Girlfriend Getaways

Taking a trip with a girlfriend or two is the perfect way to recharge your batteries. I love trying new things with my friends and finding time to sit around and catch up for hours. I certainly don’t take enough of this type of vacation, but when I do, I absolutely love it. If you are ready for a girlfriends’ getaway, here are a few ideas.

Santa Barbara

Road trips are always an easy escape, and Santa Barbara (santabarbaraca.com) is a perfect destination for L.A. women looking for some girl time. For foodies, February features a terrific culinary tour as well as cooking classes. For wine lovers, there are sustainable vineyard tours. Those looking for a little more relaxation can enjoy a luxury spa experience at FLOAT or inward-bound wellness vacations with SOMAdventures or La Casa de Maria Retreat Center. There is always something innately relaxing about a beach trip, and Santa Barbara is loaded with ways to relax.

Temecula

If you love nightlife, casino action and great restaurants, a visit to Temecula (cityoftemecula.org) is a quick car ride away and filled with all kinds of fun. Hot-air balloons, quality vineyards and top-notch spa experiences — from massages and body scrubs to detoxifying body wraps and facials — are all available in Temecula. Pechanga Resort & Casino offers wonderful packages with hotel accommodations and spa services, and it’s a great place to get a gaming fix. This feels like a Las Vegas getaway that is more convenient and definitely less expensive.

Montreal

Montreal (tourisme-montreal.org) is one of my favorite places to visit. It is a city filled with all the glamour and excitement of a European vacation without the cost or jet lag. Feb. 17-27, Montreal is hosting the High Lights Festival with the theme of “Celebrating Women,” featuring star female chefs and wine producers, artists and entertainers. There are miles of shopping, both above ground and underground, with everything from quaint shops featuring handmade chocolates to trend-conscious major clothing stores.

Telluride

If Lake Arrowhead sounds interesting to you and you want to take on more of a winter adventure, a visit to Telluride, Colo. (tellurideskiresort.com), for one of its Women’s Weeks may be just right. I enjoy skiing with my husband, but there is something really special to me about tackling the terrain with other women. Created 29 years ago, Women’s Week features activities that are led by women, for women. From Feb. 27 through March 3, ladies can snowboard, ski or take lessons with top female instructors. There are other après ski events scheduled with shopping, spas and dining, making it a wonderful way to have an adventure with your girlfriends.