Girls just want to have fun! And what’s more fun than traveling with other women to enjoy common interests? Girlfriend getaways are the perfect solution for reconnecting with college roommates, mother/daughter bonding or just escaping the routine of a hectic life. Today’s woman juggles family, career, and community commitments, often taking care of everyone else before they concentrate on, or even recognize, their own needs. If this rings familiar, it’s time to focus on yourself for just a minute.

To that end, gather up those female friends from near or far to relax, bond and maybe even learn something new on one of these five favorite girlfriend getaways:

Without a doubt, Las Vegas is one of the most popular girlfriend getaways in the U.S. As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” so bachelorettes often choose Las Vegas to cavort and party at the numerous clubs and casinos. But that’s not the only draw to Las Vegas. Venerable chefs such as Joël Robuchon and Charlie Palmer have top restaurants there and plenty of shopping provides some serious retail therapy. Girls looking for a different kind of thrill can try the three-story water slide through a shark tank at the Golden Nugget, the terrifying Sky Jump from the 108^th floor of the Stratosphere, or the Freemont Street Experience zip lines.

Could there be a better place to indulge your love of food, wine, art, and history than Italy? For the ultimate get together for the girls, rent a farmhouse or villa in Tuscany and have room to spread out. Spend a day relaxing by your private pool with a view of the magnificent rolling hill country, or take an authentic cooking class from a local signora in her home kitchen. Shop your hearts out, stroll the winding streets and immerse yourself in the renowned art of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Shoe loving ladies will also adore the Ferragamo Museum in the Palazzo Spini Feroni.  Of course, a visit to one of the ubiquitous vineyards or olive farms for tastings is always fun to share with friends.

Asheville, North Carolina is an amazingly diverse city that appeals to young professionals, hippies, retired couples, and mountain folk. A major attraction is the Biltmore Estate, the palatial home of George W. Vanderbilt, but it is just one of many activities. Asheville is also home to countless restaurants, a vibrant microbrew scene, many museums, art galleries, theaters, and eclectic shops. For nature lovers, Nearby Pisgah National Forest is a favorite place for hiking or just unwinding in the woods. Asheville is a great destination for girlfriends with varied interests to spend time together.

Girlfriends who want to relax and rejuvenate together will love a retreat at a destination spa. Fabulous spas are found all over, but Scottsdale, Arizona is reputed to have more spas per capita than any other place in the U.S.! Taking charge of your own health and wellness should be a priority for all women and spa stays are an excellent way to combine healthy pursuits with girlfriend camaraderie for both physical and emotional wellbeing. SpaFinder runs a Wellness Week every March and September during which participating spas offer discounts on spa, private training, yoga, Pilates, and more. With $50 treatments or 50% off other offerings, your girlfriends’ group can look and feel your very best!

A classic girlfriend getaway for sun and fun is the beach – any beach. From the white sand and azure water of the Caribbean to the see-and-be-seen sophistication of the French Riviera, beaches have an undeniable draw. Try surf lessons in Hawaii, snorkeling in the Bahamas, or sea kayaking in the Vancouver Islands. Spend long hours basking in the warm rays and show off your latest flirty fashions. People watch from under beach umbrellas and share girl talk over cocktail umbrellas. Beach trips are just what the doctor ordered for girlfriends looking for fun and fellowship.

If you are thinking, “Wouldn’t that be fun with …,” take action now! Let Covington Travel arrange the ultimate girlfriend getaway for you. You’ll return rejuvenated, reconnected and ready to take on the rest of your life with renewed vigor.