The best girls getaways are the ones that end with you not wanting to "get away" from the girls you just spent a weekend with. Travel is a great way to really get to know someone, but it can also be a great way to find out what the differences are between you and your friends, once you spend 24/7 with them.
Here are some tips to help you try to ensure your girls getaway is a regenerating and reconnecting retreat, with no regrets.
1) Plan ahead. Way ahead. Confirm who is going to be going, and if you're taking the lead, send out an email with potential dates and possible locations. Start with a larger list than what you want to end up at, as it can be extremely difficult to get everyone's schedule to come together. Ask for confirmation by a certain date, which should be a minimum of two months prior to travel.
2)Source flights (if required) and hotels and present as either an option or a final decision, making sure to provide times, pricing, and links to the location so there aren't any surprises.
3)Choose a central location for all activities so no one has to pay exorbitant taxi fares or travel for hours by public transit...unless they want to.
4)Once your destination and travel have been confirmed, you're ready to start building your agenda. Along with your own choices, ask for requests and have them provide as much information as possible.
5)The agenda should include all options, and all agenda items should be optional to attend. Not everyone wants to visit museums, shop, eat at expensive restaurants or fit in a quick marathon.
6)You're all grown-ups. If somebody wants to sleep in or stay up late or miss their flight...that's their option. Provide support but don't get too bossy. This is their vacation too. The agenda is a guideline.
7)If you're sharing rooms, try to match up those with similar bedtime and early morning schedules. If you know you snore, mention it to your roommate so she can come prepared with earplugs or change her mind about sharing. Not everyone wants to share a room; don't take it personally.
8)Don't be afraid to split from the group and "do your own thing." Down time is a big part of getting away from it all and getting some "self-care." You don't owe anyone any explanations about what you're doing or where you're going. (See point number six about being a grown up.)
9)Buy tickets for shows or attractions in advance. Often you can get better deals online, and it commits those who want to attend, versus a last minute debate and the potential to not be able to get tickets. If someone backs out at the last minute (their prerogative), the cost of their ticket is forfeited by them.
10)Settle tabs with each other on an ongoing basis, or collect receipts to share and split at the end of the trip. Owed money is easily forgotten and can create unnecessary tension between friends.
11)Agree in advance if you're going to share your trip and the individuals you are with, on social media. Not everyone wants it known that they are traveling and away from home. Respect their privacy; you can still post about your own adventure.
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