Organizing a girls’ getaway is always a great choice, and Galentine’s Day is the ideal time for friends to embark on an adventure together.

Celebrated on February 13, the day prior to the well-known Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day is a modern tradition that emphasizes the importance of platonic love, friendship, and sisterhood. This year, it coincides with the Thursday before Presidents Day, which means that those with the day off work can create a lovely four-day weekend by taking just two PTO days.

For many women, it’s important to factor in not only cuisine, activities, and affordability when selecting a destination for a solo or group trip, but also safety. Thankfully, there are numerous safe destinations, both new and well-established, that tick all the boxes.

“As women, we enjoy exploring unique locations with fellow like-minded travelers,” shared Jenny Gray, a senior product manager at Intrepid Travel, in a statement to YSL News. The Australian tour operator revealed that its Women’s Expeditions have seen a remarkable 34% increase in popularity between 2023 and 2024.

There’s something empowering about experiencing new places exclusively with your female friends or even as a solo traveler amongst a group of women, fostering opportunities for new friendships.

Here are some of the top overseas destinations for your next girls’ trip.

Morocco

This North African gem has become a hot spot for travelers, welcoming a record 15.9 million visitors last year. As part of Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition offerings, Morocco presents a variety of exciting activities, including camel rides through expansive sand dunes, wandering through bustling city souks, and surfing along the Atlantic coast.

“The influx of female travelers to Morocco has led the tourism sector to become more aware of the needs of solo female travelers, resulting in a rise in women-oriented travel services, including female-only tours and accommodations,” Gray noted.

Turkey

With a rich history that includes multiple empires and some of the earliest human settlements, Turkey is brimming with landmarks and stunning landscapes. Key highlights include the breathtaking Blue Mosque, the historic Grand Bazaar over 550 years old, and spectacular beaches with crystal-clear waters. On Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition in Turkey, travelers can experience an all-women bathhouse and visit Hatay, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy known for its multicultural culinary heritage stemming from the Silk Road.

“Anyone who wonders about Turkey’s safety has yet to benefit from the warmth of Turkish hospitality,” stated Gray.

India

While many travel to India to see the iconic Taj Mahal, the country also boasts vibrant markets, ancient temples, and the delicious variety of regional Indian cuisine. Although India has historically had safety concerns for women travelers, improvements are underway.

“Efforts to enhance safety for women have been increasing, with initiatives from the government, NGOs, and local communities focused on awareness and safety measures,” Gray explained. Female travelers have the option to hire private guides or transportation, use women-only train cars, or join group tours like Intrepid’s Women’s Expedition led by local female guides.

Iceland

Adventurers visiting the Land of Fire and Ice can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, including the Northern Lights, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal waters, and unique wildlife sightings of puffins and whales. For U.S. travelers, Iceland is easily accessible, with a direct flight taking about seven hours from the west coast or four hours from the east coast. The country is also recognized as exceptionally safe for women, consistently ranking as the most peaceful nation on the Global Peace Index since 2021, which evaluates safety and domestic and international conflict.

Ireland

Known as The Emerald Isle, Ireland’s iconic scenery includes the impressive Cliffs of Moher and its lush rolling hills. Visitors can explore lively cities like Dublin, magnificent castles such as Blarney Castle, and ancient sites like Newgrange, which predates the pyramids.

In terms of safety for female travelers, Ireland ranks as the second-most peaceful country worldwide according to the Global Peace Index.

Austria

Though Austria is relatively small—around the size of Maine—it offers diverse activities for travelers, including skiing in the Alps, visiting numerous museums and opera houses, and cruising on the Danube River.

This European destination is also regarded as a safe haven for women, holding third place on the Global Peace Index. It boasts one of Europe’s lowest crime rates, with violent crime being rare, as reported by the U.S. State Department.