Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: TripAdvisor Celebrates Female Bonding With Top 10 Girlfriend Getaways

NEWTON, Mass., March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's most popular and largest travel community, today announced its top 10 girlfriend getaway destinations in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor editors and travelers.  From relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, to partaking of wild nightlife and fantastic food, these cities offer amazing opportunities to enjoy leisure trips with the ladies.

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1. Dance the Night Away: Miami, Florida

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Beach/Sun

Oozing with beautiful people, bronzed skin and skimpy outfits, South Beach is the ultimate party girls getaway.  By day, the group can perfect their tan on South Beach and browse the Lincoln Road boutiques and after the sun goes down, savor delicious cuisine along Ocean Drive, before flaunting some dance moves at Miami's top nightclubs. "If you're into clubs, parties, beach and eating out at nice restaurants, you'll love South Beach," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

2. Sport and Serenity: Sedona, Arizona

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Outdoor/Adventure

With numerous spas and outdoor activities including golf, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, girlfriends will relish the mix of energetic and relaxing options in Sedona.  The gals can also embark on a unique adventure with the Pink Jeep Tours, which offers the thrill of off-roading and stunning vistas.  "The scenery is simply breathtaking and you can go a lot further and much quicker by Jeep than on foot," commented one TripAdvisor traveler.

3. Toast to the Past: Charleston, South Carolina

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Culture/Sightseeing

Architecture buffs, antique enthusiasts and foodies will fall in love with Charleston's Southern charm and friendly locals.  A girlfriends group can immerse themselves in Charleston's rich history during a walking tour or carriage ride, or raise a glass to the past and present during The Original Pub Tour of Charleston.  "Visitors can't help but feel they have been magically transported to another era," reminisced one TripAdvisor traveler.

4. Paint the Town Pink: Las Vegas, Nevada

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Nightlife

For a sassy ladies getaway to Las Vegas, join forces to take on the tables at the casino after private poker lessons, or dare the gals to try a women-only pole dancing class.  According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "The thing that struck me about Vegas is that every square meter of this place is designed for visual impact and overloading the senses."

5. Shop 'til You Drop: New York City, New York

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: City Break

Home to numerous fashion designers and retail stores, shopping can easily become the star of the show during a ladies trip to New York City.  Of course, NYC also boasts world class restaurants and nightlife, so the big city offers the girls-only group big appeal.  "It was fabulous to walk to Central Park, the Met, up 5th Avenue and drool at all the windows," remarked one TripAdvisor traveler.

6. Organic Getaway: Portland, Oregon

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Great Food/Wine

Famous for its locally grown organic ingredients, Portland serves up an ideal setting for foodies and wine-lovers alike.  Girlfriend getaways can become a culinary adventure with tasting menus at the city's top-rated restaurants, wine-sipping in Willamette Valley, or taking an epicurean excursion with Portland Walking Tours.  As one TripAdvisor writes, "What a great way to see Portland, eat and drink your way through it!"

7. Honky Tonk'n Good Time: Nashville, Tennessee

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Concerts

While Nashville is best known for its vibrant country music scene, this popular city also has top-notch dining, shopping and nightlife, all essentials for female bonding.  The wacky Nash Trash Tour is a perfect for a gaggle of gal pals, with its bright pink bus, off-color humor and ability to bring your own cocktails onboard.  In the words of one TripAdvisor traveler, "We laughed so hard the entire 90 minute tour that we all need to go back since we missed a lot of it due to our roars and uncontrollable cackles!"

8. The Royal Treatment: Palm Springs, California

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Relaxation/Spa

The ladies group in need of rejuvenation can pamper themselves in Palm Springs, where not only is it socially acceptable to lounge around the hotel in a bathrobe, but the incredibly healthy food and innovative spa treatments will leave the girls glowing.  More active groups can try a sunset hot air balloon ride, or a tour of Joshua Tree National Park, with excellent hiking and horseback riding opportunities.  As one TripAdvisor traveler shares, "We've been doing the annual girls' weekend for 15 years, and Palm Springs was one of our faves!"

9. Sun, Surf and Shopping: Waikiki, Hawaii

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Beach/Sun

Despite Hawaii's reputation as a romantic destination, it's not all honeymoon suites and smooching couples in Waikiki.  Girlfriends can enjoy soaking up the sun on Waikiki Beach, take group surfing lessons from a handsome instructor, or shop 'til they drop at the Ala Moana Center.  As noted by one TripAdvisor traveler, "If you enjoy nightlife, bars, nightclubs then you will love this city. If you're looking for a quiet place, avoid it!"

10. Learning with the Ladies: San Antonio, Texas

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: Culture/Sightseeing

San Antonio's rich history and culture provides a stellar backdrop for a women's walkabout.  From taking a guided boat tour of the River Walk, to visiting the Alamo, to scoping out the city's unique artisan wares in La Villita, the River City offers much to see and do. One TripAdvisor traveler said, "So many historical things to see and trendy places to hang out!"

"Whatever your gal pals find most appealing, these destinations can deliver an amazing girls-only vacation," said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.

About TripAdvisor Media Network

TripAdvisor® Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts 45 million monthly visitors* across 15 popular travel brands: TripAdvisor®, www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.frequentflier.com, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com and www.virtualtourist.com. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 32 million monthly visitors*, 15 million registered members and 30 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover more than one million destinations, hotels, restaurants and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com), the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk), Ireland (http://www.tripadvisor.ie), France (http://www.tripadvisor.fr), Germany (http://www.tripadvisor.de), Italy (http://www.tripadvisor.it), Spain (http://www.tripadvisor.es), India (http://www.tripadvisor.in), Japan (http://www.tripadvisor.jp), Portugal and Brazil (http://www.tripadvisor.com.br), Sweden (http://www.tripadvisor.se), The Netherlands (http://nl.tripadvisor.com), Canada (http://www.tripadvisor.ca), Denmark (http://www.tripadvisor.dk), Turkey (http://www.tripadvisor.com.tr) and Mexico (http://www.tripadvisor.com.mx). TripAdvisor also operates in China under the brand daodao.com (http://www.daodao.com) and Kuxun.cn (http://www.kuxun.cn). TripAdvisor® Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPE).

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*Source: comScore Media Metrix, January 2010

SOURCE TripAdvisor