The idea of a girls trip came up while I was out with my friends this weekend. Although the discussion ended with us not being able to agree on a place, time, way to travel or what to pack, hopefully, it will still come to fruition.
To have a successful trip, I’m sure there are some ground rules that need to be agreed upon, and avoiding drama needs to be everyone’s goal.
The internet is full of good advice on this subject, so I’ve compiled below the best planning and etiquette tips I could find.
Planning:
Budget First – Consider the financial situation of each person going on the trip. Make sure everyone knows up front how much money they will need, and give those who struggle enough heads up so they have time to save.
Paying the Deposit Sucks – If a deposit is needed on an activity or accommodation, pay the person back ASAP that actually pays it.
Discuss Everything Involving Money Ahead of Time – You will be eating out, are you going to split the bill evenly or have separate checks each time or have those that indulge a little more contribute extra each time? Will you be taking turns splitting up ride fares? Talk about it ahead of time so it doesn’t have a chance to turn into drama during the trip.
Something for Everyone – Make an itinerary of all the activities you want to do on your trip. Make sure each person has at least one activity they are really excited about.
Divide Driving Responsibilities – Figure out the best route beforehand and then divide the miles up by the number of ladies going. Everyone should share in the driving responsibilities. Unless there is one among you that is a dangerous driver, then give that bitch a pass!
Make a great playlist – If it’s a road trip, you are going to need a fun, energetic playlist to keep the happy vibes flowing. Get everyone involved by asking for suggestions then make sure to share it with everyone. What a fun reminder of the trip!
Awesome snacks – There is a saying, “It doesn’t matter how old you are, buying snacks for a road trip should always look like an unsupervised 9-year-old was given $100.” Enough said.
No More Than 2-4 Ladies Per Hotel Room – Remember that there is only one bathroom per hotel room and there should never be more than two people per queen size bed. Women need room to spread out.
Etiquette:
Cell Phones – In close quarters, like the car, keep calls as short as possible. It’s awkward for everyone else if they feel the need to keep their voices down so you can have a conversation. In the hotel room, go out in the hallway to take calls.
Topics to Keep to a Minimum – Work, significant others, kids.
Let Them Sleep! – Some people are night owls and some aren’t. Keep this in mind when figuring out roommates. Earbuds are a blessing. They keep early risers from aggravating those that want to sleep and vice versa.
Be Mindful of Your Mess – If you are a messy person, keep it to your immediate area and not all over the room.
No Whining, No Being a Bitch – The words of the trip are compromise and adventure. Don’t complain and whine, this brings everyone else down. Laugh inconveniences off. Don’t talk shit about any of the other ladies that are on the trip. If you absolutely have to gossip, aim it at people that aren’t there.
All One Team – Unfortunately there are dangers out there that you still have to be mindful of, so go to activities together and leave together. Watch out for each other and never leave anyone behind or alone.
No Judging – Everyone is there to have fun, so don’t “parent” anyone else in the group, let them be themselves. And no one should be dieting or watching what they eat.
Say Cheese – Be a hero and make sure that everyone looks good in pictures. If it’s a group shot, make sure everyone is doing the same expression. Don’t be annoying and frown when everyone else is smiling. You are not being clever, you are being annoying.
Okay, time to take charge and plan this group trip!
Traci
Leave a Reply