How to survive your girlie holiday… AND return home still speaking

It’s all anyone has spoken of for months: the character-defining, no holds barred girlie sun holiday abroad.

Yes, there’s the looming likelihood of giant insects, questionable hotel hygiene standards, and nasty sunburn to consider… but you still. Just. Can’t. Wait.

You’ve planned games, pool activities, one or two cultural day-trips (your mam would never forgive you if you didn’t swing by a church) not to mention heaps of perfectly-accessorised, on fleek outfits for mornings, afternoons and evenings.

What a pity then that there is little chance of the group avoiding entirely tears, tantrums, and occasional rages.

Because someone, somewhere, at some stage will take serious offence at a word, a look, or a supposed snub.

Fear not, however! SHEmazing has compiled the ultimate guide to making the most from your girlie trip away… AND returning home on speaking terms.

Even better, make sure to stick around for West Coast Cooler’s AMAZING holiday giveaway: namely a €10,000 trip-of-a-lifetime to Thailand for you and three mates… #girlieholidaygoals

 

1) Don’t take yourself too seriously:

Sure thing, at home your makeup might be meticulously organised; brushes stored in ascending order; clear glosses still perfectly clear and unclouded.

But your girlie holiday is a time to seriously chill. So if someone takes your suncream or uses your towel, take a deep breath and – in the words of Elsa from Frozen – let it go. Same goes for refusing to get into the pool lest your perfectly tousled tresses get wet.

Because no one, ever wants to be THAT girl.

2) Discuss your social media policy:

You don’t have to go all Mark Zuckerberg, but it’s probably a good idea to get a social media strategy of sorts in order in advance. Is everyone allowed to post and tag group shots at their will? Should bikini snaps be off limits? What about hard-core nights out?

But whatever your leanings, agree on a common ground and stick to it.

And if you know you’ll only get upset being snapped with a face full of greasy suncream and no makeup, insist on popping on your sunnies beforehand – and then just flash your best smile and get on with having fun.

3) Men should probably come second:

Maybe you’re a gaggle of single ladies who are on the same page. Or it could be that you’re all loved-up gals with a guy waiting at home. More realistically, you’ll be a mixture of the two. And every year, firm friends fall out over men on holidays.

We say – vaycay socialising should be all about your squad of females. If you’re single and happen to mingle with someone nice, great! But don’t bail on carefully crafted girlie plans just to go on a date.

Because being blunt: in all likelihood, your friends are going to be around a lot longer than a holiday fling.

4) Remain a (somewhat) sensible adult:

Don’t put yourself in needless danger (read: stay away from mopeds), and try not to do anything that will likely result in an injury of any sorts (see moped advice). Apply suncream regularly (looking like a lobster will be a downer) and stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Spending most of the afternoon in bed is a waste too. You’ve parted with cash to jet away, so make the effort to get up, get dressed and get out during the day.

A morning coffee in the sun at a local cafe, or a walk along the quieter stretches of coastline are great for chats and bonding with the girls – not to mention a good way to placate any niggling arguments.

5) Money matters:

Fights over money are the worst… and some folk are inevitably going to have an extra bit of cash with them. In short, an afternoon’s jet-skiing or hitting a snazzy restaurant every single night just won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

So chat in advance about what’s worth it (taxis in and out of town) and what just isn’t (a five-minute camel ride on the beach). Ideally, hit a supermarket on day one and stock up on water, snacks and drinks to cut down on your day-time spend.

It’s fine for some of the group to go off on their own for a bit of pampering or luxury, but try to ensure the squad doesn’t end up splitting in two because of finances.

6) Remember – your time together is precious:

Even with the odd hiccup along the way – girlie getaways are the very best. Which is worth remembering when you start to get irritated. Indeed, most of the time (and even though you momentarily swear “never again”) you’re hardly back a week when you all start planning the next big one.

And West Coast Cooler might be able to help out in that regard: they’re giving away a ten-day holiday to Thailand, worth (wait for it) an incredible €10,000. The best part? You’ll get to bring your three best mates too.

West Coast Cooler – Airport Style Guide from SHEmazing! TV on Vimeo.

West Coast Cooler are looking for imaginative, creative and original entries. You’ll find out more information here. All we can say is: wowsers! #WCCsummer

Check out the video above for even more top vacation tips and don’t forget to click on the West Coast Cooler banner for your chance to win.