I'm planning my group of friend's 30th birthday weekend away. Most of us turn 30 within one calendar year of each other and thought we would celebrate another decade properly with a weekend away! We have about 25 girls who all want to go and when all is said and done I'm guessing about 15 will attend. Right now I have on my radar and am looking at a 4 day cruise out of Tampa, Miami Beach, or maybe Napa. Vegas seemed like an obvious choice but half the girls have no desire to go. Any other ideas?

We are looking for something warm during this upcoming late winter early spring and are looking to spend under $1000 each.

Thanks in advance for help!
Megan

If you like the beach, how about an all inclusive in Playa del Carmen? It is great to do with a group because you don't have to worry about money, splitting bills, etc. The town of Playa has some fun nightclubs though if you do want to get out and drinks are relatively cheap. Another thought is New York City.

How about New Orleans?

I went with my BF but wished I had saved it for a girls' trip.

Charleston, SC.

One thing is we want guranteed warm weather. I love South Carolina but in APril the weather is iffy for the beach. I'm thinking more South. Also any good specific resorts??

If your going in the winter months I would think Napa would not be a good choice (especially if you want "hot"). Have you thought about Marco Island or Naples? Stay at a hotel with a great spa...and you can spa, sun and shop all in one spot!! (I just spent a 4 day girls weekend on Marco Island - it was wonderful. We spent a day at the spa at the Marco Island Marriott, had wonderful dinners both on Marco and in Naples and shopped at the outlet malls and at some great boutiques in Naples!).

New York City!

Great nightlife, sightseeing, shopping, restaurants & people.

New York

Perhaps not the warmest weather in early Spring, but it'll warm your hearts to be in the Greatest City in the World!

i would recommend South Beach. It is really fun and there is great shopping, restaurants and the beach is wonderful. Stay at a trendy hotel, like the Delano, Shore Club, Raleigh or National. There is a lot to do and it is a fun party town. Lincoln Road is great for shopping.

That's it, that's all the ideas out there?

Hey Spartangirl-

I've done/will do two similar trips to celebrate 30ths. One to Vegas-- we had a blast. I'm not a huge Vegas fan but I had a great time. I know you said that your group wasn't that interested but for a large group of girls, it does have a lot to offer besides gambling. Vegas has such great restaurants, shopping(!), pools, entertainment, nightlife, etc. Also, logistically, very easy-- no cars to rent, etc.

The other trip will be to Palm Springs. Spas, sunshine, and shopping. This is with a low key group and I will be 6 mos pregnant so it'll be pretty laid back.

What about Scottsdale? It has great nightlife, restaurants, world class spas, shopping, and beautiful scenery. I love it there-- it's a lot younger scene than Palm Springs-- trendier.

Or, why not make it a real party and hit Mardi Gras in Feb? Everyone should go at least once!

Have a great time!
JaneR

New ORleans or Key West.

Where are you leaving from? Are you scattered over the country?

I concur with Cerlaurie re: Mexico. I love Playa (highly recommend the Gran Porto Real as it has the best location in the city and is quite nice) but it may be slow for you if your group likes to party. I would suggest Cancun for that, 30 miles up the coast. Mexico is cheap, fun, has plenty of excursions, and has beautiful resorts. Pick one along the ocean front, not on the bay side (I prefer the surf/waves).

I think cruises are boring but I know I am in the minority. You will also find that there are probably more women than men (to party with) on cruises.

Naples, Key West, and Miami are all good ideas. Consider Bahamas & Destin as well. Or just go camping!

Have fun!

Hi Megan, Napa could certainly not be counted on to be warm during late winter early spring.

San Francisco would be a fun spot but I don't know where all of you live so not sure it $1,000.00 would be enough per person budget wise but for a weekend it should be. I is a fun city but you certainly would not have warm weather either.

Puerta Vallerta (west coast of Mexico) could be a fun spot if you are talking about no later then the end of March.

What a fun problem to have!!

My girlfriends and I have been having "girls weekend" every year for the last 10. We have all JUST turned 40, so we are a little older, but have been to the following over the last 10 years with great success at all locations:

The Pennisula - Chicago (2x) - we can all drive (2 live in MI, 2 live in IN) so we can splurge on hotels - no airfare!

Delray Beach - outside of Boca and W. Palm. One of our parents own a 2 bedroom condo so it's economical and we can fly into Fort Lauderdale or W. Palm, so airfare is plentiful and cheap if we plan far enough in advance.

Cabo - Two of us coincently were on corp trips and the other two joined us.

Cancun - cheap - fun!

This year we are heading back to Chicago. Our trip is usually in November so even though it might be a bit chilly we don't have to fret about what we are going to look like in our bathing suits!!!

I love the MX trips but we have to spend 1/2 day flying. Depending on where you are FL is great because it is usually easy to get to, and cheap! Look around for hotels that offer suites and are located on the beach - you'll have a great time!

Thanks ladies! I'm going to look into resorts and such at Playa and in Miami Beach! Napa sounds great but I think I'll leave that for a trip with my hubby. I also have a friend possibly planning a wedding there so personally I prefer to save it for then.

Anymore tidbits on those two areas would be greatly appreciated.