Girls' trips are becoming more popular - with a third planning one this year

11 February 2024 , 08:18

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A third of women are planning to go on an all-girls trip in 2024 (Image: National Cruise Line)

Girls’ weekends are on the rise - with more than a third of women set to go on one in 2024.

A poll, of 1,000 women, found they typically spend less than an hour a week with their female family or friends.

So to make up for lost time, 38% want to go away on an all-girls trip this year. With city breaks spa weekends, beach getaways, and multi-destination cruises all popular.

Commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the study found the typical girls trip involves shopping, spa treatments, a drink at a bar or pub as well as an evening at the theatre or a concert.

Spain, Italy, and Greece are the most favoured European destinations, while long-haul destinations like the United States and the Maldives are also popular.

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Karen Sequeira, from the cruise operator, which sails to Rome, Barcelona, Cannes and Ibiza, Greece and the Greek Isles, Alaska, and the Hawaiian Islands, said: “The survey has revealed that women long to travel and connect with their female friends and family members. A trip at sea embodies all the 'feel-good elements' - the ability to 'switch off', relax in the spa, saviour cuisine from all four corners of the globe and of course, discover new destinations together.”

The best things about girls’ trips include the chance to have a real catch-up (54%), get away from day-to-day worries, (48%) and enjoy shared experiences together (32%).

A quarter say their girl-friends help them to forget about their worries (© 2016 Amanda Marsalis Norwegian Cruise Line Unlimited Usage)

Just over two thirds (69%) think these types of breaks are worthwhile - with more than half (52%) coming back feeling refreshed, while 48% said they leave having a closer bond with their friends, and this might explain why 64% prefer to maximise their time with their pals by opting for shared accommodation. Although 20% admit they’d prefer their own room.

It also emerged 41% are planning to spend Galentine’s Day - a social holiday celebrating female friendships - by going for dinner at a restaurant, while 24% are planning a girls’ trip.

A further 45% believe the day is a great occasion to connect with girl pals and celebrate their connection, and of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll.com, 50% said the best things about their female friendships is having a laugh and 25% like that they can forget their worries.

Karen Sequeira of Norwegian Cruise Line, which sails to more than 450 destinations across the globe, offering both multi-bedroom suites and solo accommodation, said: “We take great pride in delivering a variety of experiences for all of our guests, to provide them with memory-making holidays.”

TOP 20 DESTINATIONS FOR A GIRLS’ TRIP:

1. United Kingdom
2. Spain
3. Italy
4. Greece
5. Portugal
6. Ireland
7. France
8. USA
9. Croatia
10. Maldives
11. Switzerland
12. Denmark
13. Norway
14. Germany
15. Thailand
16. Canada
17. Seychelles
18. Austria
19. Sweden
20. New Zealand

TOP 10 FAVOURITE ACITIVITIES TO DO ON AN ALL-GIRLS TRIP:

1. Shopping
2. Spa treatments
3. Bars/pubs
4. Theatre
5. Concerts/listen to live music
6. Sunbathing, beach games
7. Dancing
8. Bottomless brunches
9. Fine dining
10. Museums

Sarah Lumley