While Rory and Lorelai love their Stars Hollow life, and the main Gilmore Girls setting is a perfect place with a comforting diner and peaceful streets, the beloved mother/daughter duo does want to see the world. Many other characters do some traveling as well, especially Emily and Richard who go to Europe every year.
Whether the main characters are going on a quick road trip, visiting a nearby city, or going on a longer vacation, there are many Gilmore Girls trips that are a lot of fun to watch and that allow the characters to do some soul searching.
Lane And Zack Honeymoon In Mexico
Lane and Zack's Gilmore Girls wedding is heartwarming, and then comes the honeymoon, which doesn't work out the way that either of them had planned.
While Lane and Zack have a terrible honeymoon, as Zack finds out that he has a parasite and Lane is upset to learn that she's pregnant after they had sex for the first time, this is a trip that changes their lives, making it one of the most significant vacations on the show. Fans wish that this situation had gone differently, so it's not one of the most fun trips. But it's still sweet that Lane and Zack start a family and know that they will always love each other.
Rory And Emily Go To Europe
In the season 5 episode "Say Goodbye To Daisy Miller," Rory agrees to go to Europe with Emily, which feels like the perfect solution as she's upset with Lorelai, but it also becomes one of the most interesting Gilmore Girls trips.
While it's special that they can spend this time together and Rory can see more of the world, this trip also proves that Rory can be more independent. She does a lot of sightseeing by herself and it's important that she feels strong and capable and can do so many things on her own, given how much she relies on Lorelai.
Lorelai And Christopher Take Gigi To Paris
In the season 7 episode "French Twist," Lorelai and Christopher go to Paris, and while they're bringing Gigi to spend time with her mom Sherry, it's also a huge trip for the couple as they decide to get married.
While fans don't like this marriage and Rory is also pretty hurt about her parents not telling her about this ahead of time, this trip does eventually make Lorelai realize that she made a mistake and she needs to be with Luke. For that reason, it becomes one of the most significant vacations.
Luke And Nicole Go On A Cruise
Luke makes some poor choices on Gilmore Girls and fans don't like that he marries Nicole. The two go on a cruise, which is definitely a big deal since Luke doesn't seem one to travel or leave Stars Hollow all that often.
While viewers don't learn a lot about this trip and it doesn't seem like Luke and Nicole have a lot of fun together, as fans don't believe that they are well matched, it's a big deal for Luke to get married as he and Lorelai begin the slow process of realizing that they should be together.
Jess Visits His Dad In California
In the season 3 episode "Here Comes the Son," Jess goes to Venice to see if his dad can take care of him. It's a terrible trip that only reminds him that his dad couldn't care less about him and that they are never going to have much of a relationship.
Although Jess is heartbroken, he recognizes that staying in Stars Hollow with Luke has changed his life and that Luke will do more for him than anyone else, and that's a huge deal.
Rory Goes To New York City To See Jess
At the end of season 2, Rory visits Jess in New York City, which moves the plot forward in a huge way.
While Rory isn't there for her mom's business school graduation and that's a shame, this trip does show Rory that she can't lie to herself anymore about wanting to be with Dean instead of Jess. Since Rory is in a new place, she's inspired by the city energy and realizes that something is wrong. Although Rory is scared and stays with Dean until he makes the decision to end their relationship, fans can see that Rory knows she's at a crosswords.
Lorelai's Hike Inspired By Wild
The Netflix revival A Year In The Life has funny moments, and one of the most compelling parts is when Lorelai wants to hike the PCT like Cheryl Strayed did before writing her memoir Wild.
This might not be a fun vacation for Lorelai, but it's one of the most powerful as she thinks about her life, her poor relationship with Emily and Richard, and how much she wants to stay with Luke without fighting or splitting up. This trip is one of the most important one as it's what ultimately leads to Lorelai and Luke getting married as Lorelai is ready to take action and find contentment.
Rory And Lorelai Backpack Through Europe
When Rory and Richard begin talking more in season 1, he quickly learns that she wants to travel, and he continually gives her money for her dream trips. When Rory graduates from Chilton, she and Lorelai finally go backpacking through Europe, which has been their big dream for a while.
Because this trip means so much to Rory and Lorelai, it becomes one of the most memorable of the entire series, as it's sweet that they can spend time together before Rory goes to Yale and it all changes.
Rory And Paris Go To Washington
Rory and Paris have a deep friendship and they go to Washington together the summer before season 3 as they are the Chilton vice president and president.
While the characters are excited to learn more about government, this becomes a special vacation as Paris meets Jamie, who becomes her first boyfriend. Viewers enjoy seeing Paris begin dating and this will always be a memorable trip.
Rory And Lorelai's Harvard Road Trip
When Rory and Lorelai drive and end up at Harvard in season 2, this becomes the best trip that the main characters take on Gilmore Girls, as they deal with so many massive emotions and important thoughts.
While the mother and daughter duo have fun, joking around at a cheesy bed and breakfast and walking around the pretty Ivy League campus, they also take a lot of stock of what has been happening in their lives. Rory feels ready for what comes next and Lorelai switches focus from finding love to starting a business.