This post is for all vinas out there in the drivers seat, the maids of honor, go-getters, wranglers, and event planners. This is for the friends who are the reason that we all see each other now and then.
Bless you for starting the email chain that got us all down to Cabo for the holidays. For the bachelorette party in Palm Springs. For the high school reunion. For Thursday night happy hour traditions. We salute you and all the coordinating that you do.
Here is a hot list of tips on how to plan a group trip – inspired by and written for you:
THROW YOUR PERFECTIONISM AWAY
You will never make everyone happy. Own your decisions, your plans, and your intuition. Someone will try to be a backseat planner. Another person will get mad because that scheduled weekend gets in the way of another wedding. Vinas will drop out last minute. Breathe and remember that all of that is okay.
BE MINDFUL OF ALL BUDGETS
Keep in mind those vinas who aren’t making the big bucks (yet). Budget is a real thing, even for those who aren’t that worried about it. Plan with your friend in mind who just finished grad school and is driving across the country with all her possessions in the backseat. She wants to come, and budget shouldn’t stand in the way.
TALK ABOUT A KID-FREE WEEKEND
Have an honest convo about kids ahead of time. Before airplane tickets are bought, ask your new moms whether or not it can be a kid-free weekend. Chances are they’re ready to hit the road with you, but it is still nice to make them feel like you aren’t intentionally leaving their little ones out.
DELEGATE TO THE CREW
Feel free to delegate. Just because you are the ring leader in planning does not mean you have to handle every single little thing. Pass some duties out to friends who are ready and willing. Let someone else find the hotel. Another person can scour Groupon for some deal while another vina finds the rental car. Whatever you do, don’t feel like this is your sole responsibility.
DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF THE BIG PICTURE
Lastly but perhaps most important: don’t lose sight of the big picture. The goal isn’t to plan the most perfect trip ever. The goal is to gather you and your vinas together from near and far. Bask in the each other’s company and remember that is about friendship (not humble brags on Instagram).
Enjoy it! You all totally deserve this. Let’s be real: you all would have a blast at the Motel 6 by the airport if it came down to it.
(Featured imaged via @amelia.edmondson)
