Booking.com Reveals the Best US Destinations for the Ultimate Galentine’s Day Getaway
Marked on the 13th February every year, Galentine’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the love you have for your besties. With research from Booking.com revealing that more than three-quarters (74%)* of American travelers are likely to travel with close friends for their next vacation, why not plan a trip with your gal pals to make memories that will last a lifetime. To help you celebrate the occasion, Booking.com presents five cities in the US for the ultimate stay based on traveler endorsements**. From culture seeking girlfriends looking to enjoy the best of live music in Nashville or those seeking new adventures in the Arizona canyons, grab your girls and get ready to experience some unique moments with your squad.
For the adventure seekers: Flagstaff, Arizona
Surrounded by mountains, deserts and pine forests, this city is a must visit for those seeking an adventurous escape. Begin with an off the beaten path day trip on a Diamondback Gulch Jeep off-roading experience, hike the canyons and the San Francisco Peaks or be sure to visit the Meteor Crater on the iconic Route 66 that passes through Flagstaff.
Where to Stay: The Under Canvas Grand Canyon is perfectly located in the heart of the desert just a short drive from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the world. Offering the best of both worlds for friends who love an adventure but still want a luxury stay, choose from a variety of tent styles including stargazer, deluxe and safari style designs. This unique accommodation boasts incredible views from the zen garden, and an array of activities including live music, morning yoga classes and nightly firepit sessions.
For the wine connoisseurs: Napa, California
For girlfriends who love to bond over a glass of wine, a getaway to Napa Valley is the perfect retreat. Synonymous for its world-class wines, plethora of restaurants and beautiful scenery, you’ll enjoy a welcoming stay in this town. With over 350 wineries to delve into, hop on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley Tour with Lunch to explore and sample the unique wines of the region, soak up the picturesque hillside views as you learn more about the processes and history of wine making. Napa is also Booking.com’s most recommended city for vineyards and it’s not hard to see why!
Where to stay: Like a home away from home the charming Candlelight Inn, is perfect for those wanting to relax, recharge and catch up with loved ones this Galentine’s Day. Situated at the gateway to the Los Carneros wine region and a short trip from the Napa Valley Wine Train, this adult only Tudor style inn is apt for those wanting to unwind after a day out exploring the wineries. Boasting unique and spacious rooms, an outdoor pool and patio.
For the foodies: New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city of culture, from its distinctive music to its infamous celebrations including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. What sets this city apart is its exquisite creole cuisine, and it’s no surprise it is Booking.com’s most recommended city for fine dining. Before you and your girls head off for a fancy dinner, join a Guided New Orleans food walk with lunch honouring the Cajun and Creole influences in the New Orleans food scene, you’ll taste culinary delights, including gumbo, while exploring the French Quarter and listening to stories about Louisiana’s historical and culinary heritage. Unique in its atmosphere and music scene and with world renowned restaurants, what’s not to love.
Where to stay: The Maison de la Luz is centrally located in the business and arts district right on the doorstep of fabulous fine dining restaurants. This elegant and luxurious guesthouse features original local artwork and décor reflected to the history and mythology of New Orleans throughout. The sampling of new delights doesn’t stop at the fine dining restaurants. Head to Bar Marilou, a plush private parlor set in the hotel’s stately lounge, offering sophisticated cocktails in the former library of City Hall Annex.
For the theater aficionados: Chicago, Illinois
Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan and famed as the windy city, explore the home of five Tony Award winning theaters and the birthplace of the longest running musical on Broadway. You and your gal pals can indulge your love of theater in Booking.com’s most recommended city for theater and learn about the history of the famous Chicago Theater on a guided tour. Pair your trip to the theater with an afternoon tea or sample pre or post theatre dinner at Atwood where old characters meet new cuisine.
Where to Stay: Located just a stone's throw away from the shopping and entertainment of the Magnificent Mile and in the centre of the Loop district stay at the Virgin Hotel Chicago, a stunning boutique hotel near the Chicago Theatre offering unique and luxuriously designed rooms. With onsite dining options ranging from a euro-style coffee bar to contemporary brunch and a rooftop dine and drink experience, live music DJ sets and an onsite rooftop gym this hotel offers the whole package.
For the music lovers: Nashville, Tennessee
For girlfriends who love music it can’t get any better than heading to Booking.com’s top endorsed city for live music, Nashville, known for its southern charm, constant stream of live music all year round and as the home of country music. Embark on the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour of Musical Landmarks to take in all the musical sights including the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where you can bask in the limelight of the city’s musical roots before seeing the studio where Elvis Presley recorded. Beyond music Nashville is full of a variety of arts, culture and must-see museums such as the Frist Art Museum.
Where to Stay: Set just a short walk away from Ryman Auditorium, the home of live music in Nashville, there is no better place to stay than The Hermitage Hotel. Grandeur and glamour are paired with an exquisite style to make this the perfect home away from home. Once you’ve finished dancing on Broadway, a major route through the heart of Nashville, full of bars offering an authentically southern experience, indulge in an afternoon tea or a mimosa filled brunch.
For those looking for some getaway time with friends, Booking.com is sharing Early 2022 Deals for travelers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15 percent and are valid for stays until 31 March 2022. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the great value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the program’s Level 1 benefits, with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties around the world. All travelers have to do is download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify associated benefits, discounts and perks.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,055 respondents across 31 countries and territories were polled (including 501 from Argentina, 1003 from Australia, 500 from Belgium, 1001 from Brazil, 500 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1007 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 508 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1000 from Germany, 1005 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 502 from Israel, 1003 from Italy, 1002 from Japan, 500 from Mexico, 501 from The Netherlands, 501 from New Zealand, 500 from Peru, 1000 from Russia, 1005 from Singapore, 1002 from South Korea, 1002 from Spain, 501 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 500 from Thailand, 1000 from the UK, 1002 from the US and 501 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2021.
**Endorsement data from Booking.com based on the most recommended and relevant destinations by global travelers for fine dining, live music, vineyards, and theatre