Girl group getaways are a rising trend
The days of waiting for ‘the right time’ or ‘the right person’ to travel with are long gone. Many women are packing their bags for shorter, more frequent escapes with their friends, and they’re doing it their way. A new travel trend called ‘girl grouping’ is redefining the way women travel. Recent research reveals that 14% of female travellers are planning a women-only trip this year, drawn by the friendship, freedom and fun the trip promises.
Regardless of whether they are married or have children, the intention of these holidays includes a deliberate travel plan that shifts toward transformative, ‘lifemoment’ travels, merging learning, luxury and sisterhood along with new travel experiences and destinations. Picture a Pilates session surrounded by the Drakensberg Mountains in Newcastle, horseback riding in the Midlands Meander or a cultural and heritage interactive Zulu dancing experience in Hluhluwe.
Better together
There are a number of reasons why women are embracing girl grouping. Safety still matters, but so does solidarity. Women are choosing to travel in close-knit, trusted groups of friends, family or colleagues. These aren’t huge squad tours but smaller groups of four to six women sharing laughs, playlists and petrol costs. The right accommodation can make all the difference – look for spacious multi-bed suites, small villas or hotel groups that cater for flexible room configurations.
Women are taking more frequent but shorter breaks. Think two- to three-night stays, often within driving distance or a quick local flight, that offer just enough to break the routine, reconnect and return recharged. Hotels within two hours of major cities are great options. Look out for winter specials or mid-week packages with perks such as spa treatments, excursions or a complimentary game of padel or putt-putt.
These trips are not about rigid, over-scheduled itineraries or luxury just for show. Women are choosing soul-healing breaks that mix downtime with deep chats. It’s within the simplicity of a wine-tasting, a sunrise hike or dinner in a pretty courtyard where the connection becomes far more significant than the destination or activities.
The modern girl group getaway is definitely planned and curated, but not for Instagram. Women are travelling for the experience, not to publicise it. Yes, they’ll take the photos, but it’s the spontaneous moments, like a shared morning coffee or a surprise birthday cake at checkout, captured for the group, not for the Instagram feed.
These travels often don’t require passports, rather being familiar yet meaningful.
Text | Corné Alberts
Photography | Candy Retriever
Corné Alberts is National Marketing Manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts.
For more information, go to anewhotels.com.
