By Francesca, 17

We know booking and organising multiple friends for a trip is harder than revising for A-Levels, so here’s a guide to cater to your every need, and the types of friends you may encounter. 

The Traveller

Every friend group has one with the travel bug; think backpack and hiking boots. But there are always a mixture of people which are hard to please! Why not try Greek Island hopping?

We would recommend two weeks here, depending on how many islands you visit. To get the full experience, you need to take all aspects of the trip into mind: Party, Relaxation and Food.

For good food, you should visit Santorini. We would recommend splitting the cost on an Airbnb villa a little out of the main town of Oia. Think morning walks to bakeries and cafes, and sunset views from the window. Caution though, Santorini beaches are down many steps so be prepared!

Ios is party town central. It’s perfect for the girls who want to dance the night away. There are many apartments in the capital town of Chora, but it is an easy five-minute bus ride to the beaches, where there is plenty more opportunities to stay. Enjoy water sports and sunbathing, to balance out the late nights.

For a relaxing time, Syros is the family-feel island to wind down after a manic time on Ios. Think cute activities, like outdoor cinemas – in English with Greek subtitles and exploring Ancient Greek sites. Keep in mind you’ll have to travel back to Athens from Syros to get home, making it a great island to finish your trip on.

The Home Bird

You don’t have to spend hours on a plane to reach the perfect Girls’ Trip destination. In fact, you can stay on home turf and still have a great time.

Our first option is Beadnell in Northumberland, a lovely beach town one hour up the coast from Newcastle. You only need a weekend! Caravans can be on the smaller side but are nice and cozy. Beadnell has Fish and Chip shops, as well as other restaurants if you can’t decide. There’s a true beachy feel, especially in August when the weather is top key – last year it got up to 28 degrees! But as always, be prepared for rain so remember your umbrella. A girly board game night in the caravan sounds good to us!

Another option is a camping trip, for a more countryside feel. Take a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, where we recommend Greencarts Camping Site. It’s extremely cheap for a few nights’ stay and a perfect hiking location nearby, along the world-famous wall. Camping can have basic facilities, but bring the vibes and your own food, barbecues or local takeaways, and you’ll have a trip success. 

The City Fanatic

Fancy a bustling weekend? Try Amsterdam! From Newcastle, take the overnight ferry from North Shields and arrive in the morning. With stunning views, restaurants and WiFi onboard, it’s an easy yes. Being much cheaper than a flight, and more fun, it’s also one less night of accommodation to pay for. 

When you arrive, there are an abundance of high-to-low end hotels you should look out for. A more budget option is Botel, a floating hotel on the river Amstel with either hostel-style options, or double rooms for a spacious feel. Visit the array of exotic and classic restaurants and go on boat trips to explore the canals. 

We would recommend visiting the parks and the beautiful Van Gogh Museum for some culture. Aside from this, find some cute cafés and definitely hire a bike! Cycling is Amsterdam’s main form of transport so get into your local persona and try it out. Amsterdam is also the city of the Stroopwafel so be sure to try this iconic treat.

The Airport Leader

Your organised friend craves a tightly planned trip, complete with dinner reservations and booked activities. She has no time for hesitation! Think lists and itineraries sent on your WhatsApp group chat. For this, we recommend an inclusive holiday to save her from the hassle, although we know she loves it. 

Our top recommendation will always be the Canary Islands. Specifically, Lanzarote, a highly rated tourist destination, with idyllic views and hotels. Think a beautiful volcanic landscape perfect for exploring on those days you’re not by the pool or beach. You’ll be greeted with the ancient setting of Timanfaya National Park on these active days, a walking galore merely a bus ride away. Lanzarote is the indefinite mix of relaxation and beautiful backgrounds for your friend’s Instagram carousel. It’s the way to please the whole group!

This story was written by young people as part of the Headliners Young Journalist programme. This project was made possible by the Million Hours Fund.