How to plan a stress-free girls trip: from ideas to booking

I know that you've been used to more of a solo travel point of view on this blog so far, but let me tell you: I absolutely love a girls trip! So much that I have been celebrating my birthday every year since 2019 with a trip away with friends. Protecting the privacy of my friends I won't be sharing photos from these trips I organised in the past, but I can promise you all of them have been an absolute success! So, let me share my best tips and recommendations with you so that the girls trip can finally make it outside of the chat!

I want to start by letting you know that this is probably a post for the person in charge. I know that whether you’re organising a weekend getaway, a birthday celebration, or a longer adventure with your favourite ladies, having a solid plan can make all the difference. So, I collected all my useful tips and recommendations I gained over the years with multiple girls' trips organised behind me.

1. One must lead

I want to start with this one because it is FUNDAMENTAL. We can't have everyone always saying they're happy with whatever, and no-one being able to make an executive decision because that leads to chaos. If you are reading this post right now, I am assuming you will be the one in charge (good luck). In this case, you will need to make decisions when no one else will. When everyone is hungry but no one can decide what they want to eat, or when people can't decide whether they want to go for a walk or a nap, you will have to lead the way. Obviously, in a democratic way (polls are added to WhatsApp for a reason), but sometimes you might find you will have to have the last word, or nothing will ever happen in real life. Remember, there is a huge difference between being the boss and being bossy, so you have to find the right balance between executing ideas and making sure everyone is having a good time.

2. Be clear and straight forward about money

One of the most common causes of arguments is money, and it’s no different when travelling with friends. It’s a good idea to make a rough cost estimate well before booking anything so everyone knows what to expect and can decide if the trip fits their budget. No one enjoys a holiday that ends up way over what they planned to spend. I recommend having one person book the flights and accommodation in advance to lock in that part of the budget before you travel. I wouldn’t suggest saying things like, “just buy me a drink when we’re there” — unless you genuinely don’t mind the extra expenses. In my experience, the person who ends up covering everyone’s costs and accepting paybacks in dinners or drinks often loses out financially. Everyone has a different attitude toward money, and all approaches deserve respect. The easiest way to handle this is through clear communication and making sure people directly reimburse the person who paid the full amount.

3. Don't make a minute by minute plan

Or if you do schedule in free time! Even if you travel as a small group, the chances are you will have slightly different ways of travelling. Everyone will need to compromise a little, so it's good to schedule in some free time. Some may use this time to explore even more of the location, some will take a nap. This is absolutely fine; we all have different batteries. The idea is to find common ground. In my experience, it is good to schedule this on day 2 or 3 at the latest. Especially if you have never travelled together, after 2 days is usually the time when everyone feels like they need a little break from each other.

4. Give people options

If you're the one in charge of the research and itinerary, you will need to present some ideas to the group, establish must-see locations and things, and less important, maybe-if-you-have-time locations. This will help you compromise, as there will be places that are on everyone's bucket list, and there may be locations that not everyone wants to visit. People can still go in their free time (hello point 3). Once you have a plan, present it in the group chat to make sure everyone gets to see and do what they want.

5. Be generous when planning with time

I am assuming at least some of you will want to take pictures, someone might need the toilet, or might want to stop in a shop to buy water quickly. When you travel in a group, things take longer. Always add an extra 10-20 minutes to each location when planning with time. This will save you some headaches, and no one will feel rushed.

6. Don't have expectations

Ideally, the trip will go amazingly, but it also could be that you will swear by the end of it never to go on a girls' trip ever again! Travelling brings out things in people that you may not expect, sometimes better, sometimes worse. Even the closest of friends can find themselves arguing abroad. It is normal. I think movies have glamorised girls travelling together so much, that we feel like if something goes wrong, our life sucks. It doesn't. It is a mix of planning skills, personalities, effort, and luck whether the girls' trip is a success or not. In cases when you travel with girls you don't even know very well (hen dos and bachelorette parties, I am looking at you), I think the most important thing is to keep the main idea in mind: are you there to celebrate your friend's birthday or engagement? If so, try to be the best, most diplomatic company possible. She invited you for a reason, and this time it is all about her!

7. Keep it simple the first time-round!

If you're planning a trip with girls you never travelled before, don't go overboard with the first one. Going crazy and planning a 2-week itinerary might not be the best idea, if no-one know what to expect. Start with a shorter city break if you can, give it a try first! As I said, people are not the same when travelling together, it may challenge you in ways you did not even expect.

8. Don't forget to have fun!

If you are the one in charge, booking and planning, you might get carried away with responsibilities. But you have to remember that this trip is also your holiday. A good leader knows how to delegate. Share the responsibility by making sure everyone is involved in every step of the journey.

Algarve, Portugal in off-season was one of my favourite girls trip destination

Planning a girls trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming — with a little preparation and clear communication, it can be one of the most fun and empowering travel experiences you'll ever have. Whether you're heading off for a weekend or a week, remember it's not just about the destination, but the memories you create together along the way. Now go get that trip booked — your adventure (and group photo spam) awaits!

I hope you enjoyed this post or found it useful for your next girls trip. And if you’re looking for a way to feel more grounded while travelling, don’t forget to grab my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder. It’s packed with simple tools like a printable checklist, self-care prompts, and mini rituals to help you feel more at home—wherever the journey takes you.

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