At 50, I’ve learned that waiting for the perfect travel companion is like waiting for the perfect moment—it rarely comes. That’s why I’ve spent the last decade championing solo female travel and celebrating the magic that happens when women choose adventure on their own terms.
But here’s what I’m seeing lately that has me absolutely thrilled: women aren’t just embracing solo travel anymore. They’re also revolutionizing group travel in ways that would make previous generations envious. Instead of lamenting missed opportunities or settling for compromise plans, women are doing something far more empowering: they’re texting their tribes, making their own plans, and booking adventures that align with their actual desires.
The Travel Revolution I’m Witnessing
As someone who’s been tracking travel trends for years, both personally and professionally. I can tell you that something fundamental has shifted. The data backs up what I’m seeing in my own community: girls’ trip content is consistently hitting 100,000 to 350,000 views on social platforms, with some reaching much higher. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Note: This article contains affiliate links. This site earns from qualifying purchases.
What’s really happening is a fundamental shift in how we think about meaningful travel. Women are no longer waiting for romantic partners to validate their vacation dreams or settling for whatever scraps of PTO align with someone else’s schedule. Instead, they’re creating their own adventures and the results are extraordinary.
The secret sauce? These trips aren’t about luxury or perfect Instagram shots. They’re about connection, authentic experiences, and what the younger generation brilliantly calls “core memory” moments. As someone who’s planned dozens of both solo and group adventures, I can confirm that the best trips are never the most expensive ones—they’re the ones where everyone shows up fully present and ready to embrace spontaneity.
A year after my divorce, I celebrated a milestone birthday. The big 50! I didn’t have a romantic partner and I wanted to celebrate in a big way. I thought there was no better way that to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. It was a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a country I hadn’t visited yet.
My friend and co-host on the Untethered & Wanderwise Podcast, Heide, joined me for this trip, and we celebrated big! It touches on all the things I’m mentioning here.
Three Trends Changing How We Travel Together
1. Friendship-Centered Adventures Are Outshining Romance Travel
I recently heard that couples travel to create one perfect night. Yet, friend groups travel to create a storyline.
This resonates deeply with my philosophy. When you travel solo, you’re the author of your own story. When you travel with friends, you’re co-creating something that becomes part of your shared history. Whether it’s celebrating a promotion, supporting someone through a breakup, or simply deciding you deserve a weekend away. These trips become milestones that strengthen bonds in ways a traditional date night never could.
2. Wellness and Play Are Finally Dancing Together
Gone are the days when a girls’ trip meant choosing between a spa retreat or a night out. The most successful friend group getaways I’ve planned (and participated in!) blend mindful mornings with celebratory evenings. Picture this: Pilates class at sunrise, pool time with deep conversations, followed by an incredible dinner and maybe a show.
Cities like Las Vegas, New Orleans, Seattle, and Tokyo are perfect for this balance. They offer both energy and experiences. But don’t overlook cozy nature destinations like Sedona or charming beach towns for more recharge-focused adventures.
3. Short Escapes Are Winning Hearts (and Calendars)
Here’s where my decades of travel experience really pays off: the magic isn’t in the length. The magic is in the intention. Two-night escapes are easier to coordinate than week-long vacations, require less PTO, create less budget stress, and often deliver more memorable moments per hour than longer trips.
The key is creating what I call “cinematic but manageable” itineraries. You want enough structure to feel special but enough flexibility for those spontaneous moments that become the stories you’ll tell for years.
My Proven Formula for Friend Group Travel Success
After years of both solo adventures, family trips, and group escapes, I’ve developed a simple framework that works every time:
Night 1: Arrive and Create One Anchor Moment
Whether it’s a special dinner reservation or a signature activity, choose one meaningful experience that sets the tone. Don’t try to pack everything into the first night. You have time!
Day 2: Reset and Headline Experience
Start with a late brunch (trust me, no one wants to rush), add a wellness or creative activity, then transition to your main evening event. This rhythm allows for natural bonding and creates a beautiful narrative arc.
Day 3: One Final Shared Ritual
End with intention. Whether it’s a farewell brunch, a group photo at a meaningful spot, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the experience together before heading home, this closing ritual transforms a trip into a treasured memory.
The Practical Wisdom That Makes It Work
My biggest advice for any friend group is to choose one anchor experience. One must-do. Build around that. Leave space for spontaneity, because the moments people remember most are usually the ones that were never planned.
And here’s the practical tip that will save your trip: Before a big night out, decide how you’re getting there and how you’re getting back. The night runs smoother when transportation is handled ahead of time. Nobody wants to be figuring out rides at midnight in heels.
I’ve learned this the hard way more than once, and it’s absolutely true. The logistics matter, not because they’re glamorous, but because they free you to be fully present for the magic.
Why This Matters for Every Woman
Whether you’re 25 or 65, whether you prefer solo adventures or group escapades, this travel trend represents something powerful: women taking ownership of their joy. We’re no longer waiting for permission, perfect timing, or the ideal companion. We’re creating our own adventures and inviting others to join us or going alone when that serves us better.
As someone who’s traveled solo through six continents and planned countless group adventures, I can tell you that both experiences offer unique gifts. Solo travel teaches you to trust yourself completely. Group travel reminds you of the irreplaceable joy of shared discovery.
The time has come to stop waiting for someone else to plan your perfect getaway. Consider this your invitation to start texting your own group chat, or better yet, book that solo adventure you’ve been dreaming about. Because the best time to explore more, whether alone or with your chosen family, is always now.