We all know that getaways are important for reconnecting with friends and family, as well as taking some much needed time off. But travel is also a proven mood booster, a beneficial experience for your career, and one of the most effective ways to increase your self esteem. If you need another reason to finally book a vacation, remember this: You only live once, so you'd better make the most of it!

This year, instead of funneling your hard-earned cash into something, like a bathroom remodel or a new TV, start saving up to go somewhere. After all, chances are good that a new cellphone won't change your life, while a trip someplace special just might.

Don't know where to start? We've come up with this list of 40 of the best journeys a woman can take in her lifetime. We have suggestions for solo jaunts (hellooo Iceland), girlfriend getaways (Nashville, you nailed it), active excursions (sailing or skiing, take your pick), and more. This list is so good, you might find yourself returning to it for more ideas after giving one of these adventures a try.

An Emory University study found that children who knew more about their family history expressed higher levels of self-assurance and were better able to handle stress, and the same can be said for adults. "Family stories provide a sense of identity through time," one of the researchers wrote. Talk to your relatives, do some research online, or get your DNA tested, so that you know exactly where to go.

From Napa to Sonoma, Paso Robles, Temecula Valley, and beyond, California's wine regions are famous for producing tasty vino in a gorgeous setting. With 637,000 acres devoted to growing wine grapes, you can make a whole vacay of nothing but visiting vineyards—whether you prefer a high-end tasting experience or a laidback chat with a winemaker, Cali has it all.

Easy last-minute destinations include Kansas City, Missouri (filled with things to do, and equal amounts of Midwestern friendliness), New Orleans, Louisiana (it boasts tons of hotels and restaurants, so you won't have to book your reservations months in advance), and Washington, D.C. (with several major airports in the area, chances are good you can score a last-minute airfare deal there). Use GoLastMinute.com to book a flight from home, or dare to head to the airport to see what's available.

Every woman needs to experience an epic unaccompanied journey at least once in her lifetime. Iceland offers gorgeous locales, like the stress-busting geothermal spa Blue Lagoon, and is known as a safe location for solo travel. The country is women-friendly, too, garnering worldwide acclaim for its gender parity.

Spending quality time with your best friends is important for your happiness and health. Might we suggest Nashville, Tennessee for your next girls' trip? It's become ground zero for bachelorette bashes, due in part to the honky-tonks located along Broadway and throughout Music City.

Traveling by train is often cheaper than flying, and you can cover a large amount of ground. Sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery—all from the comfort of a sightseeing carriage covered in floor-to-ceiling windows. We recommend the Rockies to the Red Rocks trip, a gorgeous journey from Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado, or equally-breathtaking Canadian routes from Vancouver to BANFF and Vancouver to Jasper.

Unplug and unwind in Hawaii on one of the state's secluded beaches, where the sun warms your skin and the sound of the sea will ease your mind. You might find yourself completely alone at Polihua Beach on the northwest tip of Lanai, but be aware that strong currents make the ocean unsafe for swimmers. For more welcoming waters, try Oahu and Secret Beach in Kauai.

If you're a serious foodie, consider a trip to Italy. You can eat your way across the country, sampling local specialties: Nosh on pizza in Naples, meatballs in Sicily, and pasta with Bolognese sauce in—you guessed it—Bologna. Rome is where you'll want to order rigatoni carbonara.

Snorkeling, diving, biking, zip-lining, and surfing are some of the best ways to explore America's natural wonders. For an exercise-oriented vacation, hit the slopes in Colorado, heralded for its powdery mountains and upscale resorts in Aspen and Vail.

Niagara Falls is a series of three falls, the largest of which stretches more than 2,500 feet across and plummets nearly 170 feet down. See it up close and personal on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, a tourist favorite.

In just a week, you can broaden your horizons and use your skills to help others—what could be better than that? Check out Habitat for Humanity to learn how you can get involved, or look into everything from gorilla conservation in Uganda to building bridges in Cuba with Discover Corps.

There's something about hitting the open road that's good for the soul, giving you time to reflect, recharge, and renew. Try motoring down to L.A. from San Fran on the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1. The roughly-400-mile journey encompasses two of the country's coolest cities, plus stunning vistas like the cliffs around Big Sur. Attractions along the way include the showstopping Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon.

Does days of massages, facials, and body wraps at a top spa sound like a dream vacation? Sedona, Arizona offers it all in a serene setting. Don't miss its purported vortexes (spots where energy from other dimensions enter and exit the earth), which have attracted healers and those seeking enlightenment for ages. A thriving spa industry has blossomed in the area to cater to visitors, and it's worth traveling across the country to experience it.

New York City celebrates the happiest season in grand fashion, as it becomes a wonderland of twinkly lights, department store Santas, and the holly-jolly Rockefeller Christmas Tree by late November. If you celebrate Christmas, you owe it to yourself and your family to make it to the Big Apple for the city's spectacular celebration.

If you've long dreamed of a getaway to the City of Lights, you're not alone: Many lists of the top cities in the world to visit rank Paris at number one. Known for cultural institutions like the Louvre Museum and architectural marvels such as the Eiffel Tower, not to mention its top-notch gastronomy, it's easy to see why the deeply-romantic Paris is a bucket-list destination.

Texas Hill Country is renowned for its stunning wildflowers, such as the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush that bloom in profusion come springtime. Get a heaping dose of their beauty in places like Burnet, which hosts the Bluebonnet Festival the second weekend in April. Or hop aboard a helicopter and take it all in from the sky.

The Overseas Highway runs over ocean and island for more than 100 miles, leading from the Sunshine State's mainland down to legendary party town Key West. Epic snorkeling and diving opportunities abound, as well as chances for more leisurely pleasures in places like the village of Islamorada. This is one island-hopping road trip that's got it all.

You don't have to bust your budget by buying everything you see, because even just window shopping in Minnesota's Mall of America—the largest retail complex in the U.S.—is a feast for the senses. Alternately, Houston's shopping opportunities are as super-sized as anything in Texas.

You don't have to follow a certain religion to love spending time in churches and cathedrals—there's the breathtaking architecture to admire, and the sense of stillness that comes in a place of worship. New York City is home to St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. John the Divine, which calls itself the largest cathedral in the world. Washington National Cathedral in D.C., and New Orleans' St. Louis Cathedral are also among the country's most significant sacred architecture.

Perhaps the best way to see the 49th state, Alaskan cruises let you explore the rough and rugged Last Frontier in comfort. While routes vary, adventures often include sailing alongside icebergs and glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, spotting wildlife such as bears and whales, and even going ashore for activities like dog-sledding.

You don't need to be a kid to enjoy the world of Disney; it's an enchanting environment for people of all ages. With parks in Florida, California, Paris, and Tokyo, there are plenty of locations where you can experience the magic of Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang.

There are loads of gorgeous places to visit in winter that call themselves a "Christmas Town," but Frankenmuth, Michigan delivers on the claim. The little Bavarian-style burg 90 miles north of Detroit is home to the five-acre Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store. Other holiday attractions include the 150 lit trees lining Main Street and beyond, elaborately-decorated downtown buildings, and the 40-foot Christmas tree in the town center.

The city makes a great destination for solo women travelers thanks to its incredible cultural institutions, including the funky Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass, featuring the work of the world's foremost glass artist. Or, hike up Mount Rainier—it's close enough for a day trip. Afterward, you can sit back and relax with a cup of the city's world-famous coffee.

California might be better known for its wine, but the Finger Lakes region in New York State is not only less expensive to visit, the wine is wonderful and the vistas are just as beautiful. Plus, with some 140 wineries and vineyards to choose from, you never have to visit the same vintner twice.

If you're a horse lover, what better way to spend a week than hitting the dusty trails on one? There's a ton of great dude ranches across Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado, like the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, where you can actually help drive cattle.

Home to a thriving sailing community, massive boat shows, weekly summer races, and even the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis has long billed itself as the country's sailing capital. Whether you're experienced or have always dreamed of trying it, this historic city is the place to go—especially with an, um, boatload of sailing lessons available. When you feel like letting someone else do the work, a range of sailing cruises head out on the Chesapeake from town, too.

Hike, raft the Colorado, or just sit and watch the red rocks change color as the sun moves across the sky; no matter what you do it's a thrill at this immense slice in the earth formed by erosion. The park's North Rim features a lodge and general store, while Grand Canyon West holds the popular Skywalk. Managed by the Hualapai Tribe, its glass floor construction allows people to walk 70 feet out over the canyon.

A trip to Tinseltown is just the ticket for any movie lover, and it boasts quite a nightlife scene, too. There's so much to do, from going on a celebrity homes tour to strolling the Walk of Fame, and you never know—you just might spot a celeb (even if it's just at the Hollywood Wax Museum).

For some connoisseurs, whether you're talking about Bordeaux or Burgundy, wine regions begin and end in France. If you've just got to sample those Gallic grapes at the source, a trip to the motherland is a must. And just think of all that incredible cheese you can pair with your favorite vintages!

With magnificent mountain views, abundant wildlife, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails—all in convenient proximity to major metropolitan areas—it's not surprising that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country's most-visited national park. No need to worry about crowds, though: There's a wealth of secluded cabins to rent in the Smokies.

A safe, walkable downtown graced by independent shops and exquisite restaurants? Check. A city center filled with historical treasures? Check. Charleston, South Carolina offers women who are traveling alone a multitude of delights—and that includes the classic Lowcountry dish of shrimp and grits. Don't miss it.

With its luxe hotels, 24-hour gambling, celebrity-fronted shows, and so much more, there's no place like Sin City. Experience it with your crew or with your sweetie, just be sure to experience its indulgences at least once in your life.

Every woman should get to see the trees awash in brilliant fall colors at their peak. Stowe, Vermont, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, or the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon are a few prime leaf-peeping destinations.

The storied Route 66 was one of the first highways constructed in the United States, stretching from Illinois through California. Though decertified in 1985, the iconic road still can be found in preserved sections that include more than 250 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. History buffs will get a kick out of Route 66's preserved inns, diners, and gas stations, many still lit by the jazzy neon signs that first advertised them.

Christmas markets exist in the United States, but in Europe they're a seriously big deal, with people traveling from across the world to visit them. One of the most popular is the Vienna Christmas Market, which takes place in front of the Austrian capital's City Hall and dates all the way back to at least 1298. It features a whopping 150+ stalls, selling everything from sweets and sausages to holiday baubles.

Puerto Rico wouldn't need anything but its beautiful beaches to make for a great girls' trip. But toss in the charms of historic Old San Juan and the opportunities for surfing, ziplining, and loads of other adventurous activities, and this U.S. territory becomes the stuff of gal pal getaway legend.

More than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail wind through Virginia's Shenandoah National Park, a section that holds some of the beloved footpath's loveliest stretches. Not the type of hiker who's fond of camping? There are inns sprinkled along the AT, so it's possible to walk it all day and still sleep in a comfy bed at night.

Pennsylvania's 88-acre Cherry Springs State Park sits surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. This remote location helps keep light pollution at bay, making Cherry Springs one of the United States' darkest places, and a superior stargazing site. If you've never clearly seen the heavens before, prepare to be astonished at Cherry Springs.

Winter is the perfect time for a spirit-raising escape to glitzy, glam Miami, where January's temps are usually in the (relatively) toasty high 70s during the day. White sand beaches, superb shopping, and glittering nightlife await. Take that, seasonal affective disorder!

If you and the crew love to shop 'til you drop, Chicago's Magnificent Mile, lined with ritzy boutiques and department stores, has got you covered. After your retail fix, you can fuel up on the city's lauded deep dish pizza, before heading off for an evening of theater. The Second City offers so much to do, you and your girls may want to come back again and again.