• Those of us with kids just wanted a break from cooking and cleaning.
• My super-active friend wanted mountains to run and climb.
• I wanted to book with one of my preferred, trusted suppliers.

At one point, the WhatsApp group for our group trip was getting a little heated....

In the end though, it was one of the best girls’ trips we’ve ever had. We chose an all‑inclusive hotel on the stunning Dalmatian coastline. That meant no cooking, no cleaning, and no endless debates about where to eat. The landscape offered water sports, boat trips, hiking and biking and beautiful beaches for relaxing. We made a simple agreement for our group trip with friends: everyone could spend the days however they wanted. Some of us chilled on the beach, some of us snorkelled, some went off to climb mountains, but we always came together for mealtimes. It worked perfectly.

If you’re planning a girls’ holiday and the WhatsApp chat is getting tense, here are a few practical tips and girls’ holiday ideas to keep everyone happy.

1. Get the dates in the diary early

The first challenge with any group trip with friends is finding dates that work. We booked our girls’ holiday over a year in advance, because we all have busy work and home lives.

Booking early meant:

• The best choice of hotels and room types.
• Better value and offers.
• Plenty of time to budget, plan childcare and book time off work.

If you’re struggling to pin people down, suggest two or three options and ask everyone to vote. Once the dates are in the diary, the rest of the planning becomes much easier.

2. Choose a location and hotel that has something for everyone

The best girls’ holiday ideas usually start with the right base. Staying at an all‑inclusive resort wouldn’t necessarily have been my first choice, but for this group trip with friends it worked brilliantly. It:

• Removed daily debates about where and what to eat.
• Avoided awkward bill‑splitting.
• Meant no one had to cook or clear up.

Our hotel also had activities included (of mixed quality… hello silent disco!) that we could dip in and out of.

Most importantly, we agreed that everyone could enjoy the holiday in their own way. That “do your own thing in the day, meet up in the evening” pact is one of my top tips for smooth group trips with friends.

3. Build in one or two special activities for the whole group

While it is great to have flexibility, the best group trips with friends also include one or two standout moments you share together. On our girls’ holiday we:

• Booked a private boat trip for the day, exploring local coves and islands and generally feeling a bit bougie.
• Had an amazing lunch at a local restaurant where fresh fish was cooked over coals.
• Visited Froggyland (it has to be seen to be believed – Google it, trust me!).
• Went out for sunset cocktails in the local village.

These shared experiences were the highlights which we'll be reminiscing about for years to come. We developed a whole new range of in-jokes, and generally spent much of the time snorting with laughter like we were 15 again.

Need help with your own girls’ holiday ideas?

If you’d like help planning a stress‑free girls’ holiday or a big group trip with friends, avoid the tense chats and give me a call. I can help you:

• Narrow down the best destinations and hotels for your group.
• Balance different budgets, tastes and travel styles.
• Add those special touches that make your girls’ holiday unforgettable.

Get in touch and let’s start planning your next girls’ getaway.