Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls’ Life magazine.
If you’re new here, hello! Here’s how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more.
The babysitters (Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory and Jessi) are ready for the best vacation ever as they set sail on the Ocean Princess cruise to the Bahamas. But their getaway is filled with seafaring surprises—from secret admirers to new friendships to a massive amusement park adventure.
We sat down with our book besties to get the scoop on our latest graphic novel read, The Baby-sitters Club: Baby-sitters On Board!—and their top tips for recreating sun ‘n’ fun vibes at home.
Hey, Besties! What did you love most about Baby-sitters On Board!?
“This was my favorite book in the series! I love that it felt very similar to a trip our family took once.” — Madison & Mackenzie S.
“It was super fun. It made me feel like I was on an adventure with my girls!” — Myka H.
“Seeing the babysitters have a blast on the cruise. This read gave me all the summer feels.” — Kierney D.
School may be back in session, but that doesn’t mean you have to say bye to the vacay bliss just yet. If the thought of giving up sunset boardwalk strolls, Insta-worthy museum hopping and late-night ice cream runs ’til next summer gives you the shudders, fear not: We’re bringing that laid-back energy straight into fall. A Saturday staycation is the perf way to reset and relax after a busy first few weeks of school—and we’re here to help you plan the perfect one, courtesy of inspo from Baby-sitters On Board!
First, figure out what kind of staycay day you’re craving. If the first few weeks of school have you feeling totally wiped, a cozy at-home Saturday might be calling your name (think: PJs, comfort food and a movie marathon). Missing summer travel already? Turn your town into a tourist destination for the day with a little shopping and sightseeing. Desperate for some fresh air after being cooped up in class? An outdoorsy escape with a hike and picnic might be just what you need.
Hey, Besties! What would be on your vacay bucket list?
“A day trip to a small town complete with ice cream and gift shops.” — Kierney D.
“Swimming and snorkeling!” — Madison & Mackenzie S.
“A sunny road trip with lots of good playlists.” — Arabella C.
Once you’ve picked your vibe, map out a few spots that’ll make your weekend feel like a legit getaway. Sure, you might not be hitting up Disney World like the gals in Baby-sitters On Board!, but you can still channel the vacay fun with your itinerary.
Start with a delish latte or iced matcha at your favorite coffee shop, then browse the farmers market, pop into that bookstore you’ve been meaning to check out or explore a new nature trail. The key? Picking activities that make you forget you’re only a few miles from home.
A few other ideas for your staycation…
🏞️ Check out a museum for local lore and artifacts. Turns out you don’t have to travel far to get a fun history lesson.
🏖️ Bring the beach to your backyard. Set up a lounge, pour yourself a pink lemonade and spend the afternoon soaking up the September sun with a good book (might we recommend The Baby-sitters Club: Baby-sitters On Board!?).
🍝 Make a meal inspired by your dream destination. Always wanted to travel to Italy? Try your hand at homemade pasta. Dreaming of a Parisian getaway? Set up a cafe-style breakfast with croissants and café au lait.
🎬 Turn your living room into a DIY movie theater. Pick a destination-themed movie, pile on the blankets and pillows, order your fave takeout and settle in for a cozy night.
📚 Start a book club with your besties and prepare the ultimate escape to fictional worlds. Check out @glbestiebookclub for some stellar recs!
And if we learned anything from the babysitters’ vacation fun, it’s that everything is better when you’re sharing it with friends. So why not invite your besties along for the day, too?
Hey, Besties! What’s your go-to activity when you need a mini escape?
“Reading, listening to music or taking a walk.” — Isabella K.
“Hanging with my bsf.” — Myka H.
“Spending time outdoors and going for a bike ride.” — Madison & Mackenzie S.
Who says you need hundreds of dollars to have a getaway? Give yourself a Saturday staycation budget—even $25 works—and see how far you can stretch it. Spend it on a strawberry boba or a thrifted treasure, or use it to buy a ticket to your town’s escape room. You’d be surprised how much adventure you can squeeze out of the day when you’re willing to get a little creative.
And to really make your day feel special, set a few staycay “rules”—or lack thereof. Give yourself permission to sleep in, eat dessert before dinner, wear a pretty dress or ditch your phone ’til sunset. Whatever you decide, the point is to make your day feel different. After all, that’s what’ll really give it BSC vacation energy.
Hey, Besties! Quick! What emojis describe the babysitters’ summer vacay?
“🦄💕🎡💅” — Myka H.
“☀️🌊🚢🌴” — Arabella C.
“🏖️😎📚” — Isabella K.
Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of The Baby-sitters Club: Baby-sitters On Board! and get ready to be transported straight to the Bahamas.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow book friends from all over. Hello, instant community!
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Gather the besties for a cutesy day trip, catch up on all the back-to-school gossip and share your fave parts of The Baby-sitters Club: Baby-sitters On Board!
