Want to make sure your whole crew has a blast? You need to see the 10 best trips for groups of friends with destinations all over the world that are perfect for all group sizes, interests, and budgets.
The 10 Best Trips for Groups of Friends
Lively cities, adventure destinations, beaches, mountains, and lakes are all examples of the best trips for groups of friends. But where should you head with your crew?
Check out the best places to visit with friends to guarantee a good time you’ll all remember for years to come. Who knows – visiting one of these destinations together might become a new tradition!
1. Bali, Indonesia
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Bali is pretty close to paradise and ranks as one of the best trips for groups of friends with its intricate Hindu temples, stunning beaches, gorgeously lush landscapes, and vibrant nightlife.
Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is a prominent destination for solo and group travel and known as a spiritual place where people go to connect more deeply and focus on being fully present.
Your group can explore royal palaces and ancient Hindu temples, visit a monkey sanctuary or Instagram-worthy rice terrace, lounge on tropical beaches, and get a taste of adventure while you’re here.
White-water rafting is a blast with friends as you battle your way down Class II, III, or IV rapids on Bali’s rushing rivers. You can zip-line or hike through the dense jungle to discover secret waterfalls and views of towering volcanoes in Ubud.
Take a yoga or meditation class together, dine on Balinese dishes dominated by veggies, seafood, chicken, and pork with steamed rice, reel in a big catch on a fishing tour, and spend a day getting pampered at a spa.
Bali’s beaches are lined with palm trees where you’ll find welcome shade on hot days and perfect opportunities for swimming, surfing lessons, snorkeling, diving, and other water sports.
Exploring the Hindu temples, palaces, and ruins in Bali is one of the best activities you’ll find during your trip. It’s amazing to see the intricate architecture and powerful significance of these spiritual and historic centers.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Take a morning yoga class at Uluwatu Surf Villas’ reclaimed yoga temple
- Join a guided tour of Bali’s Hindu temples and royal palaces
- Taste Balinese dishes from street food (like sate) to fine dining
- Have a rafting, hiking, diving, or zip-lining adventure
- Experience the nightlife in Kuta, Legian or Seminyak
2. Interlaken, Switzerland
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If you and your friends have always wanted to see the Swiss Alps, the charming resort town of Interlaken, Switzerland is the perfect starting point for your trip. It even ranks as one of the best places to visit in Switzerland!
You can plan an amazing alpine adventure with Interlaken as your activity-packed home base. Here, the snow-capped peaks of Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch tower over the town and set the scene in a gorgeous way.
The region is blanked in dense evergreen forests where you’ll find a range of hiking trails (easy to challenging), sprawling meadows dotted with wildflowers, and aquamarine, clear waters of alpine lakes.
Head out on a day trip along Lake Brienz to see Giessbach Falls, hike around Lake Thun to glimpse 5 historic castles, or walk through town and the Höheweg boulevard to check out charming timber homes and Swiss chalets.
Heading up into the Alps is the focal point for most adventures here, and with 45+ cable cars, railways, and ski lifts to get you to the peaks, you’ll find it easy to make your way to higher altitudes.
In the mountains, you can hike excellent trails (some are even open during the winter), ski or snowboard, and take in incredible views of the mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, and the picturesque town below.
The best time to visit Switzerland is between June-August (for hiking and warmer weather) or December-February (for winter sports and snowy scenery).
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Stroll down the Höheweg boulevard for dining, shops, and lush gardens
- Take a cable car or railway up into the Alps to hike mountain trails
- Go skiing or snowboarding in Jungfrau Top, Beatenberg, or Axalp-Brienz
- Taste Swiss delights like artisan chocolate, cheesy fondue, and rösti potato cakes
- Hike around stunning, clear alpine lakes like Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
3. La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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Adventure travel is perfect for groups of friends who don’t want to sit idly on a beach or spend the entire trip partying. La Fortuna, Costa Rica is the pinnacle of adventure in a beautifully scenic, tropical location.
Every day holds a new adventure here where tropical forests and the Arenal Volcano dominate the landscape.
Hike through the jungle to see a towering volcano, zip-line through the jungle canopy, take an epic rafting trip, and spot wildlife hiding in the dense greenery.
You’ll see cascading waterfalls (try rappelling down La Fortuna!), unspoiled natural swimming holes, vast lava fields and hot springs to explore, and rushing Class III and IV river rapids you can raft as a group.
If you want to take a slower pace for the day, take a coffee and chocolate tour at North Fields Cafe or try a relaxing “safari float” on a raft with great views of the Arenal Volcano and wildlife along the way.
While you’re here, you’ll be able to taste some of Costa Rica’s delicious flavors and dishes like seasoned rice and beans (Gallo pinto), fried pork and red beans (chifrijo), chorreadas (corn cakes), and fresh ceviche.
Head to La Fortuna during July or August, the “little high season” and the overall best time to visit Costa Rica. The weather is great with little rain and crowds are smaller than the December-April peak season.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Hike through the jungle to see the volcano at Arenal Volcano National Park
- Cross hanging bridges through the dense tropical forest
- Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, and windsurf at Lake Arenal
- Taste delicious Costa Rican food and drinks
- Go white-water rafting down the Toro, Balsa, or Peñas Blanca rivers
4. Ibiza, Spain
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If your group likes to party, Ibiza is where the party never stops! Beautiful beaches, great food, and world-famous clubs where you can dance and drink into the wee hours of the morning.
It’s easy to figure out your plans for the day in Ibiza. Find a great beach (there are tons in Ibiza and on nearby Formentera Island), hang out and grab tasty food or charter a boat during the day, then head to a club when night falls.
House beats are always pumping at the most famous clubs in Ibiza – Amnesia (Sant Antoni), Eden, Es Paradis, and Hi Ibiza – and it’s easy to get lost in the music as you experience the amazing nightlife here.
With so many great beaches in and around Ibiza, you can check out different spots each day. Some of the best are Playa d’en Bossa and Cala Bassa (great nightlife, too) and Cala Benirras (cool drumming ritual events).
Beachfront bars are great to grab a drink, and Cala Comte has tons. Need some quiet time after a big night out? You’ll appreciate Cala d’en Serra, surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery.
Ibiza isn’t a cultural capital like Barcelona, but if you and your friends want to let loose in a gorgeous beach setting, there’s truly nothing better than Ibiza – especially during June to September!
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Discover gorgeous beaches around Ibiza and Formentera Island
- Dance and party in Ibiza’s best clubs and bars
- Dine on seafood paella, arroz de matanza, and sofrit pagés
- Take to the water for boating, paddle surfing, and snorkeling
- Sightsee around Dalt Vila (Ibiza’s historic Old Town)
5. Lake Tahoe, California
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Everyone will find something to love about California’s Lake Tahoe, from skiing and wakeboarding to beaches and the gorgeous views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Lake Tahoe includes a large region covering North and South Lake Tahoe and Lake Tahoe National Park. If your group loves spending time outdoors and doing activities together, this is the perfect place to visit!
Head to one of the area’s beautiful state parks, like Emerald Bay State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, or D.L. Bliss State Park, to hike trails, explore historic sites, and take in gorgeous views of the lake and mountains.
The most adventurous crews might like the challenge of skiing and snowboarding black diamond runs in Lake Tahoe. Chartering a boat and challenging yourself on treetop ropes courses can be awesome group activities!
You’ll find tons of hotels and resorts that can accommodate your friend group, whether it’s big or small. Usually, the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is summer or winter, depending on if you want to ski or enjoy the warm weather.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Visit historic sites like Tallac and Vikingsholm
- Take a scenic drive to Inspiration Point Vista or Donner Pass
- Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail or to Lower Eagle Falls
- Ski/snowboard at Northstar California or Heavenly Mountain Resort
- Spend a day at Pope Beach, Sand Harbor Beach, or Kings Beach
6. Cinque Terre, Italy
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Dotted with colorful, cliffside houses and buildings, Cinque Terre, Italy is a great place to take a group of friends for a taste of Italian culture, seaside charm, and a step back in time.
Cinque Terre consists of 5 small, historic fishing villages on Italy’s northwestern coast: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, all connecting by hiking trails, train, or boat.
If you don’t want to hunker down in one location for your trip, Cinque Terre is perfect. You can make your way down the Ligurian coast, dining, shopping, tasting wines, and enjoying the beaches with rugged cliffs as a beautiful backdrop.
Start your journey in Monterosso, the village with the most amenities and a lovely sandy beach. You’ll find plenty of hotels and guest houses that can accommodate your group here, and it’s the perfect “home base” for your trip.
Next up is picturesque Vernazza, where you’ll want to snap plenty of photos, hike trails along the through terraced olive groves and vineyards, and take the worn footpath to the next village, Corniglia.
Cornigilia isn’t seaside like the other villages, but it’s less tourist-y and perfect for a glimpse of true Ligurian culture. Take a hiking trail to walk to Manarola, where you’ll find a beautiful harbor and great seafood restaurants.
The last stop is Riomaggiore, a romantic oasis on the rugged coast with plenty of nightlife and stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. Head down to the pebbled beach by the boat docks and rent kayaks to see Cinque Terre from a new perspective!
We’ve found that the best time to visit Cinque Terre is between April and June for mild weather and smaller crowds than the end of the summer season.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Taste local wines and fresh seafood at restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Enjoy Cinque Terre’s nightlife during the peak season
- Hike winding trails connecting the villages through olive groves and vineyards
- Rent kayaks or take a boat tour for gorgeous views of the villages
- Hang out on a sandy or pebbled beach by the village harbors
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
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Got a laid-back group of friends that loves food, fun, and exploring unique cultures? Look no further than the open arms of the Big Easy – New Orleans, Louisiana.
New Orleans is one of the best trips for groups of friends because it’s a lively, energetic city with a long list of local traditions, quirks, and attractions that make it easy to pack your trip with fun things to do.
Take a ghost tour after dark, stroll through the shade of old oak trees through the mansion-lined Garden District, eat your fill of Creole and Cajun dishes, and visit interesting voodoo shops and museums.
Your group might want to plan a trip during Mardi Gras sometime in February or March to take part in the fun traditions and parades that take over the city during this time of year!
Live music and entertainment is never far in New Orleans, especially on Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. You’ll find tons of nightlife options – bars, clubs, dance halls, and burlesque bars – in the Mid-City and Uptown areas as well.
Hop on a St. Charles Avenue streetcar – the oldest running streetcar in service since 1835 – to see the city from a unique perspective. Head to Magazine Street for shopping, art galleries, boutiques, and more.
You can’t leave without sampling some of NOLA’s most beloved treats and dishes, like an old-fashioned shrimp po’ boy, saucy crawfish étouffée, powdered sugar beignets, and chicory coffee.
The best time to visit New Orleans is usually between February and May, when temperatures are mild, the city bursts into life, and tons of famous events and festivals are happening.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and take a voodoo tour
- Eat the famous beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde on Decatur St.
- Take a ghost tour of New Orleans’ notable haunted locations
- Head to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter for food, live music, and bars
- Stroll down Magazine street for shopping, food, and art galleries
8. Jolly Harbour, Antigua
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Antigua & Barbuda is a dual island nation that makes an excellent spot for relaxing, water activities, and spending time with friends on a white sandy beach in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
Jolly Harbour is one of Antigua’s best areas, home to a large marina, tons of water sports facilities, and great all-inclusive resorts that ensure you and your group don’t want for anything while you’re enjoying the sun and fun.
You’ll find that Jolly Harbour is the perfect launch point for all kinds of activities, from snorkeling and sailing lessons to golf and cruises to offshore islands.
Gorgeous beaches in the area are one of the main draws for visitors in Jolly Harbour. Jolly Beach and Valley Church Beach are paradise for beach lovers with pristine white sand and blue Caribbean water!
Everyone flocks to the boardwalk area, where restaurants and bars on the water offer the perfect setting for a laid-back dinner with friends. Bars and cafes are perfect to grab a drink or a quick bite!
Further inland, the island of Antigua is covered in tropical rainforests where you can zip-line, hike, and spot amazing wildlife in the tree canopies.
Two of our favorite adults-only all-inclusive Caribbean resorts are in Antigua, including Cocos Hotel Antigua right in Jolly Beach. Head to the bus stop to get a ride to Antigua’s other West Coast beaches without driving.
December through April is generally the best time to visit Antigua due to great weather (though it’s nice year-round), smaller crowds, and more affordable prices at resorts and hotels.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Lounge or play on the white sand beaches
- Take an off-road ATV tour together through the rainforest
- Sail or cruise to a nearby island like Redonda or Maiden Island
- Go horseback riding as a group along the beach or on a trail
- Hang out at a beachfront restaurant, bar, or cafe
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Is your group hard to impress and always looking for a group trip that tops the last one? Head to Buenos Aires, Argentina for an unforgettable getaway in a gorgeous, vibrant city.
Buenos Aires is sophisticated and bubbly at the same time. The city itself is stunning with breathtaking architecture, colorful buildings, delicious aromas, and perfectly-maintained city parks.
A stroll down any street downtown will lead you past cafes and restaurants from posh to cozy, while the dazzling city lights at night illuminate the area in a glitzy and lively glow.
Puerto Madero, a bustling entertainment district with tons of restaurants, shops, and clubs, really comes alive at night and you’ll find plenty of places open until the early morning hours.
The intricate Basilica de San Francisco (Bavarian Baroque style) is awe-inspiring and a must-visit while you’re here. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, so grab the group and take a class to show off your skills at one of the city’s packed clubs!
With grand theaters like Teatro Astor and Teatro Colon in the beautiful historic quarter, it’s always fun to take in a show when ballet, choir, and orchestra talents grace the stage.
Slow your pace and check out the impressive Casa de la Cultura museum and Librería de Ávila, a charming old bookshop, while you’re in the historic quarter.
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Stroll through Plaza de Mayo to check out beautiful attractions
- Wander Puerto Madero at night for restaurants, bars, and clubs
- Take a tango class with your group and go out dancing
- Watch a soccer match at La Bombonera, a world-famous arena
- Catch an opera, ballet, or orchestra show at a theater in the historic quarter
10. New York City, New York
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Surrounded by iconic skyscrapers and landmarks, thriving nightlife, historic and modern buildings, and an amazing range of places to grab food and drinks, it’s easy to see why the Big Apple one of the best trips for groups of friends.
You’ll enjoy all the usual tourist-y things to do in NYC, like visiting the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center, but expanding beyond the basic itinerary is what makes a friend trip to NYC great.
Dining is a huge part of enjoying the diversity and culture of New York City. You’ll find restaurants serving up international cuisine, fusion twists on classics, gourmet offerings, and greasy deliciousness.
New York City’s nightlife has a lot to offer a group of friends looking to party or simply take in the energy of the city after dark. Bars, dance clubs, rooftop lounges, burlesque clubs, and more are sure to pique everyone’s interest.
You don’t have to travel far in the city to find places with live entertainment and music. From jazz clubs to punk rock bars, there’s something for everyone.
NYC’s museums and galleries are a dream for culture vultures and history buffs. When it comes to hotels and places to stay, you’ll find an overwhelming number of options in your budget range in and just outside the city.
Fall time, from August to early November, is typically the best time to visit New York City. But if your group is planning on a spring, summer, or winter trip, you’ll have just as much fun!
Our picks for can’t miss activities include:
- Sightsee, dine, and explore around the city’s 5 boroughs
- Watch a Broadway play or catch live music at a venue
- Hit up a few clubs and bars for drinks and dancing
- Grab a New York-style bagel with lox and cream cheese
- Take a day trip from NYC with your group
Frequently Asked Questions
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Turns out, people have a lot of questions about the best trips for groups of friends! Check out the most frequently asked questions on the topic below to learn more.
How do you travel with a big group of friends?
Coordinate your plans by booking together or at the same time for flights, hotels, and attractions you’ll book in advance. Share a Google Doc to keep track of your itinerary and let people make changes.
It’s a good idea to appoint a group leader to manage the doc and take charge of booking tours, attraction tickets, and reservations. Make sure the group leader is keeping everyone’s budget and trip ideas in mind!
Where do I go with friends?
The best trips for groups of friends include Bali, the Swiss Alps, Costa Rica, Ibiza, Lake Tahoe, Cinque Terre, NOLA, Antigua, Buenos Aires, and NYC.
These destinations offer a range of experiences in different settings, from bustling cities and cultural capitals to relaxing sandy shores in the Caribbean.
How do you have fun on a group trip?
Making sure you have fun on a group trip means keeping everyone involved in the planning process and keeping your options flexible enough for last-minute changes.
Let everyone share ideas for dining, nightlife, attractions, and sightseeing to ensure your whole group has a say in what you do on the trip and which activities you’ll check off each day.
Can a guy and girl go on vacation as friends?
Absolutely, a guy and girl can go on vacation as friends. For everyone’s comfort, make sleeping arrangements clear before heading out on the trip and clarify your expectations for the getaway.
If you’re traveling to very conservative countries where staying together as friends may be frowned upon, you may want to book separate hotel rooms.
So, What Are the Best Trips for Groups of Friends?
From the beautifully tropical and spiritual shores of Bali to the vibrant nightlife and nonstop sightseeing of New York City, there are some amazing places to travel with a group of friends.
Whether you’re after a sophisticated city like Buenos Aires or NYC, an idyllic beach destination like Bali or Antigua, or an adventurous place like Costa Rica or Lake Tahoe, there are some excellent places that everyone can agree on.
Keep our tips and considerations in mind to make sure everyone has a good time on the trip. Be sure to check out how to find cheap flights to help everyone stay within budget!