Every time you get together with your friends you mention how fun it would be to get away — just us girls. But once the last of the brunch mimosa is gone the idea gets lost in a sea of calendar appointments and to-do lists.

So, it’s time to make that trip a reality. Pack your flip-flops, prep your apps and use these tips to get that getaway in the books once and for all.

Plan Ahead – Way Ahead

Advanced planning is crucial to pulling off a group trip. With everyone’s insane schedules you may have to plan a year or more in advance. Not only does this allow everyone to carve out time for the trip, booking flights and hotels ahead is often cheaper.

Planning ahead isn’t just about picking dates. Be sure to have an honest conversation about the budget, having a target figure per person is helpful, so that everyone has time to save and plan as necessary.

Keep It Small

It’s not that you don’t love all your friends. But sticking to the core friend group makes it more of an emotionally bonding experience, and keeps things more manageable to plan. Let’s be honest, it’s hard enough to make dinner plans with a large group of friends, never mind coordinate flights, activities, interests and temperaments.

Select a few friends that mesh and have similar enough interests to spend multiple days together. Most importantly: don’t feel guilty for being selective. What’s the point of a vacation if you can’t have fun?

Pick a Vibe

Do you want a total relaxation spa getaway, a fun-in-the-sun beach trip or maybe an adventure-oriented weekend of thrill seeking? It’s important that everyone is on board with what kind of trip you want to have before you book anything or even choose a location.

Have a brainstorming session, look through travel blogs, check package deals and see what speaks to you. Once you’ve decided your activity-to-rest ratio you can start planning the details.

Do Your Research

Having an unstructured schedule can be a lot of fun, and you should certainly be flexible when you travel. But a little research in advance of the trip can make a big difference.

If anyone has dietary restrictions in your group make sure there are a few local restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal. Have a few activity ideas in your back pocket just in case, so you don’t have to hop on Google and get mired in logistics mid-vacation.

Schedule Dedicated Bonding Time

No matter how many fun activities you plan, make sure to schedule in some time to talk and be together. That night in the hotel room with a bottle of wine is important no matter where you are in the world.

It could be as simple as having an improvised spa night with new products or as elaborate as a dolled-up night on the town. But don’t get so caught up in the excitement of a new place that you cheat yourself out of that essential, therapeutic girl time.