Want to satisfy your wanderlust? There is no better travel partner than your girlfriend. From the Mayo Clinic to Harvard University, research shows friendship promotes health, happiness, and longevity, so it is time to make the most of the day, or in this case, the weekend. Whether you are looking to reconnect or simply experience something new, planning a boyfriend’s getaway won’t only make you happier and healthier, but also extremely easy if you remember a few expert tips.
Bren Herrera is no stranger to travel, and girlfriends vacations are her specialty. As a personal chef, Herrera’s love of food is simply eclipsed by his desire to spend every weekend exploring culture and cuisine from coast to coast. Her top tips for guiding boyfriends to the best travel experiences include:
Wandering for the weekend
Career, family, and other responsibilities keep life busy. With so little time, a weekend getaway is a neater commitment than a weeklong adventure. In fact, more people are taking advantage of the weekend to pursue experiences related to their passions, with travel topping the list, according to a recent Hampton by Hilton survey. These people are known as “Seekers.” Wherever you live, there are incredible places to explore within only a few hours’ drive.
Create a “non-agenda” agenda.
With a busy schedule, your typical day shifts from one item on your to-do list to the next. Agree with your boyfriend to adopt the idea of having a “non-schedule” agenda for your vacation. That means you can relax, go with the flow, and enjoy the simplicity of random exploration. You can explore some of the must-sees, but avoid over-planning. Spontaneous adventures make for the best memories. Don’t forget a free spirited photo session to endlessly immortalize those magical moments!
Choose the ideal hotel
Choose a hotel that offers friendly service and a number of locations so that ladies have a place to dress up and pamper themselves. For example, with more than 2,100 properties worldwide, Hampton by Hilton is the ideal choice for a girlfriend’s getaway. Weekend travelers enjoy complimentary Hampton breakfasts, check-in with free Wi-Fi and can get a fast workout at the fitness center or take a break over freshly brewed hazelnut coffee, all at no extra cost. Visit HamptonbyHilton.com and find your dream destination and find out about the Hampton 100% Guarantee.
Forget diet, enjoy local cuisine
There’s no room for a diet on a girlfriend’s vacation. Forget the rules and enjoy the genuine cuisine your destination has to offer. That could mean hitting up small independent cafes for lunch and shopping at those 5-star restaurants you have read about for dinner and drinks.
Visit city hotspots
You will not have the ability to explore every inch of the city in one weekend, so brainstorm with the girls and visit your must-see hotspots. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in half a day. In just four hours, Herrera and pal explored San Francisco, finding time to drive through Golden Gate Bridge State Park to Lombard Street and Union Square, have lunch at Bulga, hop on a streetcar and, obviously, take hilltop photos from Alcatraz.
As part of Hampton by Hilton Ultimate Search Team, Bren will continue to embark on weekend adventures. With these tips, you too can travel in style and on a budget with your friends. For some inspiration, travel ideas, and to find out how to embrace your inner Seeker, visit HamptonSeekender.com.
