We are all aware of the fact that destinations like Paris and Venice are ideal for couples and that Washington D.C. and Rome are perfect for families, but where should a group of friends go? What are the ideal vacations for a group of friends?
People are often asking this question related to group travel. Despite the popularity of group travel, planning vacations for a group of friends is not easy.
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You have to find a destination that everyone will love, pick a hotel that everyone can afford, and close in on a place that will meet the travel preferences of each individual.
Table of Contents
Best vacations for a group of friends
Here are 15 destinations that will cover all traveler personality and will ensure that each member of the group has a wonderful time.
1. Napa Valley, California
One can never go wrong with this wine country. You can enjoy bike tours and wine tastings that are specially designed for large groups. It remains one of the best vacations for a group of friends in US.
When you are not sipping on vino, you can relax at one of the villas in the area or take a hike to the surrounding hills.
If you want to enjoy city living, head to nearby Sacramento. Napa Valley is not only known for wine, it has a long-standing nightlife and spa scene.
You can relax, chill with your friends and make the most of the colorful nightlife. It is also an ideal destination for foodies.
Grab an easy tour straight from San Francisco and visit wine country and Muir Woods.
See Related: Best Things to do in Northern California
2. Montreal, Canada
Those who do not have adequate time to take a complete European vacation, opt for Montreal. It is a popular destination for group trips.
The beautiful city will make you feel like you have hopped across the pond and it is perfect for those who only have a few days to getaway.
Montreal is one destination that will be loved by foodies and history buffs equally. Quebec is a cosmopolitan city that has a mix of modernism and the old European charm. It is one of the most visited cities in Canada and is known as the Paris of Canada.
Montreal is the liveliest city in North America. Walk around Old Montreal, listen to jazz, explore the Old Port, head to Mile End, and enjoy the stunning food scene of the city.
See Related: Best California Road Trips to Take with Friends
3. Nashville, Tennessee
A hot spot for vacations for a group of friends in recent years, Nashville has exceptional food, music, and a happening nightlife scene. Nashville is one destination that will please every type of traveler’s personality.
The bustling city is overflowing with live music venues and restaurants. It will also be an opportunity for you to learn more about music influence. Known as the Music City, Nashville remains at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
Whether it is your first time to Nashville or you are revising the destination, you will never be disappointed. You will be able to learn about the rich history of the place. It also has several cute boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
Plan a friends trip with Getaway to explore Nashville like a country music star.
Check out these top things to do in Nashville, Tennessee to build your travel itinerary.
See Related: How to Plan a Girls Trip to San Francisco
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
One of the most beautiful places in the world, Iceland gained popularity in 2017. It is at the top of world destinations for a group of friends. If you have not ticked it off your bucket list yet, gather your friends and head to Iceland.
It is perfect for nature lovers who want to do a lot more than a basic camping trip. Iceland cannot be beaten at the Blue Lagoon, sand beaches, Ring Road, and, of course, the Northern Lights.
When in Reykjavik, you can enjoy concerts, art galleries, museums, shopping, relax in the swimming pools and enjoy whale watching.
This destination has something for every type of traveler’s personality.
Check out this Iceland itinerary to find the best places to explore during your stay.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, you will love Dubrovnik. You can explore “King’s Landing” here as it was the main film location for the show. Dubrovnik has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe for you to explore.
Besides soaking in the exceptional view of the beaches, you can visit Fort Lovrijenac, head to Gornji Ugao Tower, or visit Lokrum Island.
You can also head to the Old Town and explore the ancient city walls, walk through the restaurant and store lined Stradun.
If you are a party lover, you will thoroughly enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Dubrovnik. This destination also offers an opportunity to engage in wine tasting.
Check out these other top cities in Croatia with our travel guides:
See Related: Best Midwest Roadtrips in the U.S.
6. Munich, Germany
Head to Munich for Oktoberfest and you will find yourself at the world’s wildest parties. If you cannot make it in October, do not worry. Munich is an exciting city with history, art, and beer that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
There are glaciers and mountains for biking, skiing, and hiking and it has stunning lakes to laze during the months of summer. When in Munich, head to Marienplatz Square, Munich Residenz, BMW museum, and shop at Maximilianstrasse.
Munich has some of the finest restaurants and cafes for you to explore. The nightlife in Munich will not disappoint you. It’s one of the top party cities in Europe.
Check out these top Munich breweries on your trip.
7. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The tiny town of Tamarindo has several activities for you to engage in. It is an ideal destination for vacations for a group of friends. Splash in the clean, turquoise water at this destination. There is fishing, surfing, zip-lining, diving, boating, horseback riding, white water rafting, and gorgeous beaches to lay out on.
Check out these top activities to do in Costa Rica. There’s no shortage of options.
Tamarindo is an ideal place for a getaway with a group. Do not forget to visit Las Baulas National Marine Park. Tamarindo comes to life when the sun goes down. You can enjoy live music and let your hair down at one of the crazy party spots.
The bars are usually packed with tourists and locals. If you avoid the tourist season, this destination is pretty cheap as compared to many others.
See Related: Best Beaches in Costa Rica
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you are looking to party, there is Bourbon Street but that is not the only thing New Orleans has to offer. It is known as the top destination in USA vacations for groups of friends.
You can enjoy an unrivaled culinary experience here and for those who are keen to know more about history, there is the French Quarter. If you are into music, there are jazz clubs at each corner.
When it comes to the best group vacation destinations, there is no place like New Orleans. Do not miss out on the Mercedez-Benz Superdome which is the highlight of the skyline in New Orleans.
See Related: Best Road Trips in the United States
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
No place can beat Amsterdam when it comes to vacations for a group of friends. This destination will offer a unique experience to every traveler’s personality.
There is a Golden Age canal lined by buildings which is a backdrop for the treasure-packed museums.
You will find several shops, creative drinking, dancing, design, and dining scenes. When it comes to the nightlife, Amsterdam stands out.
The Van Gogh Museum is highly popular in Amsterdam and it has the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh. It is a must-visit on your trip.
There is the Stedelijk Museum, Anne Frank House, Herengracht, and Jordaan District. There are ample photo opportunities at these must-see places in Amsterdam.
Whether you are a group of history buffs, party lovers, or art enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed here.
Heading there on a girls’ trip? Check out how to plan an epic girls’ trip to Amsterdam.
See Related: How to Spend 2 Days in Amsterdam
10. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is an absolute delight for foodies with its endless street vendors and markets. There is a vibrant nightlife for those who want to go out and there are excellent springs and beaches for those who want to sit back and relax. You will have one of the best friend vacations.
There are several unmissable things to do when in Taipei including visiting Taipei 101, Shilin Night market, National Palace Museum, Beitou Hot Spring, and several temples.
Taipei will showcase a unique culture to you and the experience will be worth it.
11. London
London is an ideal destination for vacations for a group of friends. It is one destination that can give you every experience you are looking for. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, adventure enthusiast, or explorer, London will not disappoint you.
If you have lived in London, you can never imagine living elsewhere. London has something for every traveler, and one visit to this beautiful city is never enough.
If you happen to be in London during Christmas, you can visit one of the famous Christmas markets and enjoy the festival.
Besides the castles, museums, and parks, there is so much more to do and see in London. You will enjoy an unmatched culinary experience here and the nightlife is worth mentioning. There are several restaurants, pubs, and cafes for you to explore.
You can also head out to the beautiful, charming villages in London that will give you a glimpse of the relaxing and peaceful countryside.
See Related: London vs New York
12. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A lesser-known destination, Punta Cana will give you an opportunity to relive your college glory days. It is a Spring break-esqe holiday with dozens of hotels to choose from. It has some of the best beaches in the world and they are less crowded.
You will find luxurious resorts in Punta Cana. You can indulge in zip lining, snorkeling, speed boats, cave exploration, and more.
This beautiful beach destination is ideal for those looking to relax or engage in fun adventure activities.
See Related: Best Affordable Overwater Bungalows
13. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague will fit the requirements of every traveler’s personality. It has everything- the scenery, history, and adventure. Additionally, it is much cheaper than Europe’s other most popular destinations. It is one of the popular travel vacations for a group of friends.
Prague is a beautiful destination with several unmissable monuments and sites. Explore the history and rich architecture of this destination.
There are several things to see like the Charles Bridge, Strahov Monastery, Prague Castle, and Old Town Square.
See Related: Best Travel Accessories
14. Hoi An, Vietnam
If you are still wondering where should I go on vacation with friends, head to Hoi An, Vietnam which is a charming city and is relatively cheap. If you want to head to an exotic location that fits into everyone’s budget, this is it.
The most charming town of Vietnam, Hoi An will leave you asking for more.
One visit to this destination is never enough. Explore the Old Town and click a picture under the colorful lanterns, visit the temples, and the Japanese Bridge.
Head to the Central Market and enjoy the rural surroundings. Hoi An is a peaceful town with beautiful beaches. If you are looking for a holiday to simply relax and soak in the beauty of natural surroundings, this is it.
See Related: London vs Paris: What is Better?
15. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is known for the abundance of art and music, and the outstanding local cuisine. There is a lot of scenery, shopping, and history here. It is one of the top trips for groups. A lot of travelers have Madrid at the top of their bucket list and it is indeed one destination you should visit before you die.
The picturesque destination is an ideal blend of colors and cultures. It is a pleasure to explore and has everything from an exceptional food scene, to beautiful parks and historical gems.
You can enjoy history, art, and culture in Madrid like no other. It is an architectural delight with some of the most popular buildings. It is also home to some of the best art galleries in the world and will undoubtedly make you plan a second visit.
Make a list of all these best places to visit with a group and start ticking them off the bucket list.
No matter what you are looking for, these destinations will satisfy your soul and will ensure that every member of the group has an excellent time.
There is so much to see and do at each of the destinations that you will be spoilt for choice. Make the most of your holiday by considering the budget and travel preferences of each member of the group.
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