Tips on Girlfriend Getaways: for the galavanting Grandmas

Deepening bonds improve the psychological state of mind. Mirror thoughts with friends who offer emotional support with no condemnation, on girlfriend getaways.

Content

Girlfriend getaways are vital for women of the older generation, both physically and mentally. As you become part of the “wiser” generation, there are fewer direct responsibilities, but the lack of constant accountabilities to others creates a yearning and feeling of loneliness.

By mingling with the girls, the soul is uplifted, by sharing, moaning, talking, crying and laughing and the feeling of worthiness takes hold of the inner being, as-well-as exercise, excitement and relaxation. 

12 Differences between a Girlfriend Getaway and a Normal Vacation?

Girlfriend Getaway	Normal Vacation
Reconnect with friends	Can accompany friends, but rather go solo, with family or in a group and make new friends
Time out from everyday life and have fun	Time out from everyday life
Getaway has a therapeutic effect of bonding with friends	Bonding but not as freely and in a different way
Positive impacts on health and stress release	Positive impacts on health
A chance to express your true identity	Forced into accepted social roles
Creates an absolute emotion of independence	Still links to the dependence on others
Results in a sentiment of satisfaction, well-being and happiness	Have a sense of happiness
Conversations that leave a feeling of empowerment and silliness	Conversations that leave a feeling of inspiration and learning
Encourages feelings of emotional support and assists with life’s negative effects	Seldom assists with emotional support and life’s negative effects going into the future
Allows you to reconstruct a relationship with self	Creates escapism from self
Lifts feelings of depression and friends become your “psychologist” and advisors	Lifts depression but on a less permanent basis
Return feeling loved, relaxed, encouraged, laughed out and young	Return feeling stimulated and happy

“True friends are like diamonds—bright, beautiful, valuable and always in style.” – Nicole Richie

Women Only Travel is Growing

Ten years back, the tourism industry did very little to attract Girlfriend Getaways, but today it is growing rapidly. Senior women 60 years and over, do regular trips with their girlfriends because they have the means, resources and time.

Getting older they do not want to waste time, so they grasp the opportunity as often as they can. What trips they do varies considerably, from adventure to luxury and their ambitions are getting wilder as this new lease on life takes hold of them.

Travel planners are only recently taking advantage of this explosion but still are inclined to treat women of the older generation as breakable porcelain. Although cleanliness, health, and safety are on the top of the list for planning, women want adventure, to be active, and still have certain comforts or treats.

A fabulous book to read that will give you endless ideas is The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Girlfriend Getaways by Lisa Kasanicky. A book every girlfriend should read! It can be purchased on Amazon.

“I think a good friend, to me, is all about trust and loyalty. You don’t ever want to second-guess whether you can tell your friend something.” – Lauren Conrad

6 Types of girlfriend Getaways

1. Fun Getaways Ideas

• Go together to a Group Sound Bath. Experience deep relaxation, with stress levels being hugely reduced and the nervous system is soothed.
• Make sure the couches where you are staying are soft and comfortable, as a great deal of talking and laughing will take place.
• Treat yourselves to a night of dancing! Going out to a club appropriate to your type of music, relaxing and dancing together does wonder to the freedom of the soul and feet.
• Yoga on the Beach, Mountain or Park. Watch a “how to do the yoga exercises” before you have the fun getaway, suggesting everyone watches and practices before you all go away, one person leads and all can follow.
• A Wine Tasting Tour is such fun when you go with the girls! Here are some tips so you can all look like experts.
• Play a Humorous Board Game. What Do You Meme? Core Game – The Hilarious Adult Party Game for Meme Lovers is a suggestion and BAD PEOPLE – The Party Game You Probably Shouldn’t Play 
• Go to the theatre.
• Treat yourselves to a Massage at a Spa. When did you last do this?
• Book for a Painting, Craft, or Pottery class.
• An appetizing meal out. Choose in unison a fabulous restaurant and spend the evening out.
• A Pyjama Party. Watch a movie and have some mouthwatering snacks.

In my section called “Example of a Local Vacation that could be Organized for a Group of Baby Boomers“ in my article “Does the Travel Industry take Baby Boomers Seriously?“, I have given a fabulous idea of a girlfriend getaway.

2. Adventurous Girlfriend Getaways

Highlighting escapades for the ladies who love to go on numerous adventures, have a squizz at my article Adventure Travel for 50 Years and Over. Glamping, camping, river cruises, hiking, chasing waterfalls, cycling, abseiling, and even motorcycling!

Preparing for these getaways should be done well in advance and if you are prepared, physically and mentally, they will be vacations that you will never forget. Be different and make a challenge at seeing how many unusual stays you can go to within a year or how many diverse waterfalls you can spot.

See my article on Unusual, Quirky Stays in South Africa to give some ideas. Imagine staying in a treehouse. Making the main theme on each trip to go chase waterfalls remains one of my favorites.

3. Luxury Girlfriend Getaways

Luxury is not essential but it is desirable and we all at some time or other desire that indulgence. What is better than going with your girlfriends to a destination where you can be spoilt, have exclusively, and be able to have moments of elegance, great comfort, and quality? Beautiful, unusual surroundings and true escapism from everyday life.

As we get older we aspire to new prisms of aspirations. Remembering the saying, the most expensive is not the top priority, the baby boomers want happenings with an aim for being less formal, of their own mindset, the best of the best, and are defined by their interests. There is a new shift in what can I learn than just being, so in conclusion, and putting it in a nutshell, luxury is an experience.

7 Suggested luxurious hotels

Kandolhu Maldives	Fly to a private exquisite island by seaplane. 7 Ocean Pool Villas, perfect for girlfriends. Sliding doors open up to your own private deck, own plunge pool, and view of the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean. Dine at any one of the 5 intimate restaurants and fill your days with strolling along the white, sandy shoreline, snorkeling amongst the colorful coral, or taking a speed boat or sundowner cruise out into the ocean. Luxury Beach Villas, or Ocean Villas that protrude over the ocean. Imagine the vacation ladies!
Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort	Choose between extravagant beachfront rooms to the treehouse quarters! Ecotourism at its highest standard. You will encounter all the comforts your heart desires. Learn about the Mayan people and their history, swim in sparkling waters, snorkel amongst the reefs, and hike through the rainforests. Explore the jungle with a canoe and do the Night Hike in Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve and spot the nocturnal creatures. Or just relax and seep in the magnificent beauty!
Dana Villas & Infinity Suites	The romance capital of Greece! True luxury and exquisiteness along the cliff of Santorini island. Dana Junior suites are traditional caves hanging off the cliffs. Junior pool suites or Cave Pool Suites leave you with a time of mystery, and lavishness. The Master Pool Villa is the cherry on the cake with outdoor and indoor river pools opening to the breathtaking view of the Aegean sea. White, clean decor and water everywhere.
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi Kenya	Love a giraffe as it peaks its head through the window and tries to share your breakfast. Go on luxury game drives and encounter the bush of Africa. One of Nairobi’s iconic buildings this hotel offers supreme service, a spa, and hotel or garden rooms. Magnificent splendor and ambiance which you will not want to leave behind.
Aman Sveti Stefan	An islet off Montenegro’s coastline. Absolutely stunning, 15th-century historic, and private. Montenegro is a hidden gem and to me, one of the most beautiful “little” countries in the world. There are  51 Rooms, Cottages, and Suites on the island. Read through my article on Montenegro and other luxury accommodations in Montenegro to get more ideas.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo	History with class! More than a century of Italian hospitality. Look out your window and view Lake Como and Bellagio. Relax and treat yourself at the wellness center for a massage, spa, and outdoor hot tub that overlooks the lake. The relaxation lounge adds to your feeling of being pampered. Different swimming pools to choose from and beds that you do not want to get up from in the morning. Oh and that Italian! A language that allows you to swoon!
The Plaza New York, USA	New York, New York! What a time to be had with girlfriends. Butlers with white gloves and an exceptional luxury experience all around. Guerlain Spa is known for luxury, sophistication, and elegance. An exclusive facial massage technique that you have not known before and where the therapists are trained in a custom of Guerlain in Paris. This hotel is located next to 5th Avenue and Central Park. Shop at some of the world’s top boutiques. Have afternoon tea at the well-known “The Palm Court”.

4. Roadtrip with all the Gals

Exploring your own country! This can be fun, adventurous, unique, and exciting! The vehicle you choose should have sufficient room for you all, have an aircon, blue tooth facility for GPS, a phone charger, great music on your phone, sufficient data, and a couple of cushions for napping if needed (other than the driver of course).

Service your vehicle before you venture out and nominate at least two drivers. Make sure you pack sufficient delicious snacks, water, and drinks for the car.

• Plan Your trip together
• Where will you all be heading
• How often should you stop
• Intermediate destinations for one or two nights
• Emergency contacts
• Routes off the highway
• Let your family know your itinerary

Places you can stay off the beaten track.

• Airbnb: – when you discover these Airbnbs, out of town, you will be pleasantly surprised. Normally the beds are so comfortable, the gardens are beautiful, and the owners so accommodating. Remember you will need to do a bit of shopping for meals as you will have to cook for yourselves or buy takeaways.
• Guest House: – I love these as the decor is normally so old school, clean and relaxing. The breakfasts are so divine and homely! A pet or two will probably be lounging around. The views, gardens, and scenery are spectacular. The owner will be able to give you a great story about the history of the area.
• Motels or Small town hotels: – Make sure you check reviews on the hotel before staying. Choose one 3 stars and above. I have landed at some very dicey hotels in the past which have been inhabited by drunks and rooms have been dirty, including filthy water in the bath. I learned early, so have been to some amazing quaint hotels since then. These hotels normally cater to people not only staying overnight but for longer periods of time.
• Lodge: – The meaning of lodge means to stay temporarily. It is an inn where you stay overnight. Your facilities are basic, clean, and comfortable.
• Resort: – I love resorts! Make a plan on your trip to stay a few days so you can take pleasure in the hikes, swimming pools, games such as bowls, table tennis, tennis; and cuisine and just relax together to catch up on female chatter.
• Unusual accommodation: – This is a perfect opportunity to do an “unusual” road trip. There are quaint, uncommon places to stay in every country. Have a look at my blog Unusual, Quirky Stays in South Africa. This will give you an idea of how different things can get.
• Hostels: – If you are a group of women together, these can be great fun to experience together, but be selective about which hostel you choose. Often rooms and facilities are shared, but with all the girlfriends together for one night, it can be fun.

5. Cruises they say are the best

I most certainly have hit the nail on the head with cruises! Don’t we all love to go on a cruise? Going on a girlfriend getaway on the ocean, and visiting new destinations all together is just the best! There is so much to do, but also quality time to relax and chat together. Dinners in a choice of dining halls, theatre, and recreation activities you can all do together. One booking and everything is laid on. Read my article on Cruise Trip Vacation Tips for Seniors and get inspired!

6. Boating down a Canal

I personally have never done one of these before, but my sister has and she is nagging me to go on a canal boat. She said it was one of the best holidays she and her friends have ever had! You have all the time in the world to regroup with the gals. Watch the stars together and observe the moon.

See the countryside with new eyes. Pop into villages, gaze at the countryside, wave at the folk on the side, and take a walk along the tow side. If you can take your bicycle or hire one and meander a bit further in and explore, it adds to the excitement.

You do not need a license if you are over 21 (of course you are), but if you would like to do some fishing, you will need a license.

Stop alongside a canal inn and all go and enjoy yourselves. Go shopping together. No rush, no stress just a pure pleasure getaway! A super informative blog about 10 Reasons to Choose a Canal Boat Holiday This Year is worth the read. Booking.com is a reliable trustworthy site to book your floating holiday for the gals.

“Best friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.”

How to Plan a Girlfriend Getaway Trip

Every person is different, but if you are friends you surely have things in common.

Each person has a turn to plan

When you start planning these girlfriend getaways, get together and see what each person needs for the trip. One will want to have fun, one will want an adventure, etc. What I do suggest is you set a precedence that every person in the gal group has a turn to plan and choose the type of vacation. Initially pull out the straws to see who goes first. The shortest straw starts with planning the first galivanting vacation. On the next vacation, that person sits out.

Affordability and time

At the initial meeting, discuss what everyone can afford and a date. No one must feel pressured to go over their plan budget.

Finer details

Is anyone allergic to any type of food or has become a vegan or only eats gluten-free cuisine? Passports if needed, visas, and the time frame of the vacation, and then leave it up to the lady chosen to plan the first trip. Times that friends prefer to go to bed or wake up hours? By doing it this way, you are avoiding arguments that are totally unnecessary. One lady may be stuck with all the organizing, but everyone will have their turn.

Tick the CheckList

• Airfares – get prices from Travel Agents and do searches online. Cheapflights.com
• Accommodation throughout the trip – booking.com and
• Tripadvisor specifies great specials
• Fun activities – can also be done online depending on what you have planned
• Restaurants – booking.com and Tripadvisor have fabulous ratings
• Cruises and canal boats – if this is the first time you are going on a cruise or canal boat, rather book through a travel agent. Otherwise Expedia.com
• Tour companies that cater for girlfriend getaways – TravelandLeisure for example and LeisureGroupTravel or go to your travel agent for suggestions.
• Road trips – where to stay along your journey see Tripadvisor.

Once you have all the information, within the budget, get together with your girlfriends and let them know the plans. From there, do payments and start planning your wardrobe, visas if needed, and get your suitcase out.

Mystery Girlfriend getaway

What is a Mystery Girlfriend Getaway?

These should be planned well in advance. Preferably 6 months or so. As per the section above, one person is chosen each time to plan the trip, with all the same considerations in place, but all is only revealed just before the trip.

Number of Mystery Trips

If there are 4 or 6 of you, and depending on how many trips a year you all will be doing, two different mystery trips may be planned at one time for the different dates you all have prearranged for that year.

Don’t invite strangers along on the trip at the last moment. It could spoil the trip. If you would like someone else to start being included in the getaways, maybe meet for a luncheon before, to see if the “newcomer” will fit in.

Big Reveal

• Make the big reveal an exciting meeting.
• Have a dress code that lets the others have a hint of where you all will be going.
• Serve wine from that country.
• Bring a gift along for everyone as a souvenir for the big occasion.
• Give all the gals a t-shirt, mug, socks, or journal to wear and take on the trip.

“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” — Albert Camus

How exciting these girlfriend vacations are. Tell us about your time away with the gals in our comments section.