Take Your
Party on the Road
Get outta town by bringing your prenuptial bash to one of
these hot destinations.
When it came time for my bachelorette party, I knew one
thing for sure: no cheesy stripper. What I really wanted was
some bonding time with my closest friends-many of whom are
scattered around the country. The solution? A girls' weekend
in Blackpool. Pals flew in from Manchester, Leeds and London
for a few days of toenail-painting, disco dancing and low-level
gambling. It was a perfect getaway—and the kind of experience
more and more women need in the midst of frantic pre-wedding
duties.
Planning Like a Pro
To keep travel hassles to a minimum, pick a city that everyone
can get to easily. Give yourself plenty of time to coordinate
with your friends' work schedules (and remember that plane tickets
are usually cheaper if you buy them early). You can do research
and make reservations on Web sites like travelocity.com,
and get trip ideas in the travel section .
When it comes to entertainment, buy tickets and make reservations-for
an amazing theater performance, a cool new restaurant, a superpampering
day spa-well before you leave. Nothing's more disappointing
than arriving at a sizzling hot spot only to find that the
place has been booked solid for a month.
More may not be merrier on this kind of trip. Aim for six
to eight pals at the most, because moving a gaggle of gals
around town can turn into a major production. Pack everyone
into two adjoining hotel rooms for the full girls' sleepover
experience.
Where to go? These are our top picks for girl-friendly hot
spots: Away from the UK Weather
Miami
If you're a fun-in-the-sun person, Miami offers the best combination
of resort atmosphere and big-city sophistication. Stay on South
Beach, with its cool mix of Art Deco hotels and nonstop nightlife
(it's excellent for people-watching).
Miami is popular year-round, but prices are highest in the
winter, says Michelle Revuelta of the Greater Miami Convention
and Visitors Bureau. "In May through October most hotel room
rates do drop a bit, so it definitely is a better value."
During the day, relax on the beach or spend an afternoon
at the Miami Seaquarium, where you have the once-in-a-lifetime
chance to swim with dolphins. At night, savor the local flavor
at a Latin American restaurant or chow down on superfresh
seafood. (At one of the hottest restaurants, B.E.D., you eat
while sprawling on a fully made bed!) Funky lounges include
the new Beauty Bar at the Albion Hotel, where you can get
manicures and minimakeovers while sipping cocktails. Dance
the night away to Latin beats at a salsa club for a truly
Miami experience.
For listings of hot restaurants and clubs, check out oceandrive.com.
New York
Ready for your own version of Sex and the City? Go on
a shopping spree with your gal pals in the Big Apple. The best
neighborhoods: Madison Avenue for gawking (that's where you'll
find the huge flagship stores for Calvin Klein, Donna Karan,
Giorgio Armani, etc.); Soho for cool boutiques; the East Village
for funky stores from up—and-coming designers.
Tear yourself away from the clothes racks long enough to
take in an only-in-New York experience: a trip to the top
of the Empire State Building, tea at the Plaza Hotel, or a
ride on the Staten Island Ferry for perfect views of Manhattan's
skyline (best of all, it's free!).
Manhattan hotels are notoriously expensive, which is why
it pays to cram in as many people as possible per room. Restaurants
aren't cheap either, but the variety is mouthwatering. Try
Chinatown for authentic Asian dishes at reasonable prices.
Greenwich Village is great for wandering, with lots of dining
spots to choose from.
For more ideas, visit timeoutnewyork.com
or nymetro.com.
Las Vegas
Guys have been having bachelor parties in Vegas for years, now
it's our turn! Las Vegas is all about fun, and the relaxed vibe
is infectious.
You don't have to be a card shark to love Vegas. Sure, you'll
want to try the slots or a hand of blackjack, but unless you're
a gambling whiz-or have money to burn-stick to the $5 minimum
bet tables. Watch as your friends play, then have them hang
out while you play, and you've got a couple hours of entertainment
without shelling out much cash.
You can spend days wandering between casinos, checking out
the gondolas and canals at The Venetian, the exploding volcano
in front of the Mirage, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.
Many hotels even have mini theme parks. "How about making
that bride-to-be ride as many thrill rides as she can stomach?"
suggests Erika Brandvik of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors
Bureau.
Restaurants can get pricey (for all those high rollers),
but a long-standing Vegas tradition continues: cheap, all-you-can-eat
buffets. Go ahead and stuff yourself (there's plenty of time
to work out before the wedding). Vegas is all about nightlife,
so expect to stay out late (casinos supposedly pump in oxygen
to keep people lively all night). Visit lasvegas24hours.com
for more ideas.
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