If you can afford the time and it’s in your budget, get on the girlfriend getaway bandwagon. This is typically the domain of grooms, but women have a special bond with their best friends and sisters and a wedding is a great time to celebrate that bond.
Best bachelorettes
Planning a bachelorette party is easy if you know the hotspots. First, scour the web to find flights and hotel deals in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco and don’t forget Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and the east coast. Your urban oasis awaits with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Just book, pack and go. When you have booked a place to stay and a way to get there, no further planning is required.
Off the beaten path
If you want a more unusual trip, talk to your girlfriends about options. Are you adventurous? Into yoga, wine or cooking? Want to stay at a dude ranch in Utah, ski in Colorado, golf in Tampa Bay or white water raft in Maine? Research yoga and spa retreats in Scottsdale, Tucson or New Mexico.
Closer to home
Jetsetting before your big day may not be a practical option. So, take a driving trip to places closer to home. Book a spa day package at a nearby resort. Look for special deals or go during the week when prices are lower than weekends. Enjoy this time with your gal pals, and remember, it’s not about where you go or how much you spend. It’s simply about being together.
Getting started
- Plan ahead to ensure that the date suits everyone.
- Agree about whether you want to relax or live it up.
- Develop a budget that everyone can afford.
- Do your research for the best deals.
- Choose your destination: keep in mind that flying times can eat into what is typically a two or three-night getaway.
- Finalize the details and pay for big ticket items like hotels and flights.
- Pack your bag, grab your passport and enjoy!
Sample itinerary for 2 nights in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida:
Arrive in Tampa, unpack at the Westin Tampa Bay, with its own private beach. Shop at International Plaza and Bay Street and enjoy dinner (paella and white chocolate bread pudding, anyone?) at the famous Columbia Restaurant. Hit the bars Ybor City.
The next day, take a golf lesson at TPG Tampa Bay, one of the top courses in the state. Later, relax your sore muscles at Indaba Spa at Innisbrook. Try their African-inspired Signature Citrus Massage. Enjoy your last dinner at a restaurant overlooking the water.
