September doesn’t come with fireworks, countdowns, or champagne toasts - but for many of us, it feels more like a true New Year than January ever does. If you’ve seen “Girls New Year” trending, you’ll know exactly what I mean: it’s the season of fresh planners, cozy routines, candles lit in the evenings, and that satisfying feeling of giving your space (and your life), a little reset. It’s like opening a brand-new notebook where the first page is still perfectly blank, waiting to be filled.

And honestly, it makes sense. Summer is wonderful, but it often leaves us running in a hundred different directions - too many social plans, too much travel crammed in, too much pressure to “make the most of it.” By the time August ends, a lot of us are overstimulated, tired, and craving quiet. Then September rolls in. The air is cooler, the evenings darker, and suddenly there’s permission to slow down. Routines fall back into place. There’s a rhythm again. It feels like a deep breath after months of holding everything together.

But here’s the difference: instead of bold resolutions or long to-do lists, Girls New Year is about softer goals. It’s about asking yourself: What actually makes me feel good? What routines do I want to keep? What trips or experiences will fill me up instead of draining me? It’s not about reinventing your life overnight, but about gently creating a version of it that feels more aligned.

And that’s exactly why this movement connects so naturally with what we believe in at Trippers Terminal. Travel and lifestyle don’t have to mean constant motion, rushing between sights, or ticking boxes. They can be grounding, restorative, and deeply personal. Just like Girls New Year invites you to reset your routines at home, slow travel gives you permission to reset your experiences when you step away. Both are about intention: choosing what feels right for you, season by season.

What Girls New Year Really Means

Girls New Year isn’t about sequins, parties, or shouting “Happy New Year” at midnight. It’s quieter than that - and honestly, that’s what makes it so appealing. It’s about celebrating the small reset that naturally comes with September. Think of it as swapping champagne glasses for a new planner, swapping late nights for candles and early mornings, swapping pressure for routines that actually make you feel good.

It’s those little things that shift the mood:

Buying a fresh journal and feeling motivated to write again.
Cooking a comforting meal after months of eating on the go.
Getting back into a morning walk or evening reading routine.
Looking ahead to the season and asking yourself which trips, escapes, or rituals would make life feel lighter.

For many of us, January has never felt like a true fresh start. The days are short, the weather is harsh, and resolutions often feel forced. But September? September feels doable. It’s tied to back-to-school nostalgia (sharpened pencils, clean notebooks, new beginnings) but with an adult twist. Instead of school timetables, it’s calendars, cozy rituals, and small resets that carry you into autumn feeling grounded rather than overwhelmed.

And while the name “Girls New Year” started as a playful internet trend, the truth is it resonates far beyond that. It’s not about gender - it’s about anyone who enjoys routines, softer goals, and the sense of comfort that comes with turning the page on a new season.

If this is the kind of reset you’re craving, our Reset & Recharge section is full of ideas that go hand in hand with the September mindset. Think weekend escapes, slow mornings, and cozy towns that feel like a pause button.

Girls New Year Travel Ideas: Cozy Autumn Getaways in Europe

When autumn arrives, you don’t need a long-haul flight or a big-budget holiday to feel like you’ve hit reset. The best Girls New Year escapes are the ones that feel cozy, easy, and nourishing - the kind of trips that give you energy back instead of draining it.

And the beauty of autumn is that each month has its own rhythm. September often feels like a fresh start: cooler mornings, new routines, and the urge to slow down after a busy summer. By October, towns and countryside settle into a quieter pace, leaves begin to turn, and markets are filled with seasonal produce. November has its own magic too with shorter days, darker evenings, and a natural pull toward warmth, candles, and spa weekends that help you lean into the season instead of resisting it.

This is why autumn is such a good time to travel differently. Flights and trains are usually less crowded, many destinations are calmer once summer visitors have left, and you see places in a more authentic light. Whether it’s a weekend away in a market town, a few days in a countryside cabin, or even just a short vineyard stay during harvest, these smaller trips are often the ones you remember most.

Here are a few ideas that fit the Girls New Year vibe perfectly - escapes that align with the season, feel grounding, and give you space to breathe.

Best Autumn Market Towns in Europe for a Cozy Weekend Reset

Markets in September have a different energy than in summer. The mornings are cooler, people move slower, and the pace feels less rushed. Instead of fighting through crowds of tourists, you actually see locals shopping for their weekly bread, cheese, and vegetables. It’s not glamorous, and that’s exactly what makes it such a grounding way to spend a weekend.

But here’s the honest part: not every market will give you that feeling. Some are set up more for visitors than locals, with rows of fridge magnets and overpriced stalls. If you’ve ever arrived somewhere and thought “this looks nothing like the photos”, you know what I mean. That’s why I’ve started curating guides to the ones that actually keep their character.

In Germany, second-hand and flea markets are part of everyday culture. They’re more about community than tourists, and you’ll often find locals chatting as much as they’re shopping. If you love the thrill of finding something unique, this guide to Germany’s second-hand fashion scene is a great place to start.

In France, markets are woven into life, especially in smaller towns. My guide to 8 Summer Markets in France highlights the ones where mornings still feel authentic - places like Uzès or Sarlat, where food stalls are packed with seasonal produce and locals actually show up to shop.

If you’re heading to Spain, Cadaqués is a gem for a September weekend. The combination of coastal air, narrow streets, and a small but lively market makes it feel different from bigger Spanish towns. And if you’re curious about quieter options, this guide to Spain’s quietest summer markets shows spots where you can actually breathe while you browse.

Provence is famous for its markets, but not all of them feel authentic anymore. The ones I recommend are tucked into smaller towns, where the pace hasn’t changed much. If that appeals to you, check out both Hidden Provence Market Towns and Quiet Provence Towns - these places still move at a local rhythm.

And let’s not forget Italy. Italian market towns bring their own atmosphere - lively, noisy in the best way, and full of regional character. My roundup of Italy’s summer market towns gives a few starting points if you want to combine food, history, and atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something seasonal, September is a perfect time to explore French towns for autumn getaways. The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the markets reflect what’s actually growing and harvested at that time of year. For even more inspiration, the guide to Hidden French Market Towns in 2025 digs into places that aren’t on the usual travel circuit but are worth discovering.

Why Markets Towns are Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

The beauty of a market weekend isn’t just the shopping. It’s the rhythm it gives your day. You wake up early, wander through the stalls, maybe snack on something warm and fresh, and then the rest of the day is yours - sitting in a café, exploring small streets, or just letting yourself do nothing. It’s simple, but it sticks with you.

That’s why markets fit so well with the Girls New Year mindset. They slow you down without effort. They connect you with real places, not staged versions of them. And they give you a sense of belonging, even if you’re just passing through.

Cozy Cabins and Cottage Stays in Europe for Autumn Travel

If summer felt like one long stretch of airports, plans, and too much noise, a cabin or cottage weekend is the kind of reset that brings you back to yourself. These stays work best when they’re simple: a wooden cabin tucked by a lake, a countryside guesthouse where the days feel unhurried, or even a quirky treehouse where the only “to-do” is to wake up with the sunrise.

The beauty of autumn is that it makes cabins and cottages even more inviting. In September, you can still enjoy warm afternoons outside with a book. By October, the air turns crisp, forests start to glow, and walks feel extra rewarding when they end with tea by the fire. Come November, the dark evenings make candles, slow dinners, and early nights part of the experience - not something to fight against.

But just like markets, not all stays are created equal. Some “cabins” are closer to hotels than hideaways, and you end up with neighbors right outside your window. The magic comes when you find places that feel tucked away, connected to nature, and easy to settle into without fuss.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve collected some of our favorites across Europe:

For anyone who loves boutique design but still wants that “switch-off” vibe, these boutique hotels in Germany are perfect for a weekend where the atmosphere does half the work for you.

Treehouse stays aren’t just for kids — they can be surprisingly grounding, especially the sustainable designs popping up across Europe. Check out our guide to tree hotels that redefine luxury.

If stargazing is your idea of calm, we’ve rounded up unique places in Europe where you can watch the night sky from bed. These stays feel especially magical on clear autumn nights.

Sweden has perfected the art of slow, nature-focused stays. Our guide to Sleep Stays in Sweden covers cabins and guesthouses designed for travelers who actually want to unplug.

And if you want to combine countryside calm with a little indulgence, the cozy accommodation options in Champagne make a great base - especially if you pair them with vineyard visits.

Why Cottage Weekends Will Do You Good

The best part of a cottage or cabin escape is how little you have to “do.” You arrive, cook something simple, maybe light a fire, and let the hours stretch. The next day can be a forest walk, a lakeside swim, or just reading in bed. There’s no pressure to be anyone else but you - just the space to reset.

That’s why they fit so well into the Girls New Year mindset. After a summer of being pulled in every direction, there’s something healing about a weekend that asks nothing of you. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real - and that’s where the reset happens.

Cozy Vineyard Stays in Europe for Autumn Harvest

Vineyards in autumn have a completely different vibe. The grapes are ready, the air smells faintly sweet, and the pace slows down in a way that just feels good. It’s not really about wine expertise - most people aren’t swirling glasses and talking tasting notes. It’s about mornings that start with a long breakfast, wandering through the vines, maybe a tasting or two, and evenings that stretch over hearty food and local wine.

The nice thing about going in September or October is that you catch the harvest energy - some vineyards even invite guests to join for dinners or small events. By November, things quiet down, and that has its own charm too: fewer visitors, more space, and calm countryside views that make you want to stay put.

Where to look:

Champagne, France → If you want the classic harvest feel without the flashy side of Champagne, there are plenty of family-run places that keep it simple. We’ve rounded up some good bases in our guide to Cozy Accommodation in Champagne. These are the kinds of spots where you actually hear the village bells in the morning and can walk to tastings nearby.
Tuscany, Italy → Everyone knows the big names, but the best experiences often happen in the smaller villages. Picture old stone streets, a trattoria that’s been there forever, and vineyards where the owners are just as happy to talk about food as they are about wine. If that sounds like your pace, take a look at our guide to off-the-radar Tuscan villages, or dive into the slow food scene. For something even more hidden, we’ve covered Tuscany’s secret vineyards where you’ll find a mix of wine, art, and history without the crowds.
Smaller regions across Europe → If you want to skip the crowds completely, there are plenty of places where vineyard stays feel untouched by mass tourism. Portugal’s Alentejo, Austria’s Wachau Valley, and Slovenia’s Brda region are just a few. Our roundup of lesser-known wine regions in Europe covers some of the best options if you like the idea of something a bit different.

What makes vineyard trips so good in autumn is the balance: it feels indulgent, but not over the top. You’re not rushing from sight to sight. You’re letting the season set the pace - long meals, cooler evenings, and countryside views that make you forget about everything else for a while.

Relaxing Thermal Spa Getaways in Europe for Autumn Reset Trips

Some trips are about doing and seeing; spa weekends are about stopping. Autumn is when these escapes feel especially right - the air is cooler, days are shorter, and sinking into warm mineral water feels like the most natural way to reset. You don’t need to plan a busy itinerary. The whole point is that the spa does the work for you.

A spa weekend isn’t just about a few hours in a pool. The best ones give you the rhythm you often forget at home: moving slowly between hot and cold baths, stepping outside for crisp air, then coming back in to steam, soak, or nap. By the time you leave, your body feels lighter, but so does your head.

Where to Go for Thermal Baths in Autumn

Austria → Austria has some of Europe’s most beautiful thermal baths, especially in autumn when the mountain views turn golden. Places like Bad Gastein or Styria balance that classic Alpine setting with calming spa culture. If you’re curious, our guide to Thermal Spas in Austria for Autumn covers a few options where you can combine wellness with countryside walks.
Switzerland → Vals is iconic, not just for its architecture but for the way it feels part of the landscape. Imagine soaking in a stone bath with mountain views, then stepping outside to crisp air before heading back in. We’ve written about it in detail here: Blossoms and Thermal Baths: A Slow Retreat in Vals, Switzerland. Autumn is quieter than winter, but still feels atmospheric - especially if you pair it with hikes in the valleys.
Hidden Hot Springs in Europe → Everyone talks about Iceland, but it’s far from the only option. From Slovenia to Spain, there are tucked-away hot springs where you won’t find the crowds. Our guide to Europe’s Hidden Hot Springs Beyond Iceland pulls together places where you can still have that “secret discovery” feeling.
Germany (Saxon Switzerland) → While not a spa town in the traditional sense, Saxon Switzerland has a quiet, restorative energy in autumn. Solo travelers in particular will love combining forest walks, sandstone cliffs, and slow evenings in small guesthouses. Our guide to Solo Travel in Saxon Switzerland gives ideas on how to plan a trip that balances nature and rest.

Why Spa Trips Work for a Reset

The magic of thermal baths is how they strip away the pressure to be productive. You don’t need a checklist. You don’t need to “make the most” of your time. You soak, you rest, you wander, and that’s enough.

That’s why they fit so naturally into the Girls New Year idea. After the busy months of summer, a thermal spa weekend feels like a reset button - not super trendy or overdone, just deeply restorative. And because autumn is a quieter season, you often get the best of both worlds: calming surroundings and fewer people to share them with.

Cozy Autumn Habits for Travelers

Girls New Year isn’t only about where you travel - it’s also about the little resets you create at home. The truth is, most of us can’t pack a bag and leave every time we need a breather. But we can make small seasonal shifts that bring the same feeling of calm and intentionality into everyday life. Those habits not only make home feel more grounding, they also build anticipation for when the next trip does come around.

One of the easiest is journaling. Not in a structured way - just taking a notebook and writing down ideas as they come to you. Maybe it’s a day trip to a local market town, or maybe it’s something bigger, like finally hiking a vineyard trail in Tuscany or Bordeaux (Vineyard Hikes in Europe is a good place to start if that sounds appealing). When you put it on paper, it shifts from “someday” to “maybe soon.”

Planning ahead also makes a difference. Autumn is the sweet spot: summer chaos is behind you, but winter hasn’t fully set in yet. Lining up one or two small escapes for later in the season gives you something to look forward to. It doesn’t have to be far - you could take a quiet solo weekend in a town that still feels authentic (our Quiet Solo Travel in Europe guide is packed with ideas), or even a simple countryside break like exploring Denmark’s slow scenic islands. Having it in your calendar makes darker days feel less heavy.

Another cozy ritual is a weekly “travel reset night.” It can be as simple as lighting a candle, making tea or pouring a glass of wine, and spending 20–30 minutes exploring destinations that fit your mood. Some weeks that could mean pinning cabins or small towns on Pinterest, other weeks it could be diving into something specific, like Italy’s Prosecco Hills or the quieter side of the Cilento Coast. The idea isn’t to book… it’s just to make planning feel enjoyable instead of overwhelming.

And you don’t need to wait for a plane ticket to feel like you’ve reset. Cook a meal you’d order abroad, like something inspired by Athens (our Quiet Cultural Guide to Athens has plenty of inspiration). Take a new route through your own city, like you would if you were visiting for the first time. Or plan a short train trip to a place that feels close but refreshing, like one of the cozy small towns near Paris. These little experiments keep life from slipping into routine - and when you do go away, it makes the experience feel even more special.

Girls New Year and Travel That Actually Feels Like a Reset

The thing about Girls New Year is that it’s not really about planners, candles, or fresh notebooks (though they definitely help set the mood). It’s about acknowledging what most of us already feel: that September and autumn mark a clearer beginning than January ever does. The air shifts, routines settle back in, and suddenly you want life to feel calmer, more intentional, and maybe even a little cozier.

And travel should be part of that reset. Think about it - how many times have you come back from a trip more drained than when you left? That “I need a holiday after my holiday” feeling is real, and it’s often because travel has turned into a checklist instead of a break. Girls New Year is a reminder that it doesn’t have to be that way.

This season is your chance to rethink the way you travel. Swap the long list of “must-sees” for a slow morning at a market. Trade back-to-back sightseeing for a vineyard stay where the most important thing on your schedule is dinner. Or book a weekend in a small cabin, where doing nothing but reading, cooking, and staring out the window counts as time well spent. That’s what intentional travel looks like - and it’s exactly the philosophy behind Trippers Terminal.

If January has always felt too heavy, maybe autumn really is your fresh start. Light the candle, write the list, plan the trip - not because you’re chasing more, but because you’re ready for better.

And if that’s what you’re craving? You’re already in the right place. Start with our Reset & Recharge section for cozy escapes, or join the newsletter where I share curated ideas for people who want travel to feel like a pause button, not another performance.

For more inspiration, here are a few handpicked guides that fit the Girls New Year energy:

A Literary Spring in Edinburgh — perfect if rainy days, bookshops, and cozy cafés are your idea of heaven.
Levanto, Italy — a slower alternative to the Cinque Terre, with walks, good food, and fewer crowds.
Parma, Italy — small enough to feel calm, but packed with food culture and local life.
Peaceful Towns in Europe — if you’re looking for destinations that feel like a reset button in themselves.
Spanish Small Towns for Solo Travelers — welcoming, quiet, and easy to explore on your own.
Italy for Introverts — curated for travelers who prefer depth and calm over noise and crowds.
Best Small Towns in Europe for Weekend Escapes — quick trips that give you maximum reset with minimum stress.
Solo Me-Moons in Europe — a guide to celebrating yourself through travel, no partner required.

FAQs About Girls New Year and Autumn Travel

What does Girls New Year mean and why is it trending?
Girls New Year is the idea that September (not January) feels like the true start of the year. Instead of strict resolutions, it’s about cozy resets: journaling, routines, candles, and even planning slower, intentional trips.

Why is September and autumn the best time to travel in Europe?
Autumn travel has huge perks: the summer crowds are gone, flights and trains are easier to book, and the weather is still beautiful across much of Europe. September through November also lines up with vineyard harvests, autumn markets, and quieter countryside escapes.

What are the best places to visit in Europe in autumn for a reset trip?
Some favorites for Girls New Year escapes include:

French market towns like Uzès and Sarlat
Champagne and Burgundy during vineyard harvest
Swiss spa towns such as Vals
Spanish coastal towns like Cadaqués once summer is over
Countryside cottages in Scandinavia and Italy for cozy weekends

Which French market towns are worth visiting in autumn?
Markets in towns like Uzès and Sarlat are full of life but not overrun with tourists by September. Check out all our market guides here.

Are Champagne vineyards open in September and October?
Yes. Autumn is harvest season, and it’s the most atmospheric time to visit. Many Champagne houses open their doors for tastings, vineyard walks, and sometimes even harvest dinners. It’s wise to book early, as it’s a busy time for winemakers.

How can I plan a cozy autumn trip on a budget?
Stick to smaller towns you can reach by train or bus, book family-run guesthouses instead of hotels, and focus on experiences that cost little: markets, hikes, cooking in a cottage.

Is Girls New Year only for women, or is it for everyone?
The name started online as a fun trend, but the mindset is universal. If you love slower routines, cozy rituals, and the feeling of autumn as a reset, you’re already living the Girls New Year approach.

How do I bring Girls New Year energy into my autumn travels?
Choose trips that align with how you want to feel. That could mean market mornings with no agenda, vineyard stays with slow meals, or spa weekends where you let yourself do nothing. The key is to curate escapes that recharge you instead of wearing you out.

Girls New Year: The Cozy September Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed