Weekend trips for your girls' weekend within a 2-hour drive
Lay the agendas next to each other and let the impossible task of ‘finding a date’ begin. Because, at least in my opinion, it's time for a girls' weekend. I make this promise to myself and my friends at the beginning of each year. But yes, picking that annoying date is always really tricky, and the travel time is often a point of discussion in my friend group; usually, the majority prefers to stay a bit closer to home. Understandable, because then everyone can go there on their own after work on Friday (or carpool), and if someone wants to leave earlier or later, that's no problem. That's why it has actually only worked out for us once to take a flight (to Valencia) and we end up closer to home. It doesn't really matter for the fun, and in the Netherlands, Belgium, or even Germany, it can also be a great place to hang out. Not convinced? Just check out these 7 destinations, all within less than two hours of travel time. Now just pick that date (impossible) and let's go.
1. Texel
Every time I'm on Texel, I really feel like I'm getting away for a bit. In my friend group, this island is now known as the Ibiza of the north, which probably doesn't really make sense but sounds nice and enhances the ‘getting away’ feeling. Beach walks are of course fine, but you can also do all sorts of things here: they have fine dining restaurants (Bij Jef is so delicious), but they also have low-key cafes and pubs. Taking the boat there helps too (even though you're really there in no time). On to Ibi – oh no, Texel.
2. Knokke
Okay, depending on where you live in the Netherlands, this is a bit of cheating; from Amsterdam, it's longer than two hours. But from North Brabant it's not, and Zeeland is of course really just around the corner, so I think it counts. In the summer, this is a popular beach spot, a bit flashy here and there, but ideal for a weekend getaway – you don't need to stay here for a week. There are no less than five beach areas and quite a few luxury restaurants, but I just go for a Belgian beer with snacks. Great.
3. Ardennes
Especially with a larger group, I always find this a recommendation. Rent a large house with a pool, sauna, jacuzzi; everything you need. Then do some serious grocery shopping and hardly leave the house. Okay, maybe for a little walk in the morning. A party in the evening with only fun people – namely your friends, what more do you want? Don't forget to bring the karaoke set and with a bit of luck, you can also have a barbecue in the evening. Give everyone a task: come up with cocktails, cook for an evening, organize games, and you'll have a great weekend.
4. Leuven
A real student city, which always guarantees fun, pubs, terraces, and more. A plus is that Leuven is also Belgian, which makes the beers in those pubs even more enjoyable. And considering those same beers, it's also handy that you can just take the train from Utrecht and be there in about two hours. Not that I'm encouraging day drinking, but being all together on the train is often easier, and you don't have to deal with finding parking spots. Oh yes, Leuven also has a beautiful historic center, but I suspect that the restaurants and pubs are just a bit more important.
5. Berlin
Yes, one destination by plane had to be included. With only hand luggage, no hassle with waiting for luggage or checking in, and less than an hour and a half later, you step out in the German capital. A top destination if you want to party (in Berghain, for example) or do some sightseeing. Actually, Berlin has something for everyone, so a weekend will probably be too short. Picking a date in advance is really a must here, because that's how you score the cheap tickets.
6. Mechelen
Belgian cities are doing well with me, I notice. Mechelen is a bit more undiscovered than Knokke and Leuven, but has the same formula: nice hospitality and it's just an incredibly cozy city. So definitely if you want to have a drinks weekend with friends, you're in the right place. The city isn't very big, so everything is easy to do on foot, and it doesn't have so many highlights that you feel obligated to do sightseeing. Because it should remain relaxing, right?.
7. Newcastle
Geordie Shore lets you party. The boat departs from IJmuiden, which is not a small boat but just a small cruise ship, and you sleep there for a night. Okay, the ‘less than two hours’ might not fully apply here, but I also count until IJmuiden, because after that your getaway has already begun. In the morning, you arrive in Newcastle and if you're lucky, you might run into Gaz, Charlotte, or someone else from the Geordie crew. If that doesn't happen, you can shop, have drinks, visit the Victoria tunnels (recommended), and in the evening go to the Diamond Strip, the place where all the bars are located. Stay a night in Newcastle and repeat this a bit the next day, only then you leave in the late afternoon back to IJmuiden. You then arrive there again in the morning. Maybe because I associate these kinds of large ships with vacation, but this is really a nice getaway?
