So you’ve made the decision to get that Ladies’ Trip planned. Getting into the proper mindset for this is really the first step! Like I said in my earlier post, it is the one week where I do not have to “perform” in all my other titles (wife, mom, grandmother, caretaker, general contractor, etc). It is the week where I just get to connect with some of my favorite people and reconnect with myself. My group has created some incredible memories that provide a lot of opportunities to smile and just reminisce.
BUT… it is really important to establish some ground rules before gathering your group together. First, I highly recommend you stay away from people prone to drama. There is absolutely no room for this on your trip. We get plenty of that at home in our daily lives. So my first rule is to gather people who will be tolerant and respectful each other, know how to have fun, have some basic similar interests and are willing to just let go and embrace a new way of traveling.
Secondly, I recommend a list of basic rules. Here’s the list we established in my group:
NO HEADING OFF BY YOURSELF Stick with a buddy (all about safety)
NO MEN IN OUR ROOM/HOUSE: This rule was established after a trip a friend took with another group where her roommate actually hooked up with a cock fighter in Puerto Vallarta and spent the entire time with him in her room — I know, too crazy, but true. This left my friend in a really uncomfortable position and ruined her trip. It seems almost ridiculous with the women I travel with to put that out there, but we added it just to be very clear!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ANYTHING YOU DON’T WANT TO: This trip is about you – so do the things you want and stay back from the things you aren’t really interested in. That being said, it is really important to put together group things that speak to everyone. We generally only have about 3 organized group activities. This leaves the rest of the days open for each person to fill as they wish – most of which involves just hanging out, playing games, exploring the area and A LOT of laughter.
NO DRAMA: Enough said. The expectation is if you’re having “a moment,” go to your room and get over it! Then come back out and continue the fun. This has worked really well in our group. (That’s not to say this has never happened… there are a few people who have not been asked back – there’s a reason).
RELAX AND CREATE SOME BIG FUN! After all, this is what it is all about!
That’s it. This is the total list of our rules. I invite you to think about what that would look like for your group. Please remember this getaway is not like others. You are getting away from normal life, normal obligations and normal travel issues when with family or business. So do not create too many rules. Keep it simple and free-spirited. Most importantly, have fun!