Planning a girls holiday should be fun, not full of stress. Whether you’re off for sun, cocktails, and beach days or a weekend city break with good food and lots of laughs, getting everything sorted before you go makes all the difference.
Here’s how to prep properly so you can actually enjoy the trip from the moment you leave the house.
Pick the right people
First things first, who you go with matters more than the destination. You want to travel with people who are laid-back, up for a laugh, and don’t stress over silly stuff. If your mate is known for causing drama on a night out, maybe skip her for this trip. The goal is to relax, not referee. A good mix of planners and go-with-the-flow types usually works best. And don’t forget to talk money early. Everyone needs to be clear on how much the trip will cost and what you’re all comfortable spending.
Sort the essentials early
The earlier you get your flights, accommodation, and transfers sorted, the better. You’ll get better deals and avoid last-minute chaos. Make sure everyone knows what’s booked and has the details. A shared WhatsApp group is great for updates, reminders, and general hype-building. Also, double-check everyone’s passport is in date and get your travel insurance sorted. No one wants to be stuck abroad without it.
Get your beauty bits booked
If you’re the kind of group that likes a bit of pampering before jetting off, now’s the time to book those appointments. Hair, nails, waxing—whatever makes you feel your best. If you’re planning to visit a spa while you’re away, it’s worth looking into spa pricing ahead of time. Some places offer group packages or early booking discounts, so you might save a bit if you’re organised. Plus, having a plan means no one’s left out or stuck paying way more than they expected.
Pack smart, not heavy
Don’t be that person trying to sit on their suitcase to zip it up. Lay out what you think you’ll need, then take out at least a third of it. You don’t need six pairs of heels or three different denim jackets. Think outfits you can mix and match and bring a few go-to pieces you’ll actually wear. Pack a small bag for pool or beach days with things like SPF, sunglasses, a power bank, and a reusable water bottle. Oh, and leave room for souvenirs.
Don’t forget the group chat checklist
This is where it all comes together. Make a shared checklist in the group chat with things like plug adapters, chargers, mini toiletries, painkillers, and anything else you always forget. Someone should also sort a shared playlist for the plane, poolside or pre-drinks. It’s a small thing, but it gets everyone in the holiday mood. If you’re doing anything like club nights or boat parties, book in advance to avoid missing out.
Have a backup plan
Not everything will go to plan. There might be delays, someone might lose their suitcase, or it might rain on the beach day. It’s fine. Keep it flexible and don’t let the small stuff ruin it. Pack a couple of games or card decks for chill nights in, and make sure you’ve got a mix of plans that work no matter the weather. That way, no one’s ever bored and there’s less pressure to make everything perfect.
