8 of the best girls' trip destinations

20.12.2024 - 15:51 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 20, 2024 • 6 min read

There’s something especially wonderful about traveling with your girlfriends. It’s so alluring that countless movies have been made, books written and songs sung about the uniquely magical experience of heading to new sights with your friends. Not only can these trips provide the chance to slow down from our busy lives, but they can also be an opportunity to step away from the distractions that can get in the way of quality time, all while making new memories along the way.

That’s why I asked Lonely Planet staff to help me compile a range of destinations that make for unforgettable trips for every type of girl group. Whether you are going for outdoor adventure, nightlife that never sleeps, historical explorations or a chance to relax, there is something for every type of girl gang.

Have a glitzy beach escape

Mexico is filled with unmissable experiences, but there is something about Tulum that just screams girls' trip. Maybe it's the white sand beaches, the fantastic cuisine, luxe hotels or countless clubs to dance the night away. Or maybe it's because I have enjoyed all these signature perks of Tulum with my own group of girlfriends. I was there with three friends for my 24th birthday, and we spent afternoons sipping on poolside mojitos, warm mornings dashing into the ocean, hours biking through town, and day trips cooling off in cenotes. 

Tulum has finally opened an airport, which makes accessing this shimmering escape even easier. The water is warm, the sun is bright, and the cuisine is delicious. If you stay by the beach, grab dinner at MEZE, a mouthwatering Mediterranean restaurant that has a grilled catch of the day fish that I still think about.  

We stayed at Kanan, which reminded me of a treehouse and had a beautiful beachfront, but if you prefer more privacy, you can rent a private villa like Casa Xixim.

Road trip through Big Sky Country

If pulling on jeans and a cowboy hat is more your style, follow in Digital Editor, Ann Douglas Lott’s, footsteps and head to Big Sky, Montana. She spent a girls' weekend there last August, “trail roaming, lake swimming, hot tub soaking and, of course, driving around Yellowstone National Park.” 

Whether you rent a house in the mountains or opt for the road trip approach through stunning national parks, such as Glacier and Yellowstone, make sure to try some BBQ (Ann Douglas’ favorite was at the Riverhouse along Hwy 191), frolic through meadows and swim in natural streams. Let the nature lover in you come alive.

Enjoy island time 

Iconic, beloved, captivating. There are so many words to describe the Cyclades Islands, all of which make it a fantastic girl trip destination. The beauty of these Greek islands is that there is the perfect one for