As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized just how important it is to carve out intentional time with my friends. 

Between work obligations, family responsibilities, and trying to stay healthy (and sane), the first thing that usually gets sacrificed is quality time with friends. We all know those endless group texts saying “We need to catch up!” that never actually leads to plans.

And yet, every time we actually do make it out of the group chat, we leave feeling lighter, inspired, and infinitely better. There’s something about being with friends that recharges us in a way nothing else can.

And why is that? Well, a growing body of research suggests that social bonding stimulates the release of oxytocin (“the happy hormone”), which can promote feelings of trust, safety, and relaxation. 

At the same time, studies show vacations and disconnection from daily obligations helps lower cortisol (the main stress hormone), reduce blood pressure, and decrease physiological tension. In other words, spending time with close friends in a new environment creates a sensation of relief and vitality. 

That’s why when The Daily Drip asked me to help curate their Inaugural Thought Leader Weekend, I jumped at the chance. Their vision was to combine all the best parts of a girls’ trip - luxury accommodations, delicious food, nature and movement, spa treatments, and of course, the deep belly laughs and heartfelt connection that only come from being with your people - alongside the mission of this trip: a collective pause to reflect and set intentions for how we want to show up- as leaders and thought leaders, but also as people.

Because a girls’ trip doesn’t have to look like a scene from Bridesmaids - a chaotic, wine-fueled blur before the plane even takes off. (Though wine is welcome!) 

When approached with intention, these weekends can actually be restorative, healing, and transformational. And sharing an experience like that with close friends can further deepen the bond between everyone.

So let’s talk about how to elevate your next girls’ trip from just a fun getaway to true soul-recharge!

Step 1: Set Your Intention

What do you want out of this trip? Is it quality time and connection? Adventure and adrenaline? Restoration and rest? Digital detox? Or maybe a mix of them all? Being clear on your “why” before you plan helps shape everything that follows - your destination, your activities, even who you invite.

Step 2: Choose Your Crew

We all have different friend groups, and each one brings a different vibe. Ask yourself: Who do I want to share this experience with? Maybe it’s your college besties, your mom squad, or your local community of business leaders (wink wink The Daily Drip.) Being intentional about who you bring along ensures the energy feels aligned and supportive.

Step 3: Designate a Leader

Nothing derails a girls’ trip faster than the planning phase. There’s always the “I don’t care, just tell me how much it is” friend. The “I’ll sleep anywhere, but I’ll throw a fit if I get the smallest room” friend. And of course the “missed the chat completely and now wants to jump in at the last minute” friend. 

And that’s all before you even start booking. Decide upfront who will take the lead, and then delegate tasks so one person isn’t drowning in logistics and decisions.

Step 4: Pick the Right Destination

Match your intention to your location:

• For restoration & nature: Sedona, AZ – red rocks, hiking galore, spiritual energy, and spa bliss.
  
  
• For vibrant city energy: Toronto – buzzing art & culture, international flavors and access to nature trails. (If this is your pick, you can steal our Thought Leader Weekend itinerary!)
  
  
• For a winter escape: The Florida Keys – sunshine, slow pace, and vitamin D to break up the winter blues.
  
  

The right setting can make all the difference in how the trip feels.

Step 5: Create an Intentional Itinerary

In an attempt to appease every person’s interests and make the most of their time in a new destination, groups oftentimes tend to overstuff their schedule, only to cause overwhelm from it all. Just trying to get a group of 10 women from one place to the next can be a heroic feat. Aim for a balance of activities, minimal transfers and plenty of time to rest in between. I try to include these 4 types of activities in my itineraries to ensure it feels balanced: 

• Movement: morning yoga, a surf lesson, or a beach walk.
• Exploration: walking tour, nature hike, or shopping local markets. 
• Connection: group dinners, pottery class, or a cooking class.
• Rest: spa time, journaling, or simply lounging by the pool.
  
  

Be mindful of your group dynamics too. Got night owls and early birds? Build flexibility into your schedule so everyone feels included without pressure to do everything. 

Step 6: Add a Reflective Element

Want to really elevate the experience? Introduce daily journal prompts or conversation starters. They don’t need to be heavy - just thoughtful enough to spark meaningful reflection and deeper connection.

For our Thought Leader Weekend, we read Adam Grant’s best seller Think Again prior to the trip. Connecting a book to your journal prompts and conversation starters can be a powerful way to enhance self-reflection and deepen your connection with others on the trip. Adam Grant’s site provides companion prompts and discussion guides for all his books.

Here are some of the prompts from his Think Again Guide we chose for our Thought Leader Weekend:

• How have your goals and identities evolved? What are you ready to let go of, and what are you leaning into? Why?
• How can you foster more curiosity? What strategies can you use to challenge your comfort zone and your beliefs?
• As a leader - at home, at work, or in your community - how can you foster learning culture vs performance culture?
• As a Thought Leader, what do you want to be known for? Why?

Attend our upcoming Leadership Lab for the full reflection experience!

Step 7: Take Something Home with You

The best trips don’t just end when the plane lands. They ripple into your everyday life. Before you wrap up, have each person share one takeaway and how they’ll bring it into their routine. Maybe it’s committing to monthly girls’ dinners, scheduling more spa days, or going on solo nature walks. These little “souvenirs of intention” are what turn a trip into lasting transformation.

A girls’ weekend will always be fun. It’s time well spent with your best people, after all. But when you approach it with intention, it becomes something much more: an opportunity for growth, connection, restoration, and joy.

So start that group chat again. Only this time, instead of texting “We need to catch up one day,” say “Let’s plan a weekend together. I’ll start a poll for dates.” Trust me, your future self will thank you.