More Than Where … Why Every Woman Needs a Girls Getaway
Two years ago, WhirlAway Travel’s Stacey Blum organized a wellness retreat that brought her together with four women. They all arrived as strangers but left as friends, vowing to get together again.
Recently, they reunited for another adventure, this time in Paris. While the city of course made for a gorgeous backdrop, the real story was in the friendships deepened along the way.
WhirlAway’s motto says it best: “More than Where. We know Why.” And when it comes to a girls getaway like this, the why is quite simple. Take it from Jo-Lynne, one of the five friends: “Girlfriend time is wellness to me!”
Why Wellness Can Be Many Things
Wellness doesn’t have to mean a spa menu or a sunrise yoga class (although we're happy to arrange both!). For WhirlAway's Stacey, who specializes in wellness travel, it comes down to something much simpler. "Wellness is connection!" she says, adding that time away with friends “is good for the soul.” That’s the beauty of a well-planned trip like this. When nobody is juggling reservations or squinting at the walking directions on their phone, there’s room for what matters most: real conversation and lots of laughs.
Why No Milestone is Required
There’s a myth that girls’ trips are reserved for big birthdays or milestone moments. “You don't need decades of friendship or a special occasion to make memories,” says Stacey. “Sometimes, a shared trip is all it takes to turn new connections into lasting friendships.” In our opinion, a few days of adventures in a new city can match years of quick coffee dates.
Why the Table Matters More Than the Menu
Paris is a food lover’s dream, but ask Stacey about the meals and she goes straight to the company. “It's not just about the food, but more about sharing meals,” she says. “And creating lasting memories.” Two-hour lunches and many café stops gave the group time to talk in a way busy schedules at home rarely allow.
Why Choose a Hotel Made for Connection
The hotel is more than a place to sleep—especially on a girls’ trip, when the day starts over much-needed coffee and ends with one more toast. Stacey, like every WhirlAway advisor, personally vets the hotels we recommend. In Paris, she chose La Fantaisie in the 9th arrondissement, near the Montmarte neighborhood. WIth five-star service and a fabulous rooftop bar, it was a hit with the group. Jo-Lynne fell for its fun personality: "So charming with colorful decor and three dining options for every mood.”
Why You Can’t Beat a Private Tour
Anyone can join a crowded tour, but the experience you talk about for years is the one that feels like it was made just for you. When we asked Stacey and Jo-Lynne to name their top experience, they both gave the same answer: a private cruise on the Seine. A close second was going behind the scenes at the Louvre, exploring the King’s Apartments and private passages most visitors never see. This is the WhirlAway difference at work.
A Girls’ Trip Cheat Sheet
1. Start with your why. Every WhirlAway trip begins with a short pre-trip conversation where we ask what person wants from the trip: Celebration? Relaxing? All of the above?
2. Let someone else be the planner. On most girls’ trips, one friend ends up managing all the details. With WhirlAway, your advisor takes that job, so every woman gets to be on vacation.
3. Plan for different paces. Early risers and night owls can travel happily together. We build in shared adventures plus free time, so nobody feels dragged along.
4. Stay somewhere we know. Our advisors have stayed in the hotels we recommend, so we know which ones have the location, service, and social spaces a group will love.
5. Book private moments early. Experiences like a private Seine cruise or special access at the Louvre are limited. Planning well ahead gives you the best availability.
6. Keep everyone on the same page. Each traveler gets the full itinerary in the WhirlAway app, with daily details at her fingertips. Buh-bye, endless group chat!
7. Expect a trip that’s uniquely yours. We never duplicate an itinerary. Your getaway is designed around your group, from the first day to the last. We’ll take care of the where—you bring the why.
