11 Epic Vacations You Need to Take with Your GF
Who says you have to get married—or be in a relationship—to plan a flawless trip abroad with someone you love? A bestiemoon, aka, a major vacation you take with your best friend(s), will bring you closer like nothing else. And with plenty of hacks to find affordable airfares, what better time than the present to plan a getaway? Here are 11 spots where you can live your best bestiemoon life:
IF YOU’RE BOTH OBSESSED WITH INSTAGRAM:
This country is so supernaturally breathtaking that the prettiest Game of Thronesscenes shot in Iceland only touch the tip of the iceberg. Bus tours from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and largest city, which by itself is adorable and super-walkable, can take you all around the volcanic island so you can get your perfect ‘gram in front of a waterfall or mountain ridge. The photo ops are endless—and precisely why you need your BFF to patiently take bomb snapshots of you amidst every backdrop. If you can squeeze in a shot of the Northern Lights or a selfie in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll both be the envy of all your followers for life.
IF YOU BOTH SHARE A DEEP LOVE FOR FOOD:
After a day of exploring Barcelona’s unique, dream-like architecture, you’ll want to unwind with some food. And boy, are there options! Luckily, tapas, or small dishes, are found on most menus, so you can have little nibbles of everything the city has to offer, including lots of fresh fish, tomatoes, cheese, potatoes, and bread—aka, all the best things! Or, you can split a giant paella, a rice-based dish filled with fresh seafood, and call it a day. It all pairs beautifully with a bottle of wine and a friend who appreciates incredible food as much as you
IF YOU’RE BOTH ON A BUDGET:
Although Paris is known as “the city of love,” visiting with your partner in crime can be just as much fun as traveling with a romantic partner—particularly on a meager travel fund. Iconic for many reasons, like the architecture, museums, and food and wine with great picnic potential, Paris is more affordable than ever: Airfares are consistently low, and there are tons of ways to save cash. So take public transportation, get an all-inclusive museum pass, stay in a hostel that’s actually cute, and wander the streets for free because the city is just that entertaining. Whether you aggressively sightsee or end up lounging à la outdoor café for hours, there’s something awesome waiting in Paris for every possible personality type.
IF YOU BOTH HAVE CASH TO BURN:
IF YOU LOVE TAKING LONG WALKS TOGETHER:
Although every movie set in Rome seems to include a Vespa montage, it’s such a walkable city that you can hit all the major ancient sites, like the Colosseum, by foot. Also? The streets are so pretty. What else do you need besides a gelato in hand, your bestie by your side, and a city to take your sweet time strolling through?
IF NEITHER OF YOU ARE PLANNERS:
LISBON, PORTUGAL
One of the world’s oldest cities, Lisbon is a new tourist favorite for good reason: It has all the appeal of other European cities without too many must-see spots that leave you riding the metro back-and-forth all day. Even in the absence of a set itinerary, you’ll find plenty to do: Whether you head to a nearby beach, or stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets full of historic landmarks, you’ll both feel calm without getting bored. And if you’re too lax to plan dinner, you can hit up this famous food market that brings all the city’s best chefs to one spot. Done. Easy!
IF YOU AGREE ON EVERYTHING *EXCEPT* YOUR DREAM VACATION SPOT:
IF YOU BOTH LOVE FRESH AIR, BUT AREN’T OUTDOORSY:
This absolutely gorgeous coastal city has one of the world’s largest fountain parks and is rightly hailed as the “Garden City” for, well, do you see that photo?! If you want a city with a six-mile stretch of parks overlooking the ocean, and actual beaches right below it, Lima is your place. It’s also a culinary haven due to its high volume of world-class chefs with local restaurants—meaning you’re always one outdoor table away from a delicious meal and A+ quality time with your bestie.
IF YOU BOTH HATE COLD WEATHER:
BERMUDA
The best time to visit Bermuda is in March or April, right before the island gets busy and, coincidentally, when the weather is the crummiest if you live anywhere in the northern U.S. That said, the coldest it ever gets is about 64 degrees in February, so anytime is a good time to make the trip. When you swap miserable, stormy days for pink sand beaches, snorkeling, and all the cocktails you can (responsibly) drink, the hardest part of travelling with your best friend will be coming back.
IF YOU’D RATHER CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR FRIEND THAN YOUR FAMILY:
IF ONE (OR BOTH) OF YOU IS GETTING OVER A BREAKUP:
Denmark is consistently voted one of the happiest countries in the world, so it’s no wonder it’s the home of “hygge“–the warmth one feels from spending quality time with loved ones, or cozying up by themselves. Going to the capital of the place that coined the concept is perfect in general, but especially when either of you needs some post-breakup vacation therapy. There, you can chill by Nyhavn, a waterfront neighborhood known for the way its colorful buildings reflect in the water (see above), visit the famous Little Mermaid statue, and redefine fun at the Tivoli Gardens, a retro amusement park. Take it slow, and have fun together, because bestiemoons heal all wounds!