Spring break is upon us, ladies. Unfortunately, most of us know the equation for disaster: spring break + girls trip = drama. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are 10 easy suggestions of how to make a girls trip relaxing and carefree.
Disclaimer to my friends: these points were created through extensive research, not always personal experience... Love you guys!
1. Plan ahead.
This seems obvious, but it’s important to know where you’re going and who is going. If you're planning a vacation, the more research you do ahead of time, the less stressed you’ll be during the trip.
2. Save up.
Let’s be real: we all know money can be a huge issue. So if you’re expecting to go on a trip, make wise decisions beforehand. For example, if you’re going to the beach for spring break, it costs major bucks. Between a place to stay, a new bathing suit (or three), food, drinks and maybe even shopping there, it adds up quick. Saving can alleviate stress and even get you more excited because you'll have stacks on vacation.
3. Be confident.
Honestly, when I spend several days with a group of girls, comparison starts to creep in and makes me doubt myself. Beach trips are the hardest. There’s always that one girl who somehow looks like she just stepped out of a "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit magazine while I have my dirty hair in a bun and cellulite. There will always be things we would change about ourselves, but from personal experience, if you dwell on those things it will only ruin your trip. So follow up those negative statements with “BUT I worked really hard for this body” or “BUT I’d rather enjoy a brownie than have a flat stomach” (did I mention I have personal experience in this area?) or even “BUT I like my boobs just the way they are.”
4. Don’t mooch.
We all have that friend who is so exciting to be around on a trip, but somehow always forgets to pay you back for the condo (and for gas… and for drinks last night… and for food…). It’s one thing to let your friends do something nice for you, but another to never acknowledge they did or attempt to repay them somehow. We’re in college. We all have smartphones. We all have Venmo. No excuses!
5. Keep the peace.
Try your best to get along with everyone (yes, that means even the girl who just popped into your mind). Life is too short and vacations are definitely too short to let any small amount of frustration ruin everyone’s time away. You travel to leave worries at home. Let’s keep it that way!
6. Don’t be sloppy.
The amount of “I got blackout drunk and hit someone” stories that exist is pretty absurd. No further explanation necessary.
7. Have enough beds!
Because who volunteers to sleep on the floor and actually wants to? (Read: if you're the person who can sleep like a rock after passing out on the kitchen counter, I respect you and kindly ask you to ignore what you just read.)
8. Guys.
If it’s a girls’ trip and that’s understood, try to keep boy drama out of conversations. Especially if it’s between two girls in the group… phew… BUT boys can be great. And sometimes total jerks. Girls have to stick together and if that means gossiping, complaining or solving every relationship problem you've ever had as a united front, go for it. Girl Power.
9. Be a team player.
We all know the friend who makes the plans. Sometimes a girl will challenge that friend's wishes, and sometimes it’s too terrifying to disagree (refer to number 5). The bigger the group, the less likely it is for every person to be happy with every decision made. In those moments, it’s better to make the best out of it. So you GO drive those mopeds and look good doing it, okay?
10. Have fun.
If you are in a new place with a cool group of girls, ENJOY it! You are there and you earned it. Be in the moment. Try not to dwell on the stresses of what’s going on back at home or how much you want to punch that girl in the throat. Shake it off!
