Design your next gal-pal getaway in 7 easy steps

Feeling the need to get away with your BFF’s? No kids. No significant others. Admit it, there’s nothing better than late night pajama and wine parties with your girlfriends. But where to go? Beach or city, boutique hotel or all-inclusive resort? Spa retreat, culinary getaway or a weekend jam-packed with retail therapy?

Have no fear, girlfriends. We’ve compiled a no-nonsense step-by-step guide to planning your next girlfriend getaway. Follow these steps and you’ll soon be setting off on a vacation that’s designed to give you more time exploring, kibitzing and making memories.

Choose your friends

Who you travel with can make or break the success of your getaway – there’s no grey area here. Some of your friends will plan every detail in advance, while others feel anything more than flight and hotel reservations is excessive. In the end, a girlfriend getaway is about being together as friends, but flexibility and a good sense of humor are good pre-screeners when choosing travel buddies.

Talk budget

Once you’ve chosen your getaway chums, clarify your collective and individual budgets. This won’t be an easy discussion but being honest about money now will reduce a lot of tension later. Will you travel according to star ratings or the best online deal you can find? You might see your group size diminish, but it may open an opportunity for someone else to join.

Suss out flexibility

Most people require planning time for vacation from work and (for moms) to arrange childcare. We recommend starting your big-picture dreaming at least three months ahead of your getaway. It will take time to get through the initial discussions of who and how much, which will take you to the next (and more exciting) planning…

What’s the focus?

It might sound silly, but it’s important that everyone agrees on the focus of the trip. Late night wine chats are given, but what will you do during the daylight hours? Will you spend your days blissed out at the spa, chillaxed on the beach or indulging in retail therapy? While there’s no rule saying you have to spend every waking moment together, your collective focus should be similar – or why bother traveling together?

Where to go

This is our favorite part of planning a girlfriend getaway. Where in the world where you go to be together? Click over to GoGirlfriend’s Girlfriend Getaway Recommendations for a dose of inspiration. Keep these ideas in mind when planning your destination.

• Group discounts – These don’t usually kick in until you book at least 10 hotel rooms but it’s always worth an ask.
• Suite options – A suite for a large group can sometimes be a more cost-effective option (and a lot more fun too) than individual rooms.
• All-inclusive – This option is tailor-made for girlfriend getaways. No planning required and forget the need for a designated driver.
• Vacation rental – A whole house (including a full kitchen) make for a fun weekend. There’ll be less frills – meaning you can’t leave towels on the floor for housekeeping – but you’ll be able to make your own meals together.
• Cruise – Much like an all-inclusive, this is a great option for women traveling together. While most onboard activities are included, off-shore excursions and alcoholic drinks need to be factored in to your budget.

What to do

Now that you’ve decided on the venue, what are you going to do there? While we tend to fall on the side of less pre-planning, some things need to be discussed and booked ahead of time. We have a special place in our heart for a morning at the spa or an afternoon cooking class – both of which usually require reservations.

Get excited!

Traveling with your friends can be exciting, empowering and a great opportunity to reconnect with who you are – away from work, your significant other and kids. Make time before you leave to think about your goals for the weekend and ask your friends theirs. And make time when you get home to ensure you keep the magic in your life longer.

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