Need some inspo for your next girls’ trip? We got you.
Planning a girls’ getaway is like herding cats. Whether it’s a day, weekend or week-long trip, there’s a lot of work involved: dates to figure out, budgets to set, flights and hotels to book, activities to organise – the list goes on. So, first off, kudos to you because if you’re reading this, you’re probably taking the lead.
The stress increases if it’s a bachelorette trip for your bestie, as you probably feel like you’re under a mountain of pressure to ensure she has an amazing last hurrah before tying the knot.
Package holidays and big city breaks in Miami, Melbourne, London and Las Vegas are all go-tos for a girls’ holiday. But what if you prefer hiking or learning about local cultures over late-night drinking? And what if you’re simply too busy to get the trip out of the group chat?
We’ve curated a list of Intrepid trips in 10 destinations that are perfect for adventurous women. These trips offer unique experiences that’ll provide many speech-worthy stories. Plus, you won’t have to lift a finger as Intrepid takes care of all the planning – all you need to do is choose where to go.
In the words of Shania Twain, let’s go girls.
1. Sing your heart out in Japan
If your ideal girls’ night involves a feed-me menu in a vibey restaurant followed by karaoke, why not go all out in Japan, the birthplace of karaoke? The karaoke machine – ‘kara’ meaning empty and ‘oke’ meaning orchestra in Japanese – was invented by a musician named Daisuke Inoue in the early ’70s.
Inoue, inspired by the success of his sing-along style performances in local bars, created a device with a microphone, amplifier and speaker so that people could sing on demand without a band. And so the worldwide karaoke craze was born!
Karaoke is considered a bonding activity in Japan. There are neon-lit karaoke bars all over the country with private rooms where you can sing and dance like no one’s watching. When you’re not belting out tunes, wander Kyoto’s colourful shrines and temples, relax in steaming onsens or chow down on sushi and sukiyaki in the foodie paradise of Osaka.
2. Take to the skies in Turkey
Imagine you and your girls huddled in a hot air balloon basket, watching the morning light wash hues of pink over the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Now that’s one for the books. Even if you don’t take flight, seeing dozens of colourful balloons in the sky is a pinch-me moment.
Turkey’s culture has Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, from cosmopolitan cities and ornately adorned mosques to spice-scented bazaars and rooftop bars. To fully embrace the sense of sisterhood of a girly getaway, you could embark on a Women’s Expedition where you’ll discover traditional and modern Turkey through the lives of the local women. Visit a women-only bathhouse, learn the art of coffee fortune-telling and make a popular Cappadocian souvenir called a ‘kitre’ or ‘rag doll’ with a local artisan.
3. Swap neon lights for the northern lights
Las Vegas might have pool parties, theme parks and a dazzling strip, but have you considered trading that for Iceland’s geothermal lagoons, volcanoes and northern lights? The capital city of Reykjavik is full of restaurants, live music bars, boutiques and spas, making it an ideal destination if you fancy outdoor activities, self-care and nightlife.
During the day, hike across glaciers in crampons, feel the spray of the spectacular Skogafoss waterfall or slip your body into mineral-rich pools. Then, as night falls, layer up in your finest thermals to search for the world’s most spectacular light show. What could be better than watching ribbons of purple and green dance across the sky with your besties?
Alaska or the Canadian Rockies are great alternatives if you’re based in the Americas and don’t want to travel as far as Iceland to see the aurora.
4. Enjoy kimchi and K-pop dance classes in South Korea
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, glittering cityscapes and K-pop dance classes? They sound like the ingredients of an unforgettable trip. From the towering skyscrapers of Seoul to the Gamcheon Culture Village of Busan – and all the markets, mountains and beaches in between – South Korea is full of natural beauty, moreish flavours and friendly locals keen to share their traditions with you.
As well as staying in a hanok (traditional Korean house), learning the perfect kimchi recipe or meditating with monks, it’d be fitting to meet a haenyeo, or ‘sea woman’, while you’re here with your girls. The fearless haenyeos free dive (without an air tank) for up to three minutes at a time to collect clams, sea urchins and oysters. This female-leading profession has existed for centuries, and despite industrialisation which has replaced much of the haenyeos’ work, many women uphold the practice to honour their connection to the sea.
5. Island hop your way around Thailand
Forget The Hangover Part II and all the chaos that ensued for Stu and co in Bangkok; Thailand is a top choice if your pals prefer relaxation and cultural immersion to wild nights out. Though you’re welcome to get the party started in Thailand’s lively capital if you want to!
Hop aboard a yacht for a cruisy week sailing around the islands of the Andaman Sea. Feel the wind in your hair as you drift past the limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi, drop anchor to swim away from the crowds at Koh Phak Bia and test your balance paddle boarding over coral reefs at Koh Mai Thon. With a private chef to whip up delicious meals and the chance to sleep on deck under the stars, this island-hopping adventure is the perfect way to unwind with your friends.
6. Embrace pura vida in Costa Rica
Bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Costa Rica’s tropical jungles, volcanic peaks and rugged coastline make it an ideal destination if your crew likes a side of adrenaline with their beach vacation.
Embrace pura vida – the Costa Rican philosophy of appreciating the simple things and living life to the fullest – through a blend of adventure and relaxation. Picture: zip-lining through the cool clouds of the Monteverde Forest or rafting through the iguana-filled Cano Negro Wetlands. When you’re ready to slow things down, hike to the lush La Fortuna waterfall, keeping an eye out for toucans and sloths, before swimming beneath the cascades. Or, soak your muscles in volcanic hot springs near Arenal Volcano.
7. Get a taste of la dolce vita in Italy
Italian culture is all about savouring life’s simple pleasures: home-cooked food, delicious wine and good company. And there’s arguably no better place to indulge in these pleasures than at a Tuscan vineyard in the golden hour sun.
For your epicurious friends, why not embark on a pasta, pizza and gelato-filled tour of the land of la dolce vita? You’ll visit local artisans, learn about regional highlights like ragu alla bolognese and balsamic vinegar, and uncover traditional techniques at nonna-style cooking classes. By the end of your trip, you’ll be ready to bring some Italian pizazz to your next dinner party.
8. Swim alongside sea lions in the Galapagos
You could go diving in the Bahamas or Belize, but few places can compete with the diversity of wildlife in the Galapagos. No, seriously, you might find yourself swimming with sea lion pups, walking alongside giant tortoises and watching blue-footed boobies build nests… all in one day.
Wildlife is what draws most travellers to the Galapagos, but the region offers a range of other activities, from scaling the epic Sierra Negra Volcano to learning how to make encebollado, a famous Ecuadorian fish soup. However, you’ll want to save some energy for sundown, as Ecuadorians love wining, dining and dancing. After feasting on local seafood, have a shot of aguardiente (Ecuador’s national drink made from sugar cane, also known as’ firewater’) and find your rhythm in a Latin music bar. Vamos!
9. Eat your way around the foodie capital of South America
Lima has become one of the world’s most mouthwatering destinations for foodies. Along with abundant produce from the land and seas and centuries-old Indigenous traditions, Peruvian cuisine has been influenced by flavours from Spain, China, Japan and various other cultures. In just a few days, you can sample popular street food snacks like beef heart skewers and sweet potato doughnuts, learn how to make the perfect ceviche, and feast on creative takes on traditional dishes in five-star restaurants.
But food is only one way to get your fill of Peru’s rich culture. When you’re all ceviche-d out, there are Inca-redible experiences waiting for you throughout the country. Trek the llama-filled plains of Sacred Valley while stopping for afternoon tea at a cafe that employs local single mothers. Cruise deep into the Amazon to search for monkeys and medicinal plants. Or challenge yourself by hiking the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
10. Bliss out in Bali
Bali might have a growing number of fancy beach bars, Melbourne-style cafes and boutique shops, but it also has fishing villages, tranquil temples and a culture deeply rooted in tradition. This all makes for a great girlie getaway that has cocktails and outdoorsy and cultural stuff. It’s about balance, right?
Dip your toe in everything Bali has to offer as you conquer the slopes of Mt Batur for sunrise, tuck into nasi goreng at street food markets and cycle around rice paddies and rural villages. If you’re keen to see more of Indonesia, you could combine your Bali adventure with a trip to the less frequented Lombok or Java.
Design your perfect girls’ trip with Intrepid’s Tailor-Made team
Most Intrepid trips have a maximum group size of 16 travellers, though they usually average 10 people. Depending on how many people are in your group, or if you’d prefer to travel exclusively with your friends, you may be interested in Intrepid’s Tailor-Made trips. This is also a great option if you have a dream adventure you want to bring to life.
Chat with a specialist Tailor-Made consultant who’ll help you define your dream girls’ trip and create a bespoke itinerary for your group.
