainable. After landing, check into the Fiji Marriott Resort in Momi Bay and settle into your over-water villa. Ready to explore? Make your way to Suva, Fiji’s capital, for an insane hiking experience with Talona Treks. From short day trips to overnighters, you’ll get a real taste of what it’s like to live in paradise.
Paris, France
Best for: cultural connoisseurs
Head to the banks of the Seine to soak in art, fashion, and, of course, some of the world’s best food and wine. Visit iconic pieces of art at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Indulge in history lessons with a day trip to Versailles or Normandy (we recommend travel company City Wonders). Stay central by booking a room at Room Mate Alain, the latest offering from European boutique hotel chain Room Mate. Its first outpost in France is built inside a Parisian townhouse just minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous avenue Champs-Élysées. Plus, its plush lobby bar will serve as the perfect backdrop for your group pic.
Charleston, South Carolina
Best for: scenic strollers
Former Cosmo editor Taylor Andrews recently visited Charleston to find love. But while she was there, she also found a totally incredible vacation experience made for your girls. “Walk around the adorable flea market and to the famous pineapple fountain to get your IG glam shot,” she says. “Then take a breezy stroll along the waterfront park or go on a shopping spree on King Street.” And of course, eat all the Southern food at famous restaurants like Husk and Lewis Barbecue. Make a reservation at Market Pavilion Hotel in downtown Charleston, Andrews says. “It’s central to everywhere and provides bedtime robes perfect for you and your squad.”
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best for: spa lovers
If you’re going to get away, you may as well turn the trip into a full-blown pampering session. “Santa Fe is great if you love spas,” says millennial travel planner and expert Maggie Stein of In The Know Experiences, a vacation and event-planning company. “It’s like Sedona, Arizona, with the desert and wellness vibe but without the high price tag.” Book a weekend at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, which is set on 70 beautiful acres, all fed by natural springs. The hotel offers a large array of wellness activities from yoga to cooking, and it also has an on-site spa that combines Eastern and Western therapies.
Sonoma, California
Best for: winos
“For those who have ‘been there, done that’ with Napa and want something a little cheaper and more laid-back, Sonoma is the place to be for wine and food on the West Coast,” says Stein. Head to the boutique property West Sonoma Inn & Spa, which is located in the heart of Sonoma wine country and situated near (I kid you not) 130 vineyards. Bonus: You technically don’t have to leave the property for vineyard views or wine tastings.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Best for: party starters
“Everyone knows that New Orleans is the place to hear some good music and eat and drink,” says Stein. If that’s what you’re looking for, stay at The Ace Hotel. “With its own concert venue, restaurants, and super-popular rooftop bar and pool, it’s the coolest game in town and perfect for a group of friends looking to have a good time in the Big Easy,” Stein suggests.
Montauk, New York
Best for: beach bums
Montauk may have gained a reputation as a party beach town in recent years, but the area’s newest hotel is all about taking it easy and enjoying the OG beach lifestyle. “Sole East Beach is perfect for a group of women who are all about hanging at the beach—it’s the one hotel located across the street from the ocean,” says Stein. Oh, and the party spot Sloppy Tuna is just a three-minute walk away, in case you want to cut loose.
Brooklyn, New York
Best for: local-culture seekers
Over the past few years, Brooklyn has been making its mark as the capital of cool. With its dive bars, artisan clothing shops, and quaint bistros, you won’t even want to cross the bridge into Manhattan. You can, however, get a good view of the island from 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, a new hotel in Dumbo overlooking the East River. “It’s a hot spot for locals because of its incredible rooftop and on-site restaurants—and some of the rooms even have hammocks,” says Stein.
Savannah, Georgia
Best for: history buffs
Pack your best blister-proof pair of walking shoes because trust me—you'll need 'em with all the cobblestone cruisin' to be had in this centuries-old city. Savannah is a dream for travelers of all kinds, thanks to its strollable city squares, incredible food scene, and riverfront shops. Visit during the spring or fall (because summers in Savannah are pretty sweltering, ngl) to soak up the city's famous fountains. While you're there, book a dinner resy at Husk before settling in for a night at the always luxe Perry Lane Hotel.
Bend, Oregon
Best for: people who live outdoors
Do you like insanely beautiful landscapes? Do you love being outside and staying active? Do you also like having delicious food and plenty of spas to come home to at the end of a long day? Bend, Oregon, is exactly where you want to be. "Bend is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that’s perfect for outdoorsy types," says Stein. Stay at the new Springhill Suites, which is within walking (or running, if you’re feeling it) distance of the downtown Old Mill District, an area full of great shops and restaurants, and a quick ride (by bike or car) to the trails.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Best for: anyone who wants to let loose
“Cabo is a place that has something for everyone,” says Stein, “whether you’re looking for a gritty party scene, a bohemian retreat, an active detox, or a pampering resort experience.” As far as where to stay, try El Ganzo. “It’s a very cool boutique hotel with a focus on art and music, even hosting their own rooftop concert series,” adds Stein. “They also have their own beach club just across the waterway by three-minute boat shuttle.”
Lisbon, Portugal
Best for: urban explorers
Lisbon is becoming one of Europe’s major urban hot spots—and for good reason. “Lisbon has deep-rooted history mixed with a very vibrant local scene,” says Stein. “It’s not as glamorous as some other European cities, but it’s the authentic charm I love. Not to mention, that makes for some pretty affordable pricing.” Spend a few days wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in some beautiful views of pastel-colored waterfront buildings, and gorging on seafood and glasses of vino verde. Make Hotel Valverde, with its colorful design and central location (the Botanical Gardens are practically across the street), home base for your exploring.
Sarah is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers food, home, health, career...basically all the things you love to love — follow her on Instagram.
Rachel is the acting Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan. She specializes in lifestyle, travel, weddings, and career content, and her writing has appeared in Marie Claire, REAL SIMPLE, The Knot, and more. Follow her on Instagram.
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