Our selection includes nearby destinations and options of iconic nationalĀ spotsĀ that do not require a high budget. Choose the one that goes best with your partner and you for a romantic weekend getaway.
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1. San Miguel de Allende: where romance becomes a village
Just 3 hours from the CDMX, San Miguel de Allende is a magical town that has won the hearts of many for its architectural beauty. Sunsets with their golden tones and their super bohemianĀ Mexican vibe. Discover picturesque squares, Allende and El Charco gardens, and charming restaurants for dinner. If you like vineyards, we recommend those of San Lucas and Santa Catalina.
2. Valle de bravo: a kiss on the shore of the lake
Just 1 hour and a half from the CDMX, theĀ chillĀ waters of the lake and the fresh breeze of Valle de Bravo, are the perfect environment for a romantic getaway. It is ideal if you like sports and water activities. Here you can enjoy sunset boat rides on the lake, walks surrounded by nature, and moments by the fireplace in cozy boutique hotels. Do not miss the panoramic view from the viewpoint of La PeƱa.
Just 1 hour from the CDMX is TepoztlƔn, a place where romance and spirituality are intertwined, it has a mystical atmosphere. Ideal for couples who love spas, massages, and hiking. We also recommend eating at the market and leaving space in your suitcase for some handicrafts.
Just 1 hour away is The City of Eternal Spring, which welcomes you with its pleasant climate and beautiful gardens that spill honey. Visit the Borda Garden, a palace surrounded by green areas, or the Juarez Garden, ideal for a walk hand in hand. In Cuernavaca, boutique hotels with flower-filled patios and tranquil pools will give you a super relaxing and romantic stay.
Just 2 and a half hours immerse yourself in the historical and cultural richness of Puebla while you let yourself be enveloped by a superĀ romanticĀ atmosphere. Its cobbled streets, adored squares with fountains, and colonial buildings painted in warm tones will transport you to another era. Share with your partner a delicious mole poblano in the best traditional restaurants Anafre Rojo and the Mural de los Poblanos and explore together the majestic Cathedral and the Chapel of the Rosary.
Fall may not officially start until September 23, but in some eyes, the season is officially here. And if youāre dreaming about a fall getaway this year, nowās the time to start planning. Autumn is truly one of the best times of the year for travel.Ā Airfare has come downĀ from its summer highs, the crowds have thinned, and the weather has mellowed out enough to be blissfully comfortable. Especially if you live in a region that doesnāt usually see much change in the seasons, this is your opportunity to experience fall in all its colorful glory.Ā
If youāre not sure where to go for the best autumnal experience, weāve got you covered.Ā Read on for nine fall destinations within the U.S. that are worth a visit this time of year.Ā Pick one (or two!) andĀ start packing that suitcaseĀ full of chunky sweaters ASAP.
If youāre looking to spend some time in the great outdoors this fall, look no further than colorful Colorado. The mountain town of Telluride is especially gorgeous this time of year and the perfect spot to see fall color on full display. There are tons of trails in the area if youāre into hiking or mountain biking; otherwise, a ride on the (free!) gondola is a spectacular way to take in the scenery. Just keep in mind that the gondola only runs through mid-October, so plan your getaway in early autumn so you donāt miss this attraction. Spend the rest of your days strolling and shopping through the picturesque Mountain Village, trying out all the amazing dining options, or sipping cold beer brewed using Rocky Mountain snowmelt atĀ Telluride Brewing Company.Ā
āDonāt you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies.ā Thereās a reason this classic line from the movieĀ Youāve Got MailĀ still hasnāt gotten old after 25 years. New York City in the fall is simply the best. Plan a visit for mid-to-late October, when you can wander around theĀ Upper East and West SideĀ and take in the beautiful brownstones decked out for Halloween. Pop downtown and spend a leisurely Saturday or Sunday morning searching for treasures at theĀ Chelsea Flea Market. Tour the Met for an afternoon, and then take a walk in Central Park while enjoying the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Cap off the weekend with drinks at one of these Instagram-famous West Village hotspots:Ā Dante,Ā Bar Pisellino, orĀ Boucherie.
Though itās best known as home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is way more than just a college town. If youāre aĀ wine lover, this city should be high on your list of fall destinations. Among the many wineries nearby, some favorites includeĀ Barboursville Vineyard,Ā Pippin Hill Farm, andĀ Bold Rock Carter MountainĀ (perfect for fans of cider). When you return to town, take some time to explore the UVA grounds. Even if your college days feel like a distant memory, youāll love wandering around this scenic campus. Then, grab a bagel fromĀ BodoāsĀ and head to theĀ Downtown Mall, a pedestrian mall with shops and restaurants galore. On your way out of town, drive over toĀ Shenandoah National Park, where you can take in beautiful foliage and snag some postcard-worthy photos.
Philadelphia is an often-overlooked destination thatās worth a visit when fall arrives. Home to landmarks likeĀ Independence HallĀ and theĀ Betsy Ross House, Philly is chock-full of history. Simply wander the streets of Old City, and youāll practically be able to taste the 18th-century charm. Wander downĀ Elfrethās Alley, which dates back to 1703 and features 32 delightfully colorful homes and a small museum. The street looks even more stunning with autumn leaves on the ground. Foodies wonāt want to missĀ Reading Terminal Market, an expansive indoor farmerās market offering all kinds of culinary creations. Afterward, head to theĀ Philadelphia Museum of Art, where youāll find the famous āRocky Steps.ā For dinner, theĀ White Dog CafeĀ in University Cityāa sophisticated, dog-themed restaurantāis a canāt-miss. Be sure to order the pretzel bread!
Do youĀ go wild for Halloween? Then Salem is most definitely the place to be during the spooky season. Known for the 1692 witch trials, Salem is still associated with all things supernatural and scary. You can even takeĀ Hocus Pocus-themed tours, as the city is home to several filming locations. Or get your shopping on at theĀ Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, which resembles a cross between Bostonās Newbury Street andĀ Harry PotterāsĀ Diagon Alley. Note that things tend to get ultra-busy in Octoberāno surprise there!
We couldnāt make a list of dreamy fall destinations without touching on glorious Vermont. The town of Woodstock is located about two hours away from Vermontās largest city Burlington. Known as one of the prettiest towns in the U.S., Woodstock is the perfect place to kick back andĀ enjoy classic fall activitiesĀ likeĀ apple picking,Ā hiking, maple syrup tasting, and more. And no trip to Vermont is complete without a stay at a cute B & B. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from in the Woodstock area!
I have a friend who went to college in central Maine, so I will 100 percent be the first to admit that I have a bias toward New England in the fall. If youāve never been to Maine, I suggest taking a fall trip to Portland. The downtown area is delightful and filled with all kinds of bars, restaurants, vintage shops, and museums. If you love eating, drinking, and art, itās the ideal city for you! Pay a visit to theĀ Portland Museum of Art, grab dinner atĀ DuckfatĀ (known for its crispy, fried-in-duck-fat Belgian fries), and cap off the night atĀ Blyth & Burrows. If you have access to a car, drive over to theĀ Portland Head Lightāthe quintessential lighthouse you often see in Maine photosāand grab some snaps as you take in the fall foliage.
If you havenāt spent time in Washington, D.C., since that eighth-grade field trip, itās time to return. I grew up going back and forth to D.C. because of family and spent five years living in the city, so I can attest that there is so much more to see and do than what you hear about in school. In the fall, I love strolling through Georgetown and nearby Old Town Alexandria, where the Halloween decorations are top-notch. Both neighborhoods also offer ghost tours, if thatās your thing!
If youāre looking for a more small-town feel, stay at a bed-and-breakfast like theĀ Tabard Inn. Located in the buzzy Dupont Circle neighborhood, the hotel offers a delicious selection of food and drink. (Donāt miss their chocolate chip pancakes in the morning.) For a touristy activity thatās a bit off the beaten path, check out theĀ Hillwood Estate. Arrive with a picnic lunch in tow (fromĀ Foxtrot Market,Ā Tatte,Ā orĀ Call Your Mother Deli), and enjoy a meal on the Hillwood grounds, which are particularly stunning in autumn.
Located in the North Carolina mountains, Asheville is a charming town. Itās home to the gorgeousĀ Biltmore Estate, which was built by George Vanderbilt and is considered Americaās largest home. The estate offers tons of activities, including indoor tours, gardens, a winery, and more. So youāll want to carve out a decent amount of time to explore this fascinating place. If youāre less into wine and more into beer, Asheville has breweries galore. Enjoy a pint or two, and then cap off your visit at theĀ Asheville Pinball Museum, which boasts over 75 pinball machines plus other games.
Planning a trip with friends is the bestĀ bondingĀ experience and an incredible way to recharge and refocus, especially during the year you do not have many opportunities to spend time together without interruptions. What better way toĀ finallyĀ get quality time than with a girlsā weekend? No special occasion is necessaryā grab your best gals and get away for a few days for some fun, relaxation, and much-needed catching up.
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Our picks of destinations to travel with friends include distant destinations and many options of nationalĀ spotsĀ that do not require a passport or such a high budget. Choose one that goes best with you and your besties.Ā Here are just a few of our favorites for the ultimate girlsā trip:
1. Bali, Indonesia
The tropical paradise of Bali not only offers white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but you can enjoy sunrise yoga on the beach, explore ancient temples and taste the delicious local gastronomy. And let’s not forget the luxury spas, where they can receive treatments while listening to the waves crashing in the distance.
It is a perfect place if what you want is a combination of rest and spirituality with walks and water activities.
From delicious tapas to refreshing sangria, you have to taste all the flavors the city has to offer. And at night, you can delve into Madrid’s nightlife, from La Castellana to Serrano.
We love Madrid because it is a super walkable spot (you can also use a bike or scooter to travel it) that has a little for everyone: museums, shopping, food, and party, so there will be something for you and each of your friends. Also, not having a language barrier makes everything more relaxed.
Viva, Las Vegas, baby! What else is there to say? World-class dining and entertainment, gaming and gambling, shopping, and musicāyour options are endless in Vegas! There are so many places to stay, but one of our favorites has to be theĀ Waldorf Astoria Las VegasĀ if youāre looking for a luxurious escape with your girls. A nice reprieve from the large hotel-casino-type resorts, the Waldorf Astoria boasts an incredible spa, pool, Skybar, tea lounge, and more, all with the luxurious touches youād expect from the brand. Oh, and their luxury house car is available for drop-off service within a 2-mile range on the Strip!
There are many super cool and delicious restaurants, some of our favorites are: Catch and Din Tai Fung, perfect for dinner and drinks.
And rememberĀ that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Paris offers romance around every corner, from walks along the Seine to visits to the Eiffel Tower. Even if you’re not a culture lover, the Louvre Museum is a must-see with thousands of works of art, including some of our favorite girls Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
If you are looking for a more chill atmosphere with a touch of magic, Tulum is the place. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this tropical paradise will give you the serenity you need. They can practice yoga at sunrise, explore mysterious Mayan ruins, and immerse themselves in secret cenotes. They can also enjoy drinks by the sea, live music, and beach parties.
If you are looking for a beach vacation with a touch of fun, Puerto EscondidoĀ is the place to be. With its perfect waves for surfing and super chill atmosphere, you can take surf lessons in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon. It is moderately developed and free of mega-resorts.Ā Surf’s up!
To explore the different beaches, here the idea is that you can rent a car or if you prefer to stay in the same place, rent a house facing the sea and with a pool.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!Ā Thatās Cajun French for ālet the good times rollāāand New Orleans sure knows how to have a good time. The city is home to incredible food, music, history, culture, and, of course, partying. Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the French Quarter or somewhere in the hip warehouse district, thereās something for everyone in New Orleans. For a historic hotel with charm and class, check out theĀ Bourbon Orleans Hotel. It has a courtyard pool (NOLA can get hot hot hot!) and live entertainment at the bar, too.
Summer HouseĀ fans, this one is for you! Located on the eastern tip of Long Island, the Hamptons is a hotspot in the summer and equally as gorgeous (and much more peaceful) in the off-season. Known for boutiques, restaurants, golf, and storybook charm, the area is home toĀ The Roundtree Amagansett,Ā a luxe, picturesque property with rooms, suites, and cottages that are perfect for a girlsā weekend away. With shuttles to the beaches in the summer, nightly sāmores around the fire pit, and a gorgeous green yard with cozy spots to unwind, itās an ideal getaway spot for your girl squad.
Where better to gather with your girls than the nationās capital? Rich in history and all things Americana, Washington, D.C. is easily accessible by car, train, or plane and has endless options for activities. For some intellectual stimulation, check out a tour of the Capitol or take a double-decker bus tour through the city before you go bar-hopping downtown. In the springtime, you can also bask in the gorgeousness of the famousĀ cherry blossom trees. While visiting, stay atĀ Conrad Washington DC.Ā With luxe, modern amenities, and an unbeatable location, itās a prime spot to indulge in some R&R, cocktails, and fine diningāall without even having to leave the property.
Just east of Salt Lake City is the outdoor loverās paradise, Park City. The resort town is home to Olympic Park (which once hosted the Olympic Winter Games), incredible ski slopes, and a gorgeous Main Street. Itās the perfect destination for fans of winter sports or those who just like to enjoy the winter weather in style. Park City is also home to the famous Sundance Film Festival which draws celebrities from across the world. For accommodations, check in toĀ Pendry Park City, a boutique, contemporary ski-in/ski-out mountain hotel nestled in the center of Canyons Village.
I had my reservations about traveling to the cold but we had so much fun. This needs to be annual thing, next time the Swiss Alps #skittrip#girlstrip#blackgirltiktok#travel
