If you’re looking for a relaxing city break with the girls, a shop-til-you-drop weekend away, or a longer holiday, Europe has a wealth of destinations to choose from.
Best for Culture Vultures
For a girls’ holiday with a spot of culture, a city break in one of Europe’s many great cities is a must. Italy is ideal for museums, art galleries and magnificent duomos, with the city of Florence having all of these things and more. With plenty of cafes and trattorias to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing, you can treat yourself to a glass of wine and some delicious food as you watch the world go by. Pisa, only an hour and a half away from Florence by train, may seem more touristy, with hundreds of visitors from all over the world coming to see the famous Leaning Tower, however there are plenty of hidden gems to be found by exploring the rest of the town.
Best for Dedicated Shoppers
As well as being a romantic city perfect for lovers, Paris is ideal for a girls’ shopping holiday. With a multitude of designer shops and vintage stores, Paris is also home to the showy ten-story Galeries Lafayette. A winter break to Vienna, Berlin or Copenhagen with their magical Christmas markets gives visitors the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for those back home, with the added advantage of cosy chats over a glass of gluhwein amidst fairytale surroundings.
Best for Party Animals
Ibiza is worthy of its crown as the party capital of Europe, and if you’re looking for non-stop dancing and hedonism, (and can afford to miss a few nights sleep!), then this is the place for you. For other cities with outstanding nightlife, try Berlin for the exceptional nightclub scene, Amsterdam with its chilled pubs and bars, and Barcelona for its horde of late night bars, clubs and restaurants.
Best for Sun-worshipers
Europe has a range of beach resorts perfect for a girls’ holiday relaxing in the sunshine, from the all-year round sun of the Canary Islands to chic and picturesque Greek Islands. For pure luxury, heavenly views and crystal-clear blue seas, the Greek Island of Santorini is the ideal destination for relaxation. If, however, your girls’ holiday has a tighter budget, great deals can be found for the island of Majorca in the Balearics, with various resorts catering for all tastes.
Making it Happen
Once your dream destination has been chosen, make sure you avoid the holiday pitfalls that could threaten to spoil your time away. Whether you’re going for a weekend or a week, getting direct insurance is essential for your holiday, but is one thing that people often overlook. However, for peace of mind, protection over unforeseen circumstances, and as a precaution for your finances, travel insurance is probably the most important thing to remember. Other things to keep in mind include making sure your passport is in date (check individual countries for rules over validity periods), keeping your travel documents such as flight tickets safe, and above all making sure you have fun!
