When a group of guys go away for the weekend, they just go. When women plan a weekend together, they plan.
However, being the designated organiser is not easy. You have to consider everyone’s budget, interests, needs and feelings.
Here are a few guidelines to help you plan a successful girls' weekend getaway this Women’s Month.
Determine the intent
Before you can start making big decisions and planning out all the little details of your dream getaway with your friends, it needs to be made clear from the onset what the actual intent of the ladies' trip is.
In other words, why are you all going on this vacation together? Is it to reconnect with your family or friends and spend some time together? Is it to celebrate something or someone? Or maybe you all just need a break?
Everyone is going to have their preferences and their ideas so having the reason behind the vacation is important so that you can ensure that no one disrupts the overall plan and that everyone gets treated fairly and equally.
Appoint a leader
It’s best to have someone in charge of the planning process to make everything well coordinated. Also, appointing someone who makes the tough decisions can eliminate a lot of stress while planning the trip.
Pick your priority accommodation or destination
Maybe you envision your friends flopping onto four-poster beds at a gorgeous Cape Town hotel. Or maybe you imagine everyone getting pampered at a high-end spa resort in Durban.
It's a great daydream - but before you blow your budget on upscale lodging, ask yourself how much time you will actually be spending in the hotel.
If your friend group intends to spend most of their time out and about, then maybe you can save money by booking simpler accommodations.
If, on the other hand, your weekend involves cooking meals together and staying up talking until midnight, then it’s worth splurging on a really nice vacation rental.
Create a wish list
Now that everyone is on the same page about the kind of style this trip will be, create a wish list of the things everyone wants to do or have. Some of you might need a fitness centre to go to, while others might need some outdoor time on a beach.
Maybe a few of you would like to experience a hot stone massage or a buffet of exotic foods. Once your list is compiled, do a little research into hotels and resorts that can accommodate everyone’s needs.
Set a budget
This is important because not everyone has the same financial circumstances and you do not want anyone to feel uncomfortable or left out.
By setting a budget that you are all happy with, you can enjoy your vacation together without overstepping what anyone can afford.
When you organise your group budget, you should also discuss who is paying what and when so that there are no surprises for anyone throughout the trip.