As someone with multiple different groups of friends, when it is time to take a vacation together, there are several factors I have to consider in order to plan the perfect girl’s trip. I have friends that I’ve known since I was a teenager, friends who are parents, bougie friends, beach bums, and those who are just always with the shits. Each set of friends we keep will come with a different set of needs and preferences, which all have to be considered when booking trips.
Comparing budgets and dietary restrictions is just the beginning of the things you need to factor in to ensure that everyone’s needs are met. Truly understanding what type of friends you are traveling with will allow you to accurately choose the right destination and activities to satisfy everyone.
And I know for some people, group trips are a no-no due to the reputation for people leaving as friends and coming back as enemies. We’ve all heard stories about people beefing on vacation and losing friends in the process (looking at you, Miami). Conflicts often arise when the destination doesn't align with the group's diverse interests, leaving some feeling left out or unsatisfied. This makes it crucial to choose a location that resonates with the collective vibe of your friends.
Choosing a peaceful beach destination may not work for adventure-seeking friends, and a “we’ll only be sleeping there” mindset when choosing a hotel won’t cut it with your luxury-seeking girlies.
Understanding the unique dynamics and desires of your group—whether they crave adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences, or vibrant nightlife—can help ensure a harmonious and enjoyable trip for all. In this article, I’ll delve into a variety of destinations tailored to different types of friend groups, helping you select the perfect spot that meets everyone’s needs and creates lasting memories.
From serene beaches and bustling cities to mountain retreats and cultural havens, let's find the ideal location for your next girls' trip!
For the luxurious friends...
Italy
We all have that one friend (or group of friends) who does not believe in budgets when it’s time to travel and requires the best of the best, from hotels to restaurants to activities. This is not a group trip to try out hostels or 2-star Yelp restaurants because the standards are high. For this group of friends, Italy is the perfect destination to jet-set off to. I like Italy for the bougie friends because with so many different cities, each providing its own vibes and feelings of luxury, everyone in the group will leave happy.
If you want stunning countryside and opulent wine tasting, take the group to Tuscany, which is known for art, culture, food, and wine. Stay at the Grand Universe Lucca, located in the heart of the city, which offers lavish rooms and suites that will fit the high standards of the group. If the group consists of fashionistas, take a trip to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, and drop a few racks on some luxury shopping.
For the partiers...
Cabo San Lucas
If your friend group is often referred to as the “Too Live Crew,” then you're gonna wanna head to Cabo for a turn-up trip for the books. Sure, some people go on vacation to get some peace and quiet, but for others, it’s an opportunity to let loose and have fun. Cabo is the perfect destination to balance enjoying some sun and then hitting the town. The nightlife here is not one to mess around with, so grab the girls and hit up the Downtown Tourist District, a turnt-up strip of bars, lounges, and restaurants to hop in and out of.
And did you even go on vacation if a boat isn’t involved? Book one of Cabo’s many party catamarans, where you can take in beautiful views, sip cocktails, and twerk while overlooking the ocean.
In terms of accommodations, there are a number of resorts that keep the party going, like RIU, which has three resorts in Cabo that all host daily events and activities, such as an all-white party and foam party, and also has its own club. Another option is Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, which boasts its own beach club and rooftop bar and is located a short walk from the main party strip. Leaving you and the crew just steps away from the action at all times.
For the foodies...
San Antonio
Calling all foodies! If you didn’t know already, San Antonio has a huge culinary scene and offers a lot for folks like me who will travel for food. For reference, San Antonio was designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, specifically because of the city's rich culinary heritage and diverse food options. From authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex to mouthwatering BBQ and healthy farm-to-table dining experiences, the city has something for every palate. Foodies should spend a Sunday Funday exploring the iconic River Walk, which is lined with an array of different restaurants, bars, and cafes paired with scenic views.
If you really want to maximize your trip, plan your visit around one of San Antonio's renowned food festivals, such as the Tasting Texas Wine and Food Festival, which showcases the best local cuisine, wines, and craft beers. With its blend of traditional and contemporary culinary delights, San Antonio promises a memorable and delicious adventure for food-loving friends.
For the friends who stunt for the 'gram...
The Bahamas
In the age of TikTok and Instagram, some groups are filled with influencers and people looking to “do it for the 'gram.” If that’s your friends, The Bahamas provides a range of picturesque backdrops and fun activities that will provide you with plenty of dope content to make your followers jealous. The crystal blue beaches alone are perfect for an IG post, but there’s so much more. Pig Beach in Exuma is a popular experience for travelers, and you can film videos swimming alongside pigs. Another way to really stunt is to visit Bimini, arriving in style on a seaplane from South Florida or booking a private charter for a truly VIP experience showing your followers the views from the sky.
Then head to Resorts World Bimini, where y’all can post pictures from the private beach, rooftop infinity pool, or the 600-foot stretch lagoon pool with a swim-up bar. If you have the time, plan for the group to hit up Nassau, first checking out the famous Fish Fry, which is a lit-uation full of amazing food, good music, and all of the vibes. Then book a stay at Baha Mar, one of the most luxurious resorts in Nassau, which boasts its own beachside waterpark and beautiful suites with the best views. The whole crew will be sure to snag the perfect Insta shot!
Courtesy of 8, The Experience
For the self-care mami's...
Curaçao
Sometimes, booking a vacation stems from literally needing a break from the day-to-day aspects of our lives and wanting to relax. Curaçao, with its serene turquoise waters and tranquil beaches, is the ultimate destination for a group seeking peace and self-care. This is ideal if your friend group is the type that doesn’t need a packed itinerary full of excursions but could benefit from laying out on a beautiful beach followed by a body scrub and massage. This island offers a plethora of luxurious spas, wellness retreats, and peaceful resorts that will allow you and the girls to take care of yourselves.
Book a spa day for the group at 8, The Experience, where the group can enjoy full body massages or hang out in the whirlpool with spectacular views of the ocean. Staying at luxury properties like Kontiki Beach Resort will allow for the ultimate self-care retreat, with an onsite spa, restaurants, and beach club, so you won’t have to plan out things off the property.
Courtesy of Robin D. Thomas
For the No Passport Crew....
U.S. Virgin Islands
No passport, no problem! If you live in the United States and need to plan a getaway somewhere tropical, someone being passportless can seriously limit your options. Whether it’s because someone has never had a passport, misplaced theirs, or waiting for a renewed passport because the wait times are ridiculous right now, that shouldn’t stop the girls' trip from making it out of the group chat. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers the allure and beauty of the Caribbean without the need for the little blue book.
Grab the girls and visit Saint Thomas, spending your days on one of the many crystal blue beaches and eating all the conch and fresh lobster that your heart desires. Aside from beaches and delicious food, Saint Thomas also has a great nightlife for the party folks, as well as a lot of opportunities for shopping. You can also visit the other two Virgin Islands, Saint Croix and Saint John, each of which offers its own vibes but the same beautiful, passport-free beaches.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Dimensions/Getty Images
RELATED
Yep. Today, I’m going to share some of the beauty-related benefits that come from some of summertime’s most popular fruits, along with a couple of ways (for each) that you can incorporate them into looking your best, whether you’re going on a girls’ outing, you’ve got a hot date or you simply have some beauty goals that you want to achieve before fall rolls around.
The Beauty Benefits of Summer’s Juiciest Fruits
1. Watermelon
Unsplash
Since “water” is literally in the word, I’m thinking it doesn’t surprise you very much that watermelon is made up of 92 percent agua. This means that, off top, it’s great for hydration. Aside from that, though, watermelon is a fruit that reduces inflammation in bones and joints while decreasing muscle soreness (if working out is your thing). Watermelon also contains vitamins A and C to keep your skin in good condition and, since it has a good amount of fiber in it too, watermelon can also help to detox your system.
If you’re looking for an all-natural toner, this DIY Watermelon Cucumber Face Toner recipe (here) uses the Vitamin A in watermelon to brighten your skin along with the antioxidants in cucumber to rejuvenate it. You can also try a DIY Watermelon Face Mask (here); it also contains plain yogurt that helps to deeply moisturize your skin, protect your skin from damaging skin rays and it can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Mangoes
Unsplash
Stringiness aside, mangoes are definitely one of my favorite fruits, so it’s a real bonus that it’s good for me (and you) on the beauty tip. The vitamin C in it will help your skin to produce collagen, so that your skin looks young and vibrant. The copper that it contains can help to slow down premature graying (check out “This Is How To Naturally Treat Premature Greying”). Its vitamin B6 improves your skin’s elasticity while its vitamin E content can increase blood circulation to your scalp, so that your hair is stronger.
Got an unexpected pimple that you want to speed up the healing process of? Try the Mango-Rose Water Cleanser recipe (here). The vitamins A (that it also has), C and E will soothe the zit while the raw milk in the recipe will deeply moisturize and the rose water will help to reduce the inflammation. On the other hand, if you want to deep condition your hair, you can do so with the Mango Butter Hair Mask recipe (here). The recipe calls for eggs that contain protein to strengthen your hair and mango butter that will soften your locks. Speaking of mango butter, if you want to experiment even more with it, check out Humble Bee and Me’s “10 Recipes to Make with Mango Butter.”
3. Strawberries
Unsplash
I don’t know about y’all but, to me, few things taste better than strawberries and fresh whipped cream — and the fact that they’re another warm weather fruit that is actually good for you? Lawd. Although they technically are more of a late spring fruit as far as seasons go, you can still find them at your local grocery store and even farmers’ market. Good thing too because strawberries are made up of 91 percent water and are another good source of fiber and vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory properties in strawberries are good at fighting acne and the malic acid in them can help to prevent teeth discoloration.
As far as your oral health goes, while eating fresh strawberries is good for you, if you’ve read that brushing your teeth with a combination of strawberries and baking soda is all the rage (as far as teeth whitening is concerned) — yeah, you might want to be careful with that. Since strawberries are highly acidic and baking soda can be somewhat abrasive, the combo, long-term, can lead to thinning enamel.
Instead, use strawberries for things like making your own DIY Strawberry Smash Moisturizer (here). The cocoa butter in this moisturizer will deeply hydrate your skin as well as soften the appearance of stretch marks and minor scars while the aloe will soothe and reduce skin symptoms that are related to psoriasis and eczema. Another cool strawberry recipe? How about the Strawberry Shortcake Lip Scrub DIY one (here)? Talk about a delicious way to keep your lips super soft and smooth.
4. Apricots
Unsplash
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between apricots and peaches, apricots are smaller and not as sweet as peaches are; in fact, they have a bit of a tart taste to them. Your skin will like them because they contain a fair amount of vitamins A, C and antioxidants to keep your skin radiant and glowing. They are made up of around 85 percent water which will help to keep your hair, skin and nails hydrated; plus, the high amount of fiber in your gut can help to keep you regular, so that your breakouts are decreased.
If you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin, try making your own Apricot Scrub (here). A recipe that contains honey will help to lighten your skin and fade acne scarring while the fresh lemon juice will help to remove acne-causing bacteria and boost collagen levels in your skin. Speaking of scrubs, the Apricot Lip Scrub (here), although it calls for apricot oil rather than the fruit itself, is another way to keep your lips super soft all summer long.
5. Cherries
Unsplash
Although they seem to be costing an arm and a leg out here this summer (SMDH), hands down, another one of my favorite summer fruits are Bing cherries. Since they’re filled with fiber and they’re a pretty good source of vitamin C, copper, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, I’m sure that you get that these sweet treats are great for your system overall. What they can do for you, as far as your beauty goals go, is fight any cellular damage that is in your skin, they can help to speed up the healing process of breakouts and they also contain sleep compounds, so that you’re able to get the beauty rest that you need.
Is your skin super dry? You might want to try this Nourishing Cherry & Peach Mask for Dry Skin recipe (here). I’ll explain what the peaches can do for your skin in just a moment. For now, though, another ingredient in this mask is extra virgin olive oil; that is bomb because it deeply moisturizes, helps to reduce signs of aging and it gently yet effectively removes make-up (if you’re worried about some of it clogging up your pores).
Another cherry-related beauty hack? You can get your skin ready for your swimsuit with this Cherry Vanilla Body Scrub recipe (here). The granules of the sugar will help to remove dead skin, the coconut oil will moisturize, soften and even your skin tone and the sweet almond oil will reverse sun damage and even soften the appearance of stretch marks.
6. Limes
Unsplash
Maybe it’s just me, but I personally think that when it comes to cocktails and mocktails, limes make them so much better. You should consider adding them to your beauty regimen because limes are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants which are both really good for keeping your skin youthful. Since they also help your system to absorb iron, if your goal is to grow longer locks, lime can help in that department too (since iron deficiency and hair loss are connected).
Oh, and if you’re looking to shed a few pounds this summer season, lime water can help with that too. That’s because the citric acid that’s in limes can help to increase your metabolism and prevent as much fat from storing up in your body.
Looking to clarify your hair on wash day? This Revitalizing Lime Hair Rinse recipe (here) is just what you need. The combination of the lime juice and apple cider vinegar that’s in it will remove the build-up that’s on your scalp and in your hair without over-drying it. Something else that could be fun is this Vanilla, Coconut, Cocoa and Lime Lip Balm recipe (here). All of its ingredients can help to keep your lips really smooth and very kissable from sunrise to sunset.
7. Peaches
Unsplash
There is nothing like digging into a sweet and juicy peach! Fiber aside, two things that this fruit has an impressive amount of are vitamin A and potassium. Aside from the skin brightening that I mentioned earlier, some other cool things about vitamin A is it helps to prevent (or reduce) skin sagging, it’s pretty effective at treating psoriasis and it also decreases damage that UV rays tend to cause. Potassium? Potassium is cool because it helps to keep your cells well-hydrated, your bones (including your teeth) nice and strong and it also builds muscle (as you’re working out).
If you’ve got a date coming up, pamper your skin with a Peaches & Cream Facial Scrub (here). The oatmeal in the recipe is a powerful exfoliant and skin moisturizer. When it comes to your hair, apply this really simple Peach Hair Mask recipe (here). Peaches are a wonderful moisturizer overall and besides, just imagine how delicious your locks will smell after using it!
8. Melons
Unsplash
Whether it’s cantaloupe (which is made up of a little over 90 percent water) or honeydew (which has the same amount of water in it as cantaloupe does), you’re in for a refreshing treat if you like either one. And the cool thing, beauty-wise, is both of these melons are full of vitamin C and antioxidants to keep your skin thriving. Something else that both cantaloupe as well as honeydew have in them are electrolytes; electrolytes are good for your skin because they both moisturize it as well as help to strengthen your skin’s barrier.
If you’ve got 4C-type hair, your strands will be all about the DIY Melon Hair Mask for 4C Hair recipe (here) where the combination of the melon puree, coconut oil and essential oils will deeply condition and strengthen your hair. Skin-wise, a Melon Lime Toning Mask (recipe is here) can tone your skin with the help of two basic ingredients: your choice of honeydew or cantaloupe and lime. As a bonus, another all-natural beauty treat is the Cucumber Melon Lotion Bar recipe that consists of cucumber melon fragrance essential oil (here).
____
Excuse the pun but…pretty cool, right? If you’ve been wondering what to do with the little bit of summer fruit that you have left, now it has another purpose: bringing out the best in you, beauty-wise.
Just one more than to love about summer, right? I totally agree.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Shutterstock