As spring and summer approach, many of us are craving a break from the cold weather and looking forward to sunnier days. What better way to shake off the winter blues than by planning a girls’ getaway? Travel, meals, and activities can add up quickly, but with some strategic planning, you can create an unforgettable experience without overspending. Whether you’re celebrating a bride-to-be or just planning a fun weekend with friends, here’s how to plan a trip that meets everyone’s budget without feeling like you’re cutting corners.
1. Pick an Affordable, Easy-to-Access Location
Flights can eat up a huge portion of the budget, so choosing a location with plenty of affordable flights is key. We landed on Florida because it’s easy to get to and has tons of budget-friendly options for food, lodging, and activities. Major cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa frequently have cheap flights! Do a quick flight search before locking in a destination to make sure it works for most attendees.
Comparing flight prices on Google Flights, travel websites, and your credit card travel portal will help save tons of money! If you have points on your credit card or an airline, opt to use those and save a portion of your flight or maybe even the whole flight!
2. Be Smart About Dining
Food can be a major expense, but with some planning, you can keep costs down without sacrificing delicious meals.
- Skip Restaurants with Minimum Spend Requirements – Instead, book places where everyone can order within their budget. With large groups, this can be tough! Look on OpenTable for restaurants that take a booking with parties of your size.
- Plan a Few Dinners at Home – We grabbed Chipotle takeout one night, which was both affordable and easy and has something for everyone! This will usually leave you with leftovers, too for late night eats or a snack throughout the day.
- Stock Up on Groceries – Ordering groceries to your Airbnb or hotel helps cut down on last-minute splurges and keeps snacks and drinks on hand. Pre-plan the grocery list and get it delivered! Delivery fees are worth the amount you’ll save if you were to walk up and down the aisles picking up all of the treats that you see.
- DIY Happy Hours – Instead of pricey bars, we had themed happy hours at our house with fun cocktails and decorations. Individuals or a group of girls can plan a theme each night. This can be a fun way to split the duties and also incorporate everyone in the planning. Pinterest always has fun ideas and examples!
3. Choose One Big Activity & Keep the Rest Flexible
A big trip highlight doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. We opted for a sandbar party boat cruise through St. Pete Coastal Cruises—only $95 per person for 4 hours with unlimited drinks. Everyone got to enjoy a fun, unique experience without breaking the bank.
Other budget-friendly activities:
- Beach Days – Totally free and always a hit!
- Pool Days with Games – Great for group bonding without extra costs.
- Exploring Local Bars & Cafés – Pick a casual lunch spot or a lively bar instead of committing to pricey outings every night.
4. Use Cost-Splitting Apps
Splitting bills for meals, Ubers, and group activities can get messy fast. We used Splitwise to track shared expenses so no one had to awkwardly Venmo each other back and forth. This made it super easy to stay on budget while making sure everything was evenly divided.
5. Balance the Budget with Flexibility
Not everyone has the same financial situation, so keeping some parts of the trip optional helps accommodate different budgets. For example, we had one day where people could choose between:
- A relaxing beach day (free!)
- Hitting up beach bars for casual drinks
- Grabbing lunch at a local café
Having a mix of planned activities and downtime makes the trip enjoyable for everyone—without pressuring people to spend beyond their means.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much money you spend, but about making the most of your time together. A little planning goes a long way in creating a fun and memorable trip without financial stress. With the warm weather on its way, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your next getaway—one filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of budget-friendly adventures!
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