When was the last time you made time for you? Or really spent focused time with your girlfriends? If you can’t remember or it’s been too long, it’s time to plan a girlfriend getaway. Use the tips below to kick start your planning.
1. Kick-start the planning process
If someone doesn’t take the lead in planning, you’ll never go. Take that first step and send an email to gauge interest today. Chances are you’re all interested; you’re just so busy no one has made planning a priority.
2. Get creative with your budget
Your girlfriends likely have a variety of different financial situations and priorities, so it’s important to have a rough idea of the budget for your trip up front. But don’t let fear of the potential costs stop you before you get started. Consider renting an affordable vacation home on a site like VRBO. Does one of your girls has access to a cool location through friends or family? Is there a central location with cheap flights where you could all meet up? Start brainstorming and see what you can come up with.
3. Set a date early for your girlfriend getaway
It’s tough to get everyone in one place and life circumstances change year to year. Choose a date that works for most and get it on the calendar. (An app like Doodle is great for comparing availability). You may only be able to gather a few of your girlfriends, but I promise you’ll still have a great time! And the more fun you have, the more likely the others are to make the next trip a priority. Looking to cut costs? Choose a location that’s in its shoulder season. Plan a hiking adventure at a ski resort in summer, or hit up a beach destination in spring.
4. Decrease stress by planning food in advance
With a group, it helps to have a rough idea laid out in advance. Restaurant reservations are key, so you don’t have a group of hungry girls trying to agree on where to head next, only to find there’s a long wait to get in. You can always cancel reservations later if plans change. Looking to cut costs? Plan some meals in if you have access to a kitchen. We’ve had a lot of fun pairing off, assigning meals in advance and taking turns cooking. Staying at a hotel? Consider whether concierge level would make sense for you. While it’s an extra expense up front, it saved us money on cocktails, appetizers, water and soda during our girlfriend’s getaway to Las Vegas.
5. Schedule a few activities
It can be tough to anticipate how active your group will want to be. Let your location be your guide. Aim for moderation and build in adventures and downtime. Variety is often the key for keeping a diverse crew happy. Lounge by the pool, go on a hike, and hit up a cool shopping area. If there’s room in the budget, consider splurging on something you’ll all remember, like a cooking class or indoor sky diving. Check to see if there’s a spa that offers affordable day passes. You’ll have a blast relaxing and checking out the amenities with your girls without committing everyone to expensive treatments.
6. Communication is key
Keep everyone in the loop. Google docs can be a great way to gather recommendations and ideas and to track plans. You may find there’s not much input if your friends are swamped with work and family commitments. If that’s the case, you can tackle the planning if you’re up for it, or try assigning tasks to everyone. On a budget? Keep an eye out for deals at your destination and don’t be afraid to alter your plans when appealing alternatives pop up.
Keeping connections strong is so important. Work and family commitments can feel all encompassing, but you truly miss out on one of the best things in life when you don’t make time for your friends. Chances are you’ll come back rejuvenate and refreshed after time with your girls. Make a commitment to yourselves to gather regularly.
Do you have a favorite tip for planning a girlfriend getaway? Or a favorite girlfriend getaway destination? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments!
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