There’s nothing quite like a girls’ trip to create lifelong memories.
Whether you’re flying somewhere beautiful in search of sunshine, planning a cosy countryside retreat, or keeping things domestic with a trip to Adelaide or Tasmania, the secret to a good holiday is preparation. A little foresight and planning can be the difference between a stressful getaway and the ultimate bestie bonding experience.
If you’re tasked with planning the trip, don’t panic. With the right tools, mindset, and a sprinkle of savviness, you’ll have everything sorted in no time. These tips will help you design the ultimate escape for your girl gang.
1. Get the admin sorted early
Before the fun can begin, you need to deal with the admin. Figuring out the nitty-gritty details may not be the most glamorous side of trip planning, but getting them right from the get-go can reduce stress later.
Get started with selecting a date that works for everyone. Use a shared calendar or scheduling tool to agree on dates that don’t conflict with work, family or other obligations. Next, set a budget for everything from lodging to activities, so everyone is in agreement about how much they’re willing to spend.
Once you’ve got the basics sorted, create an itinerary. Not every moment of the trip should be planned down to the second, but it’s helpful to have a rough outline of activities, travel times, and addresses, especially if you’re in a bigger group.
Keep your developing itinerary handy before and during your trip, so it’s easy for all to access. You can now scan documents on an iPhone into digital PDFs to add to it on the go, whether it’s digitising a newly printed boarding pass or train ticket, or you want an easy way to share key accommodation information with the group without worrying about formatting issues or compatibility problems.
A centralised PDF itinerary is much easier to access on-the-go than shuffling through endless paper documents, and they’re accessible offline too.
2. Choose accommodation that suits everyone
Your accommodation choice can set the tone for the trip — either making or breaking it. The challenge, of course, is identifying what works for the whole group. Start by figuring out what kind of place you want to stay in. Is a chic Airbnb with a well stocked kitchen for lazy brunches your jam, or would a boutique hotel with room service and a pool suit you better?
Once you’ve decided on the vibe, think about the location. If you’re planning a city escape, it might be worth splurging on a central location to save on time and transport costs. For more laidback destinations, a luxury resort somewhere remote with space to relax might be more suitable.
Don’t forget some practical considerations — check how many bedrooms there are (no one wants to spend a week on the sofa bed!), and whether the accommodation offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, parking or late check-in.
Above all, read reviews to ensure that the reality matches the pictures. You don’t want to end up catfished by your accommodation!
3. Delegate the responsibilities
One simple way to ease the burden (and prevent planning burnout) is delegating responsibilities. The burden of planning a trip shouldn’t rest on one person’s shoulders, so divvy up tasks among the group based on everyone’s strengths.
Have a foodie in the crew? Put them in charge of searching for great restaurants. Or a friend who’s obsessed with grabbing deals? When it comes to transport bookings, leave it to them to take care of logistics. If you’re planning a multi-destination trip, one person could make up the bulk of the planning for each place.
By sharing the workload, not only does everything get done faster, but it also makes everyone feel involved in the planning process. To make sure everything is accounted for, use a collaborative app such as Trello or a shared document where everyone can track planning progress, and provide their input.
4. Pack smart for any occasion
Packing is one of those things that feels simple until you’re three days into the trip and realise you forgot your charger or packed outfits that don’t match the weather. The trick is to think ahead and pack with versatility in mind.
Begin with the basics: comfortable shoes (particularly if there will be lots of walking), weather-appropriate clothes and essential toiletries. Next, think about the activities on your itinerary, such as if you’ll want something more formal for a fancy dinner, or activewear and a lightweight jacket if you’ll be doing some outdoor exploring on one of Australia’s many road trips. It’s always worth packing layers, especially if the weather’s unpredictable, or prone to rapidly cooling off once the sun goes down.
Don’t forget to bring a day bag. A spacious tote or backpack is perfect for hauling water bottles, snacks and other items you need while out and about exploring. Bring a portable charger — nothing kills the vibe faster than a dead phone halfway through the day.
5. Plan group activities but leave room for spontaneity
A girls’ trip is an ideal occasion to connect and reminisce with friends, but leaving some time for unstructured hanging out is just as important as planned activities. No one wants to feel like they’re on a school trip, so make sure the itinerary is flexible and leaves room for spontaneous adventures.
Start by brainstorming a list of must-do experiences. Whether it’s visiting a vineyard, shopping at a local market or signing up for a cooking class, ensure there’s something that appeals to all members of the group. That said, don’t over-schedule. Some of the greatest memories are made in the spur of the moment, like discovering a quirky cafe a few streets away from your hotel or spending the afternoon lying by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
If your group has varied interests, consider splitting up occasionally so everyone gets to do what they love.
6. Capture the memories
A girls’ trip is all about creating memories, so don’t forget to capture the magic along the way. Whether it’s candid phone snaps, shots taken with a disposable camera for a nostalgic feel, or a dedicated Insta ‘photo op’ at a scenic place you’re going, having something to look back on is priceless.
If you’re the type of group that loves social media, consider creating a shared folder or a dedicated hashtag for everyone to upload their photos and videos.
And, while photos are great, don’t forget to live in the moment. Sometimes, the best memories aren’t the ones you’re fixed on documenting, but the ones you fully experience altogether!
Final thoughts: Planning the ultimate girls’ trip
Planning a girls’ trip is all about finding that sweet spot between structure and spontaneity. Get rid of last-minute pandemonium or the humdrum of group chats debating every little detail. By getting the admin sorted early, choosing the right accommodation, and making sure everyone’s involved in the process, you’ll set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re heading to ‘The Big Apple’ or a remote island paradise, remember the goal is to have fun and make lifelong memories — not to stress over every tiny detail.
So grab your besties, pack your suitcases, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!