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The Perfect Girls' Trip For Every Friend Group This Summer
As someone with multiple different groups of friends, when it is time to take a vacation together, there are several factors I have to consider in order to plan the perfect girl’s trip. I have friends that I’ve known since I was a teenager, friends who are parents, bougie friends, beach bums, and those who are just always with the shits. Each set of friends we keep will come with a different set of needs and preferences, which all have to be considered when booking trips.
Comparing budgets and dietary restrictions is just the beginning of the things you need to factor in to ensure that everyone’s needs are met. Truly understanding what type of friends you are traveling with will allow you to accurately choose the right destination and activities to satisfy everyone.
And I know for some people, group trips are a no-no due to the reputation for people leaving as friends and coming back as enemies. We’ve all heard stories about people beefing on vacation and losing friends in the process (looking at you, Miami). Conflicts often arise when the destination doesn't align with the group's diverse interests, leaving some feeling left out or unsatisfied. This makes it crucial to choose a location that resonates with the collective vibe of your friends.
Choosing a peaceful beach destination may not work for adventure-seeking friends, and a “we’ll only be sleeping there” mindset when choosing a hotel won’t cut it with your luxury-seeking girlies.
Understanding the unique dynamics and desires of your group—whether they crave adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences, or vibrant nightlife—can help ensure a harmonious and enjoyable trip for all. In this article, I’ll delve into a variety of destinations tailored to different types of friend groups, helping you select the perfect spot that meets everyone’s needs and creates lasting memories.
From serene beaches and bustling cities to mountain retreats and cultural havens, let's find the ideal location for your next girls' trip!
For the luxurious friends...
Italy
We all have that one friend (or group of friends) who does not believe in budgets when it’s time to travel and requires the best of the best, from hotels to restaurants to activities. This is not a group trip to try out hostels or 2-star Yelp restaurants because the standards are high. For this group of friends, Italy is the perfect destination to jet-set off to. I like Italy for the bougie friends because with so many different cities, each providing its own vibes and feelings of luxury, everyone in the group will leave happy.
If you want stunning countryside and opulent wine tasting, take the group to Tuscany, which is known for art, culture, food, and wine. Stay at the Grand Universe Lucca, located in the heart of the city, which offers lavish rooms and suites that will fit the high standards of the group. If the group consists of fashionistas, take a trip to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, and drop a few racks on some luxury shopping.
For the partiers...
Cabo San Lucas
If your friend group is often referred to as the “Too Live Crew,” then you're gonna wanna head to Cabo for a turn-up trip for the books. Sure, some people go on vacation to get some peace and quiet, but for others, it’s an opportunity to let loose and have fun. Cabo is the perfect destination to balance enjoying some sun and then hitting the town. The nightlife here is not one to mess around with, so grab the girls and hit up the Downtown Tourist District, a turnt-up strip of bars, lounges, and restaurants to hop in and out of.
And did you even go on vacation if a boat isn’t involved? Book one of Cabo’s many party catamarans, where you can take in beautiful views, sip cocktails, and twerk while overlooking the ocean.
In terms of accommodations, there are a number of resorts that keep the party going, like RIU, which has three resorts in Cabo that all host daily events and activities, such as an all-white party and foam party, and also has its own club. Another option is Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, which boasts its own beach club and rooftop bar and is located a short walk from the main party strip. Leaving you and the crew just steps away from the action at all times.
For the foodies...
San Antonio
Calling all foodies! If you didn’t know already, San Antonio has a huge culinary scene and offers a lot for folks like me who will travel for food. For reference, San Antonio was designated as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, specifically because of the city's rich culinary heritage and diverse food options. From authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex to mouthwatering BBQ and healthy farm-to-table dining experiences, the city has something for every palate. Foodies should spend a Sunday Funday exploring the iconic River Walk, which is lined with an array of different restaurants, bars, and cafes paired with scenic views.
If you really want to maximize your trip, plan your visit around one of San Antonio's renowned food festivals, such as the Tasting Texas Wine and Food Festival, which showcases the best local cuisine, wines, and craft beers. With its blend of traditional and contemporary culinary delights, San Antonio promises a memorable and delicious adventure for food-loving friends.
For the friends who stunt for the 'gram...
The Bahamas
In the age of TikTok and Instagram, some groups are filled with influencers and people looking to “do it for the 'gram.” If that’s your friends, The Bahamas provides a range of picturesque backdrops and fun activities that will provide you with plenty of dope content to make your followers jealous. The crystal blue beaches alone are perfect for an IG post, but there’s so much more. Pig Beach in Exuma is a popular experience for travelers, and you can film videos swimming alongside pigs. Another way to really stunt is to visit Bimini, arriving in style on a seaplane from South Florida or booking a private charter for a truly VIP experience showing your followers the views from the sky.
Then head to Resorts World Bimini, where y’all can post pictures from the private beach, rooftop infinity pool, or the 600-foot stretch lagoon pool with a swim-up bar. If you have the time, plan for the group to hit up Nassau, first checking out the famous Fish Fry, which is a lit-uation full of amazing food, good music, and all of the vibes. Then book a stay at Baha Mar, one of the most luxurious resorts in Nassau, which boasts its own beachside waterpark and beautiful suites with the best views. The whole crew will be sure to snag the perfect Insta shot!
Courtesy of 8, The Experience
For the self-care mami's...
Curaçao
Sometimes, booking a vacation stems from literally needing a break from the day-to-day aspects of our lives and wanting to relax. Curaçao, with its serene turquoise waters and tranquil beaches, is the ultimate destination for a group seeking peace and self-care. This is ideal if your friend group is the type that doesn’t need a packed itinerary full of excursions but could benefit from laying out on a beautiful beach followed by a body scrub and massage. This island offers a plethora of luxurious spas, wellness retreats, and peaceful resorts that will allow you and the girls to take care of yourselves.
Book a spa day for the group at 8, The Experience, where the group can enjoy full body massages or hang out in the whirlpool with spectacular views of the ocean. Staying at luxury properties like Kontiki Beach Resort will allow for the ultimate self-care retreat, with an onsite spa, restaurants, and beach club, so you won’t have to plan out things off the property.
Courtesy of Robin D. Thomas
For the No Passport Crew....
U.S. Virgin Islands
No passport, no problem! If you live in the United States and need to plan a getaway somewhere tropical, someone being passportless can seriously limit your options. Whether it’s because someone has never had a passport, misplaced theirs, or waiting for a renewed passport because the wait times are ridiculous right now, that shouldn’t stop the girls' trip from making it out of the group chat. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers the allure and beauty of the Caribbean without the need for the little blue book.
Grab the girls and visit Saint Thomas, spending your days on one of the many crystal blue beaches and eating all the conch and fresh lobster that your heart desires. Aside from beaches and delicious food, Saint Thomas also has a great nightlife for the party folks, as well as a lot of opportunities for shopping. You can also visit the other two Virgin Islands, Saint Croix and Saint John, each of which offers its own vibes but the same beautiful, passport-free beaches.
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Robin D. Thomas is a brunch loving, Brooklyn born and raised Licensed Social Worker currently working in the Bronx. When she's not writing about all things wellness, entertainment and love, you can find her eating her way through different cities and tending to her plants. Connect with her on IG and Twitter at @_MissRobin or on her Instagram wellness page @thisnoirethat.
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
Draya Michele And Jalen Green Address Backlash Over Age Gap In Their Relationship
Romantic relationships with significant age gaps often attract heightened attention and scrutiny, especially when they involve an older woman dating a much younger man.
This criticism is usually viewed as a double standard, considering society's general acceptance of couples like Jay-Z and Beyoncé or Julius Tennon and Viola Davis, where the male partners are over a decade older than their female spouses.
The debate surrounding age gaps in celebrity relationships reignited in March when Draya Michele, a 39-year-old former reality star and entrepreneur, revealed she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend, 22-year-old Houston Rockets player Jalen Green, after nearly a year together. Immediately following the announcement, Michele, who has two sons from previous relationships, faced massive backlash due to the couple's 17-year age difference.
In response to the scrutiny, Michele posted a quote on her Instagram story, which has since been deleted, suggesting she was comfortable with being "misunderstood." The post read, "Get comfortable being misunderstood. Only a fraction of people will be able to truly grasp your essence. You are not on anyone else's timeline of comprehension."
Since then, the couple welcomed their daughter in May and maintained a relatively low profile regarding their relationship. However, during a recent outing in Hollywood, Michele and Green shared their thoughts with TMZ about the criticism they have received.
Draya And Jalen On Age-Gap Backlash
When asked about the online chatter surrounding their relationship, Michele revealed the couple's strategy for dealing with negativity. "We try to stay off the internet and not really listen to that kind of stuff," she explained.
Green echoed this sentiment, stating they don't care about the public backlash. The former Basketball Wivesstar elaborated that they strive to live as normally as possible by blocking out the hate.
“We block it out and we mind our business,” she stated.
When questioned about why she was facing scrutiny despite the pair looking the same age, Michele disclosed that the entire ordeal was strange.
“I don’t know what people’s problems is,” she said. “We are two adults– being in love. I don’t know why that would rub people the wrong way. It’s kind of weird. Love is love at the end of the day.”
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