Destination Bachelorette Parties

 It’s the last night of your single life— Make your bachelorette party something that you look back on fondly throughout your lifetime, rather than something that makes you blush. Skip a night of male strip clubs and tequila shots and turn it into a weekend (or a full week!) to remember!

Why not make it a full-blown getaway? Think about it: It’s your last few days as a single lady before you embark on your new life as a married woman. Embrace it, enjoy it, and go all out. As far as the duration of your bachelorette party goes, it depends on where and when you choose to go, as well as what your schedule and the schedules of your friends are like. Typically, a long weekend is seen as an ideal amount of time for a getaway bachelorette party, because it only requires taking one day off from work, but allows for up to three days of fun!

As is traditional, the logistical planning and the execution of the party should be taken care of by your maid of honor, and if need be, the rest of your bridal party. After all, the more people chipping in ideas, the better, and it will only serve to make your bachelorette party even more memorable. Furthermore, while the bridal party usually pays for the bride in a standard bachelorette party, a more “extreme” and exotic getaway might require the bride to chip in some of her own money as well. As far as where you decide to go, it’s completely at the discretion of you and your bridal party.  However, here are some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.

Spa Weekend

For those who feel that they are in need of some serious pampering and relaxation, a weekend at the spa is the perfect way to unwind and expel those pre-marital jitters.  Possible spa destinations are located on both coasts of the Chesapeake Bay inChesapeakeBeach, St. Michaels, orCambridge. When at the spa, the ways to achieve ultimate relaxation are endless! For example, you can schedule a group session each day, such as a group pedicure, during which you can talk while sipping champagne with your closest friends. Then you can schedule a massage to relish in your “me time.”

Tropical Resorts

If a real splurge is what you are seeking, then an all-inclusive resort might be just what you are searching for. If you can fit it into your schedule, ideal locations include resorts in eitherMexicoor theCaribbean. Resorts are great destinations for those who want to be able to relax as well as be adventurous. You can have the best of both worlds, and can either lie out on the beach, frozen cocktail in hand, or go cliff-diving, jet-skiing, or sightseeing off the resort grounds. 

Get Lucky

For individuals who feel like living on the edge for their last few days of the single life, gambling trips are always an option. Possible destinations can includeAtlantic Cityif your time is limited, or if you have several days free—Vegas, baby! Usual activities include gambling and drinking, however, there are also plenty of spas, shopping centers, and other novel ways of having fun. For a quick trip down your childhood memory lane, check outLas Vegas’ roller coasters. From the top of the Stratosphere to looping through theNew York,New Yorkhotel, your inner child is never far away!

City Slickers

Another popular party location isNew York City, due to the fact that nearly every part of the city has its own draw. You can plan out your getaway based on whether or not you’ve previously spent much time inNew York City.  If you’ve never been, or have been very infrequently, it’s always fun to check out theTimes Squarearea, as it is the one most familiar to tourists. However, if you go intoNew York Cityoften, then spend your trip exploring the places that you’ve never been, such as Brooklyn or theEastVillage. It is your bachelorette party, after all, so indulge in the ultimate in girlfriend fun and take the official Sex in the City tour of the show’s locations. Pair that up with a few days of shopping, party clothes, and Cosmos, and you have a bash that would make Carrie Bradshaw proud!

Cruisin’ Together

Another option, for a more exotic getaway, is a mini-cruise. Depending on the amount of time you have for your fun, you can spend it traveling to an exciting new place or simply enjoying some time at sea. Cruises leave from thePortofBaltimoreheaded to theBahamas, or if you are up for driving down toNorfolk,Va., you can hop on a two-day “cruise to nowhere” (sometimes called a “party cruise”). Once you and your bridal party get settled into your cabin, enjoy your time at sea relaxing in deck chairs or gazing out at the open ocean. If you’re up for a bit more excitement, jump into the pool with the girls or check out the pool bar.

Sun & Sand

A classic destination for a bachelorette party is the beach. Luckily, we have plenty of beaches surrounding us to choose from. If time permits, take a plane and head south to beaches likeMyrtle BeachorPalm Beach. However, if you only have a few days to spare, local beaches likeOcean City,Md., orRehoboth Beach,Del., are only a speedy two hours away and are equally enjoyable. Relax and work on your tan during the day, and go out dancing in the clubs at night!

The best thing you can do to make your bachelorette party an event to remember is to be creative. Use your imagination and come up with something clever that fits in with how you are feeling. If you are experiencing pre-wedding nervousness, then make your bachelorette party a relaxing getaway. If you are relaxed already, live on the edge and make it an adventure. Traditional bachelorette parties are overrated—make yours something to reminisce upon fondly for years to come.

-- Alexandra Kuntz