Top Ten Things to Do For Planning & Having
A Fabulous Girls Getaway
By Casey Wohl

From www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net

1. 

   Setting a Date:
   Set a date(s) for your Girls Getaway far in advance. Everyone’s schedule is very busy, so be sure and set your date(s) at least several months ahead of time. This is often that hardest part of a trip, so don’t wait too long.

2. Discuss Expectations:
   When traveling with a group of girls, everyone may have different
   expectations for the getaway. Some may want to shop, some may want to lounge by the pool and some may want spa time. By discussing expectations ahead of time, everyone can spend the getaway doing what they want to do and still be a part of the group.

3. Budgeting:
   Get an idea of how much everyone plans to spend. People have different budgets; however, if you discuss budgets prior to planning, it will help you target appropriate venues and activities.

4. Reservations:
   The best places always book quickly, so make as many reservations in advance as you can for hotel, restaurants, spa, show tickets, cultural attractions and other activities. The more reservations you can make ahead of time, the more organized your trip will be.

5. Designate a Getaway Organizer:
   I always find it helpful to have one getaway organizer. That person can take care of reservations or ask others in the group to handle preplanning tasks. With one person in charge, your group can be assured everything is taken care of before the getaway begins.

6. Develop an Itinerary:
   I like to develop a getaway itinerary, which includes information on our various activities. The itinerary should include: a basic schedule for each day, hotel/restaurant/spa information complete with address, contact information, confirmation/reservation information, etc. If I’m the getaway organizer, I ask each person what one thing they want to do during the getaway. That way, everyone is involved. I also email a schedule to my friends a week in advance. This is helpful, for example, if someone arrives early to the hotel, they have all the information they need to check in versus waiting for the organizer to arrive.

7. Check Local Happenings:
   Once you have your dates confirmed, be sure to check local newspapers, as well as Internet sites, of the destination city for various events going on while you will be in town. Many times a great event, like a concert or musical, is in town at the same time.

8. Research the Weather:
   Don’t take this for granted, especially when traveling to a place like Florida where people often assume it is sunny and warm all year round. If you are adequately prepared for the weather in advance, you can always make the best of your trip no matter what Mother Nature decides to do.

9. Commemorate the Getaway:
   Be sure to bring at least one camera to capture your memories. I also like to purchase something special during the trip to remember our time together. It can even be something small, just as long as it is meaningful and memorable.

10. Leave Your Baggage at Home:
    The great thing about a Girls Getaway is that you GETAWAY. So be sure and leave your stress behind and have a great time with your girlfriends.