Your Ultimate Vacation Packing List For An Epic Girl's Weekend

Getting Drunk On The Plane

I know people do this, but don't let it be you. Not everyone wants their 2+ hour plane ride to be disturbed by the person who had one too many drinks and thinks everyone wants to hear them sing "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter at the top of their lungs. We love the song, but that's why headphones exist.

There's also the chance that someone in your group becomes angry while they're drunk and decides to pick an imaginary fight with a stranger on the plane.

Either way, someone will complain or you'll end up immortalized on social media.

Trashing The Hotel Room Or Airbnb You're Staying In

This is a given, but it never hurts to remind others to be considerate while they're on vacation! It's true that hotels and AirBnbs are usually cleaned by others, but that's no reason to completely trash the place you're staying at. I've stayed with people who thought this was perfectly okay, but I just can't imagine leaving trash everywhere while on vacation.

Will someone clean our messes? Yes, but we shouldn't take advantage of this just because we're not home. It's just common courtesy to dispose of food and drinks instead of leaving them thrown all over the place.

Refusing To Split The Bill At Restaurants

If it's not been established that a sole person while take care of a restaurant bill, don't flat out refuse to pay for your portion. Not only does this make you look selfish, but you probably won't be invited to anymore group or girls trips. I've heard stories of this happening on girls trips and I always wondered if a conversation was had prior to going on vacation.

One thing my friends and I do is discuss the financial breakdown of anything we're doing so everyone is on the same page. If you're currently in a season where money is a little tight, it's okay to be honest about your situation instead of being rude when you don't have enough to pay for your meal.

Making A Stink About Group Activities

Group activities are fun, but some people might not want to participate in the 15+ activities you've tried to jam-pack into a three-day weekend. Some people may want a breather from exploring and some people may not be interested in everything you think is best for the group. Ironically this reminds me of the mishaps that happened during Wine Country.

It's okay to be disappointed that everyone's not together during the entire trip, but you don't have to control everything. Trust that the group trip will be fun whether everyone wants to do the same things or not.

Inviting People That Your Group Doesn't Know About

Face Palm. It pains me that this is still something that needs to be discussed, but it's never okay to assume you can invite more people on the group trip you're going on. This is especially true if all expenses — room & board, food, activities, etc., — have been factored in.

It's always common courtesy to ask the person who planned the group trip if it's okay to bring one or two extra people. If they tell you they're not okay with, don't get upset with them. Respect that the group trip may be reserved for family or your small group of friends.

You can always call, text, or FaceTime the person you were thinking about bringing!

Accidentally Flashing Beachgoers

Bikinis aren't always our best friends because the occasional nip slip or lost swimsuit bottoms seem to come for us all. This is by far one of the most embarrassing things that can happen when you're getting out of the pool, playing volleyball, or jumping over waves in the ocean.

Want to know what makes it even worse? Sometimes this happens when your crush is nearby, resulting in a "Bury my head in the sand" moment. Wear that 'kini, girl! You'll just want to keep tabs on it ;).

Having Loud Sex 

Sex is beautiful and amazing, but it can be uncomfortable for other people to hear us going wild during a group trip. Some people are quieter than others, but it's not safe to assume we won't disturb anyone's sleep. I'd be lying if I said I didn't exit stage left when I knew one of my friends was about to become preoccupied with extracurricular activities.

By all means, have fun! Just be mindful that not everyone will want to hear it.

Getting Arrested

There's not a lot to say about this one except getting arrested while on vacation shouldn't be on anyone's bucket list. It doesn't matter how funny you or someone in your group thinks it is to flash a random stranger on purpose, do graffiti at night, or get into a drunken brawl with the girl in the bathroom who's been throwing dirty looks all night.

It can put a damper on the group trip if one of you gets placed in the backseat of a cop car. The best piece of advice I can offer is to enjoy your vacation without the cops getting involved.

Traveler's Choice Pagosa Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Spinner Carry-On

$87, was $111

Your luggage is where it all begins, so opting for a durable suitcase like this one is gonna take you far. I'm talking trips on trips on trips, baby! Not only is this cute purple carry-on from Traveler's Choice resistant to scratches, tears, and water, it's super easy to navigate, thanks to the 360° spinning wheels (two-wheel suitcases are so a thing of the past). It's even fitted with an interior power bank and a built-in USB port in case your phone needs a last-minute charge.

Veken 8-Piece Packing Cubes Set

$20, was $26

I simply can't take a trip without using my packing cubes. They allow me to maximize the space in my carry-on or checked suitcase, so I can take tons of cute outfit options with me. This 8-piece set can carry more than just clothes, though. It comes with pouches perfectly set-out for toiletries, accessories, undergarments, and practically whatever else you want to bring! The mesh paneling makes it easy to see exactly what you brought with you, too.

Linyune Upgrade MagSafe Wallet Stand

$5, was $10

I cannot stress how helpful this phone wallet is, especially when you're moving through security. Instead of wrangling with a bulky wallet to fetch your ID, this MagSafe insert keeps your cards (up to 5) conveniently close. The buttoned clasp adds an extra layer of security, which I am extremely conscious about in the airport. I love that this pick in particular has a metal ring for holding it close.

Coofay Laptop Travel Daypack

$27, was $38

The spacious interior on this travel-friendly backpack is such a life-saver. It allows space for multiple garments and even a single pair of shoes, if you need to do a quick swap during your travels. Additionally, it boasts a laptop sleeve, a USB charging port, cozy padded straps, and anti-theft buckles along the sides to keep your goods safe and sound. This sleek bag meets airline bag size requirements with ease, so you can slide it under your seat without any trouble.

Purell Advanced Lavender Hand Sanitizer Gel

$12, was $13

The amount of times I've caught a nasty bug from simply existing in an airport is criminal, which is why I always have to have hand sanitizer on deck. This formula from Purell is my absolute go-to – mostly because it smells like lavender – but also because it knocks out 99.99% of the most common illness-causing germs. Buying a multipack of travel-size bottles like this is a very smart idea especially if you're traveling with the family or a group of friends. Keep 'em healthy!

Bronax Pillow Slippers

$24, was $36

Some may say wearing open-toed shoes to the airport is a little distasteful, but if your itinerary is packed with multiple flights and layovers, you'll be glad to have the additional breathability and comfort from them. Anyone who's been on a long flight knows that the limited blood flow is so real once you're up in the air. I prefer to wear loose-fitting, cushy slides like these so I can travel without restriction! These slip-ons have a super thick and plush EVA sole as well as a wide strap that comfortably holds your feet in place. Plus, they allow for easy on and off if your feet just need a quick breather.

Yuroochii Divided Serving Tray

$17, was $22

Snackle box supremacy! This 8-compartment serving tray is your one-way ticket to elegant airborne snacking. Plus, you can save some serious money by bringing your own food on your travels. The best part about a snackle box like this is having the chance to pack it full of several different treats, from sweets to more savory options. It stands up to any sort of situation perfectly, since it seals tight with the help of 4 strong clips along the sides.

Marée 24K Gold Under Eye Gels

$16, was $25, with option to use 30% off coupon

Traveling truly wears me out, and I know I'm not alone in that. Since I'm all for moments of self-care, these individually-packaged under eye gel patches are so handy while in-transit. They target dark circles and puffiness, which typically creep up on me during long flights and dreaded layovers. Their small size makes it easy to toss a few pairs into your carry-on for convenient use, wherever you are.

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!