The days of waiting for “the right time” or “the right person” to travel with are over. Across South Africa, women are packing their bags for shorter, more frequent escapes with their closest friends — and they’re doing it their way.
The Rise of Girl Grouping Travel
A growing travel trend known as “Girl Grouping” is transforming the way women explore the world. Recent research reveals that 14% of female travellers are planning a women-only trip this year, drawn by the friendship, freedom and fun these journeys promise.
Whether single, partnered, or with children, women are intentionally planning transformative “babecations” that combine learning, luxury, and sisterhood. Imagine a Pilates session framed by the Drakensberg Mountains in Newcastle, horseback riding through the Midlands Meander, or an interactive Zulu dancing experience in Hluhluwe.
Corné Alberts, National Marketing Manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, says: “This new trend is about joining your tribe and purposely seeking out travel destinations that create unforgettable memories, with space to connect and catch up.”
1. Power in the Pack
Safety matters, but so does solidarity. Many women are choosing to travel in smaller, close-knit groups of four to six friends, family members, or colleagues. These intimate groups share laughs, playlists, and petrol costs, creating a more personal and connected experience. Accommodation that offers spacious multi-bed suites, small villas, or flexible room configurations is particularly popular.
2. The Two-Night Reset
Instead of one long annual holiday, women are taking more frequent but shorter getaways — often two to three nights — within driving distance or a short local flight. Hotels within two hours of major cities are top choices, especially those offering winter specials or midweek packages with perks like spa treatments, guided excursions, or even complimentary games of Padel or putt-putt.
3. Downtime and Deep Chats
These trips aren’t about rigid itineraries or luxury for show. They focus on experiences that nurture the soul, with a balance of relaxation and meaningful conversation. From wine tastings and sunrise hikes to dinners in charming courtyards, the connection often becomes more significant than the destination itself.
4. For the Group, Not the Gram
Modern girl group getaways are carefully planned but not curated for social media. Photos are taken, but the real magic is in spontaneous moments — a shared coffee at sunrise, a surprise birthday cake, or laughter over an unplanned adventure — kept within the group rather than posted for public consumption.
5. Local Is Lekker
These trips celebrate local gems without the need for a passport. Think a two-hour shisanyama at a resort, a private beach escape along the North Coast, or stargazing in Newcastle. Familiar yet meaningful, these experiences highlight the richness of South Africa’s travel offerings.
