This week on Martini Mondays, I sat down with one of my favorite people, Zandra Olczyk, to talk about something that started as a conversation about my upcoming 40th birthday trip to Cabo and quickly turned into a bigger discussion about friendship, celebrations, travel, and how our priorities change as we get older.
As I was planning matching pajamas, group dinners, packing lists, and all the fun details for our girls’ getaway, I had a realization: this trip felt a lot like planning a bachelorette party. The destination may be different, and the reason for celebrating may have changed, but the excitement, logistics, and desire to create meaningful memories are surprisingly similar.
The Evolution of Girls’ Trips
In our twenties, girls’ trips often revolved around big energy, packed itineraries, and gathering as many friends as possible. Whether it was Vegas, Miami, Nashville, or somewhere in between, it felt like the bigger the group, the better the party.
But as we move into our thirties and forties, things shift.
Life happens. Careers grow. Families expand. Priorities change.
What once felt like a need for quantity becomes a desire for quality. The focus moves away from having the biggest celebration and toward spending time with the people who truly matter.
Whether it’s a bachelorette party, a milestone birthday, or simply a girls’ getaway, the most meaningful trips aren’t always the most extravagant—they’re the ones shared with your closest people.
The Pressure of Social Media
Let’s be honest: social media has completely changed how we view celebrations.
From luxury destination bachelorettes to perfectly coordinated outfits and over-the-top itineraries, it’s easy to feel like every trip needs to be Instagram-worthy.
But as we discussed on the podcast, what we see online isn’t always reality.
The most memorable moments usually aren’t the staged photos. They’re the inside jokes, the late-night conversations, the unexpected laughs, and the time spent together.
If matching pajamas make you happy, wear them.
If you want a yacht day, book it.
If you’d rather spend the day at a dive bar with your favorite people, that’s perfect too.
The goal isn’t to impress strangers online—it’s to create memories you’ll actually want to look back on years from now.
The Cost Conversation We Need to Have
One of the biggest topics we tackled was the rising cost of bachelorette parties and destination celebrations.
Travel, accommodations, dinners, activities, matching outfits, gifts—it adds up quickly.
Our advice?
If your priority is having everyone there, consider a more budget-friendly celebration.
If your dream is a destination experience, understand that not everyone may be able to attend.
And that’s okay.
People are in different stages of life. Some are saving for homes. Some have children. Some are balancing careers or other financial obligations.
A friend declining an invitation doesn’t mean they don’t love you. It simply means they’re making the best decision for their current situation.
Why Planning Matters
As someone who lives and breathes fashion, styling, and event planning, I can confidently say that preparation makes all the difference.
From coordinating outfits to sharing packing lists, planning ahead eliminates so much unnecessary stress.
Some of our favorite girls’ trip tips:
- Share inspiration boards before the trip.
- Coordinate colors if photos are important.
- Decide who’s bringing shared beauty tools like blow dryers and curling irons.
- Communicate expectations early.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to shop.
- Remember that comfort matters just as much as style.
Trust me—future you will be grateful.
No Matter Your Age, Celebrate
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this conversation was simple:
Celebrate your milestones.
Whether you’re a first-time bride at 25, getting remarried at 40, celebrating a birthday, or gathering your girlfriends just because—you deserve to celebrate.
Too many people worry about whether something is “age appropriate” or what others will think.
Forget that.
If you want the big bachelorette party, have it.
If you want the intimate girls’ getaway, book it.
If you want matching pajamas, wear them proudly.
Life gives us enough reasons not to celebrate. When the opportunity comes along, take it.
Final Sip 🍸
At the end of the day, the best trips aren’t measured by how much money you spend or how many photos you post.
They’re measured by how you feel when you get home.
If you’re already looking at pictures, laughing at memories, and wishing you had one more day with your people, that’s a successful trip.
Whether it’s a bachelorette party, a birthday getaway, or a spontaneous girls’ weekend, create experiences that feel authentic to you—and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Because life’s too short not to celebrate. 🍸✨
Listen to this episode of Martini Mondays on YouTube and be sure to subscribe for more unfiltered wedding and lifestyle advice, always shaken, never stirred.
