Top reasons every woman needs a girls’ trip this summer and planning tips

Dubai: Yes, the Schengen visa line might test your patience, but trust me—every woman deserves a girls' trip at least once in her life. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a vibe. A full-body reset. A chance to laugh till your stomach hurts, wear that outfit you thought was “too much,” and reclaim your time with women who just get you. So, whether you’re navigating embassy websites or group chats titled “Beach Babes 2025,” remember this: the destination is fabulous, but the company is everything. Here's a handy guide to that perfect summer girls trip!

WHY THIS IS CRUCIAL?

Why go on a girls’ trip at all? Just as a solo trip is almost a rite of passage and not to be missed, so is a getaway with your girls. It means something different depending on your stage of life.

For me, it’s that exclusive time to be thinking unabashedly about myself and what I want to do with my time. A time outside of family, job, household—a pause from reality and routine. It might sound counterintuitive because we’re talking about a group trip but that’s the beauty of travelling with your best friends. The freedom to be selfish and the lack of pressure and judgement make for a journey like no other. If you are yet to go on such a trip, this is your call to do so. If you have already, here are some tips to fine tune your next one.

WHERE?

Picking a place to go is a tall order. So know your group and the vibe that you want. For the well-travelled, it’s usually a matter of finding a place not discovered yet. Or going back to one that really impressed the first time. For the others, there will be cities that were always on your wish list from that movie you watched or that book you read. Or of course the many many insta travel posts by friends, family and favourite celebrities.

WHO?

You know who your tribe is so stick to them. Travel with people with whom you have spent a significant amount of time. While it’s true you never really know a person until you’ve lived with them, this is also true for until you’ve travelled with them.

Group Size: Smaller groups always work better. Any bigger than 4-5 is moving into extended family trip territory with all the accompanying drama. Not to mention the shepherd and his flock feels instead of casual cool girl hang. 

Group Roles: Every group ranges from the take charge planner to the easy-going follower. The rest falling somewhere in between. In betweeners, if you want to be involved in the planning, do so from the beginning and be active. Do not expect people to be mind readers. Don’t be that girl who just wants to show up without doing all the heavy lifting of planning and then finding fault with said plan!

Group Dynamic: How do you deal with a friend who is unpardonably rude to wait staff? Warn them with a laugh to be very careful with people who handle your food. There will be hiccups, there will be disagreements, if not an all-out shouting match. May your group have that all important peacemaker or you remember to be one. Find the humour in the moment and move on. Also, it’s these moments that you will be laughing over years later.

 WHAT?

What to do: A simple google search of “what to do in…” or Tripadvisor will give you a list of the most famous sights or popular activities. Your group planner will read multiple blogs for a more nuanced understanding and subscribe to relevant Reddit subs for up to date and relevant info from actual residents, including restaurant recommendations.  Also follow Instagram accounts for cool street photo ops.

How many to do: For a relaxed girls’ trip in a popular destination, ideally no more than one touristic activity a day, two if you must. The rest of the day should be about getting a feel of the place, meandering the streets, having that corner ice cream, browsing that random jewelry store. Avoid over scheduling, this is not a school trip.

Flexibility is key: Have a plan but let people pick and choose. It’s not about herd mentality. If solo time needs to carved out, that’s also fine.

Browse local bookstores for your summer read which doubles up as a nice souvenir.

You will try all local food anyway but walk into a regular grocery store and try the various chips and chocolates that you don’t recognize. Buy more of what you liked to take home.

Shop only for yourself this holiday, no gifts for anyone else! Buy local and shop in totally unfamiliar stores for adding unique items to your wardrobe and home décor.

HOW?

Enough information is out there about booking flights and finding the right hotel. How else can you plan effectively for the trip?

Mapping: As you research a trip, keep saving places on your map as Want to Go green flags, be they tourist attractions, shopping or restaurants. Once you’ve been to one of them, save as Starred places. This is a quick and efficient way to organize your activities area wise. I also highly recommend daily journaling to not only remember it all but also to tweak your future trips.

Expenses: Note down expenses or use an app for your own personal tracking. For splitting expenses with your group, an app like Splitwise is essential. It really simplifies the process of who owes how much to whom and whose turn it is to pay. Cannot recommend enough. 

More apps: Food delivery and ride hailing apps can differ from place to place. Do your research and download the relevant ones.

 PRO TIPS:

Books: Read a book set in your destination before your trip, it will be a whole different experience. Watching a movie or TV show is also an option but this might give away too many of the sights.

5-4-3-2-1 Packing Rule: As a serial overpacker, (think the most gigantic suitcase airlines allow, that too for a weekend!), I have promised myself to follow this rule for my next trip. The popular hack seems simplicity itself—5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 shoes, 2 dresses, 1 accessory like a hat. Tweak the type of item around depending on your style. Mix and match almost endlessly for different looks every day of your trip.

Photography: Just like I feel an event is not a success unless I have great photos of it, same goes for a trip. It’s all about the photos. Do your research about the views, the picturesque houses, carry selfie sticks that convert into tripods, carry a drone even if it is allowed! Pose away for that fake laugh or that contemplative walk down the lake or be that busy local girl crossing the road! It’s all all allowed…

Hire a professional photographer for an hour, there’s an app for that too. You and your girls can plan for a broad stroke dress code in advance. Not matchy-matchy, just effortlessly complementary colours or patterns. You’ll have superb photos to mark the trip. In addition to the thousand or so on your phone of course.