Hey bestie,
You know that feeling when you see travel photos that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale?
Cobblestone streets. Flower markets. Pastel buildings. Cozy cafes with the dreamiest pastries. Places that make you want to wear a linen dress, carry fresh flowers, and just exist beautifully.
That’s soft girl travel energy—and 2026 is the year you actually GO to these places instead of just saving them to your travel boards.
Because here’s the thing: romanticizing your life isn’t just about your daily routine. It’s about creating memories in places that feel like dreams.
✨ Before we dive in, grab my FREE Pinterest to Dream Life Starter Kit—your action plan to turn those wanderlust boards you’ve been building into actual travel plans you book in 2026, not just destination photos you wishfully scroll past.
What Makes a Place “Soft Girl Travel”?
Soft girl destinations aren’t about adventure sports or party scenes. They’re about beauty, peace, and that dreamy, romanticize-your-life energy.
Think:
- Picturesque streets made for golden hour photos
- Charming cafes with outdoor seating
- Flower markets and botanical gardens
- Pastel architecture and cobblestone vibes
- Slow mornings with croissants and cappuccinos
- Places that make you feel like the main character
Translation? These are the places where you live like you’re in a movie.
1. Santorini, Greece 🇬🇷
The ultimate soft girl destination. White-washed buildings, blue domes, pink bougainvillea everywhere, and sunsets that look photoshopped.
What to do:
- Watch sunset in Oia (arrive early for the best spot)
- Wander through narrow streets in Fira
- Eat fresh seafood at cliffside restaurants
- Visit black sand beaches in Perissa
- Stay in a cave hotel with caldera views
Soft girl essentials: Flowy white dress, straw hat, espadrilles, vintage camera for aesthetic pics.
Best time: April-May or September-October (avoid summer crowds).
2. Paris, France 🇫🇷
The city of romance never gets old. Parisian cafes, the Eiffel Tower, fresh croissants, flower markets, and that effortlessly chic energy.
What to do:
- Morning coffee and pain au chocolat at a corner cafe
- Picnic at Luxembourg Gardens or Tuileries
- Browse Shakespeare and Company bookstore
- Explore Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
- Visit Musée Rosengart for Monet’s water lilies
Soft girl essentials: Striped shirt, beret, baguette in a tote bag, red lip.
Best time: Spring (April-June) when flowers are blooming.
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy 🇮🇹
Pastel villages clinging to cliffs, lemon groves, turquoise water, and the most dreamy coastal vibes.
What to do:
- Stay in Positano (the most picturesque town)
- Drive the coastal road (or take the ferry)
- Eat limoncello and fresh pasta overlooking the sea
- Visit Ravello for gardens and stunning views
- Beach days at hidden coves
Soft girl essentials: Linen dress, oversized sunglasses, straw bag, sandals.
Best time: May-June or September (summer is crowded and hot).
4. Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵
Cherry blossoms, bamboo forests, traditional tea houses, and temples everywhere. Pure peaceful beauty.
What to do:
- Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of red torii gates)
- Experience traditional tea ceremony
- Explore Philosopher’s Path during cherry blossom season
- Stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)
Soft girl essentials: Kimono or flowy neutral outfit, minimal jewelry, film camera.
Best time: Late March-early April (cherry blossoms) or November (fall colors).
5. Provence, France 🇫🇷
Lavender fields, sunflower fields, stone villages, outdoor markets, and the most romantic countryside vibes.
What to do:
- Visit lavender fields in Valensole (peak: mid-June to mid-July)
- Explore villages like Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin
- Shop at local markets for fresh flowers and produce
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Stay in a charming countryside villa
Soft girl essentials: Maxi dress, basket bag, fresh flowers, sun hat.
Best time: June-July (lavender season) or September (harvest season).
6. Charleston, South Carolina, USA 🇺🇸
Southern charm, pastel historic homes, cobblestone streets, moss-draped trees, and the sweetest hospitality.
What to do:
- Walk through Rainbow Row (colorful historic houses)
- Brunch at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
- Explore Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Stroll along The Battery waterfront
- Shop on King Street for boutiques
Soft girl essentials: Sundress, pearls, woven bag, sweet tea.
Best time: Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November).
👉 Mid-Glow Up PSA: Want to actually BOOK these trips instead of just pinning them? Grab my Dream Life Crash Course—includes the exact budgeting and planning system I use to turn travel dreams into booked flights, not just saved boards.
7. Cotswolds, England 🇬🇧
Storybook villages, rolling green hills, thatched-roof cottages, cozy pubs, and the most charming countryside.
What to do:
- Visit villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe
- Stay in a traditional stone cottage
- Have afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream
- Walk through fields and gardens
- Browse antique shops and local markets
Soft girl essentials: Cozy sweater, wellies, floral dress, vintage basket.
Best time: Spring (May-June) or early fall (September).
8. Tulum, Mexico 🇲🇽
Bohemian beach vibes, turquoise water, Mayan ruins, cenotes, and that laid-back tropical luxury.
What to do:
- Beach clubs with daybeds and fresh ceviche
- Swim in cenotes (natural sinkholes)
- Explore Tulum ruins overlooking the ocean
- Yoga classes at sunrise
- Shop at local artisan markets
Soft girl essentials: Crochet bikini, flowy coverup, shell jewelry, natural makeup.
Best time: November-April (dry season, avoid hurricane season).
9. Lake Como, Italy 🇮🇹
Elegant villas, mountain backdrop, charming lakeside towns, and old-world Italian glamour.
What to do:
- Stay in Bellagio or Varenna
- Take a ferry between towns
- Villa tours and botanical gardens
- Lakeside dining with aperitivo
- Gelato walks along the water
Soft girl essentials: Silk scarf, sunglasses, elegant dress, classic sandals.
Best time: May-June or September (perfect weather, fewer tourists).
10. Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰
Scandinavian design, colorful harbor houses, cozy hygge culture, bike-friendly streets, and the cutest cafes.
What to do:
- Nyhavn harbor for colorful buildings and canal-side dining
- Visit Tivoli Gardens (amusement park with fairy lights)
- Bike through the city like a local
- Explore design shops and vintage stores
- Coffee and pastries at every corner
Soft girl essentials: Neutral tones, minimalist jewelry, cozy cardigan, canvas tote.
Best time: May-August (long days, warm weather).
11. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA 🇺🇸
Fairy-tale village meets coastal California. Charming cottages, art galleries, dog-friendly beaches, and cypress trees.
What to do:
- Walk through storybook-style streets
- Beach day at Carmel Beach (dogs welcome!)
- Drive 17-Mile Drive for ocean views
- Browse art galleries and boutiques
- Stay in a cozy cottage with a fireplace
Soft girl essentials: Sweater and jeans, beach waves, minimal makeup, canvas sneakers.
Best time: Year-round (mild weather), but spring and fall are perfect.
How to Actually Travel to These Places in 2026
Step 1: Pick Your Top 3
Don’t try to book 11 trips. Choose your top 3 based on budget, season, and what calls to you most.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
- Research flight costs and accommodation
- Set a savings goal (divide by months until trip)
- Automate savings to a “travel fund”
Step 3: Book Strategically
- Use Google Flights to track prices
- Book flights 2-3 months in advance (international) or 1-2 months (domestic)
- Consider shoulder season for better prices
Step 4: Plan Your Aesthetic
- Research photo spots and cafes
- Plan outfits that fit the destination vibe
- Create a Pinterest board specifically for THIS trip
Step 5: Actually Go
Don’t just plan it forever. Book the flight. Request the time off. Make it happen.
Soft Girl Travel Packing Essentials
✨ Clothing: Flowy dresses, linen pieces, neutral tones, comfortable sandals
✨ Accessories: Straw hat, woven bag, minimal jewelry, sunglasses
✨ Beauty: SPF, tinted moisturizer, cream blush, lip balm, hair oil
✨ Tech: Phone with good camera, portable charger, Airpods
✨ Extras: Journal for memories, reusable water bottle, small crossbody bag
Pack light. Romanticize simple.
Final Thoughts
Bestie, those travel boards you’ve been building? They’re not just daydreams. They’re destinations waiting for you.
2026 is the year you stop scrolling through travel inspo and start booking actual trips. The soft girl aesthetic isn’t just for your daily life—it’s for the memories you create in places that feel like magic.
So pick your destination. Set your budget. Book the flight. Pack your flowy dress and your main character energy.
Because romanticizing your life includes actually LIVING in beautiful places, not just pinning them.
✨ Download your free Pinterest to Dream Life Starter Kit to turn those travel boards into actual trip plans with timelines and budgets.
🔥 And grab my Accountability Bestie 12-Week Guided Planner to track your travel savings and plan your 2026 adventures—because dream trips require intentional saving and planning, not just wanderlust.
Because the world is full of soft girl destinations. And you deserve to see them all.
Xo, Chelsea Elise 💖
