Perfect Lads’ Weekend: For Your Guys Trip, 8 Best Places to Go

One of the greatest joys in life is just hanging out with your friends. And sometimes a guys’ weekend away is just what the doctor ordered. We’ve previously shared the best places for a luxurious Girl’s Trip. Now it’s your turn, dudes. But where to go on a weekend trip with your oldest and closest male friends? Also known as a mancation, boys-only trip or bachelor getaway, there are plenty of great luxury vacation destinations. We’ve rounded up the best places to go with the guys for an epic weekend trip right now.

a weekend escape with pals is good for your health

After two summers of social distancing and travel restrictions, it’s finally time to book that guys trip you and your crew have been talking about. With summer just kicking off and the flexibility of work from home still on the table, there’s no time like the present to start planning a getaway with the guys.

Not to mention how important spending time with friends is for your health.  Studies show that cultivating relationships through travel can extend life expectancy, combat stress and even help us better tolerate pain.

Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’ve shared some of the places that women can head with their close friends for a Girl’s Trip to reap some of these benefits.

But why should the ladies have all the fun? Men deserve a guys’ trip every once in a while, too.  After all, it’s just as important for them to build their relationships with their buddies as it is for women. And sometimes grabbing a drink after hours or watching the game just doesn’t cut it when it comes to real bonding and its benefits.

best places for a guys weekend, mancation, boys-only trip or bachelor getaway

We have a friend who makes time for a weekend of golf away with his college and graduate school pals without fail every year. Hearing him talk about the fun of having that annual time to reconnect, and how folks have changed through the years made us realize what a joy it is to be able to do that. If not once a year, at least every once in a while.

So where should you guys head to? Other than Vegas, we mean, ’cause that’s been done already in The Hangover and a million other places. We’ve researched 8 ideas to help you get the ball rolling. From sports-driven excursions to taste-fueled adventures to low-key retreats,  there is sure to be something here for everyone in your crew.

So grab your buddies, because it’s time for a guy’s trip. And we’re not gonna lie – we might take our girls on a few of these. ‘Cause they look like serious fun.

The 8 best places for an epic guys weekend trip this year

1. hit the bourbon trail (and racetrack) in kentucky

Hit the bourbon trail with your group of guy friends in Lexington, Kentucky – the birthplace of America’s only native spirit. From Four Roses and Buffalo Trace to Woodford Reserve there’s no shortage of historic distilleries.

When you’re ready for a break you can head to the races, as Lexington is also “The Horse Capital of the World.” There are over 400 horse farms in the area and many of them welcome visitors, including Claiborne Farm where Queen Elizabeth II dropped by twice. October will see the start of the Fall Race Meet. And November is the annual Breeders Cup at Keeneland.

Whether spending the weekend betting on the ponies, sampling bourbon flights or seeking outdoor adventure exploring nearby hiking areas, the newly opened Elwood Hotel is the perfect place to retire between all the action.

2. indulge in turks and caicos

For those who are seeking relaxation and white-sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, Turks and Caicos is the place to go. Specifically, the Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos located on the idyllic shores of Grace Bay.

Whether you and the guys want to lounge by the adults-only pool in a private cabana (of course you do) or head out for a sailing lesson on the Hobie catamarans. Or grab a snorkel and foot fins at the beach and snorkel the clear water, kayak in the ocean or paddleboard. After the action you can relax at the spa or unwind at the property’s casino and do it all again the next day.

3. give london a call

Famous restaurants, Wimbledon, underground clubs, the Tower of London and The Hundred, there’s no shortage of things to do and visit in London during the summer – even for the most seasoned traveler.

But for a real treat, take a trip to Savile Row, London’s most stylish street, where your crew can get measured for a bespoke shirt, suit or blazer by some of the world’s finest tailors like Huntsman, Stowers Bespoke and Norton & Sons. The tailors will keep your measurements on file so you can order whatever you need, whenever you like, delivered straight to your home once you’re in their files.

Stay at the recently opened One Hundred Shoreditch with a vibrant rooftop bar offering views across East London.

4. hit the links in ponte vedra beach

Grab the gang and head to the seaside paradise of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida for a truly unforgettable round of 18 holes at TPC Sawgrass. That famous 17th hole – aka the “Island Green”? You guys can brag about it for years to come.

For the complete experience, stay at The Lodge & Club. Word to the wise though, book early because tee times and rooms are reserved as far as 12 months in advance.

5. go fishing in lofoten, Norway

The archipelago of Lofoten in northern Norway is known for its dramatic scenery of mountains and peaks, sheltered bays, open sea, beaches and untouched lands. It’s also very well known for its fishing and offers everything from deep sea options in the ocean to fly-fishing or fishing with lures in the nearby lakes and rivers.  Opt to either take a guided fishing tour or to rent  a boat and head out on your own.

For accommodations, try renting one of the island’s famous rustic wooden fishermen’s huts known as rorbuer or stay at the industrial chic Trevarefabrikken.  Late spring/summer is a great time to go thanks to the midnight sun, which makes for even more chances at catching a big one.

6. savor america’s pastime in cooperstown

Baseball fanatics will love a weekend geeking out at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. From Babe Ruth’s glove used in the 1926 World Series to Derek Jeter’s batting helmet and gloves worn during his 3,000th hit, it has everything.

Then, be sure to hit up Cooperstown Distillery for a tour and tasting, grab a flight at Brewery Ommegang or pick up some hand-rolled cigars at Cooperstown Cigar Company.

Less than a 10 minute walk from the village, The Otesaga on Lake Otesaga is the place to stay. Enjoy golfing, swimming and other water sports when you’re tired of exploring the history of America’s favorite pastime.

7. tune-in in nashville

If you and your gang seriously love music, then a trip to Music City is for you. With legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry, countless honky-tonks lining Broadway and beyond and themed museums like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville will ensure you and the guys listen to great tunes and enjoy a beer or two.

Book the Thompson Hotel in the ultra cool Gulch neighborhood. Not only does it have one of the best rooftop lounges in the city but its guitars are available for borrowing (and it offers lessons, too!).

8. get outdoors in vermont

Ready to get in touch with your inner outdoorsman? Head to Vermont’s Green Mountains, where you can learn “the English Churchill technique” while shooting clays at the Orvis Shooting School.  Handle a trained hawk with a falconry master. Or take up fly fishing on Vermont’s Battenkill River.

Alternatively, go off-road driving with the Land Rover Driving School. And in the winter you can of course ski or snowboard at Stratton Mountain.

Manchester’s Equinox Golf Resort & Spa is centrally located and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, no matter the season.

where to go with the guys for an epic trip this year

Those are our thoughts on several great luxury travel destinations and best places to go with the guys on epic weekend trip, mancation, boys-only vacation or bachelor getaway this year.

So what are you waiting for?  Gather the crew and get planning – your health depends on it, man!  And if we could offer just one more suggestion?  Be sure to bring home a little gift for your loved ones. You can thank us later.