Valentine’s Day is no longer the only reason to travel this February.
Instead, more travellers are turning February 13th, affectionately dubbed ‘Galentine’s Day’, into a reason to travel with friends, swapping traditional couples’ holidays for short, affordable girl gang getaways.
Interest in the celebration is undeniable, with Google searches for ‘Galentine’s Day’ soaring to almost 200,000 in the past month alone, up 633% from the month before.
But what looks like a fun cultural moment is actually part of a much bigger change in how, and why, people are travelling.
According to travel experts at Transfer Travel, the leading travel resale marketplace, Galentine’s Day is fast becoming a key moment in the travel calendar. Laura Carden-Lovell, travel expert at Transfer Travel, says: “Galentine’s Day reflects how travel habits are changing. We’re seeing February trips shaped less by traditional couples’ escapes, with more travellers choosing flexible, social trips with friends that don’t require months of planning or big holidays.
“One trend gaining particular momentum is the rise of the ‘extreme’ day trip, where travellers fly out and back on the same day to make the most of cheap short-haul flights and skipping accommodation altogether.”
That flexibility matters more than ever. Transfer Travel’s research of 2,000 UK adults found that 18% have cancelled a holiday due to a breakup, rising to 29% among 18–24-year-olds. When plans change, travellers aren’t giving up on travel altogether and instead are often reshaping it into friend-led getaways.
Carden-Lovell added: “Galentine’s fits neatly into that mindset: low pressure, high reward, and easier to pull together at short notice.”
To help travellers make the most of this trend, Transfer Travel has rounded up some of the most affordable, short-haul flights delivering standout value – whether you’re travelling for a weekend getaway or a same-day Galentine’s trip.
Bordeaux
Paris may be the classic Valentine’s destination, but for Galentine’s Day, we recommend exploring one of France’s other offerings – Bordeaux. With flights costing £50 from Manchester, Bordeaux offers a more relaxed city break, without compromising on culture and charm. Flight times are just under two hours, making it ideal for a long weekend of wine tasting, local cuisine, and sampling chic cafés with friends.
Budapest
With flights from the UK available for as little as £77, Budapest is shaping up to be a top Galentine’s getaway. At around 2 hours and 45 minutes in the air, it’s a quick hop to the Hungarian capital, where you can explore iconic thermal baths, local history, and vibrant nightlife. Plus, with beers averaging £2.27 and meals around £9, Budapest ranks highly on affordability.
Cork
At just an hour’s flight time from several UK airports and fares from £13, Cork is perfect for a same-day adventure or a weekend girly city break. Quieter and more budget-friendly than Dublin, the city offers charming streets and cosy cafés.
Edinburgh
Flights from London to Edinburgh can be snapped up for as little as £48, making the Scottish capital a top pick for short-haul Galentine’s getaways. Cheaper and faster than the train, a one-hour flight gives friends the chance to explore historic streets and an abundance of bars – all without breaking the bank.
Brussels
The Belgian capital is emerging as a favourite for European Galentine’s adventures, with flights from the UK starting at £22 and taking just over an hour. From the history of The Grand Palace to the lively streets, Brussels works just as well for a day trip as it does for a weekend away with the girls.
Amsterdam
It may be a typical Valentine’s Day destination, but Amsterdam still has plenty on offer for a group weekend break. Flights from London are just over an hour and are currently priced at £74 – making the Dutch capital an affordable and easy European escape for Galentine’s Day.
Frankfurt
With Galentine’s Day flights from London starting at just £87 you can be in Frankfurt in under 1 hour and 45 minutes. Offering a more cultured weekend escape, Frankfurt boasts a wide offering of museums, a vibrant bar scene and traditional apple wine taverns, making it easy to enjoy a fun-filled girls’ getaway without stretching the budget.
Laura Carden-Lovell adds: “Year-on-year, Galentine’s is becoming less of a novelty and more of a widely celebrated occasion, quickly cementing itself as a must-do date for group getaways. Friends are travelling together more often, for shorter trips, and they’re far savvier about cost, and we expect demand to keep rising. Luckily, airlines are offering plenty of low-cost options, but it’s important to act fast and rally your friends to lock in the best prices. The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long to commit.”