Whether you’re celebrating a big milestone or just craving some quality time with your girls, a girlfriend getaway is perfect for strengthening bonds, making unforgettable memories, and, of course, sharing plenty of laughs. The toughest part? Picking where to go.
The trips below, sorted by season, offer something for everyone—whether you’re into adventure, cozy stays, or amazing food. Each spot also gives you the chance to try something new, pushing everyone to embrace their adventurous side.
Winter: A Train Ride Through the Swiss Alps
Imagine this: You’re on a train, sipping wine or maybe a latte, gliding past towering snow-capped mountains. Outside, skiers carve down powdery slopes—like something straight off a postcard.
I took one of these dreamy routes with Audley Travel, starting in Zurich and stopping in Davos, Andermatt, Montreux, Gstaad, and Bern before ending in storybook-perfect Lucerne. Pro tip: Grab a Swiss Travel Pass for flexibility—most trains don’t need reservations.
In Zurich, dive into Swiss chocolate culture at the Lindt Home of Chocolate. The interactive museum walks you through the brand’s history, with behind-the-scenes peeks at chocolate-making (plus plenty of samples!). You can even book a chocolate-making class or wander Zurich’s charming Old Town.
Next, hop the train to Davos—try to arrive during daylight so you don’t miss the breathtaking snowy mountain views. The Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Belvédère is less than a mile from the station and offers a free shuttle.
Famous for hosting the World Economic Forum, Davos is a ski paradise but also great for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Not into skiing? A horse-drawn sleigh ride feels like stepping into a winter painting. Afterward, warm up with local food, boutique shopping, or a yoga class. Back at the hotel, unwind in the après-ski lounge before hitting the sauna or hot tub.
Heading to Andermatt? Skiing, hiking, sledding, and shopping await. Visit in December for Christmas markets and the Verve Andermatt techno festival. For a chill night, grab beers and burgers at Pinte Pub&Club.
Don’t miss the Glacier Express—its panoramic glass windows and narrated journey (via included headphones) are unforgettable. (Reservations are required, but the Swiss Travel Pass covers it.)
One of my favorite Christmas markets is Montreux Noël, with stalls selling trinkets and fondue sausages along Lake Geneva. Stay at Eden Palace au Lac, right by the market. If you hear bells, look up—Santa and his sleigh fly overhead nightly!
For a day trip, take the luxurious GoldenPass Panoramic train to Gstaad, then return to Montreux for dinner and drinks at Montreux Jazz Café or Funky Claude’s Bar.
Wrap up your trip in Bern and Lucerne. Drop your bags at Cascada Boutique Hotel (7 minutes from the station), then hop a boat for a Lake Lucerne cruise to Vitznau. From there, ride Europe’s first mountain railway up to MineralBad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad for a pampering day. Try a spa treatment, soak in mineral baths, then feast on fondue at Hotel Rigi Kaltbad. Take the cable car down for epic views, then explore Lucerne’s cobblestone streets and Christmas markets. (Bonus: Boats, funiculars, and cable cars are all included with the Swiss Travel Pass.)
Spring: A Campervan Trip Through Tuscany, Italy
Spring is ideal for a Tuscan escape—pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and easier-to-book campsites. Start and end in Florence, renting a van from Roadsurfer. Their smaller vans technically fit four, but trust me, two is comfier. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (easy to get before you leave). Find campsites on Pitchup—like Montaioncino Azienda Agricola, a family-run vineyard with dreamy Tuscan views and optional wine-paired dinners.
Nearby, San Miniato is perfect for a morning truffle hunt with Gazzarrini Tartufi, followed by a truffle-loaded lunch. Wander the forest with a guide and their dog, learning about truffles and training techniques. After, visit the tiny Truffle Museum of the Samminiatesi Hills or take a guided town walk. Don’t miss Sergio Falaschi dal 1925, a century-old butcher shop with killer food and a charismatic owner.
Detour to Pontedera’s Piaggio Museum (birthplace of the Vespa) to see the iconic scooter’s evolution.
In Livorno, cruise the canals and visit the 130-year-old food market. Lunch at Alle Vettovaglie (ask about wine tastings!) and try a ponce—coffee, rum, sugar, and lemon peel. Ride the funicular to Sanctuary of Montenero to see ex-votos (offerings left for answered prayers). Camp at Miramare Village, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Spend a day or two in Siena, strolling narrow streets, admiring Michelangelo statues at the Duomo, or joining a cooking class at The International Chef Academy of Tuscany. Sip cocktails at Il Campo’s cafes, where the famous Palio horse race happens twice a year.
After camping, treat yourselves to Florence’s Antica Torre Tornabuoni, a 13th-century tower turned luxury hotel. Rooftop cocktails at the Panoramic Bar are a must. Or try La Gemma for facials, hot tub soaks, and dinner at Luca’s by chef Paulo Airaudo.
Summer: A Private Yacht Charter in Croatia
Perfect for bridal showers or reunions, chartering a yacht in Croatia can cost under $5,000 per person for a week—including private cabins, meals, and an open bar.
Goolets offers everything from cozy yachts to 38-person vessels. For midsize groups, the 14-cabin Ohana has water toys, a hot tub, and massage services. Explore Croatia’s 78 islands (49 inhabited) with a custom itinerary.
Start in Split—its airport, beaches, and waterfront dining make it ideal. Arrive early in case of delays; stay at Cornaro Hotel and hit the rooftop pool bar. Wander Split’s Old Town for Roman ruins, 1500s churches, and lively clubs like Boiler or Central.
Cruise to Brač for Golden Horn Beach, then wine-tasting at Stina. On Šolta, bike, scuba dive, or party at Carpe Diem Beach.
Fall: A Mountain Getaway in Flagstaff, Arizona
While New England gets all the leaf-peeping hype, Flagstaff’s fiery fall foliage is a hidden gem. At 7,000 feet, it’s a year-round outdoor hub, but autumn is extra magical. Hike or drive through the mountains for the best views.
Visit mid-September for Pickin’ in the Pines, a bluegrass festival under the pines, complete with local food and craft beer. Two weeks later, the Flagstaff Star Party lets you gaze at billions of stars through telescopes. (Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky City—or visit Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.)
Stay at High Country Motor Lodge, a retro-modern spot with outdoor movies, firepit lounges, and yoga.
The Grand Canyon is just 90 minutes away—with fewer crowds, wildlife sightings are more likely. Back in town, shop, hit the Brewery Trail, or dine at Zane Grey Ballroom (historic cocktails with downtown views) or Shift Kitchen & Bar, a James Beard semi-finalist with a killer tasting menu.