Let’s face it: Sometimes you just need to ditch the guys in favor of some girl time. These days, the meaning of “girl time” is shifting from dinner or a manicure to full-blown vacations. Sound fun? You bet it is. But keep in mind while partying down at Mardi Gras might be an ideal fit for a trip with your sorority sisters, chances are mom wouldn’t appreciate the antics. And if your childhood friend is more hiking boots and trails than Manolos and martinis, a weekend at the Four Seasons probably isn’t ideal. Your mission – identify potential travel companions, choose your destination and hit the road for some serious girl bonding – after all, it’s way more fun than therapy.
THE PARTY GIRLS
Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s not just for bachelorette parties anymore: Sin City is heaven for women seeking thrill-a-minute, up-till-dawn fun. Las Vegas has no shortage of shows, restaurants, clubs and of course, casinos. To top off the existing debauchery, this year is everyone’s favorite party town’s 100th birthday – that means deals galore for you and more money to spend on the shows you couldn’t drag your guy to (Celine Dion and Elton John come to mind).
Vegas.com is offering packages of air plus two nights hotel accommodation from just $149.95 per person from Los Angles, $169.95 from Denver and $259.95 from New York.
Book through Expedia.com and receive a third night free if you travel between May 29 and September 27th.
New York, New York
The city that never sleeps is an obvious choice for a trip with your party girl pals. Sure, you could spend your time seeing Broadway shows and exploring museums while you're in New York, but you’ll most likely spend the daylight hours recouping from your nights on the town.
The Muse Hotel in Manhattan is offering a “Don't Be Desperate” package based (loosely) on the ladies of Wisteria Lane. It includes accommodations, a chauffeur-driven “lingerie makeover” to Myla and La Perla, admission to the All American Male Strip Club, martinis at District’s mini-bar, a keepsake bathrobe and a morning-after breakfast. The package is available weekends through June 30th for $345 per person for the package night and $129 for additional nights.
THE PAMPERED PRINCESSES
New York, New York
Right after primping, shopping is every pampered princess’ favorite activity. What better city to go broke in than New York, the shopping capital of the world? Stroll through Saks, bargain-hunt at Barneys or max out your credit card at Macy’s – whatever you do though, make sure to take along your favorite little princess-in-training for a crash course.
The Affina 50 hotel in midtown is offering an “American Girl” package now through the end of the year from just $209. The hotel is a quick walk from the American Girl Place (and lots of other Fifth Avenue shopping). Included in the package are accommodations, complimentary American Girl gift bag which includes a doll tea set, tools for planning your visit, activity sheets, and an in-room Dream Big Pillow for your doll to rest on during your stay.
Napa Valley, California
If your little girl is all grown up, or you just want to get away with a female friend, consider Napa Valley. After all, bonding is always better over a bottle of wine. 
The “Deserve It Housewives” package at the Mount View Hotel and Spa in Calistoga is offered mid-week and includes one night’s accommodations with two twin beds, two spa-to-go packs which include a relaxing mood CD, samples of Napa Valley spa products, grapeseed tea bath, lavender Face Mist and an aromatherapy candle, two 50-minute facials, two 25-minute hydrotherapy baths, a bottle of champagne, two souvenir champagne flutes and a DVD from their selection of "Classic Chick Flicks" with a fresh tub of popcorn delivered to your room, plus breakfast in bed from $360 plus tax.
THE ADVENTURERS
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
You don’t have to be an experienced outdoorswoman to have a great time in the great outdoors. Yellowstone is a national treasure and a perfect place to strengthen the bond of friendship in the pristine beauty of your surroundings, whether you're a trail blazer or a novice to nature. 
Adventure Women is offering a horsepacking trip in Yellowstone this August. $2,395 will get you a customized trip (beginner, intermediate or advanced), expert guides, a riding and pack horse, all food and tents plus the opportunity to fish, view wildlife and hike into the remote interior of Yellowstone, all in the company of like-minded women.
If you can’t make it in August or don’t want to travel to Yellowstone, there are ample opportunities for adventure in all of the country’s national parks all year round. See our article on National Park Vacations to get started planning your own adventure.
Playa Naranjo (Witches Rock), Costa Rica
Admit it – you always wanted to be a laid-back surfer chick. What better place to ride waves then in beautiful Costa Rica? Surfing school is a great place for a few laughs with your thrill-seeking female friends.
Tico Travel offers surf school packages for the novice through the advanced that include round-trip airport transfers, hotel accommodations, breakfast daily and daily in-water surf instruction with a certified WRSC surf instructor, plus daily seminars.
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