With Valentine’s Day around the corner and everyone making date-night plans with their sweethearts, you and your girls are gearing up for a celebration of a different kind— celebrating the friendship you share on Galentine’s Day. The term coined by Leslie Knopes from the popular show “Parks and Recreation” has taken hold as an event centered around the ladies getting out there and celebrating each other on February 13th, before the more romance-centered celebration of Valentine’s Day. We love this holiday, because let’s be real: romance has its highs and lows, but the unwavering support (and when necessary, tough love) of your girlfriends is something to be honored.
Maybe your Galentine’s Day ideas may include painting the town red or a chill night making apps in your PJs and catching up on the latest Netflix series you’re all binging.
But our favorite Galentine’s Day activity? Planning an off-the-charts, epic getaway this year— just for the girls. So gather the ladies, pull up the map and get planning.
Need a little inspiration? Here are some example itineraries to stoke your girls’ trip wanderlust.
Galentine’s getaways close to home
Life is busy, we totally get it. So if your Galentine’s Day plans are centered around sticking in the US, keep these spots on your shortlist.
1. Vermont
Cozy, cute, and comfortable is your girl gang’s cup of tea, and there’s no better place for it than Vermont. Bundle up and book a fat-tire bike tour of the quaint Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, or snap up your boots and strap in your skis (or snowboard) and hit the slopes with your besties. Vermont is known for world-class ski trails. Hunker down for an apres ski glass of wine or better yet, a locally brewed craft beer. And girls, there’s no rule that says Galentine’s Day *has* to be back-to-back with Valentine’s Day. So definitely feel free to plan (or revisit) the Green Mountain State during foliage season for some equally cozy, but more colorful views (CTC has a trip for that).
2. Beaufort, North Carolina
For a serving of southern charm, grab your girls and get to Beaufort (pronounced Boh-fort rather than Byoo-fort. But don’t worry, the locals will correct you). This quaint town on the Crystal Coast was named one of the coolest small towns in the U.S. Take the ferry out to Shakleford Banks to see the wild horses and spend the day on the beach. Shop the little boutiques along the waterfront of Taylor’s Creek. Grab a drink and watch the sun set at the rooftop bar at Moonraker’s restaurant or for a truly local experience, catch some live music in the courtyard at the Backstreet Pub. Beaufort is a charming and fun retreat where the quirky locals are ready to welcome you.
3. Key West, Florida
If you and the girls are wanting a more sunshine-y getaway, get yourselves down to the Key West. Spend a day snorkeling along Key West coral reefs, or checking out the Ernest Hemmingway Museum. There’s no shortage of cool restaurants and bars to hop through in Old Town and if you’re looking for an alcohol alternative, definitely chill at the Kava Culture Bar. Round out your girls’ trip with a sunset schooner sail for the cherry-on-top views of the the U.S.’s southernmost point, and ‘Gram worthy photos together with your best friends.
Go Big for Galentine’s with a trip abroad
Sure, you can head to the diner for a Galentine’s brunch. Or… You can go big with a girls' trip to these amazing destinations:
4. Croatia
Ladies… Croatia is *the* place to head to for a well-rounded, unforgettable girl’s trip. With locations that are believed to have inspired Homer’s “The Odyssey,” and definitely inspired film sets, let a Croatian adventure inspire you, too. Charter a boat and set sail with the girls to explore many of the thousands (yes, thousands) of islands along the country’s Adriatic coast. Go wine tasting in Hvar or stroll through the Old Town of Dubrovnik (for all the GoT fan girls). Be awed by nature and the stunning waterfalls in the Plitvice National Park. The blue-green colors and cascading waters of the natural pools are the perfect backdrop for epic selfies with your ride-or-dies.
5. Basque Country, Spain
For a truly special girls’ trip, set your sights on Basque Country. This stunning autonomous community is on the border of Spain and France. The topography is gorgeous as the community includes sections of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. Basque Country has one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe and its culture is unique from its Spanish and French neighbors. You and the ladies will feel like you’ve been transported to medieval times with a visit to Casco Viejo, the oldest neighborhood in Bilbo and the perfect place to grab a coffee or some pintxos (like tapas) to start your adventures. Make your way to the seaside city of San Sebastian and discover why this coastal city was a royal retreat throughout its history. A truly distinctive destination, Basque Country delivers unrepeatable experiences you can enjoy with your girlfriends.
6. Oaxaca, Mexico
We’ll make up any excuse to visit Oaxaca (and you should too). Food is a big factor. Oaxaca has some of the best in Mexico. But more than the food is the variety of activities, art, culture, and geological diversity this southern Mexican state features. Start your Galentine’s celebrations at the beach. Puerto Escondido has plenty of coastal activities and nightlife for those who like fresh seafood, mezcal, and sunbathing. For a more in-depth cultural experience, the city has the variety. There’s art museums, several markets, agave farms and mezcal distilleries. The list goes on for memorable activities for your squad to get into in Oaxaca.
Galentine’s Day is a concept more than an event. It calls us to recognize the precious connections in our lives who are there for you in your best and worst moments— a constant in the changing seasons of our lives. While it’s fun to plan and travel and indulge in the treasures found in new places, the true treasure is in your friendship.
Looking for done-for-you custom trip for your Galentine’s crew? This way… Conscious Travel Collective specialists design personalized itineraries that not only capture the essence of a destination, put you in contact with the local businesses that make your trip truly memorable, they do it in a responsible way.
The author of this blog is the oh-so-talented, Shelagh Hogan.
You can find out more about her work on our team page
If you’re looking for ways to travel with more intention, subscribe to our mailing list, and follow Conscious Travel Collective on IG or FB. We craft private small group travel for those looking for meaningful connection to places and people, so when you are ready to experience for yourself, we are here help make it happen!