I have been fortunate enough to experience many girls’ trips throughout my life. I suppose when I think back, they really started when I was a young girl traveling for figure skating competitions. Often, it was me, my mom, my figure-skating buddies, and my coach, all of whom were female. Of course, I was there to skate, but I must admit I loved exploring new cities, eating at restaurants, and playing in the hotel pool.
As I grew older, these types of trips became road trips and bachelorette parties. They require a lot more forethought in navigating significantly full calendars and coordinating dates and locations that we can all agree on. Despite the challenges of planning, these trips are sacred to me. Having one (or with any luck) two on the calendar makes me extremely happy. I am noticeably more gloomy when I have nothing planned with my girls. Having something to look forward to (especially girl time) is an act of self-care.
I have a full schedule as a mother of two children, a wife, and a working school nurse. Sometimes, the thought of adding anything to my schedule feels overwhelming. But I know these getaways do more to fill my cup than so many things. Now, these trips don’t need to be a two-week holiday to the Caribbean (although they can!); this can be a day trip or a quick overnight trip.
Last year, I went to New Mexico with two of my friends. Two years ago, I went with another two ladies to Salem, Massachusetts. I have been so fortunate to have had these opportunities. My most recent trip was a 24-hour quick visit to the beautiful Cambria, CA. All of these trips have been so memorable and soul-nourishing.
Here are a few suggestions for a fabulous trip:
- Spend time daydreaming about locations. Set up a separate chat to share locations, accommodations, restaurants, and excursions. I love this part, the build-up to the trip, the pre-trip giddiness. Do you want mountains or the ocean? City or countryside? Party or brunch scene? The possibilities are endless!
- Have a fancy dinner. Make a reservation, dress up, and set a celebratory intention. What is better than a beautiful meal with friends celebrating pretty much anything?
- Find a local coffee shop; bonus points if it’s walking distance from where you are staying. Grab your coffee and a yummy pastry and explore the area on foot.
- Pick a perfectly cheesy movie to watch while you unwind in the evening. My friend Lindsay and I still laugh about binging “Hair Goddess” (a short-lived Netflix series). This past trip, we watched “Knocked Up” and “40-Year-Old Virgin,” neither of which I had ever seen; both were horrible.
- Do something traditionally touristy and something off the beaten path. If an area is known for something, even if it’s not your style or something you would typically do, do it. And then balance that experience with something random. For example, we visited Santa Fe, NM, and visited two lovely spas: the Ojo Caliente (near Taos) and The Ten Thousand Wave Spa in Santa Fe. The area is known for its healing waters, and we wanted to experience something traditional for the area. On the other hand, the Meow Wolf exhibit happened to be in town, so we did that. Google this wild place and check it out if you have the chance; it’s random but in a good way.
- Bring along an oracle deck (may I suggest The Caregiver Oracle) and have fun getting to know your friends differently. The cards can be a tool to allow us to go deeper, and vulnerability is the way to connection, so grab the cards and the tissue box and explore those happy and sad emotions.
I would be interested in hearing more about your girl trips; where is your favorite place to go for a girls getaway? Any tips you would add?
Have a magical day.
Love Jen, aka Downhome Mystic
