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The no-boys-allowed slumber party is a hallmark of a young girl's growth as a woman. The secrets and inside jokes passed around the flashlight beam were the stuff lifelong memories were made of, but just because you're out of your pajamas-and-pig tails phase doesn't mean you have to give up a chance to bond with your girlfriends.
It's time to take the classic girlfriends slumber party to a sophisticated new level, with these all-grown-up girlfriend retreats that let you bond, create memories and take in new cultures. Games of MASH optional.
Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant city full of contrasts, where visitors come to shop, dine and play. However, each year around late June to early July, the city comes alive with its annual Festival International de Jazz.
The city gyrates to the rhythm for 11 days, June 26-July 6, in its downtown area. As the largest jazz celebration in the world, according to Guinness World Records, the festival gives music lovers from across the globe a chance to indulge their passion for jazz among the world's most renowned musicians. More to the point, it gives you and your girlfriends a chance to bask in the soundtrack of cool.
Festival International de Jazz de Montreal offers much more than a world-class jubilee; it also is an ideal location for friends to get together and bond in harmony to international hits of the genre, intermingle with locals to learn about the French-Canadian culture and nourish their memories in the heart of this French-speaking mecca.
Ibiza
If you and your girlfriends are looking for an energetic party scene to dance your stress away, then Ibiza should be your next home away from home. Dubbed the "Capital City of Fun," the city boasts numerous bars, discos and clubs that entice socialites from all over the world, from the elite partygoer to the dancing fool.
Hotspots like Amnesia, Pacha, Privilege and Eden light up the night with popular hits spun by international DJs, bright disco lights and an endless flow of cocktails, giving their visitors the opportunity to less loose while rubbing shoulders with locals.
Poconos
There is nothing like nestling amid old mountain charm to get away from your hectic life and set the stage for some serious girl time. Of course, decadent spa time and a glass or two of wine don't hurt either.
The roar of traffic, the congestion of overcrowded streets and the constant gaze of your cellphone simply do not survive at elevation, making the retreat of the mountains the place to de-stress as an array of amenities cater to you and your girlfriends' every need.
Spend your days entranced by the green spa treatments of La Spa Foret and your nights satisfying your appetite with gourmet meals over a nice glass of red. The French Manor Inn and Spa provides a tranquil atmosphere designed to surround guests in complete bliss.
Alaska
If you and your gal pals are the outdoorsy types, Alaska's untamed wilderness offers a playground of bucolic wonder. If you still want to take a break indoors for some relaxation and pamperting time, you can always view the great outdoors from the serentiy of a cruise ship.
Cruise line companies like Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line introduce the experiences of this state with cruise and land tours just perfect for a girl's trip.
Leave your cares at home and hop onboard to observe the natural beauty of the Alaska Inside Passage as it majestically floats by, glide in harmony with a whale and explore the different activities Alaska has to offer including dog sledding, kayaking and hiking. Alaskan trips offer the perfect combination of adventure and splendor while allowin you and your girlfriends to delve into your wild sides.
Atlantic City
Book your room in one of Atlantic City's vibrant resort casinos and play, eat and party amongst high rollers.
Atlantic City offers the impeccable accommodations for a girls' getaway that requires trying your hand in any of its array of resorts' topnotch slot machines and tables to win big.
If you and your girls are looking for a more relaxed experience away from the vibrant AC-chilled lifestlye, spas will massage your cares away, especially in Caesars' Qua Baths and Spa where you'll get to bathe like a Roman Empress or rejuvenate your skin with a facial at the Borgata.
Craving a more energetic scene? There is nothing like kicking your high heals off and dancing the night away under the city's energetic flair.
Tropicana's Providence and Trump Taj Mahal are a must for any good she-party as well as MIXX in the Borgata where clebrities are known to make special appearances.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
If leisure is what you and friends are looking for, you will definitely find it in Isla Mujures.
In this highly mellow area, you'll join beach bums soaking in the sun, swimming, snorkeling and surfing.
Just a heartbeat away from Mexico's popular attractions, and surrounded by cozy eateries and dotted with a collection of hotels, Isla Mujeres provides the perfect accommodations to relax with your best friends as the multihued ocean majestically soaks away all of your stress.
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is as exotic as it is delightful, dominated by a colorful atmosphere where loungers take to the beach, naturalists explore its dense jungles, shoppers are invited to empty their wallets on Brazilian treasures and culturists find pleasure in its cultural attractions.
These highlights make Rio de Janeiro the ultimate girls escape, where you can party with the best at the city's world-famous carnival, samba the night away at Rio Scenarium and bond over local cuisine.
Las Vegas
When thinking about an exciting trip for your BFFs, the first place that may jump to mind is Las Vegas.
Sin City will fulfill all of your guilty pleasures, especially along its brilliant iconic strip.
Bring your friends and sing your heart out as renowned celebrities like Celine Dion or Tim McGraw put on a show of a lifetime; pose with your favorite star at Madame Toussauds; head to Range 702 and let off some steam high-tech firearms; or see how you and your girlfriends do at indoor skydiving.
From great dining options to emblematic attractions, your girls' trip to Vegas your girlfriends will definitely require the solemn promise of "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
Paris
Gucci...Burberry...Cartier...Dior. If these names ring a bell, then Paris is calling your name.
For those ladies looking to burn their hard-earned cash on European treasures, look no further than the "Fashion Capital of the World."
No real girls' trip is complete without shopping, and this is where the city of Paris resonates in every fashionista's heart.
Shopaholics from all over the world flock here to rummage through its iconic districts mesmerizingly draped in couture treasures.
Get your daily fix in any of Paris' fashion museums honoring the tradition that has put the vibrant capital on the map. The Palais Galliera's Alaia exhibit showcases 70 intricately designed dresses, and the Museum of Fashion and Textiles elaborately decorates its spaces with thousands of costumes, accessories and textiles, each revisiting the past with their interesting embrodieries.
Step into the fashion world of Rue de Rivoli or Palais Royal for their secret must-haves and designer goods too extraordinary to leave on their hangers.
In the midst of iconic masterpieces like the Eiffel Tower, you and girlfriends will experience a world-class buyer's frenzy only Paris can provide.
Napa Valley
Famous for its plethora of vineyards, the Napa Valley also encourages wine lovers to quench their thirsts on the treasures created from the region's succulent grapes.
Just think about the interesting conversations and the uncontrollable laughs that will transpire after every sip.
Here you and your pals can join forces stomping, stuffing your faces and sampling the savory experiences the Valley is known for.
Not only will it be a gourmet escape you have been craving, but its lush scenery creates a peaceful atmosphere for total body revitalization, away from your hectic schedule, and amid the comfort of your friends with a smooth bottle of white or red in hand.
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