I’m Alecia Caine and I’ve had a passion for France ever since I’m a little girl when I first heard the French language spoken. I fell in love with this beautiful language and that’s when my love affair with France and all things French began. I guess you could say France is my soul mate. If a place can actually be a soul mate. Read Alecia’s Blog and find out about her tours for women in France
When you’re planning a weekend or week away with the girls, it can be difficult to choose a destination that suits everyone in the group that’s going. A big consideration is always cost. What might be a little extra for one person might be a big chunk of disposable income for another, so it’s diplomatic if you’re the person planning the trip to budget on the lower side. You don’t want anyone to feel excluded because they can’t afford it.
One big advantage these days is that there are so many cheap flights available around Europe, thanks to the number of budget airlines in operation. So, if you have a rough idea of when you want to travel, you could start off by finding out which destinations have the best deals. Sign up for email news from different airlines and you’ll get to know about any promotions that are happening. Read more
Guest Blog by Kristy Alexander for Girls Getaways who have some great accommodation options in OZ for the ultimate girls getaway.
There’s nothing like a weekend away with the girls. I’m not even what you would call a girly girl but I love them nonetheless. There is something about the whole ya ya sisterhood thing that is right on there. Maybe it’s the lack of testosterone in the room. I’m not sure what it is but there is something that just works. I’ve had a bunch of these weekends away over the years.
Ever since I’ve become a mum I appreciate them oh so much more too. Opportunities to get away from the madness are few and far between. Here are a few of my favourites. They are mostly in NSW as I’ve spent a good portion of my life there but you would definitely be able to find similar options in other states.
1. Terrigal Beach, NSW
And it doesn’t have to be summer. My aunt has a girls’ weekend in July every year and they always rent a beach house somewhere. They all put in so are able to afford somewhere quite large and fancy pants with a beautiful view for not very much at all. Then they also have full kitchen facilities and no worry about noise which is more of a concern in an apartment or hotel.
Australia has a massive coastline and most of it is decent for a visit so there is bound to be somewhere not too far away that works for your weekend away. Terrigal is definitely my favourite option – located on the NSW Central Coast only about 1 hour north of Sydney the ever popular Long Beach is a gorgeous spot. It can get busy in summer so if you don’t like the crowds then maybe better to go another season.
If you are wanting a little less self service and a little more pampering and being waited on get online and look into resort specials. There are a number of resorts in Terrigal, the Crowne Plaza being the most well known option. Every single room there faces the ocean and has a private balcony. Tell me you don’t like the sound of that.
2. The Hunter Valley, NSW
Our little group of girls like to mix it up a little. Beach this time, resort next time, hinterland or winery the time after. You get the picture. And while I am a beachy kinda girl I have to admit that one of my favourite getaways was to the Hunter Valley.
We stayed at a wilderness resort in a spa cabin perched on a mountaintop overlooking the valley. It was exquisite. We were able to admire the view directly from our outdoor spa on the balcony. The resort even had a special girls’ weekend package so we got all our meals, a drink on arrival, a massage and a tour to the local vineyard included in the one price. It was so easy. It really is worth looking for these girls weekend away packages as so many places do them.
There are many similar options all over Australia. From Margaret River in WA to Mornington Peninsula or the Macedon Ranges in VIC and the Barossa Valley or Southern Flinders Ranges in SA. Wine regions are always great at accommodating the girls’ weekend too as they are used to catering to the ultimate of all girls weekends…the hen’s night! They have this sort of shindig nailed.
3. Melbourne, VIC
Oh come on, who didn’t secretly wish that Sex and the City was about their life. So go make it your life for a weekend! Head to Sydney or Melbourne or whichever great city is near you and sip on a Cosmopolitan while trading gossip with the girls. You can even make your own at your swanky accommodation if you would rather a relaxing night in. At least that way you can choose your own music.
You know that come 11pm you will all be dancing around the lounge room singing “I Will Survive” in your pyjamas. Come on, you know you know it. We’ve all been there.
Kristy Alexander is a freelance travel writer who loves to spend time with the girls. When she’s in Sydney on a girls shopping trip she loves to stay at the Novotel in Darling Harbour for its excellent location and stunning views.
