Get-a-way with the Girl Friends!

(19 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Stephanie Homann

Colfax, WI
My Passion is Your Travel Experience

I love working with my clients to design vacations and experiences that allow them to discover new cultures and geographic areas, along with an opportunity to create memories that last the rest of their lives. As a travel professional for over twe...

As I began compiling a list of girls’ get-a-way destinations to focus on for this friendship issue of the Queen of the Castle my mind kept wondering off to memories of my first girls’ only get-a-way.  Being three moms of a total of eight children and three unique husbands, fitting even the 3 night escape into our schedules was a challenge, but it was so worth it.  The first get-a-way we all took together was to Lake Geneva, WI.  (Lake Geneva is a great close to home vacation destination for girlfriends, families, or couples, summer or winter.) 


We all planed on using the time to get caught up on all the little projects that we never have time for.  We had my car loaded down with tubs of scrapbooking supplies, a sewing machine, basket weaving supplies, and all the magazines we never have to time to actually read.  This 4 ½ hour drive down went so fast.  With visiting and rock’n to the radio we were their before we know it.  This was the most time we had spent together since we were in high school.  Very little of those projects we brought were accomplished.  We spent hours reminiscing, listening to each other vent, and even snuck in some shopping and some rock climbing.  Which by the way was very entertaining for three thirty something non-athletic women, who could not stop laughing the entire time. 


That weekend, as close to home as it was, was exactly what three moms needed.  A girls’ get-a-way does not need to be far from home or take everything in your savings.  It is about putting the challenges of being a wife, mom, girlfriend, employee, boss or what ever is going on in your life behind you and feeding your sole.  After that first get-a way we discovered the importance of doing it every year.  I hope that if you are not currently getting away with the girls regularly, you do so soon. 


How to make the most out of your Girlfriend get-a-way:


   Set a date far in advance and stick to it.  It is easy to say you are going to do it, but if it is on your calendar you are more likely to follow through.  Ideally, set the same week or weekend each year.


  Bring old photos- the more embarrassing the better.  You’ll be certain to spend most of your time reminiscing, and you will be glad you have the pictures at hand.


  Take lots of pictures of each other.  A year later you will be far more interested in looking at photos of each other than the sights you saw.


  Don’t pack everything.  Shop on your first day to pick up a scarf, sarong, bag or piece of jewelry to wear on the trip.  Once home it will remind you of your trip.


  Be willing to compromise.  If she wants to go a museum but you don’t but she went to a different attraction for you—and said nothing—then it’s your turn for a sacrifice.


  Create a kitty that everyone chips in a certain amount for cover minor expenses (coffee, taxies…) so there is no arguing over who is going to pick up the tap.  You could even go as far as having anyone who mentioned her husband or kids by name while on the trip pay a dollar to the kiddy.


  BTOC: Bring your own chardonnay! Most likely you will spend time just hanging out by the pool.  Save some money by stocking your own mini bar with treats you will not let yourself have at home. 


Great short girls’ get-a-way destinations:·       


Napa Valley, CA- The perfect combination of soil, sun, and seasonal moisture, for hundreds of area wineries.  In addition to fabulous wine, these valleys are also known for their outstanding food.  If you're tired after all your sipping and savoring, you can rejuvenate yourself at one of the sublime spas or soothing mud baths in the area.       


Lake Tahoe, CA- For spring and summer, there are boat rides on Lake Tahoe, plus miles of trails for bicyclists, runners, and hikers. During the winter, take in the splendor of the High Sierras, while enjoying North America's most spectacular downhill and cross-country skiing terrain. And all through the year, there's world-class casino gaming on the Nevada side of the lake.


Savannah, GA- Beauty and refinement lies in the 21 historic squares shaded by oaks dripping and elegant residential architecture with colorful gardens. This incredible beauty has bestowed upon Savannah the title of having a historic district that is the largest National Historic Landmark in the county and saved her from Sherman's destruction during the ending days of the Civil War. 


Close to home get-a-ways- Within driving distance of the Chippewa Valley there are a number of destinations that offer wonderful shopping, dinning, resorts, and attractions of all sorts.  Some of them include, Door County, Lake Geneva, Minocqua, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Duluth/Superior to name a few. 


Regardless of the destination you and your girlfriends choose, choose one and make it happen.  A girls-only trip can provide that rest, motivation, excitement, and introspection you don’t easily find in your daily life leaving you energized and refreshed. 

See more travel stories
Return to my SMALL GROUP TRAVEL page
© 2024 Travel Leaders Group