The chance to explore an exciting new destination, or revisit a favorite spot, with your pals is one of the great joys of travel. Virtually any place has the potential to be great for a vacation with friends. (You just might have to get a bit creative in some cases.) That being said, some spots are just inherently better suited for a fabulous group trip. And that can take many forms. It might mean lively nightlife, stellar restaurants with space to accommodate your entire crew, loads of activities, or wide, sandy beaches for everyone to sprawl out in the sunshine.
In need of group trip ideas? Our list includes 18 awesome options, whether your ideal getaway is an action-packed city break or a relaxing island escape.
Tokyo, Japan
At once futuristic and deeply rooted in the past, Tokyo showcases glimmering skyscrapers alongside ancient pagodas, giant megamalls, and tiny artisan shops that honor centuries-old traditions. Book an omakase experience (depending on the size of the restaurant, you might have the whole place to yourself) and then hit the pint-size drinking dens in Golden Gai. Splurge on a traditional luxury ryokan stay with an on-site onsen in the middle of the city at Aman Tokyo.
Ibiza, Spain
Many people consider Ibiza to be the ultimate group trip. That's because this Balearic island paradise is famed for its nightlife. Of course, it's not all about bar hopping and beach clubs. Pals who prefer to relax instead of party can visit secluded coves, traipse around the chiller villages, browse the artisan shops, or just make the Six Senses Ibiza vacation HQ. Ibiza also brims with natural beauty and hosts many yoga retreats throughout the year.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Searching for the perfect place to surf, do yoga, and chill with your pals? Santa Teresa is a laid-back beach town on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula with beautiful beaches, great food, and a relaxed pace. It has an international dining scene with cuisine to please any palette, spirited bars right on the sand to watch the stunning sunsets, and lovely local boutiques to pick up souvenirs. And ATV excursions, hiking, and zip-lining offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is quickly gaining steam as a go-to destination for group trips thanks to its broad variety of activities, restaurants, and accommodations. Love high-flying fun? Sunrise hot air balloon rides over the desert await. Craving a little R&R? Book a rejuvenating massage at one of the many destination spas. After a group dinner at FnB Restaurant, snooze at ADERO Scottsdale, the only Autograph Collection property in a certified Dark Sky Community.
Capri, Italy
An upscale coastal Italian getaway with glamorous hotels such as Capri Palace Jumeirah and villa rentals, fresh-caught seafood, chartered boat tours, scenic hikes, a chairlift to the highest point on the island, sun-drenched afternoons at La Fontelina, and aperitivo at the iconic Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri is a dreamy trip to take with friends. Just be sure to book all your reservations well in advance as things fill up quickly during high season — especially for larger groups.
Cartagena, Colombia
Perched on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena turns on the charm and makes for a sizzling group getaway. Within its 16th-century stone walls sits a warren of cobbled corridors, preserved Spanish colonial buildings, bougainvillea-clad balconies, striking churches like Catedral de San Pedro Claver, and bustling plazas where groups can sit and sip cocktails while watching local performers. It's also a popular beach destination and provides access to the palm-fringed shores of Isla de Barú and the Islas del Rosario.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A charming and energetic city with a little bit of everything for everyone, Amsterdam looks like a postcard with colorful old houses, canals, flower-clad bridges, and bike paths. There are many excellent restaurants, fascinating museums, cool neighborhoods, and glorious green spaces such as the famous Vondelpark. And with everything from dance clubs and dive bars to upscale cocktail bars and underground speakeasies, Amsterdam very much deserves its reputation as a party capital of Europe.
St. Thomas
The cosmopolitan gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is easily accessible with direct flights from most major East Coast airport hubs (which makes things much easier if you have travel buddies flying in from all over). This popular Caribbean vacation destination also wows with its beautiful beaches, incredible snorkeling, interesting cultural sights, and duty-free shopping in the capital of Charlotte Amalie.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A soulful and spirited city on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a non-stop good time with bars and live music venues around every corner. Need a break from the more raucous side of things? Chow down on flavorful Creole cuisine, go for a ride on the historic St. Charles streetcar, and (provided you're all feeling brave) book an after-dark ghost tour. Then recharge at one of the many design-forward boutique hotels such as The Chloe and Hotel Saint Vincent.
Aspen, Colorado
World-class slopes, swanky lodgings like Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, and a convivial apres ski scene make Aspen the it destination for the jetset crowd come winter. But this legendary Colorado locale also shines during the other seasons. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, summer brings sunny conditions for trekking and cycling, and fall is prime for leaf peeping. We guarantee everyone in your crew will shout out hiking the Maroon Bells as a highlight of the trip.
Bali, Indonesia
There's a reason why everyone who visits Bali falls in love. The Island of the Gods is a magical place with an irresistible mix of nature, culture, wellness, and nightlife. Beautiful beaches, lush rice terraces, yoga, clifftop temples, fishing villages, flavorful cuisine, spa rituals, and jaw-dropping sunsets are just a few of the highlights. And a trip to this Indonesian paradise won't drain your bank account. Groups can split a huge serviced Balinese villa with a pool and ocean views.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A renowned brewery culture remains one of the biggest reasons to take a trip to Milwaukee. For groups, that translates to good times and sprawling spaces to sip microbrews. In between pints, crews can do a tour to learn about the history of the city's beer industry. A prime perch on Lake Michigan's western shore means access to all sorts of fun waterfront activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to jet skiing and sightseeing boat cruises.
Marrakech, Morocco
Hypnotic and at times dizzying, Marrakech is an intoxicating mix of maze-like alleyways, vibrant souks, Moorish architecture, grand palaces, manicured gardens, and ornate mosques. Moments of peace and refreshing mint tea can be found at El Fenn's rooftop refuge above the madness of the medina. Down to splurge on a serene, next-level luxurious stay with your closest friends? The Grand Riad at Royal Mansour Marrakech has a cinema, library, hammam, gym, and two swimming pools.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Does your crew love trying local delicacies? The central Vietnam city of Da Nang is a culinary powerhouse with an array of palate-pleasing delights. The night market stalls overflow with fresh-hauled seafood, and the fragrant aroma of bún chả cá fills the air outside the cafes. Besides mouth-watering food, there are sandy beaches, the Marble Mountains, the Ba Na Hills, and the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort for a swish group stay.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
For some groups, the stress of planning a holiday overshadows the excitement of actually escaping somewhere awesome. That's when a luxury all-inclusive resort comes into play. If you'd rather hit "book" and let the rest unfold in easy, breezy vacation style, consider jetting off to Punta Cana for a few days of oceanfront bliss, great food, and fun with your buddies at the top-rated Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana on beautiful Juanillo Beach.
London, United Kingdom
Love sightseeing, shopping, and theater? London is the perfect place to indulge those passions with your pals. It's home to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and countless other recognizable landmarks, plus posh shops such as Harrods and Dover Street Market as well as the treasure trove of vintage stores in East London. Of course, no trip would be complete without afternoon tea, taking in a show at Shakespeare's Globe, and shacking up at a five-star London legend like Claridge's.
Vancouver, Canada
Movie and television buffs will jump at the chance to visit Vancouver. Beyond serving as the filming location for countless motion pictures and shows, this dynamic British Columbia seaport dishes up diverse cuisine, live music, art galleries and museums, and outdoor adventure. Want to stay in the heart of the action? Groups will love the 1,492-square-foot Rosewood Suite at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, which features two bedrooms and a rooftop garden terrace with a plunge pool.
Mykonos, Greece
When a group trip means devouring whole grilled octopus, poppin' bottles, and dancing on tables, it's got to be Mykonos. Greece's unofficial party island has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and tons of bars and beach clubs where world-famous DJs spin tunes. It also boasts five-star hotels with impeccable service and amenities to help you recover from a big night out. Because everyone knows the best hangover cure is a dip in your private plunge pool followed by an in-room massage.
FAQs
18 Great Trips to Take With a Group? ›
Activities can include things like free walking tours, nature walks, trendy restaurants, museums, boat trips, and more. Depending on who you're traveling with, whether it's a family trip with small children or a getaway with coworkers, there are plenty of fun things to do on vacation based on your trip type.
How to travel with 20 people? ›- Rent a House. Instead of looking for multiple hotel rooms, try booking an entire house. ...
- Plan Downtime. ...
- Cover Details Ahead of Time. ...
- Split Expenses. ...
- Make Your Own Must-See List. ...
- Find Group Discounts. ...
- Book a Non-Stop Shuttle.
Activities can include things like free walking tours, nature walks, trendy restaurants, museums, boat trips, and more. Depending on who you're traveling with, whether it's a family trip with small children or a getaway with coworkers, there are plenty of fun things to do on vacation based on your trip type.
How do you travel with a big group of friends? ›- Assign a group leader. ...
- Plan in advance. ...
- Establish budget preferences. ...
- Document itineraries and preferences. ...
- Check for group discounts. ...
- Create a routine. ...
- Consider homestays or group lodging. ...
- Avoid too many activities in one day.
American National Park Road Trip
The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.
Also, 20% travel could mean overnight travel once a week or a full week out of town every 5 weeks or a full month out of town every 5 months. So it's important to ask for specific examples of what the travel will look like if you are agreeing up front to travel requirements for the role.
How can I travel with a large family for cheap? ›- Do your research and plan well in advance of your trip.
- Choose a time that's during the offseason for your destination, if you have flexible travel dates.
- Compare costs of flights, hotels and other lodging options, car rentals, and activities between multiple providers.
- Define Your Priorities. ...
- Choose a Budget-Friendly Destination. ...
- Set a Travel Budget. ...
- Travel During the Off-Season. ...
- Book Early. ...
- Use a Travel Perks Card. ...
- Don't Eat Out for Every Meal. ...
- Look for Hotel Alternatives.
What is Group Travel? Group travel refers to any organized, multi-day trip that you pre-book and meet a group of other travelers who booked the same trip. These groups can range in size from a few people up to full coach buses of 50 or more travelers.
Why is group travel fun? ›Travel is about experiences and group travel is a great way to explore the world with others, especially if you're travelling solo. You get to share those precious moments with others, meet new people and see things from perhaps a different perspective. It's also a very cost effective way to enjoy an adventure!
What is the best group size to travel with? ›
Studies have shown that the ideal group size is 12. Larger groups can be uncomfortably unwieldy, with a tendency to take over restaurants and lodgings; tiny groups are much more flexible, but any friction between two individuals can make life awkward for everyone. Why Travel with a Group?
How many people is considered a group for travel? ›Groups of 10 or more traveling to the same destination qualify for group air. There are many benefits of booking group air, but the primary one is the ability to hold airline seats without the travelers' names.
Is it cheaper to travel in a group? ›Traveling with a group often minimizes costs on its own, but here are some tips to further cut down on that travel expense budget. Traveling and seeing the world is a great experience. However, when someone plans to travel for a long time, far or visit many destinations, the cost can be high.
What is the #1 travel destination? ›Top 10 trending destinations in the world
Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the No. 1 trending travel spot for 2022. Here, tourists enjoy Palma Beach. The general Mediterranean basin does quite well here with seven entries, and sun-soaked destinations dominate.
Topping the list this year is London, followed by Cancun, Paris, Orlando and Rome. Last summer, Orlando, Cancun, Las Vegas, London and New York scored the top-five spots, proving that Americans are ready to resume international travel.
What is the best way to travel with a large family? ›Consider a Stocked Home Rental
Hotels are always an option, but also consider booking a home rental through a website such as VRBO, AirBnB, or HomeToGo. Home rentals will save you money while giving your family more space and privacy with individual bedrooms and a shared living area that you can all hang out in.
No law prohibits you from bringing any amount of money on a flight. Likewise, TSA has no rules that limit how much money you can bring through security. In other words, TSA has no cash limit per person. So you can bring any amount of money to the airport.
How much money can you travel with per person? ›It's legal to travel with more than $10,000 in the United States and abroad. You have the right to travel with as much money as you want. However, during international travel, you need to report currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000.