Girls Trip Planning Guide: Destinations, Activities, and How to Keep Everyone Happy

A girls trip is not just a vacation. It is a reset button for friendships that get buried under work schedules, family obligations, and the general chaos of adult life. But planning one for 4-10 women with different budgets, travel styles, energy levels, and ideas of what constitutes a good time? That takes strategy.

This guide covers everything from choosing the right destination to managing the group dynamics that can make or break a trip. No generic advice here -- just specific destinations, real costs, and tested strategies for keeping a group of friends happy for 3-5 days.

Choosing the Right Destination by Vibe

The single most important planning decision is matching the destination to what the majority of the group actually wants. Before suggesting specific places, send a quick poll with these five vibes and ask everyone to pick their top two:

1. Party and nightlife
2. Spa and relaxation
3. Adventure and outdoor activities
4. Culture, food, and exploration
5. Beach and pool lounging

The destination with the most overlap wins. Here are the top 15 destinations organized by those vibes.

Party and Nightlife Destinations

#### 1. Miami, Florida

Miami delivers on the party promise without requiring a passport. South Beach has clubs (LIV, E11even, Do Not Sit On The Furniture), rooftop bars (Juvia, Sugar), and restaurants that turn into dance floors after 11pm. During the day, hit the beach or pool at a day club like SLS Hyde Beach or the Fontainebleau pool.

• Best area to stay: South Beach (Ocean Drive to Collins Avenue between 5th and 20th Streets)
• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom Airbnb in South Beach runs $300-$700/night; boutique hotels like The Setai or Faena offer connecting rooms
• Nightlife budget: Cover charges $20-$50; cocktails $18-$25; bottle service starts at $500-$1,000
• Best months: October through April (avoid hurricane season June-September)

#### 2. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena combines Caribbean beach vibes with a stunning walled colonial city and nightlife that runs until sunrise. The Old City has rooftop bars, salsa clubs, and some of the best ceviche in South America. Boat trips to the Rosario Islands add a beach day with crystal-clear water.

• Group accommodation: A 4-bedroom villa in the Old City with a rooftop pool runs $200-$500/night
• Activities: Walking tour of the Old City ($25/person), Rosario Islands day trip ($60-$90/person), salsa dancing class ($20-$30/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $600-$1,200 including flights from the US

#### 3. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has everything: beaches, architecture, tapas culture, and clubs that do not open until 1am. La Barceloneta beach is free. The Gothic Quarter has endless wine bars and restaurants. Clubs like Razzmatazz and Pacha Barcelona keep the energy going until dawn.

• Group accommodation: A 4-bedroom apartment in the Eixample or El Born district runs $200-$600/night
• Activities: Gaudi architecture tour ($30-$50/person), La Boqueria market food tour ($60-$80/person), flamenco show ($35-$50/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $800-$1,500 including transatlantic flights

Spa and Relaxation Destinations

#### 4. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than almost anywhere in the US. The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, the Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and CIVANA are all world-class. The desert landscape is gorgeous, and Old Town Scottsdale has surprisingly good restaurants and galleries.

• Group accommodation: A 4-bedroom Airbnb with a pool near Old Town runs $250-$500/night
• Spa treatments: Expect $150-$300 per person for a 60-90 minute treatment
• Activities beyond the spa: Hot air balloon ride ($250/person), desert hiking at Camelback Mountain (free), wine tasting in the Verde Valley ($80-$120/person for a guided tour)
• Budget per person (3 nights): $600-$1,200

#### 5. Bali, Indonesia (Ubud)

Ubud is the spiritual and wellness capital of Bali. Yoga studios and spa treatment rooms outnumber restaurants. A 90-minute Balinese massage costs $20-$40. The rice terraces, monkey forest, and temple ceremonies add cultural depth beyond spa treatments.

• Group accommodation: A private villa with a pool in Ubud runs $100-$300/night for the entire property (sleeping 6-8)
• Spa costs: Balinese massage $20-$40/person, flower bath ritual $30-$50/person, full spa day $80-$120/person
• Activities: Rice terrace walk (free), cooking class ($30-$50/person), temple tour ($40-$60/person)
• Budget per person (5 nights): $500-$900 (excluding international flights)

#### 6. Bath, England

For a more refined spa experience, Bath has been a wellness destination since the Romans built thermal baths here 2,000 years ago. The Thermae Bath Spa has a rooftop pool fed by natural thermal springs with views over the city. The city itself is gorgeous Georgian architecture, independent shops, and afternoon tea.

• Group accommodation: A 3-4 bedroom townhouse rental runs $200-$400/night
• Thermae Bath Spa: $45-$60/person for a 2-hour session including the rooftop pool
• Activities: Roman Baths museum ($25/person), afternoon tea at the Pump Room ($40-$55/person), day trip to Stonehenge ($60-$80/person)
• Budget per person (3 nights): $500-$900

Adventure Destinations

#### 7. Costa Rica (La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio)

Split the trip between La Fortuna (volcano, hot springs, zip-lining, white water rafting) and Manuel Antonio (beach, snorkeling, wildlife). Costa Rica is safe, welcoming to women travelers, and packed with adrenaline-pumping activities.

• Group accommodation: Vacation rentals near La Fortuna run $100-$300/night; beach houses near Manuel Antonio run $150-$400/night
• Activities: Zip-lining ($60-$80/person), white water rafting ($75-$100/person), hot springs ($25-$50/person), snorkeling tour ($50-$70/person)
• Budget per person (5 nights): $700-$1,300

#### 8. Queenstown, New Zealand

The adventure capital of the world. Bungee jumping (the original Kawarau Bridge site), skydiving with mountain and lake views, jet boat rides through narrow canyons, and some of the most beautiful hiking in the world. After the adrenaline, Queenstown has excellent wine bars and restaurants.

• Activities: Bungee jumping (NZD $205/person), skydiving (NZD $300-$500/person), jet boat (NZD $120/person), Milford Sound day trip (NZD $200-$300/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $1,200-$2,000 (excluding international flights)

Cultural and Food Destinations

#### 9. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is warm, walkable, affordable, and packed with character. The Alfama district has fado music clubs, the Time Out Market has 40+ food stalls under one roof, and the Belem district has pastel de nata fresh from the original bakery. Trams, tiled buildings, and sunset viewpoints make every photo Instagram-worthy.

• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom apartment in Alfama or Chiado runs $150-$350/night
• Activities: Fado show with dinner ($50-$80/person), Sintra day trip ($40-$60/person), food tour ($60-$80/person), surfing in Cascais ($40-$60/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $500-$900

#### 10. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech overwhelms the senses in the best way: the sounds of the medina, the colors of the souks, the aromas of spice markets and street food. Stay in a riad (traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard) for the full experience. A hammam (traditional bath house) is an essential girls trip activity.

• Group accommodation: A private riad with 4-5 rooms and a courtyard plunge pool runs $200-$500/night for the whole property
• Activities: Guided medina tour ($30-$50/person), traditional hammam ($30-$60/person), cooking class ($40-$60/person), Atlas Mountains day trip ($60-$100/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $400-$800

#### 11. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is sensory overload in the most magnificent way. From the fashion districts of Harajuku and Shibuya to the traditional temples of Asakusa, from the world's best sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market to the neon chaos of Shinjuku at night. A group karaoke session in a private room is a quintessential girls trip activity.

• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom apartment in Shinjuku or Shibuya runs $200-$500/night
• Activities: Private karaoke room ($20-$40/person for 2 hours), TeamLab digital art museum ($30/person), Tsukiji market food tour ($80-$100/person), day trip to Kamakura ($15-$25 round trip on train)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $800-$1,500

Beach and Pool Destinations

#### 12. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum combines Instagram aesthetics with genuine beauty. The beach is stunning, the cenotes (natural swimming holes in the jungle) are magical, and the restaurant and bar scene caters to the girls trip demographic. Beach clubs like Papaya Playa Project and Taboo have DJs, pools, and full-service dining.

• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom villa in the Tulum beach zone runs $300-$700/night; town-side villas are $100-$300/night
• Activities: Cenote swimming ($15-$30/person), Mayan ruins ($10/person), beach club day pass ($30-$80/person, often waived with food/drink minimum), paddleboard rental ($20-$30/hour)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $500-$1,000

#### 13. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello strung along dramatic coastal cliffs with the bluest water imaginable. Rent a private boat for a day to cruise between towns, swim in hidden coves, and drink Aperol spritzes on the water. It is expensive but unforgettable.

• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom apartment in Positano runs $300-$800/night
• Activities: Private boat charter ($800-$1,500 for the group for a full day), lemon grove tour and limoncello tasting ($40-$60/person), cooking class ($80-$120/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $800-$1,600

#### 14. Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Beach is consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, and the water really does look photoshopped. The island is safe, English-speaking, and easy to reach from the US East Coast. It is more upscale and less party-focused than Cancun or Nassau.

• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom beachfront condo at The Sands, The Palms, or Grace Bay Club runs $400-$1,000/night
• Activities: Snorkeling trip to the reef ($80-$120/person), paddleboarding ($30-$50/hour), island hopping to North Caicos ($100-$150/person), beachside dining at Infiniti Bar or Coco Bistro
• Budget per person (4 nights): $800-$1,500

#### 15. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos perfectly blends beach, party, and beauty. During the day, hit the beach clubs (Scorpios, SantAnna, Nammos) or explore the whitewashed town. At night, the bar scene along Little Venice is magical. The food is excellent and the sunsets are legendary.

• Group accommodation: A 3-bedroom villa with a pool runs $300-$800/night
• Activities: Beach club day ($40-$80/person including a sunbed and food/drink minimum), boat trip to Delos ($50-$70/person), ATV island tour ($40-$60/person)
• Budget per person (4 nights): $700-$1,400

The Democratic Planning Process

With 4-10 women who all have opinions, the planning process itself can become a source of tension. Here is a structure that works:

Step 1: Designate One Organizer

One person drives the process. Not a committee. One person sends the poll, presents the options, makes the bookings, and keeps things moving. This person is not a dictator -- they facilitate decisions. But having a single point of coordination prevents the "too many cooks" problem.

Step 2: Narrow to Three Options

Based on the vibe poll results, the organizer presents three destination options with estimated costs. The group votes. Majority wins. Do not try to find the option that makes everyone 100% happy -- it does not exist.

Step 3: Set the Budget Early

Before booking anything, agree on a per-person budget range. This prevents the uncomfortable situation where half the group books expensive activities and the other half feels pressured to spend beyond their means.

Step 4: Book Accommodation First

The largest shared expense should be settled first. Collect deposits within one week of the group decision to confirm commitment.

Budgeting for Different Incomes

This is the uncomfortable truth about girls trips: not everyone in the group earns the same amount. Here is how to handle it gracefully:

• Set the budget based on the lowest comfortable amount. If the lowest earner can comfortably spend $800 for the trip, build the plan around $800. Those who want to spend more can upgrade their room, add spa treatments, or pick up a round of drinks.
• Offer opt-in upgrades, not mandatory splurges. "Dinner at the fancy restaurant is $120/person for anyone interested; we are also making reservations at this more casual place for $40/person." Let people choose without judgment.
• Split shared costs (accommodation, groceries, transportation) evenly. Split personal costs (spa treatments, shopping, premium cocktails) individually. Splitwise makes this seamless.
• Never call someone out for choosing the budget option. If Sarah orders the salad while everyone else orders the steak, do not comment on it.

Matching Roommates

In a group house or multi-room hotel, room assignments can cause drama if handled poorly. Here is the fairest method:

1. List all rooms with a brief description (master suite, twin room, pullout couch, etc.).
2. Assign prices to each room based on quality (see the room-based pricing method in the accommodation section above).
3. Let people choose in random order (draw names from a hat or use a random number generator).
4. Couples/best friends who want to share: Let natural pairs form first, then assign remaining rooms.

If everyone is sharing equally, a room lottery prevents any perception of favoritism.

Social Media Etiquette

This sounds trivial but causes real friction. Establish these norms before the trip:

• Ask before posting photos of others. Not everyone wants their vacation on social media.
• No live-posting that reveals the location if anyone has privacy concerns.
• Group photos are fair game only if everyone consents.
• Designate "phone-free" moments (dinner, sunset watching) where everyone puts their phone away. You can take the group photo before the meal and then put the phone down.

Safety Tips for Women's Group Travel

• Share your itinerary with a trusted person at home (partner, parent, friend not on the trip).
• Stay together at night, especially in unfamiliar cities. The buddy system applies to adults too.
• Designate a "rally point" in case the group gets separated (the hotel lobby, a specific landmark).
• Keep copies of passports and IDs in a shared Google Drive folder. If someone loses their passport, you have a digital copy for the embassy.
• Research local customs regarding women's dress and behavior. In some destinations (Morocco, parts of Southeast Asia), modest clothing reduces unwanted attention.
• Download offline maps for each person's phone. Google Maps allows you to download specific areas.
• Register with your embassy if traveling internationally (for US citizens: enroll in STEP at step.state.gov).

Sample 4-Day Itinerary: Lisbon

Here is a sample itinerary to show how a girls trip schedule should feel: structured enough to prevent decision fatigue, flexible enough to avoid feeling like a forced march.

Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival and Exploration

• Afternoon: Arrive and check into the apartment in Chiado
• 4pm: Walk through Bairro Alto, stopping at viewpoints (Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara)
• 7pm: Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro (legendary seafood, $30-$50/person)
• 10pm: Drinks at Pensao Amor (a bar in a former brothel with burlesque-inspired decor)

Day 2 (Friday): Culture and Food

• 9am: Pasteis de Belem for pastel de nata and coffee
• 10am: Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower
• 1pm: Time Out Market for lunch (everyone picks their own stall, $15-$25/person)
• 3pm: Free time: shopping in Chiado, Alfama street art walk, or LX Factory
• 7pm: Group cooking class with a local chef ($60-$80/person)
• 10pm: Fado show in Alfama

Day 3 (Saturday): Day Trip + Night Out

• 9am: Day trip to Sintra (train from Rossio station, $5 round trip). Visit Pena Palace and the National Palace
• 4pm: Return to Lisbon, free time to rest
• 8pm: Dinner at Belcanto (Michelin star, splurge option) or Taberna da Rua das Flores (excellent, affordable)
• 11pm: Bar crawl through Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre

Day 4 (Sunday): Beach and Departure

• 10am: Train to Cascais (30 minutes, $3). Beach morning and seafood lunch
• 3pm: Return to Lisbon, pack up
• 5pm: Final Aperol spritz at a rooftop bar (Park Bar)
• Evening: Departures

Use TripGenie to Keep the Group Organized

The hardest part of a girls trip is not choosing the destination -- it is keeping 4-10 people aligned on the daily plan without flooding the group chat with 200 messages. TripGenie lets you create a shared itinerary that everyone can access on their phone. Add restaurant reservations, activity bookings, addresses, and timing so nobody has to ask "wait, where are we going again?" It takes the mental load off the organizer and gives everyone the information they need to show up at the right place at the right time.

The Golden Rule

A successful girls trip does not require a perfect destination or a flawless itinerary. It requires one thing: everyone agreeing that the point is to be together. The destination is just the backdrop. Choose a place that fits the majority vibe, set clear expectations about money, and leave room for spontaneity. The best memories will come from the moments you did not plan.