Ever struggled to plan a trip with your girls since everyone is booked and busy? We’ve got you covered!
We’ve all been there. The WhatsApp group chat explodes with excitement as someone says: “Let’s go on a girls trip!” Support is rallied, mood boards are created and research about the options of where and when to go are all in full swing. A few weeks later, the dopamine has worn off and the excitement about travelling together slowly fades. Excuses start rolling in and eventually the trip is nothing more than an idea that never left the group chat. Well, all this is about to change. It’s time that every potential trip becomes an actual holiday — here is how to make the idea a reality.
Size does matter
The truth is the bigger the group, the bigger the problems. Travelling in a larger group sounds more fun in theory, but trying to align everyone’s interests, needs and ideas will take a lot before this trip can happen. Perhaps stick to traveling with a group of 4-6 when going overseas. It is usually easier to book activities, transport and accommodation for this amount of people, so in this case smaller works best. Accept that no trip will work for everyone. Waiting for a miracle alignment of schedules is a sure-fire way to stay stuck. Instead, pick a date range that works for the majority and commit. Whoever can join will be there, and the others have the option to join at a different time.
Show me the money
Money talk can get a little awkward but transparency prevents drama, so it’s always better to be honest upfront. Decide as a group and agree early on a budget bracket that suits everyone, so no one will feel pressured or left behind. Whether it’s a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly trip, clarity ensures everyone is on the same page. Trips can be catered to any budget, so be wary of your friend’s financial status so that everyone feels comfortable with the holiday plans in place.
When it comes to finances, consider planning trips well in advance. Setting a goal for a trip the following year will give everyone enough time to save money for the upcoming holiday however possible, whether it’s putting money aside every month or paying a deposit and going from there. Nine to 12 months is a good average for how far in advance to start saving for that overseas trip.
The leader of the pack
Appoint a trip captain. In every friend group there is at least one spreadsheet-loving planner or decisive personality — this is their time to shine. Without someone steering the trip, the conversation will spiral and decisions will take longer to make. This doesn’t mean the captain has to plan everything but just spearhead the logistics. This includes securing flights, booking the accommodation and setting the deadlines. If there’s more than one person who enjoys doing this, perhaps take turns with the role so the next holiday, a new leader can be in charge to ensure the trip goes off as planned.
Go with the flow
Once the basic plans are set, resist the urge to plan out every little detail for the entire group. A loose itinerary keeps the trip balanced. For example, plan one activity a day with enough downtime for spontaneous adventures. Remember, the goal is bonding with your besties, not ticking off a bucket list for every tourist attraction. Lock in those details, then make the bookings ahead of time. The excitement will build again from when that flight is booked, or the visa is in sight.
A girls trip will have its ups and downs, but what is important is how you are all able to come together to create lasting memories and an unforgettable bonding experience. All that’s left to do is catch flights and feelings with your friends this summer.
Local Girly Getaways
Depending on what type of staycation you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up a few options that you and all your girlfriends are going to love:
- Franschhoek: Wine farms aplenty and mountain ranges spanning for kilometres, this is the perfect spot to gather the girls and enjoy great food and even better company. The Saturday market is also ideal for thrifting as well as finding a few local beauties.
- Langebaan: Enjoy seaside chilling with bonfires on the beaches and the soft sounds of the water crashing along the shoreline. Langebaan is a quaint beach town with everything you need for the ideal weekend away.
- Drakensberg: Meander around the midlands while exploring the fresh, crisp air, hiking to some pretty waterfalls and getting lost in nature. About a 2-hour drive from Durban, escape to the Drakensberg with the ladies for the best few days away.
- Sun City: Party it up in the middle of Pilanesberg while still enjoying the sun. Sun City is a world on its own that allows you and your girls to revel in game drives, water slides and more than enough fun to enjoy for the weekend. You’ll be feeling like a kid all over again.
Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Adobe Stock, Pexels
Also read: 5 Tips to make your next boys’ trip a success
