When a movie like Girls Trip comes out, you can’t help but reflect on your own group of friends.  The memories, the laughs, the secrets that are never mentioned outside the clique.  The shorthand, inside jokes and endless good times.  If you’re lucky, you have at least one friend who has known you since you wore ponytails and backpacks.  I’m fortunate enough to have more than one.  As we grow up, our adventures shifting from jungle gyms at recess to jungle juice at music festivals, one thing remains constant- our friendships.  As I text furiously back and forth with my friend Jenny, excitedly planning her birthday girls trip, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and share some inspiration and tips for those in need of a getaway. If you can’t remember the last time you and your girls had a visit for more than a couple hours, this one is for you!

Location, Location, Location

Sometimes this part is easy, if there’s an annual event like Essence Music Festival. In that case, the date (4th of July weekend) and location (New Orleans) are already set for you. Other times, you’ll need to bring your group to consensus on a destination. Think about what everyone is most excited about. Laying on the beach? Amazing food? Cultural activities? Shopping?  If your group has both beach bums and adrenaline junkies, try to find a destination that checks a few boxes. Remember, you don’t need to spend every moment together. Encourage people to do what they enjoy and tap out if they please. It’s vacay, not work.

Let Me Check My Calendar

This may be the most challenging part. Getting everyone’s schedules to align is more than a notion. Especially when you factor in family and work obligations, limited PTO and whether or not your group of friends is spread across the country (or internationally). Give your group time to plan and look far enough ahead that people can block the time, budget and plan around the trip. For some trips, three months may be enough- others may need a year or more. Invest the time to plan, you and your girls are worth the effort!

Home Sweet Home

For girls trips, our group will usually opt for a house rental. For a group, a house is usually both less expensive and has more amenities. Great kitchen, multiple bedrooms, private pool and jacuzzi, plenty of space to spread out. 

With a beautiful kitchen, you can plan a few meals at home. When we travel, we are notoriously slow in the morning. Being able to have breakfast in our pjs is a huge plus.  Stock the fridge and cook dinner together, while drinking copious amounts of wine.  Throw steaks on the grill while you chill by the pool. Or, if you’re fancy- hire a chef! Then you can stick to girl talk and wine in the jacuzzi.

As a general rule, look for a place near the attractions your group wants to see and read all the reviews from past guests at the property.  If there aren’t any reviews, proceed with caution.  I’ve had success with AirBnB, Homeaway, VRBO and even a local realty company (on Kauai).

Get In Formation

In every girl squad, there are roles. Planner, Free Spirit, Party Girl, Banker, Mixologist… the list goes on.  All the roles in your squad are necessary. The Planner who handles the travel logistics (that’s usually me). I also make a mean margarita. The Manager/Banker who deals with any customer service issues that may arise and handles finances (say hello to TK). She also makes a mean sandwich (aka snack mom). Head of Security who will rain fire on anyone who threatens the safety of the squad (think the female warriors of Wakanda)- that’s my sister, KT.  She’s also our resident translator for any Spanish speaking countries. Find the strengths of your group and use them to create an epic adventure.

Something Old, Something New

One of the best parts of girls trips is being able to relax and enjoy being with your chosen sisters.  If you are traveling together, chances are you’ve already built some great memories. Memories that, alongside festive cocktails, will certainly be the source of much laughter on your trip. Look at this trip as the chance to build new memories.  Plan a special activity- ideally something new for your entire group. Whether it’s zip lining, a cooking class or goat yoga– creating new memories together builds your bond.  Okay maybe not goat yoga… it bothers me every time I see it, but you get my point.

Road Trip!

99% of all epic girls trips involve a road trip. Okay, so I made up that percentage but there’s a reason why both Thelma and Louise and Oprah and Gayle drove across the country. The freedom of the open road, wind in your hair, music blasting- key elements to great movies and your perfect girls trip. If you have time, take a long drive along the California Coast with your girls. Beach comb, eat seafood, hike, wine taste and visit spas along the way.

If you only have a few days, choose two locations within about four hours driving distance and split your time between the two. Explore San Diego and Los Angeles, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, or San Francisco and Carmel by the Sea. Visit New York and Washington, D.C. Meet up in Savannah and road trip to Atlanta (like my girls will this summer!)

Where My Girls At?

Excited about your next girls trip but not sure where to go? Fortunately for you, I’ve got ideas for days! Here’s a roundup of trip ideas, tried and tested by my squad- complete with tips and recommendations to get you started.

• Sedona, AZ
• Occidental, CA
• Monterey, CA
• San Diego, CA
• New Orleans, LA
• Aruba
• Costa Rica
• Kauai
• Sayulita, Mexico

Let’s Go!

This list will continue to grow, as I’ve got two girls trips on deck for this Spring and Summer, to Mexico and Georgia.  Still need some help planning your trip? Download a free vacation planning worksheet here.

Here’s to your girls and mine and many awesome girls trips to come!