The Magic of Traveling with Your Besties
Did you have a chance to read my recent blog “10 reasons a girls’ trip should be your top priority this year”? If you did, you already know girls getaways aren’t just fun – they’re transformative experiences that strengthen bonds, reduce stress, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or an extended international adventure to one of this year’s “6 sizzling destinations for an ultimate girls getaway”, the right mix of activities can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.
In my extensive experience as a travel advisor, I’ve seen groups of friends with a notable variety of preferences. Some were after adrenaline-pumping adventures while others were in need of soul-nourishing downtime. No matter the range of priorities, I’ve found that there are always ways to meet in the middle! That’s why I’ve compiled this comprehensive list of 20 must-do activities that will not only appease everyone in the group, it will reinforce your friendships for life.
20 fun things to do on a girls’ trip (Plus pro tips to make it better!)
Have a beach day with cocktails and snacks
Pro Tip: Pack a portable Bluetooth speaker and create a collaborative playlist before you go that includes everyone’s favorite songs. Perfect for those Miami beach days mentioned in my “6 sizzling destinations for an ultimate girls getaway” blog!
Book a group spa day for massages and treatments
Pro Tip: Many spas offer group discounts if you book in advance – don’t be afraid to negotiate! Or, ask your travel advisor to find the best deals in your preferred destination. A spa day is especially rejuvenating in the traditional onsens found throughout Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and top girls’ trip destination for this year!
Take a cooking class featuring local cuisine
Pro Tip: Choose a cooking class that includes a market tour to experience local ingredients and culture before the actual cooking begins. Mexico City’s colorful outdoor markets and innovative culinary scene is perfect for a tour like this.
Go wine tasting at a vineyard or winery
Pro Tip: Designate a driver or ask your travel advisor to book a reliable tour service. Many wine regions have specialized transportation services so visitors can immerse themselves in local tasting experiences. Planning a girls’ trip to Portugal? Lisbon’s nearby wine regions make this a must-do activity!
Have a photoshoot at scenic locations
Pro Tip: Schedule your photoshoot during “golden hour,” which generally falls about one to two hours before sunset. The beautiful natural light at this time of day makes for flattering photos, ensuring everyone is happy! Cartagena’s colorful colonial streets create the perfect backdrop!
Go shopping at local boutiques or markets
Pro Tip: Set a budget challenge where everyone tries to find the most unique souvenir under $20 for a fun shopping competition. Check out my “10 reasons a girls’ trip should be your top priority this year” blog to learn why shared experiences like this boost creativity!
Attend a concert or music festival
Pro Tip: Buy tickets well in advance and sign up for artist presales to get better prices and seating options. Or, ask a travel advisor for assistance! Dancing the day away at a concert or festival can reduce stress, one of the 10 benefits of a girls’ trip mentioned in my wellness blog.
Rent bikes and explore the area
Pro Tip: Download an offline map of bike-friendly routes before heading out in case you lose cell service, which may happen in the dreamy quiet alleys of Kyoto or the mystical rainforest pathways in Costa Rica.
Take a sunset cruise or boat tour
Pro Tip: Bring light layers even on warm days – it gets chillier on the water than you might expect. Ask me about booking a private catamaran cruise in Miami, a totally feasible option when you can split the cost evenly between all!
Have a karaoke night at a local spot or in your rental
Pro Tip: Create themed karaoke challenges like “Songs from our high school years” or “Guilty pleasures” to add an extra layer of fun and nostalgia. Bring portable microphones that connect to your phone for a sleepover activity in your Cartagena villa if local venues aren’t available. These memorable moments are what make girls’ trips so valuable!
Do a food tour sampling local restaurants
Pro Tip: Create a shared digital photo album specifically to remember all the incredible food you ate! Designate a different “food photographer” each day who’s responsible for capturing each dish before anyone has a chance to dig in. This preserves culinary memories and creates a collaborative foodie guide for future travelers. Want to know which is my favorite foodie paradise? Check out my “6 sizzling destinations” blog!
Book a yoga or fitness class together
Pro Tip: Look for unique local offerings like beach yoga, aerial yoga, or culturally specific fitness classes for a memorable experience. Better yet, ask your travel advisor about hiring the best instructor for a private, your-girls-only session. Costa Rica offers amazing wellness opportunities like these!
Go hiking to a scenic viewpoint
Pro Tip: Create a “summit surprise” tradition where each person secretly packs a small treat or meaningful token to share at the viewpoint. This could be a favorite snack, mini champagne bottles for a toast, or friendship bracelets to commemorate your girls’ trip.
Organize a themed dinner night at your rental
Pro Tip: Assign each person a course or dish to prepare in advance so no one gets stuck doing all the cooking during vacation time. Perfect for those luxury villa stays in Cartagena!
Visit local museums or art galleries when it’s cheap
Pro Tip: Many museums offer discounted or free entry on certain days of the week or during evening hours – check their websites in advance. Mexico City’s world-class museums and trendy art galleries are a must.
Have a beach bonfire with s’mores
Pro Tip: Check local regulations first, and bring fire starters, long skewers, wet wipes, and alternative treats for friends who don’t like marshmallows. Costa Rica’s beaches are perfect for this! Don’t want to do it yourself? Ask your travel advisor to make arrangements for a professional to set it up for you.
Attend a local theater performance or cultural show
Pro Tip: Research smaller regional theaters or cultural performances that showcase local talent and traditions. Many destinations have unique performance art you won’t find anywhere else, like Fado in a historic Portuguese setting or traditional dance performances in Kyoto.
Plan a pajama party with movies and snacks
Pro Tip: Have everyone vote on movie choices before the trip and create a themed snack menu to match each film. These intimate moments often lead to those emotional breakthroughs mentioned in my blog “0 reasons a girls’ trip should be your top priority this year”!
Take a dance class (salsa, hip-hop, etc.)
Pro Tip: Ask your travel advisor to hire a private instructor who can evaluate your group’s skills and customize a class according to your level. Both Cartagena and Miami boast a sizzling salsa scene with plenty of dance floors to try out your new moves!
Take a day trip to a nearby attraction or town
Pro Tip: For truly unforgettable day trips, consider the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan from Mexico City or the fairytale palaces in Sintra from Lisbon. These destinations offer the perfect balance of cultural immersion and quality time with your besties!
Ready to transform your friendships through travel? Dive into the science-backed benefits in my latest blog “10 reasons a girls’ trip should be your top priority.” Check out this year’s top destinations for a getaway with the girls in my “6 sizzling destinations” blog. Then reach out to me for a personalized consultation to design a journey as unique as your friendship!
