Girls Trip, But Make It Strategic

Everyone loves the highlight reel of a girls trip—but the logistics are what actually make it unforgettable (or unbearable). With 12 women traveling from multiple states, the only way this worked was intentional planning.

Here’s how we set the trip up for success in Aruba:

Transportation was non-negotiable.
We rented a 15-passenger van for the entire week, and it immediately eliminated stress. No coordinating multiple cars, no waiting on rideshares, no splitting the group. Everyone came and went together when it made sense, and we had full autonomy over our schedule. It gave us flexibility without friction—and that’s priceless with a large group.

We handled groceries and alcohol before wheels even touched the ground.
Having groceries and alcohol delivered ahead of time meant day one felt like arrival, not errands. Breakfasts, snacks, mixers, and essentials were already waiting, which saved time, money, and energy. It also allowed people to ease into the trip instead of immediately making decisions or spending extra on convenience items.

We built relationships locally on day one.
One of the smartest moves we made was connecting with our drivers immediately and treating them like partners, not transactions. By exchanging numbers early, we had direct access for rides, recommendations, and even last-minute deliveries all week long. That local connection gave us peace of mind and made navigating the island seamless.

We pre-planned major events—no last-minute chaos.
Tickets for Soul Beach Music Festival were secured well in advance, which meant zero scrambling, no price hikes, and no disappointment. When you’re traveling for a specific event, locking those details early allows everything else to fall into place more easily—and keeps the group focused on enjoying the experience instead of troubleshooting.

We intentionally spent more on accommodations—and it paid off.
With a group this size, comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. We chose a property with enough bedrooms, ample bathrooms, real communal space, and room to spread out. Privacy matters. Space matters. When everyone can recharge comfortably, the entire group dynamic stays positive.

We created structure without over-scheduling.
Each day had a plan—beach time, group dinners, boat day, festival nights—but we intentionally left breathing room. Not every moment needed to be shared, and that flexibility allowed people to rest, explore, or opt out without guilt. The balance between structure and freedom kept energy high all week.

And finally—the guest list was everything.
Who you invite determines the tone of the trip. Shared expectations, emotional maturity, flexibility, and mutual respect meant zero drama. Everyone understood that the goal was connection, celebration, and ease—not control or competition. That alignment is what made the week feel effortless.

Girls trips don’t fail because of travel—they fail because of poor planning and misaligned expectations. When you’re thoughtful about logistics and people, the trip becomes exactly what it’s supposed to be: joyful, restorative, and unforgettable ✨