Lifestyle

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Girls’s Trip

Published

2 years ago

27 March 2025

A girls’ trip is an experience that brings out the best stories, the loudest laughs, and the kind of memories that deserve their own group chat. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, escaping reality, or just craving quality time with your besties, a well-planned trip can be the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and chaos (the fun kind).

But let’s be real: getting a group of women to agree on a destination, dates, and plans is an extreme sport. Between the planner friend, the last-minute packer, the one who “forgets” to send her share of the Airbnb payment, and the one who turns into a full-blown travel influencer as soon as you land, there’s a lot to consider.

So, how do you pull off the ultimate girls’ trip without losing your mind or your luggage? Here’s your ultimate guide to making it happen!

Relaxing Destination

Step 1: Pick the Perfect Destination

The destination sets the vibe for the entire trip. If you are looking for a wild party scene, a chill beach getaway, or a luxurious spa retreat? Consider everyone’s budget, travel preferences, and vacation style.

Top Destination Ideas:

Beach Ladies: Maldives, Bali, Cancun, Mykonos
City Queens: New York, Paris, London, Dubai
Adventure Seekers: Costa Rica, Cape Town, Thailand, Colorado
Wine & Dine Lovers: Napa Valley, Tuscany, Bordeaux, Stellenbosch

Advice: Choose a place where there’s something for everyone. Not all of you may be into the same activities, so a mix of options is key!

Group chat

Step 2: Get the Group Chat Under Control

Every girls’ trip starts with the same thing, an overactive group chat. It’s exciting at first, but soon, messages are flying at 2 AM, people are dropping links to a million different hotels, and someone keeps reacting with the wrong emoji and stickers.

To keep things organized:

Create a shared document with flight details, accommodation options, and potential activities. That way it will stop unnecessary links from overwhelming the group chat.

Put the most responsible friend in charge of flight booking.

Have a clear payment plan, nothing kills a trip faster than unpaid reservations.

A piece of advice : Do not let the “I’ll see later” friend delay, else you all will end up on a staycation.

Early bookings saves you

Step 3: Book Flights & Accommodations Early

Once the destination is finalized, don’t procrastinate! Flight prices increase faster than your friend’s vacation outfit hauls. Try to book at least 2–3 months in advance for the best deals.

For accommodations, consider:

Hotels if you want luxury and comfort.
Airbnbs or villas for a homey feel (and a full kitchen for midnight snacks).
All-inclusive resorts for zero stress and unlimited cocktails.
Double-check the location and check for proximity. Nobody wants to be an hour away from all the fun.

Vacationing

Step 4: Plan a Flexible Activity

You want a balance between planned activities and spontaneous fun. Some people love sightseeing, others just want to relax. The best approach? Is a mix of both.

Activity ideas:

A fun night out (dress up, take over the dance floor, and make go for karaoke even if you have the worst voice).
A relaxing spa day, because self-care is a must.
A local experience (cooking class, market and local tour wine tasting).
A group photoshoot because let’s be honest, we came for the pics too.

Just don’t overbook every second of the day. There should be space for naps, detours, and vibes.

Girls travel bag

Step 5: Pack Smart (But Extra)

Packing for a girl’s trip is an extreme sport. You’ll need options, for brunch, beach days, fancy dinners, and that random moment when everyone decides to have an impromptu photoshoot.

Packing Essentials:

Outfits for every occasion (bring at least one or two “wow” dresses).
Comfortable shoes (Very important: Your sky-high heels look cute, but will they survive a full night out?).
A mini emergency kit (band-aids, Advil, makeup wipes, safety pins).
Matching outfits? You need it. The drama, the photos, and the main character’s energy!
Toiletries are a very important essential.

If you forget something? Don’t stress, someone in the group definitely overpacked.

Spend less, have fun

Step 6: Budget Smartly

Money can be an awkward topic, but it’s better to talk about it before the trip than fight about it during the trip.

Set a budget range early. Not everyone is on the same financial level, and that’s okay. Make sure the plans and activities are suitable for everyone.
Use apps like Splitwise to track shared expenses and avoid messy you owe me.
Have a little extra for emergencies, because let’s be real, someone will need it.

Also, normalize the soft life, book that extra spa treatment, take the boat tour, and say yes to dessert twice. Remember you are here to have fun and relax.

Memories

Step 7: Capture the Memories (Without Living on Your Phone)

Yes, you need Instagram-worthy pictures. But you don’t need to be glued to your phone the entire trip.

Take turns playing photographer so no one gets left out.
Capture moments, not just poses.
Create a shared album so everyone gets the best shots.

But most importantly, be present. Some of the best moments happen when no one’s watching.

Adventure spirit

Step 8: Expect the Unexpected (And Go With the Flow)

Let’s be real, something will go wrong. Flights get delayed, someone will get lost, and there will definitely be one moment of unnecessary drama.

Laugh it off. Roll with it. And remember, the best stories always come from the chaos.

Where next?

Finally, a girl’s trip isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the bond, the relaxation, the inside jokes, the “remember when” moments that will live forever. Whether it’s a luxurious getaway or a spontaneous weekend escape, the most important thing is enjoying every moment together so make it a trip you will talk about forever.

So, book that trip. Take those selfies. Order the extra cocktail, go for more rounds of food. And when you get back, start planning the next one, because after one time you would surely want another.

Now, where are we going next?

next read: 6 Essential Items to Pack for a Stress Free Trip

Related Topics:#Travel #Girls #Fun #Memories #Explore #Budget

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Lifestyle

5 Beaches in Lagos for Your Next Staycation

Published

2 days ago

25 September 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@sunnyside.beach

A beach break does not always mean leaving Lagos. Residents looking for a change of scenery can find several coastal spots around Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo for a day out or a weekend break. From Ziba Beach Resort’s overwater accommodation to Nautica’s mix of recreation and beachfront stays, and beach clubs such as KYMA and Kivu, these five locations offer different ways to enjoy a local getaway.

Ziba Beach Phase 3

Photo: zibabeachresorts.com

Ziba Beach Resort in Okun Ajah unveiled Phase 3 on September 11, 2026, with larger Grand Overwater Rooms, loft-style overwater accommodation and a dedicated wellness centre. The resort also has beach-facing rooms and suites, family rooms, a two-bedroom apartment and other overwater rooms for guests planning an overnight stay.

Facilities at the resort include a lagoon pool, adult and children’s pools, a games room, cinema, spa, gym, restaurant and bar. Ziba also lists activities such as beach picnics, beachside dining and dinners. Some packages have included quad biking, horse riding and massage treatments.

Nautica Beach Resort

Photo: nauticabeachresort.com

Nautica Beach Resort is located in Lekki and describes itself as an in-city leisure and lifestyle destination. It combines beach access with recreation, dining, entertainment, wellness and sports. Activities listed on its website include quad biking, paintball, volleyball, football, snooker and VR gaming.

For visitors who want to stay longer, Nautica offers beachfront accommodation, including private beach chalets and apartments. Its website says guests can buy beach access and pre-book activities through the Orbit Lifestyle App. The resort also hosts events and entertainment for visitors who want to spend more time at the location.

Sunny Side Beach

Photo: Instagram/@sunnyside.beach

Sunny Side Beach is located at Mopo Onijebu, off Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie Road in Sangotedo. Current listings describe it as a bar and grill, beach club and leisure spot. It is more suited to visitors looking for a beach outing with food and drinks than a conventional hotel-style stay.

The location’s current listings show afternoon-to-evening operating hours on its open days. This makes it an option for visitors who want to spend part of the day by the coast before heading home. For a Lagos staycation, it is better presented as a local beach outing, while claims about overnight accommodation should be avoided unless confirmed directly with the business.

KYMA Beach

Photo: kymabeach.com

KYMA Beach is located at Elegushi Private Beach in Ikate, Lekki. It operates as a beachfront club with private cabanas, dining and spaces for private events. Its signature restaurant, LYA, is open to both members and non-members by reservation, allowing visitors to combine a beach outing with a restaurant visit.

KYMA also accepts non-members through day passes, which provide access to the beach, restaurant and selected facilities. Its official website lists public access from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays closed. This makes it an option for people who want to spend the day at the beach without booking an overnight stay.

Kivu Beach

Photo: kivubeachclub.com

Kivu Beach is located at Oba Elegushi Beach in Lekki Phase I and is listed as a beach club and dining destination. Its location places it within one of Lagos’ coastal leisure areas, giving residents another option for a day by the water without travelling outside the city. Current listings describe Kivu as a casual dining restaurant serving international cuisine.

Kivu is better presented as a beach and dining option than an accommodation-focused resort. Visitors should confirm current access arrangements, opening times and charges with the venue before setting out, as these details can change.

For Lagos residents, a staycation can be as simple as choosing a coastal spot for a day or booking a resort for a longer break. Ziba and Nautica have accommodation options for visitors planning to stay overnight, while Sunny Side, KYMA and Kivu are more suited to beach outings, dining and leisure. The choice depends on whether the plan is a weekend away, a few activities, a meal by the beach or some time by the water.

Lifestyle

Ugo Ugochukwu Makes History With 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship Win

Published

2 weeks ago

15 September 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram/@fiaf3

Ugo Ugochukwu has won the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Drivers’ Championship, becoming the first American driver to claim the title in the current FIA Formula 3 Championship.

The 19-year-old secured the championship on Sunday, September 13, at the Madring circuit in Madrid. Driving for Campos Racing, Ugochukwu finished second in the second Feature Race behind MP Motorsport’s Tuukka Taponen. Freddie Slater, his main title rival, finished eighth for Trident.

Photo: Instagram/@fiaf3

The result put Ugochukwu on 159 points for the season, 14 points ahead of Slater, who finished second with 145. Taponen’s victory also moved him into third place in the final Drivers’ Championship standings with 109 points.

Ugochukwu’s title came in his second FIA Formula 3 season. He won the opening Feature Race in Melbourne, Australia, before taking another victory in the Silverstone Sprint Race. He also finished on the podium in Catalonia, at the Red Bull Ring, in Hungary and in Madrid.

Ugochukwu arrived in Madrid 15 points behind Slater. After the weekend’s earlier races, the pair were level on 141 points going into the final Feature Race. Ugochukwu started the race from second on the grid, while Slater started eighth. Ugochukwu held second to the finish, while Slater remained eighth, giving Ugochukwu enough points to take the championship.

Photo: Instagram/@fiaf3

Ugochukwu is the son of Nigerian fashion model Oluchi Onweagba. Born in New York, he moved from karting into single-seater racing in 2022, competing in British F4. He won the Euro 4 Championship in 2023 and the Macau Grand Prix in 2024.

He joined the FIA Formula 3 grid with PREMA Racing in 2025, finishing 16th in the championship and recording two podiums. He switched to Campos Racing for 2026 and began the year by winning the Formula Regional Oceania trophy.

He now joins former FIA Formula 3 champions including Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, who have gone on to compete in Formula One.

Lifestyle

Angélique Kidjo Makes History With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Published

1 month ago

19 August 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Getty images

Angélique Kidjo has become the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a significant moment for the Beninese singer whose career has taken African music to audiences around the world.

The five-time Grammy Award winner received the honour on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a ceremony in Los Angeles. Her star, the 2,854th on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was placed in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard.

Photo: Getty images

Kidjo was among the names selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026. The selection was announced in July 2025, with the Beninese singer included alongside several prominent figures from music, film, television and other areas of entertainment.

x.com/@MadamAfrika

The ceremony brought together several notable figures, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold and actor Djimon Hounsou were also reported to be among those who attended the occasion.

For Kidjo, the recognition is tied closely to where she comes from and the music she has carried across borders throughout her career. During her speech, she reflected on Africa’s contribution to music and the influence of the continent’s culture on sounds heard around the world.

“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world. Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” she said during the ceremony.

The 66-year-old singer has spent more than four decades in music, building a career that extends beyond recording and live performances. She has released numerous albums, worked with international artists and used her public platform to support social and humanitarian causes. Her collaborations have included musicians such as Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, Bono, Yo-Yo Ma and Burna Boy.

Photo: Getty images

Her Grammy history is another major part of that career. Kidjo has won five Grammy Awards, adding to a list of international honours that have established her as one of the most recognised African musicians working on the global stage.

The Hollywood recognition also came with a special declaration. August 18 was officially recognised as Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood, adding another distinction to the occasion.

The significance of the star goes beyond the name engraved on the famous boulevard. Kidjo’s achievement places a Beninese musician at a landmark that has long been associated with some of the biggest names in international entertainment. For African music, it is another visible acknowledgement of the artists who have carried sounds, languages and traditions from the continent into wider global audiences.