Trying to come up with a new idea for a girl’s weekend getaway?
Getting away to the woods and renting a cabin is one idea. But why not take it one step further?
Consider houseboat rentals!
It’s an amazing way to spend time together while exploring the woods and waters and towns along a scenic river or lake.
And here’s another thing:
Houseboat Rentals Are a Great Way to Bond
Whether it’s sharing a room on the boat, exploring a new town, eating on the boat’s deck or swimming together, you’ll feel really connected with your gal pals when hanging out on a houseboat.
And if you’re envisioning an old boat that smells musty and redefines rustic, think again.
Houseboat rentals offer numerous bedrooms and bathrooms, along with slides and even a hot tub with a bar on the top deck.
They also include TVs with DVD players in the bedrooms, central air conditioning, GPS navigation unit, microwave, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer and a satellite tracking unit for access to satellite television anywhere.
So read on to discover a few places that are prime for houseboat rentals.
1. Shasta Lake
One of the best-known houseboating lakes in the western United States, Shasta has it all.
Located in California close to the Pacific Coast, day temperatures can soar to near 100 degrees – which is great if you like it hot. But the water always stays perfectly warm at right around 78 degrees – perfect for a swim off the houseboat.
And since it’s surrounded by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, there’s the chance to see some fantastic flora and fauna.
Shasta Lake also offers a ton of recreational opportunities.
So whether you want to swim, fish, hike or simply lounge around, Shasta Lake houseboat rentals will ensure you get it all with style and comfort.
2. Florida Keys
Similar to Lake Shasta, the Florida Keys have a very distinct flora and fauna unlike anywhere else in the United States.
This tropical paradise has a combination of islands populated with nightlife and activity, as well as lush islands that are essentially untouched. And because the Keys are known across the globe, there are visitors from all around the world.
Even though there are a wealth of islands, you won’t find much in the way of white sand beaches here. That’s because the Keys are formed from an ancient coral reef that gives all of the islands rough edges.
But you won’t need a beach when you can relax in peaceful seclusion on your houseboat – anchored at your own private island.
If relaxing isn’t your thing, you can go snorkeling in the amazingly clear waters or hop on the speedboat (included in your Key West houseboat rentals) to check out some of the neighboring islands.
And with a lot of large species like sailfish and redfish, you can do some serious fishing in the Keys.
3. Erie Canal
If California and Florida are too far, head for upstate New York.
Spanning from Albany, NY on the Hudson River to Buffalo, NY at Lake Erie, the Erie Canal system is 363 miles long. Finished in 1825 to make transportation easier and more economical, these days it’s a huge destination for recreational watercraft and houseboat vacationers.
All along the system, there are numerous marinas that provide a wide range of recreational services.
You might consider chartering a canal boat at the Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing to explore 19th-century canal towns and, more importantly, access ground transport to numerous wineries!
You can even visit Niagara Falls.
Plus, drop off points have waterfront restaurants and other destinations found along the winding canals.
Towns, restaurants and wineries aside, there’s also a huge range of wildlife and wildlife parks to be found along the entire canal system, including the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls.
It’s all waiting for you along the Erie Canal.
4. Dale Hollow Lake
If you and the ladies are big-time anglers, then this is the lake for you.
Located in northern Tennessee, Dale Hollow is beautiful lake lined with thick evergreen trees and sandy beaches that rival some of the best beaches in the world.
This lake is well known for being the world’s best smallmouth bass lake. It also boasts a vast array of largemouth and spotted bass, as well as walleye, gar, and trout. Just imagine fishing right off the deck of your houseboat!
But fishing isn’t the only game on Dale Hollow Lake.
This clear deep lake is great for water skiing or wakeboarding – two other popular sports on this reservoir.
5. Backwaters of Alleppey
You’ve probably never heard of Alleppey.
That’s because it’s in India.
But if you’re wanting to come up with something really special for your girls’ getaway and you have a little extra time, cruising along the backwaters of Alleppey in a houseboat is a truly memorable excursion.
Also known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is dotted with lakes and lagoons which make ideal for houseboat rentals. And the lush green vegetation and the backwaters create a spectacular visual backdrop, unlike anything you’ve seen before.
With its location close to the Arabian Sea, Alleppey has a beautiful maritime climate with many beaches. And colorful boat races are a regular thing.
And just like the houseboats in the first four locations, there are many nice Alleppey houseboats to choose from – luxury, deluxe, premium, and honeymoon.
There are also Kerala houseboats which are revamped avatars of the Kettuvallams. These are the historic boats used in the past, but updated with modern amenities.
Yes, Alleppey is a ways to go for houseboat rentals, but if you and your girlfriends are able to swing it, you’ll be so glad you did!
One Final Piece of Advice
Don’t overpack!
This starts with food. Although there will be a refrigerator and cupboards, this space is limited. So you’ll want to get together with your friends before you go to figure out who’s bringing what.
As far as clothing goes, keep in mind that you’ll only be doing a long weekend and much of it will be spent in your bathing suit. So even if you’re a fashion trendsetter, do you really need to plan a couple of different outfits for each day? Probably not.
Get Ready to Have Some Fun!
Houseboat rentals are becoming more and more popular.
So if you want to try something different for your girl’s getaway weekend this year while still having a great time and not spending a fortune, then hop on a houseboat!
It’s an experience you and your friends won’t soon forget.
Keep on checking back for other great ideas for girl’s getaways!
