As travel opens back up, the typical girls' trip can be anything but typical. From luxurious staycations to exotic locales and adventure destinations, try these options for the most engaging and unique girl trip ideas this summer.
The "Staycation"
History comes to life yet again in Oklahoma City with the grand debut of the region’s restored crown jewel, The National, Autograph Collection, at the First National Center which opened in April. The building originally opened in 1931 as an iconic bank and landmark monument, and stands proudly at 32-stories high to this day.
Following an extensive restoration and one of the biggest renovations in the state's history, the former bank office tower has been transformed into a hotel with 146 guest rooms alongside opulent new apartment homes, restaurants, bars, and retail offerings.
The historic property will unveil multiple food & beverage concepts under bespoke hospitality management and development company, Apicii, and Michelin-starred Chief Culinary Officer Jonathan Benno. From Tellers and The Great Hall, to Stock & Bond and The Library of Distilled Spirits, each concept is imbued with a distinct personality and offerings that embody traditional Oklahoma City hospitality.
The Mountain Getaway
With easy flights from Oklahoma City and within a day's drive, Breckenridge, Colorado is a mecca of outdoor adventure, arts and culture and fun events.
Summer events are ready to rebound with in-person festivals celebrating bikes, beer, history, food, art and music. Every Independence Day, downtown Breckenridge comes alive with a patriotic parade and the annual Firecracker 50 mountain bike race. Other festivals include Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival (Jul. 9), Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival (Jul. 29 - 31), Breckenridge Bacon and Bourbon Festival (Aug. 26 - 27), Breckenridge Wine Classic (Sept. 15 - 17), Strings Ciders & Sours (Sept. 16 - 18) and Oktoberfest (Sept. 23 - 25).
Visit GoBreck.com.
Enrich the mind and soothe the soul with a small group nature hike led by Summit Nature Guides, a NEW non-profit eco-tour provider. Learn about biodiversity and see wildlife on a guided tour of Cucumber Gulch with a local naturalist.
The Big Trip - Alaskan Summer Cruise
Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. What better way to see the untamed beauty of Alaska than a Princess Cruise on one of Princess' world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks.
Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruise tour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess. Women traveling together can expect adventure on the cruise because you don't just visit this famous land, you live it on Alaska excursions.
Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience. For Princess Cruise options in Alaska, visit princess.com.
4. Beach and Ocean Waves
You don't need to head to the Caribbean for a fantastic beach vacation. Just a few hours down south is Galveston Island, a pleasure resort community that has everything from fine dining and stellar museums to adventures you won't find anywhere else.
The Galveston Bay Area is home to some of the best attractions Texas has to offer, including Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the Kemah Boardwalk, and miles of sun-kissed beaches along the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island.
For a truly unique adventure, sign up for Moody Gardens Aquarium's Penguin Encounter, which is a private 45-minute encounter that lets you learn about penguins and take home a piece of Penguin Art. Visiting and sailing on the tall ship Elissa harkens back to a time when Galeveston was considered "The Ellis Island of the South." If you are lucky, you can opt for a six-hour Ship to Shore cruise on the tall ships as volunteer sailors work the masted sails.
For a truly luxury experience, book at stay at the San Luis Resort or the newly renovated masterpiece that is The Grand Galvez. The Sunday brunch at the Grand Galvez features towering mounds of fresh shrimp and crab legs, an omelet station, a carving station and a whole room of desserts.
For more information, visit galveston.com.