Kinda like an adult slumber party, the Best Friend get away offers freedom from family responsibilities for a few quick days to refresh and recharge.
I hate to say it but I am married to a man whose imagination is not sparked by the idea of travel. Given a chance, I would hop on a plane at least once a month. I am one of those that just wants to see what is over the next hill.
The boys and I did an epic journey this summer clocking over 3,500 miles from Colorado to Georgia with a 14 ft travel trailer–amazing journey and family bonding time. See this trip on Youtube and please subscribe while you are there!
How are Best Friend Trips Different?
- No kids to look after
- To different income sources
- 2 adults who can take care of themselves
- Ability to be on your own or in the company of you girlfriend
- No husband to consider (you know, what he likes vs your choices)
- Did I mention no kids
What do you need to consider before heading out with you best friend?
- Budget–even though there are two income sources, they may vary widely. Be honest with each other about you budget. You can always choose to do different attractions and meet up for lunch.
- Discuss how you travel. Do you expect to be together all the time or to do some separate sight seeing, ( I am attending a conference and invited a girlfriend along who is perfectly comfortable wandering around Seattle on her own). On another trip, I missed the cue from that girlfriend that she really wanted me to go to all the museums with her. That was a big rough point in our trip.
- Main attractions–make a list of the main attractions that you want to see. Compare lists, decide on the ones you want to do together and the ones that are just important to you. Set a loose plan on the days you will do these thing.
- Housing–what are the basics that you and your girlfriend need for comfort? What are you willing to pay for it? Do you need two rooms or your own bathroom? Do you snore? Do you know you snore? ( this was a big issue for me when I was sharing a room with 3 other women. I “uhhum” bought them all earplugs.)
- Schedules–are you a morning or evening person. Do you need to get a run and shower in before you start you day? Or, do you roll out of bed at the crack of noon and go until 2 AM?
- Meals–with gluten, dairy-free, vegan, juicing, energy shakes, and all the like this has become a bigger deal than it used to be with three square meals a day as the basic formula–especially in cities where food is a primary feature. Again budgets, timing, and taste are important to talk about together. (My girlfriend once went on a camping trip where they brought all their food to cook, while the other couple expected to go out every meal.)
- Shopping–I don’t shop. I make that clear. If you have something you just don’t do then state that up front instead of being miserable later.
Warning: You don’t know someone’s habits until you travel with them. Just because your friendship is 2o years old, does not mean you know their intimate living style. My friend went on a European trip with her girlfriend of more than 20 years. Of course they had stay at each others houses over the years and knew each other really well. But long term travel, sightseeing and sleeping arrangements proved to be a challenge.
I love my bestfriend trips! Fun new places, awesome memories and wonderful bonding with precious women in my life. Planning and being honest can save heart ache and the friendship in the long run.
Latest posts by Tanya (see all)
- Reasons you should go glamping for Christmas - December 15, 2017
- How to Plan a Stress Free Vacation - November 30, 2017
- How to Get Jazzed Up About Holiday Travel with Your Kids - November 21, 2017