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How to Plan a Trip with Friends

Last Updated: March 3, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 119,507 times.

The only thing better than a vacation with friends is a well-planned vacation with friends. With careful preparation and good communication, you can ensure that your group will stay energized and enthusiastic through the whole trip. Choose your friends, destination and activities wisely and your group will enjoy a fun and memorable holiday--and start getting ready to plan the next one.

Getting Your Group Together

• If you enjoy trips with lots of walking or hiking, but your friend would rather lounge by a pool all day, consider how much you’ll both be willing to compromise and if it’s worth it to invite them or not. Also consider whether a friend is an early riser or prefers to go to sleep late, and how high-maintenance they tend to be.

• If one or two people simply aren’t available, tell them that you’re sorry it didn’t work out for this trip and that you’ll let them know when you’re planning your next holiday with friends.

• For example, you could say, “I know it’s awkward, but we should talk about a budget before we start planning everything. I know I’d like to keep the full cost of the trip under $2,000, if we can!”
• If it starts getting too expensive for any of your friends, let them know that you understand if they’re not able to splurge for this trip, and that you’re excited to travel with them at a time that’s better for them.

Choosing a Destination

• Choose friends who aren’t afraid to try new things and who won’t be too grumpy in the face of jet lag or long days of walking.

• This is a great choice for a larger group of five people or more, because there’s something for everyone and the group can easily split up if some of the group can lay in the sun all day, while more active friends can rent jet skis or go snorkeling.

• Ask your friends to take turns driving, so one person isn’t behind the wheel the whole time.

Creating an Itinerary for Everyone

• Use online documents to share ideas as you create the itinerary, and send out a final version when it’s all done.

• Let your group know early on if you’ll be sharing rooms, so they can choose roommates and work out any issues.

• If some activities are similar, like boating and snorkeling, try to merge them. For example, you can rent a boat for the day and bring snorkeling equipment for those who want to swim.

• Plan for downtime in the afternoon, especially after lunch when the group may be full and sleepy or as a quick pick-me-up before dinner.

• Plan a meetup spot and time, especially if you’re in a foreign country where not everyone has phone service.

• Remind your friends that you won’t be able to accommodate everyone at every restaurant. If your group has widely varying tastes, compromise: choose a burger place one night, and go out for sushi the next. Not everyone will get their favorite food every night, but they’ll be happier to compromise knowing that their voice was heard.

Preparing for Departure

• Remind your group to bring any IDs necessary for traveling. If you’re going abroad, you’ll need your passport. If you’re staying in the country, make sure to bring your driver’s license or another government-issued ID card.

• Share luggage space and items like toothpaste, shampoo or camping tents.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
• ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2016/03/group-vacation-guide-c-v-r.html
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMtirywlZjU&feature=youtu.be&t=43s
• ↑ http://vacationidea.com/ideas/best-girlfriend-getaways.html
• ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a9587944/how-to-plan-vacation-with-friends/

About This Article

If you want to plan a trip with friends, start by agreeing on dates that suit everyone in the group and a budget that everyone can afford. Then, choose a destination to suit your group, like a road trip for a small group that gets on well or a beach holiday for a larger, relaxed group. You’ll also want to designate 1-2 people in your group to organize an itinerary, including travel and accommodation, as this will ensure bookings are made more quickly. When the details are confirmed, email them to everyone in the group so they’re aware of the details. For tips on how to select friends for a trip and how to deal with currency exchange, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to travel with friends – without falling out

Sep 3, 2019 • 6 min read

Travelling together offers friends the chance to enjoy quality time awash with in-jokes, proper catch-ups and unforgettable experiences. Sound like bliss? It can be. But beware: even the best of friendships can be tested on the road.

Whether you’re about to embark on your first adventure with your mates in tow or are looking to improve on past experiences, here are writer Emma Sparks' 10 tips for having a harmonious trip with friends.

Beginners: start on the right foot

1. choose the right people to go with.

Pick any old pal with a passport at your peril. Just because you share a love of Nicolas Cage movies and Chinese food doesn’t mean you’re compatible travel buddies. Think twice before travelling with someone you only ever see in one context; your coffee-and-cake companion, yoga chum or work bestie might be a dream to hang out with at home, but a nightmare when it comes to exploring somewhere new. Opt for someone you’re confident you could tolerate for three days straight and you should have a reasonably hiccup-free trip – but there are no guarantees.

You might also like this:  All abroad: how to plan a group trip

2. Set expectations

Is this trip about winding down and going with the flow, or ticking off a list of sights the length of your arm? Will it be action-packed and outdoorsy, or heavy on the hangovers? It’s easy to make assumptions about your friends’ vision for a trip based on their usual behaviour, but travel can bring with it a different set of priorities and reveal a totally different side of people. Night owl travelling with early birds or vice versa? Proceed with caution – or agree to adjust your body clocks accordingly. Verbalise your needs: a simple conversation about what each of you wants to get out of the holiday – and what you don’t want to do – should do the trick.

3. Discuss your budget

You probably have an idea of how flash or frugal your friends are, but it’s worth chatting about what you intend to spend on food and activities before you go. In situ, manage money sensitively – some people are happy to split the bill every time, while others will find subsidising your dessert addiction stressful. Keep a tally in a group budgeting app like Splitwise if you like, but don’t sweat the small stuff – no-one likes a penny-pincher.

You might also like this:  What I learned from backpacking in my 20s and 30s

4. Prepare for close quarters

If you’re sharing accommodation, prepare to learn a lot more about your mates. Sleeping habits, bathroom routines and kitchen cleanliness (or lack thereof) can all cause friction between friends. Years of sharing rooms with incessant snorers, shower hoggers and the occasional gleeful farter have taught me that the best way to overcome small irritations is to make light of them – no doubt you have your own shortcomings too – and always pack earplugs...

‘When we travel as a three, Emily always gets a room to herself as she’s the loudest snorer. Emma puts up with my mild snores and I ignore the fact she leaves hair in the plughole’ – Mary, Emma’s travel buddy on many long weekends in Europe .

Intermediate: avoid common pitfalls

5. hanger and fatigue.

The needs of travelling adults often mirror those of a two year old’s. If someone’s acting moody, chances are they’re hungry or overtired. Punctuate sightseeing with plenty of pit stops and snacks, or work siestas into your holiday routine to keep the peace.

‘I like my sleep and I’m prone to energy dips if I don’t eat at regular intervals. Before a long hike through the Latvian wilderness, Emma made sure to buy some carb-heavy snacks and sugary sweets, which saved the day’  – Helen, Emma’s travel buddy in Australia , Latvia and Estonia .

6. Too much time together

Find yourself lingering in the loo, or volunteering to pop to the shops for the milk and a few precious minutes by yourself? Don’t feel bad about taking some time away from each other. Introverts in particular often need plenty of alone time to avoid burnout – but splitting up for a few hours here and there can refresh and revive everyone. 

7. Lack of flexibility

Travelling with friends is a masterclass in the art of the compromise. When Friend A is laser-focused on finding a tabbacheria for their strictly-on-holiday smokes, Friend B wants nothing more than an Aperol spritz and a sit down, and you want to get to the top local landmark before it closes, something has to give. If it isn’t essential to you, let it go – but don’t let dominant or demanding personalities get their way every time. If you’re lucky, everyone’s wants and needs can be met with some tactical shuffling of schedules. 

‘Emma has dragged us up church spires and medieval towers in Florence , Porto , Seville and more – we expect it now, just as she expects to skip a few sights so we can sample local tipples in the sun’ – Emily, Emma’s travel buddy on many long weekends in Europe.

8. Overenthusiasm

The weeks and months ahead of a trip can be saturated with hope and high expectations, excited text messages and squeals of anticipation. So much so that by the time you board the plane, you’re already exhausted. Then, in the face of adversity – a disappointing Airbnb, bad weather or mosquito invasions – one friend may appoint themselves as a hype man, ignoring glaring issues and refusing to let anyone whinge. While positivity is a lifesaver on group trips, you can still keep it real. It’s OK if things aren’t perfect, so don’t put pressure on yourself or each other to have the best time ever – go with the flow and it will happen naturally.

Advanced: be your best self

9. forgive (and apologise) quickly.

An intense dose of togetherness coupled with new, sometimes challenging experiences means minor niggles are almost inevitable. Left to fester, resentment and pettiness can thrive. Unresolved tension is a sure-fire way to spoil a trip, so be honest about the way you’re feeling. If anyone gets snappy, forgive and forget immediately – and always apologise if you’re the grump of the group.

You might also like this:   How travel helps me cope with grief

10. Be considerate and self aware

When it comes to maintaining a good group dynamic, basic courtesies go a long way – and taking extra care of each other (without fussing) will give you the warm and fuzzies. Make sure you’ve got the fundamentals covered, such as doing your fair share of washing up and collecting the morning croissants, then go the extra mile by keeping tabs on hydration levels and sunscreen top ups, or volunteering to drive.

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The Easiest Way to Plan a Trip with Friends

by Danielle Owen | Sep 20, 2021 | Group Travel | 0 comments

Trying to plan a trip with friends? Good luck staying sane. With endless emails and text threads, chaotic suggestions, and disorganized itineraries, it can be a nightmare to accomplish.

That’s where Troupe comes in. Troupe helps you plan a trip with friends, hassle-free. The group trip planner app allows all trip members to vote on their preferred dates/destinations/accommodations. Then, you can book directly in the app once you’re ready. Once you’re booked, create an itinerary so everybody has access to the plans.

But what’s the best way to go about planning a trip with friends? After thoroughly examining different group trip planning methods, we’ve discovered the best order to plan and book your vacation. In addition, we’ve interviewed hundreds of travelers to better understand what they find most important when it comes to planning a trip with friends

Let’s take a look at the importance of deadlines, questions to ask before you start planning, and a few additional suggestions around group travel planning.

The best order to plan a trip with friends is:

• Narrow down your destination choices
• Figure out your flights. 
• Narrow down accommodation options to 3 and vote.
• Book your accommodation once all group members have purchased flights.
• Discuss/vote on/book any activities or restaurant reservations

Group Vacation Planning: order of booking

So where do you start? Do you pick a destination and then decide on activities and accommodations? Or do you let the destination choose you by searching for unique places to stay? You may even first want to decide on a common “theme” for the trip, like hiking or surfing, and then narrow down the rest. 

There’s no “right” answer when it comes to how to plan a group trip, but there are pros and cons to the different methods. 

And no matter which order you decide works best for you, Troupe’s group trip planner can help you plan a trip with friends by helping with group votes, itinerary sharing, booking, and more. 

Steps to plan a trip with friends

Ask the group basic questions. The first things to think about when planning a group trip are any special circumstances.

Some questions to ask group members prior to planning include: 

• Is everyone willing to fly? 

 Make sure everyone is willing to fly or your destination radius will be significantly smaller.

• Does anyone have any health conditions or dietary restrictions?

Some people may have a harder time dealing with altitude, cold weather, polluted cities, etc. Also, some countries make it incredibly hard for vegetarians/vegans to dine out. Clarify with the group if anyone has special needs to consider that would limit your destination list. 

• Does anyone have any budget restrictions?

We all know money can be a sensitive subject. If the group trip planner asks everyone about their budget restrictions individually instead of in a group chat, it can help take the pressure off. If you’re worried about offending someone, try framing it as “What is the max you’d be willing to spend on flights?” and similarly for accommodations. 

In addition, learn more about how to split expenses on group trips .

Set. deadlines.

We put an extra period in this header for emphasis. Because that’s how important deadlines are. 

A whopping 95.9% of people we surveyed thought a trip would be more likely to happen when someone took the lead on planning . And the most important thing the leader can do is set definitive deadlines. This includes setting dates for when the group is deciding on a destination, booking flights, booking accommodation, and planning any additional activities.

Additionally, over 90% of people surveyed believe that the responsiveness of the group is important to not missing out on good deals for flights/hotels.

And that’s where deadlines come in! 

Our recommendations for deadlines when planning a group trip are:

• Picking a Destination: A minimum of 2.5 months in advance 
• Booking Flights: 6 weeks in advance for International and 4 weeks in advance for Domestic.
• Booking Accommodation: 2 weeks in advance

Of course, some group trips are planned at the last minute and we love that too. These guidelines are just for the advanced planners among us. 

The best order to plan a trip with friends

That all being said, we do think there’s an ideal order to plan group travel, all things considered. Be sure to customize the destination options to be inclusive of every group member’s budget and restrictions. 

The best order to plan group travel is the following: 

• Narrow down your destination choices to 5 or fewer and have group members vote
• Once you have a winner for the destination, figure out your flights. 
• Narrow down accommodation options to 3 and allow group members to vote on their favorite. 
• Discuss/vote on/book any activities or restaurant reservations 

Troupe helps travelers seamlessly plan their travels from the time you vote on your favorite destinations to when you share links to favorite activity options.

Book your group travel

Once you’ve decided on the destination, accommodations, flights, and/or activities– book them! Get it out of the way so you can focus on getting excited about your upcoming vacation. Often, all it takes to set a group trip in motion is a pull of the trigger.

Additional suggestions when planning a group trip 

There are a few more things you can do to help in the planning of group travel. Here are a few:

• Set a Price Alert to keep an eye on flight prices (if you’re more than 6 weeks out). Under 6 weeks, book the flights if you find a good price. 
• If you’re the one doing the majority of the planning but don’t like being assertive, enlist the help of another group member to enforce deadlines.
• Keep an open mind and remind everyone else to do the same. How often are your favorite experiences the ones you would’ve never thought to have in the first place?

Friend trip FAQ

Is it cheaper to travel in a group .

Frequently, yes. Group travel opens your accommodation options to shared homes which can frequently save group members money instead of staying in a hotel.

How do I find a group to travel with?

If you can’t get any family or friends to take a trip with you, consider joining one of the many group travel companies that arrange itineraries for groups of solo travelers.

Do airlines offer discounts for groups?

Airlines will frequently offer discounts for large groups but it varies by group size, dates, and airline. Get in touch with the airline you wish to fly for more information of group flight discounts. 

Reimagine group travel planning!

MiTravel is a virtual planning board for travel enthusiasts and avid planners to collaboratively plan and visualize their best trips together . 

• Get Started Plan Your Next Trip for Free

Why MiTravel?

• 1 - Plan Together
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More Than Just an Itinerary (-Maker)

With MiTravel you have a space where you and your travel buddies can discuss, collect information and plan together on exactly where you want to go, do, see, or eat!

Our goal is to provide a better trip-planning experience that's focused on the actual research and planning, which will go into creating your final itinerary.

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Keep Everything in One Place

Tired of searching through endless emails to find the bookings you bought six months ago? We are too! 

Upload all of your tickets, reservations, or any documents as an attachment to a specific card. You will never lose anything again.

Ditch the spreadsheets

Planning with spreadsheets and word docs are TIME-CONSUMING! Who went where? How much time to spend? Keeping everything organized is a struggle we can relate to. 

With MiTravel, you can see everything visually, and it is so easy to navigate!

How It Works

Create a new planning board.

Get inspired from anywhere on the web. Save your dream trip experiences, and organize them by colours and tags.

Add your travel buddies to collaborate

Plan your trip together in one shared space and in real-time! No more miscommunications or things getting lost in translation.

Search and add destinations

Search for any destination in the Explore tab and add your favourites directly to the Planning Board. Use the map as a reference to pinpoint where your saved destinations and activities will be.

Create polls to make faster decisions

Having trouble deciding? Tired of having to ask everyone for their opinions? Make decisions in a breeze by allowing each person to add and vote on whatever is being polled. 

Write notes to keep track of important information & discussion

Not online at the same time? Or just want to leave a reminder for your friends or yourself? Leave each other sticky notes to discuss and have a real-time discussion right below to keep things nice and organized.

Check out the types of travellers who enjoy using MiTravel!

"MiTravel is built to ease your travel planning, be it a solo, family, and/or friend trip."

"Its design is UI/UX-friendly, which uplifts your planning experience. Forget all tens and more web tabs, the inconvenient drag and drop, etc. It's nice to be able to curate all the inspiration and collaborate on the itinerary in one spot. So excited for its launch!"

"As my family’s travel planner, I’m super excited about MiTravel’s Planning Board after seeing all its helpful features during our beta testing session!"

"Not only does it allow you to collaboratively plan your must-see destinations, conveniently see it all on a map and view your finalized trip on a holistic timeline but it’s aesthetically pleasing too."

"The more I used the app, the more I realized how great it will be planning my next trip with friends."

"Especially like how all the inspirational ideas and practical details come together visually in one place."

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5 Group Travel Planning Apps to Make Trips With Friends and Family Easier

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Travel is more fun if you can share the experiences with your loved ones. On the other hand, planning a trip with a group can be stressful, given the different logistics, opinions, requirements, and interests. These travel planning apps for groups try to make it easier to come up with an itinerary that all your friends can contribute to and feel happy with.

Each of the apps approaches the problem of group travel planning in different ways. So you'll need to keep in mind which one your group is bound to feel most comfortable with.

All the apps in this list are free or have a free tier that has enough features to make you feel like using it for an upcoming trip.

1. Hoku (Android, iOS): Super Simple Group Travel Planning App

If your group isn't too tech-savvy, they're going to be overwhelmed with some of the apps in this list. Simplicity, or the lack of extraneous features, is sometimes the best way to get people to participate in such apps. Hoku keeps it as simple and easy as possible, giving you the ability to make your trip with friends and chat about it.

As the creator, you can give a trip name, add the city or place you'll be visiting, pick start and end dates, and invite co-travelers via email. In the trip, you can add multiple activities. When you open the activity pane, you'll see popular tourist attractions from the chosen location. Tap any to add them to your itinerary while also choosing a date. The activities are then arranged chronologically in the main tab.

All participants in that Hoku group can use the Hoku chat to talk about the plans. A dedicated chat space for the trip is a nice way to keep away clutter from your regular group chat on IM. Once the trip is ready, you can also export it as a document and send it via email.

Download: Hoku for Android | iOS (Free)

2. MiTravel (Web): Travel Planning Board for Groups to Collaborate

Trello or other kanban boards to plan your tasks help you visualize everything you have to do about a project. MiTravel uses that system to make a travel planning board, where you collaborate with others to add various items for your shared trip and even conduct polls to reach decisions quickly. Best of all? It's completely free with no hidden costs.

When planning a new trip, you'll have to first add the location (country, region, or city) and trip dates. Then, invite any co-travelers to your planning board. By default, each trip has a few columns set up: Transit, Stays, Notes, Attractions, and Foods. You can add a card to any of these and give it a header color to indicate what it's about. Each card has a simple text box, but you can also add attachments for things like your flight tickets or hotel bookings.

The Explore tab lets you search for and add places you intend to visit. You can save any attraction to your board, adding the group it belongs to. Cards can be moved around between groups easily.

When you're traveling as a group, there are several decisions you need to make together. MiTravel offers a simple poll maker to get everyone's opinion on an issue, which is visible to all participants.

3. Troupe (Web, iOS): Planning, Polling, Voting, and Shared Itinerary for Group Travel

Troupe is one of the most robust apps made for planning a trip as a group. It includes a host of features that aim to solve the problems that every group has experienced in the planning stage of a trip. Once your invitees join, they can choose to be marked as "interested" or "going" so that you can differentiate between the certainties and the maybes.

Your Troupe dashboard has different sections to make trip planning easier:

• Polls: Create a poll about any decision related to the trip, with multiple choices, and let travelers vote.
• Dates: Add your travel dates and any notes related to them.
• Destinations: Select one or multiple destinations and align them to the overall travel dates.
• Stays: Add accommodation directly, or add multiple options that your travelers can vote on. Whether voting is allowed or not is up to you.
• Activities: Like Stays, add multiple activities by searching on Google Maps, adding direct links, or writing custom plans. Choose whether participants get to vote or not.
• Itinerary: Create a custom itinerary for the trip based on the dates, destinations, stays, and activities that you have decided on.
• Notes: Add any additional information about the trip that anyone might need to know.

Troupe also allows anyone to send a "Broadcast" message that can reach all participants. It's great to use for things other than reminders or deadlines, both of which are options you can set for voting or polling in Troupe.

Download: Troupe for iOS (Free)

4. Plan Harmony (Web): Calendar Planning and Budget Tracking for Group Trips

Plan Harmony lets you create multiple trips to invite friends to by simply sharing a link, after which you can collaborate to plan it. Once you've set the dates of travel, the default view shows a calendar, so you are planning as if in a shared Google Calendar.

Anyone can add an event or an idea to this calendar, where the basic difference is that an event is something you have all agreed upon, while an idea is something you will vote upon. Under the event or idea title, you'll have to choose a category such as flight, accommodation, attraction, food/restaurant, etc. Each category has different prompts for the details you add to the event, such as flight number, car type or confirmation code, locations and links, and so on. You can also add notes and descriptions, give it a custom color, set its date and time, and finally add what it's going to cost.

Cost tracking is a major part of group travel, and Plan Harmony seeks to make it easier by letting you add costs for each event and specifying whether it's the group cost that's to be evenly split or the per-person cost. In the Budget dashboard, you'll see a breakdown of all these expenses and a per-person analysis of what you're spending on the trip.

With Plan Harmony's paid pro version, you get more robust budget tools such as exporting them to a spreadsheet, multiple costs for different people, etc. It also unlocks other features such as syncing with a calendar app of your choice and adding unlimited checklists or attachments to events.

5. Mobili (Android, iOS): Best Mobile App for Group Travel Planning

If you prefer a mobile app over a desktop, Mobili is the best option. It has all the major features of apps like Troupe and Plan Harmony in a simple interface for phones.

When you make a new trip and invite your friends, the main screen shows the itinerary. There are three broad categories: Travel, Lodging, and Activity. In each, you can add different details like departure and arrival times, booking numbers or confirmation codes, links, and images or screenshots of the bookings. Any item you add can be made private, public, or duplicated to all travelers.

The Split feature is a powerful budget tracker. You can add any expense here, noting the amount paid and what it was for, the currency, when and who paid, and which participants will be splitting this expense. Expenses can also be made private if you wish. As you keep adding, it'll all be calculated in the Overview tab. It's almost as good as some of the best bill-splitting apps for groups .

Mobili also has a built-in group chat to discuss your travel plans on IM. The Notes tab lets you add any pertinent things to remember. And in Compare, you can check the different details added by participants to quickly compare things like arrival and departure times.

Download: Mobili for Android | iOS (Free)

Ask What's Non-Negotiable, Not What's Preferred

When making travel decisions as a group, you'll often come to a point where there isn't any consensus. Most apps and travel experts recommend taking a vote to figure out what common ground you can reach. However, that can still leave some people miffed. In such cases, try approaching the issue by changing the question.

Instead of voting, or perhaps before voting, ask what everyone's non-negotiable item is. Sometimes, people don't know what they want but are clear about what they don't want. And with that knowledge, others can help come up with a decision or solution that satisfies the whole group.

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6 Apps That Make Planning Group Travel Easier

Planning a trip among friends or family can be tricky. Help keep everyone on the same page with these group travel planning apps that organize itineraries, expenses and photos.

Available on iOS and Android Prava is an itinerary manager that offers in-app messaging, a to do list and notepad, perfect for planning group trips. Additional features make this app a great travel companion as well. From the app, you can share your location with other group members, perfect if you’re arriving in a destination from many different locations. You can also share trip photos and calculate expenses through the app.

At the conclusion of your vacation, your group can choose to share part or all of your itinerary with other Prava users, inspiring other groups to follow in your footsteps.

Available on iOS only; Android coming soon No matter where you are, what currency you paid in or who paid, figure out who owes what with group travel app Splittr. Divide hotel, grocery, attraction and transportation costs between friends or family. The app converts any expense to your preferred currency and allows you to split bills unevenly between group members. After your vacation, export PDF or CSV reports to let everyone know how much they owe other travelers. You unfortunately aren’t able to pay your balance using the app.

For an app that includes all the same functions and works on both iOS and Android, choose Splid.

Available on iOS and Android This is another app the manages expenses within a group. It shares many of the same features as Splittr and Splid, with two exceptions.

• Splitwise integrates with Venmo, making it ideal for groups who already share money via the app.
• There is no option to change currencies in the app, so it’s more appropriate for groups traveling domestically.

Available on iOS and Android Whether you’re planning a spring break trip, bachelorette party or family reunion, keep all the details in a single place with Travefy. Use the chat and polling function to discuss details, collect money (there is a fee to use a credit card) and start building your sharable itinerary. Forward confirmation emails to the app and your flight, rental car, accommodation, activities and restaurant reservations will appear in one place.

You can view your itinerary on a map and search nearby for other attractions, sorted by hotels, activities and food. Whether you imported an activity or Travefy suggested it, your group will be able to see Trip Advisor reviews for the attraction. During the trip, track your expenses (multiple popular currencies are available) in the app so your group can see who owes who what and pay via credit card or PayPal after heading home.

Available on iOS and Android This app is a less robust group vacation planning tool, but if you’re looking for something simple, Tripline may be for you. Multiple group members can map out your accommodations and the attractions you’re planning to explore, then share the map with other people who may be interested in following your trip.

Your group members can upload photos and add text for any location on your Tripline map. The app takes these photos and creates a simple animation outlining your trip, which is available for other Tripline users and can be shared on social media.

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How to Plan a Trip with Friends for a Perfect Getaway

Planning a group trip with friends can be stressful. Check out our guide to help you and your crew collaborate on travel plans for the best vacation ever.

We've all been there, the excitement of planning a trip with friends, the anticipation of hitting the beach or walking city streets with your besties and the thrill of creating memories together.

Yet the stress of coordinating group trips and traveling with friends can be overwhelming. People have different travel styles and personalities. Some friends want fun & adventure, some want relaxation & tranquility and others want to soak in local culture.

And don't get us started on those dreaded two-word anxieties that can throw any group trip into chaos: budget planning and travel logistics.

So is traveling with friends a good idea when so much can go wrong?

Yes! If you use a trip-planner app for friends, collaborate on itineraries and prioritize open & honest communication, you'll experience one of the most fulfilling times of your life with those who matter most to you.

Don't let the stress and hassle of planning a friendcation ruin your getaway or, worse yet, your friendships.

Here at Pilot, as travel experts who have journeyed the world with friends, we've gathered lots of tips for how to plan a vacation with friends to help you turn the planning process for group trips into a fun, stress-free experience.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a full-blown vacation or a summer abroad, we've got you covered. We'll explain how to plan a trip with friends to make the process (almost) as enjoyable as the trip itself.

So avoid the usual snags, protect your friendships and have fun on vacation with friends with our guide for planning group travel.

How to Plan a Friendship Trip for a Stress-Free Vacation

Trips with friends are the best, but let's face it, planning group trips can be a nightmare.

What are some of the challenges of traveling with friends?

First, each friend group has its own set of personalities. This is great for diverse experiences with your social circle, but can be frustrating for planning trips.

Perhaps you're confident and free-spirited who enjoys a flexible balance of planning trips and going with the flow for adventurous fun.

But maybe you have a travel friend who's popular but reserved and wants more relaxed fun and another who's polite but inhibited and doesn't know what kind of fun they want at all.

Both of these friends are likely to rely more on diligent travel itineraries than you—but for opposite reasons that will impact the planning process. It's enough to make your head spin!

Second, personality differences also lead to different travel preferences and styles.

Where do you visit? What things do you do? How "busy" should your itinerary be? All your friends will have various comfort levels with all the options.

Third, each friend will have different budget sensitivities and preferences for sharing costs which could create arguments or resentments if not discussed in advance.

These issues are just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots of aspects to consider when planning a group vacation with friends.

Remember, your goal is to maximize fun and minimize stress, so let's start by going over things to keep in mind before discussing in more detail how to have a good trip.

Here are ten tips to have a vacation with friends to create lasting memories and strengthen your friendships.

10 Tips for Planning a Trip with Friends

1. communicate like champions.

Talk open and honestly. If something bothers you, address it respectfully and be prepared to compromise.

Try to speak in "I" statements rather than "you" statements when having difficult talks with friends . For example, "I don't feel this restaurant fits my budget" compared to, "You keep choosing expensive restaurants."

2. Set Expectations and Designate Responsibilities

Discuss what everyone wants out of a trip with friends to align goals and avoid misunderstandings. Learning about friends' desires and motivations helps answer other questions, like what to do and where to go.

And share planning- and decision-making duties to prevent burnout and make everyone feel involved. Use collaborative tools like online spreadsheets or trip-planning apps like Pilot to coordinate on the itinerary, designate planning responsibilities and research tourist attractions.

3. Align on Budgets and Track Expenses to Share Costs

Nothing derails a vacation with friends like finances! Talk about budgets and costs ahead of time so the group can avoid conflict. Be upfront, discuss spending styles and set realistic expectations for sharing expenses.

Talk about which activities you want to do as a group or separately when it comes to dividing costs. Nobody will want to pitch in for something they didn't partake in or didn't want to do.

4. Match Travel Styles for Destinations and Activities

Align travel preferences to pick the perfect destination and enjoy group activities. Do you want to stay in an extravagant resort or backpack between hostels? Prioritize physical activities like snorkeling or relax in a cafe? Ask these types of questions before planning an itinerary.

Talk about where each friend wants to travel to and what they want to do there. Don't assume everyone craves the same adventure. You may love Mai Tais on a Caribbean beach but others might want to go hiking in the Pacific Northwest or people-watching in Paris.

5. Stand Up for Alone Time and Prioritize Space

Allow personal time to keep the group dynamic positive. Exploring at your own pace recharges batteries and prevents fatigue.

Just don't disappear from your friends unexpectedly! They might worry about you. Consider scheduling time-blocks for independent space in your itinerary, and agree with friends ahead of time where & when you'll all meet up again.

6. Avoid Overscheduling and Respect the Itinerary

While spontaneity is fun, sticking to a loose plan helps avoid wasted time and decision fatigue. Leave room for adjustments but schedule key activities to avoid disappointment.

Plus, each friendship group has someone who wants every minute of the day planned and someone who wants little to no rigid plans at all. Strike a balance between a strict and flexible schedule to fairly accommodate all the personality differences in your crew.

7. Plan the Dates Well Ahead of Time

Planning a trip with friends is exciting but can be tricky, especially when juggling jobs, studies and those random adventures someone's always on, so try setting up a poll using Doodle or SurveyMonkey for everyone to mark their free dates.

It's a bit like herding cats, especially with the friend who never checks their calendar. But focus on finding that sweet spot where most schedules overlap to make your epic group trip happen.

8. Create Rules for Phone Usage—Seriously!

Don't police friends' phone usage, but encourage everyone to minimize distractions to focus on the experience; make rules like no phones over group dinner, for instance. And take turns being the "designated photographer" to capture candid moments and not just staged poses.

And coordinate via a photo-sharing app for friends to share photos with each other so you can relive your memories and show off your trip to your social network!

9. Plan for Meals and Sleep Schedules

No, we don't recommend overplanning by scheduling times for snacks and naps.

But if some friends want fancy dinners at 8 p.m. and late mornings followed by adventurous afternoon activities, while others want simple buffets at 6 p.m. and earlier bedtimes with a relaxed daily vibe, those differences will impact everyone's enjoyment without pre-planning.

10. Just Relax and Have Fun

Just as best friends don't necessarily make good roommates, they also won't automatically make stress-free travel buddies—lest you put in the work!

So remember, you're traveling with friends to have fun. When you plan a trip with friends, take a deep breath and practice empathy, flexibility and open communication to experience an unforgettable time with your crew.

The Worry-Free Guide to Plan a Group Trip with Friends

As you can see from these tips for planning a friendcation, there are lots of factors to consider, from aligning travel styles to coordinating on budgets and figuring out things to do.

To make your life easier, use an app for planning a trip with friends to democratize planning, allow everyone to contribute and ensure all voices are heard.

A trip-planning app for friends also enables you to collaborate on decisions and discover accommodations, activities and attractions to build itineraries together as a group.

So to help you plan the best trip with friends possible, below we've expanded on all our go-to tips in this guide for planning a group vacation, with suggestions for different apps and tools to get you off on the right foot. Let's dive in!

Understanding Group Dynamics

Traveling with friends is insanely fun and rewarding, but without setting proper expectations by pinpointing the dynamics of your group, you could end up with some awkward moments.

Determine who's the natural leader, the meticulous planner and the care-free, go-with-the-flow friend.

Are your friends morning birds or night owls? Do they favor party nights or adventurous treks during the day? Map out each friend's travel-personality type to plan trips while keeping the vibe lighthearted.

For example, say one friend wants to explore without a strict itinerary while another loves to research itineraries and understand the purpose of each activity.

These friends need to communicate. Here, the planner can lay out different options and say to the explorer, "Hey, there are lots of things to do in Seoul and I looked into some of them, so what do you think about shopping in Myeongdong or visiting the National Museum of Korea?"

The planner feels satisfied having studied either option and the explorer is satisfied by at least having a feeling of choice. That's a win-win situation.

But you can't predict every hypothetical scenario. So prepare during the travel-planning stage by knowing the personality differences and how they can impact group routines & interests.

It's helpful to use a trip-planning app for friends for a brainstorming session where everyone can openly discuss their favorite options.

For example, in Pilot, you can manage multiple trips from your dashboard, invite friends to each trip and easily see which group is attached to each trip. All guests in each trip can access the trip planner and collaborate on discovering activities & accommodations and building itineraries.

Knowing how to communicate with the different personalities amongst your travel friends enables you to properly set expectations during the trip-planning process.

With a trip planner, you can also discuss and accommodate what everyone wants out of the trip, such as each person's must-see locations, to collaborate on an itinerary that gives everyone a fair share of what they want.

There is no "one size fits all" for traveling with friends. The beauty lies in the blend of various personalities and clear, respectful communication.

Financial Planning

When planning a trip with friends, don't forget about finances. Money can put stress on friendships, potentially resulting in a group trip that ends up being not so fun.

Knowing each person's spending limits shapes all aspects of a trip, such as accommodations, transportation and meals. So discuss budgets in advance to eliminate awkward conversations about money.

To plan a trip on a budget , set a max group budget, research all major costs and set daily budgets for your itinerary.

When talking about budgets with friends in different income brackets, for flexibility, discuss price ranges rather than strict limits. And get to the root of the problem if money-talk triggers any emotions; strains beyond just money could be an opportunity to reconsider a friendship.

This empowers you to be secure with what you and your friends each bring to the group and will make your trip—and your friendships—stronger if you can persevere through challenging conversations.

Once the budget is set, make a plan for sharing costs. Here's where technology comes to the rescue—apps like Settle Up , Splid , Splitwise and Tricount allow friends on group trips to easily divide shared expenses.

For instance, Settle Up can rotate new costs between friends based on outstanding amounts owed, Splid enables automatic currency conversions, Splitwise tracks & records payments and Tricount provides the most simplicity for friends to add, edit or delete expenses.

Always show kindness and openness. Money-related issues can become a sensitive topic for friends, but clear, respectful communication helps keep the vibe enjoyable and stress-free.

When planning a trip with friends, remember that the key to a successful, hassle-free vacation lies in advanced planning and open communication concerning budgeting and sharing costs.

Choosing the Destination

Planning a trip with friends starts with choosing a destination. But how do friends pick travel spots when embarking on a group trip?

First, do you want a weekend getaway or a more extended vacation, like a week-long trip or backpacking to multiple places? The type of trip you take with friends will impact your choices.

From Amsterdam and Paris to Rio de Janeiro and Australia's Gold Coast, there are lots of fun places to go with friends .

Ask yourselves if you want to relax on a beach, explore a big city or go on an adventure like hopping around hostels in Southeast Asia. Then list the places each friend has an eye on to discover common desires and reach a consensus.

Try to find patterns. Are the preferred spots mostly beach resorts or European cities? Recognizing themes can help refine the options.

Another aspect on how to plan a group trip is to consider travel logistics. Factor in where each friend is coming from when picking a destination. For example, a weekend trip to Hawaii might be feasible for friends on the West Coast but less so for those in New York City.

If friends live in different regions, use tools that show deals from multiple departure cities.

For example, Skyscanner displays the cheapest flights originating from specified airports within selected timeframes and Tripmatch helps you compare flights from different departure points to synchronize trips between people.

But figuring out which countries to visit when planning a group trip with friends is only half the battle; the real work is in sorting out transportation & accommodations and itinerary planning for finding things to do. Let's review those considerations to help make your trip a success!

Transportation and Accommodations

Planning a trip with friends can consume lots of energy and time when trying to book and coordinate aspects such as transportation and accommodations, so it's important to map out these details in your planning discussions.

When it comes to planning transportation for group travel, start by researching prospective flights to find good deals.

This approach provides an early understanding of how much to budget towards transportation costs—considering how costly flights can be, finding airfare deals can save you and your friends significant money.

Google Flights is a convenient tool to find cheap flights from multiple airlines for different locations, search destinations and track prices. Plus, its Explore feature provides a cool visualization of the cheapest places to fly to within a date range.

There are many other options when it comes to the best travel-deal websites , like Dollar Flight Club and Hopper , both great at helping you discover and book cheap flights.

But those tools don't come without downsides; for more information, check out our review of Dollar Flight Club and our review of Hopper .

To find the best airfare deals, don't leave bookings to the last minute. In our research, we discovered that the sweet spot for the best airfare prices is usually two to eight months in advance.

And think of ways to improve the experience for booking flights as a group . For example, when traveling with friends, you'll want to sit together on the plane. One way to find adjoining seats is to book from the same flight itinerary, so have one person in charge of the booking process.

Next, there's that old chestnut of booking accommodations. How can you and your friends find and book the best hostels, hotels or resorts when planning your group vacation?

Locating the right accommodations is a balancing act. On one hand, you need to find a place that suits everyone's comfort level and budget. On the other hand, you want your lodging to provide easy access to dining, entertainment and recreational options.

Sounds daunting? Don't worry, it's simpler than you might think.

For booking places to stay when you plan a trip with friends, check out Airbnb and Vrbo . On Kayak , you can build itineraries with locations and bookings for accommodations & flights and share your itineraries with others.

But none of these apps offer lots of collaboration features for planning with friends (and Kayak even discontinued its Trip Huddle tool that had this functionality). Plus, they all focus only on bookings; part of the joy of finding travel locations is the fun things to do in cities.

To plan a great group vacation with friends, look for a trip-planner app that provides collaboration features to help you choose destinations and discover activities, and not merely flight listings or hotel bookings.

For instance, with Pilot, you can easily collaborate with friends in the same shared dashboard for both finding and booking places to stay, and then connect your accommodation bookings to a shared trip itinerary for activities and things to do.

It's tough to plan for flights and accommodations for any trip, so embrace everyone's preferences, manage expectations and be prepared to occasionally make tough decisions.

But with empathetic communication and effective collaboration, you can have an unforgettable travel experience with your best friends!

Itinerary Planning

Perhaps the most important part of planning a trip with friends is building the itinerary.

When traveling with friends, you want to do fun stuff, relaxing stuff, adventurous stuff—all the stuff! That's the point of a friendcation, to have a blast, create shared memories and de-stress from life.

So how can you build a great itinerary for group travel?

Choose from the best travel-guide websites so you'll know exactly where to do your research.

When you're all set to dive in, learn how to plan a travel itinerary with friends, focusing on the three main aspects of group-travel itineraries: making a plan, choosing activities and budgeting & scheduling.

The first step is to plan out what kinds of things might go in the itinerary to satisfy everyone's desires and preferences. Brainstorm with friends the attractions you all want to try, the experiences everyone wants to have and the foods each friend wants to taste.

Say you're backpacking through Indonesia with a stop in the capital of Jakarta. If friends insist on a beach day with an adventurous experience, you can jot this down to help come up with ideas for activities at a beach near your Jakarta hostel (paragliding, anyone?).

Or if friends start listing the different types of Indonesian food they want to try and mee goreng keeps getting discussed, this will help you decide to research different noodle houses in Jakarta.

Perhaps your group has different food preferences. If you're traveling to Honolulu, refer to notes from your brainstorming session to plan out eating options and alternate choices. For instance, sushi on day one and Hawaiian burgers on day two!

The secret to an awesome travel itinerary when planning a trip with friends is balancing group & individual activities and to accommodate budgetary needs.

Leave free time between activities for each friend to do their own thing. Remember, group travel is more about fun relaxation than about packing the itinerary with activities.

And when friends express different budget preferences for the trip, strike a fair balance when itinerary-planning. Schedule some days with private, guided tours & fancy restaurants and other days with low-cost visits to historical landmarks & night markets.

The best way to build an itinerary when planning group travel is with a trip planner to centralize all details for discovering things to do and collaborating on planning activities with friends.

For instance, in Pilot, friends can research activities, landmarks and restaurants together and build out a group itinerary, vote on different options and chat together in a shared dashboard for convenient & transparent collaboration.

Plus, having the ability to create your trip itinerary alongside your accommodation bookings and connect everything in a central dashboard with a map is a huge bonus when planning a trip with friends because it means everything is in one place for everyone.

Utilizing these strategies, planning an itinerary for your group becomes a breeze.

Have Fun on Vacation with Friends with Trip-Planning Apps Designed for Your Crew

It's said that a trip with friends is a joy but planning the trip is a pain. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Just make sure you understand the group dynamics for productive & respectful communication, plan out finances, decide on a destination that works for everybody, choose transportation & accommodation options that suit the group and collaborate on building the travel itinerary.

Whether you're considering group travel for the first time or have been traveling with friends for a decade, these elements come into play at each step. Research the different trip-planning apps mentioned in this guide to help you conquer every stage of the journey.

From classic old-school options like Google Sheets to dedicated trip planners for groups like Pilot, planning a trip with friends has never been easier.

Just remember, you're navigating as much through relationships as you are through new places. So embrace flexibility, learn to handle the unexpected, be empathetic and most importantly, have fun!

The only question you've got left to answer is, are you ready to make your next trip with friends the best one yet?

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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But before you decide on a destination, be sure to keep the personalities and preferences of your friends top of mind. Some friends are awesome to lay on a beach with, but not so great for trekking through the jungle or road tripping through Europe.

My top tip: Embrace the personalities and preferences of who you’re traveling with, and let it guide your destination.

After getting trip ideas below, check out my travel planning guide to help you make it epic.

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15 FUN Places to go with friends on the weekend

I highly recommend OFTEN taking fun trips with friends near where you live. Short and sweet trips are a great way to “test the waters” of traveling with friends without putting too much stress on a relationship. Especially if your travel styles are quite different.

Here are awesome places to go with friends on the weekend, including ideas across the US and Canada.

1. HOUSEBOATING near you

My very first BIG trip with friends was a houseboating weekend in beautiful British Columbia. It was perfect! 

We soaked in the hot tub and slid down the waterslide when we got too hot. Ate way too much ice cream. Met some cuties. And we even crashed. Yup, we did. There’s nothing like a little drama to pull you together! (Make sure you get insurance, ‘cause those boats are harder to steer than they look!)

Find the nearest pretty lake country near you, book a car and make it happen. It’s like camping but with a waterslide.

2. Fun LOS ANGELES weekend getaway for girls

A girls trip to LA is pretty classic. Strut your stuff like Pretty Woman on Rodeo Drive. Hit up the star-prone restaurants. And time it with the Oscars to experience the red carpet. It’s possibly THE most epic place to travel with friends on the weekend.

Or, if you’re not into the Hollywood mayhem, stay on beautiful Santa Monica Beach. Cycle The Strand bike path along the waterfront. Ride the ferris wheel on the pier. And people-watch while enjoying incredible beachfront restaurants.

Where to stay with friends in Los Angeles:

• Casa Del Mar resort and spa (Santa Monica): Right on Santa Monica Beach, with an outdoor pool, restaurants and live music on Sundays. Every room has a hydrotherapy spa tub and floor-to-ceiling windows, some with an ocean view.
• Beverly Wilshire (Beverly Hills): As close as you can get to Rodeo Drive, overlooking Rodeo Drive and the Via Rodeo fountain and steps. An epic place for a trip with friends to explore Rodeo Drive’s boutique shops and cafes.
• SIXTY Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills): Five blocks from Rodeo Drive along Wilshire Blvd, with a pretty rooftop pool and bar.

3. FLORIDA KEYS road trips with friends

A road trip from Miami to the tip of the Florida Keys is the perfect mix of beach and culture. It’s only about 3.5 hours, with plenty of time to stop along the way.

If you’re not from Miami, spend a day exploring its museums, Bayside Marketplace at the waterfront, or cultural neighborhoods like Little Havana.

Then, rent a car and head out to Key West. Along the way, stop to play with dolphins, feel the sand between your toes, and eat and drink with a view. Want more adventure? Where better to go skydiving with the girls than in Key West?!

Find all you need to plan your Florida Keys road trip with friends .

4. NEW ORLEANS weekend getaway with friends

Visiting the plantations in Louisiana would certainly make for a memorable travel experience with friends in the USA. Stay in a former plantation mansion, the elegant Nottoway Plantation that dates back to the 1850s. It’s the south’s largest antebellum mansion, located right on the Mississippi River. It features antiques and fireplaces in the rooms. Plus, an outdoor pool, hot tub, onsite dining and self-guided tours.

Plantations to visit near New Orleans, Louisiana:

• Oak Alley Plantation : Known for the stunning Oak-lined path entrance to this sugarcane plantation. Features tours of the “big house” (with a pretty wrap-around upper balcony), slave cabins, expansive garden and exhibits.
• Whitney Plantation : Famous for its ground-breaking slavery museum, with restored buildings and educational guided tours.
• Destrehan Plantation : Established in 1787, this sugar plantation was the site of one of the three trials following the 1811 Slave Revolt. Features interpretive tours, exhibits and pretty grounds.

5. Fun trips with friends to NEW YORK CITY

New York City can be anything you and your friends want it to be. 

Times Square and Fifth Avenue are perfect for high-end shopping, flashing lights and nightlife. Its museums, Broadway theater and The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts are epic for the culturalists. Foodies will love exploring Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. And for those who love relaxation, Central Park, Staten Island and Brooklyn waterfront promise amazing views. I’d argue that NYC is one of the BEST places to travel with friends.

On my trip with friends to NYC, we stayed in a boutique hotel in the Upper West Side . Within a block, we had a small pastry shop, grocery store and plenty of cute cafes. We could easily walk to Central Park and Riverside Park (perfect for a You’ve Got Mail walking tour). And since we were surrounded by residential streets, I got to meet so many dogs out for their walk! Plus, easy subway access to everything else.

Find your perfect place to stay in Manhattan , Brooklyn , Staten Island , Queens and the Bronx (a 3-part series).

6. SEATTLE jazz weekend trips with friends

I love Seattle, Washington. Its Pike Place Market and waterfront restaurants. Plenty of jazz clubs. And lots of excellent shopping and coffee shops, too. Seattle has beautiful waterfront parks, artsy museums, Space Needle views, and boat tours to stay busy. Time it with a concert, too!

When I visited Seattle with one of my best friends, we LOVED the comfortable beds and pillows at the Staypineapple Maxwell Hotel . You simply cannot get a better sleep! It’s colorful vibe is super fun, too, and it has an indoor pool and bikes you can use. Price includes wifi.

Now, as much as I love the Staypineapple beds, you can’t get a better location than The Edgewater . It’s right at Pier 67, with fabulous views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Elegant rooms have fireplaces, cozy furnishings and spa bathroom. The property features an onsite restaurant, gift shop and coffee bar. Price includes wifi and downtown shuttle.

7. Fun LAS VEGAS weekend trips with friends

I’ll admit that Las Vegas is pretty low on my list of places to visit, but I understand the appeal – especially with friends. Awesome shows. Epic shopping. Sights you just won’t see anywhere else.

If you want to embrace the chaos, Las Vegas Strip is the place to stay. If you want to come up to breathe, consider a place like Tahiti Village Resort & Spa near the airport and outlet mall.

You’ll also find some incredible house rentals on VRBO , both near The Strip or near the mountains.

8. Epic CANYON road trips with friends

A great add-on to a friends Vegas trip, especially for the outdoorsy adventurers at heart, is a 2-day canyon road trip . Hike the amazing canyons of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon North Rim and Antelope slot canyon.

You have some incredible options for places to stay, too. Under Canvas near Lake Powell has lovely tents with a cozy wood-burning stove and private balcony with canyon views. Or book the luxury Amangiri spa resort, tucked right into the rocks. It has an onsite restaurant, bar, concierge, sauna and spa. And the rooms look AMAZING.

9. AMUSEMENT PARK hopping trips with friends

Are you guys dare-devils? How fun would it be to go amusement park hopping together?!

Top on my list are Coney Island in New York City and Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. In Canada, Montreal’s Six Flags is lots of fun.

To visit a bunch on one trip, take a road trip through California or Pennsylvania. Yup, Pennsylvania! Check out this USA Today article for 17 awesome parks.

10. BEACH resort weekend getaway with friends

You can have an amazing beach resort getaway with friends even without leaving the continental USA. One of my favorite spots is about half an hour from downtown Jacksonville, Florida, at the lovely Ponte Vedra Beach seaside community. It’s also known as San Pablo Island, and is a great mixture of relaxing beaches and bustling Jacksonville nearby.

A wonderful place for a beach weekend getaway with friends is Ponte Vedra Inn and Club . Its beach and gardens are beautiful, with warm and comfortable rooms. Enjoy four heated pools, bikes, seven restaurants and lounges, and plenty of onsite shops and boutiques. Despite all of its amenities, it feels like a charming boutique inn.

Our equivalent for relaxation in Canada is Prince Edward Island. It’s super low-key and perfect for friends who just want to chill.

Dalvay by the Sea Hotel is classic and luxurious, located on the north shore. It’s inside a national park and has an onsite restaurant, bar, tennis courts and bike rentals. Or stay in one of many lovely historic inns in Charlottetown. I highly recommend the charming Fairholm National Historic Inn .

11. Fun ARTSY places to go with friends

Here are two very different types of artsy places to go with friends.

First, East Hampton Art Bed and Breakfast on Long Island. This sprawling property is perfect for art lovers and those looking for a refreshing getaway. Relax in the outdoor pool and jacuzzi while admiring the meditation garden, waterfalls, and lotus pond.

And second, head to Memphis to meet the king! If your friends are big music buffs, you’ll enjoy exploring the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Factory, and Orpheum Theatre. And of course, the iconic Beale Street’s shops and restaurants. 

Stay at the Peabody Memphis with an onsite dining room, spa, indoor pool and luxurious bathrobes. And don’t miss Peabody’s “March of the ducks” tradition!

12. LAKEFRONT retreat weekend trips with friends

Head to Upstate New York for a weekend trip with friends at the lake. 

Inns of Aurora is a community of five lakefront properties. They’re beautiful and cozy, with wine tastings, yoga and painting classes. Plus, a private beach, lakeside firepits, paddling and bikes. Organic, fair-trade coffee and fresh scones in the morning. Farm-to-table restaurant during the day. Book a room with a fireplace and lake views.

13. Fun weekend trips with friends in TEXAS

There are plenty of beautiful resorts in Texas perfect for weekend trips with friends. One of my favorites is the JL Bar Ranch Resort and Spa in lovely Texas Hill Country. This estate is grand, with a full-service spa, outdoor pool and two restaurants. Plus, pretty gardens to explore, complete with a fountain. Rooms offer warm decor, with gorgeous dark wood accents, furnished patios, bathrobes and slippers. Price includes wifi.

Another favorite is Commodore Perry Estate in Austin Texas. Its manicured gardens are gorgeous, as is the massive library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and plush couches. You’ll also spend plenty of time in its elegant tea room, pool, terrace and restaurant. Book a room with a terrace for pretty views. Price includes wifi and shuttle service.

14. WINE AND SPA getaways with friends

Do you girls love sipping wine and relaxing with beautiful views? One of the best places to travel with friends in the USA is Napa Valley, California. Napa Valley is about 1.5 hours northeast of the San Francisco International Airport. You’ll find more than 375 wineries, more than 150 restaurants, and beautiful weather year-round. Napa Valley is nestled among two mountain ranges, with incredible views wherever you look.

For weekend getaways with friends at Canadian wineries, choose from gorgeous views in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, and Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. All three locations have excellent wines, spas and views.

Where to stay for a wine and spa getaway with the girls:

• Auberge du Soleil Resort (Rutherford, California): This gorgeous resort is the ultimate friends weekend getaway, surrounded by a 33-acre olive grove. Relax in cabanas at the pool. Indulge at the spa and fine dining restaurant.
• Therapy Vineyards (Okanagan, BC): Suites overlook the vineyard and Okanagan Lake, with oversized windows, fireplace, patio and oversized tub. The property also has an outdoor fireplace and hot tub, and serves breakfast.
• Prince of Wales (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario): This elegant Victorian-style luxury hotel is the perfect base for exploring nearby wineries. Features an onsite spa and indoor pool. Enjoy traditional English tea at the onsite restaurant and local wines in the cozy lounge.

15. CRAFTING retreat with the girls

There’s something about a crafting getaway that screams “treat”! How often do you dedicate time to create together?

You can find accommodations that offer things like cooking classes or join a retreat that focuses on a particular craft, like painting. For me and my friends, we’d just bring our favorite crafting supplies to a cozy cabin retreat with a hot tub and views.

15 BEST Places to travel with friends in Europe and the world

Taking international trips with friends is a sure way to create lasting memories and bonds. But the stress of international travel will put pressure on your friendship. Make sure you choose a destination that complements your relationship and how you enjoy spending time together.

In Europe, my favorite place to look for accommodations is Plum Guide . You’ll find the coolest house rentals ever, all verified and not all ridiculously expensive.

Here are awesome places to travel with friends in the world, including Europe.

16. European CASTLE getaway with friends

Take your international trip with friends around Europe chasing castles! The biggest challenge will be narrowing your castle adventure to a geographical area, like England or France.

Pick the most iconic castle or area you most want to see and plan the rest of your friends vacation from there. Here are three ideas:

• Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany): The most classic fairytale-like castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Take in its stunning architecture, lush surroundings, and panoramic views. Other (relatively) nearby castles to visit include the medieval and mountaintop Hohenwerfen Fortress in Austria and 
• Château de Chambord (France): A Renaissance masterpiece with elegant French architecture and vast gardens. It’ll enchant you with its grand halls and intricate details. Other notable French castles to visit include the lovely Château de Chenonceau built atop an old mill and the opulent Palace of Versailles.
• Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland): A remarkably enchanting castle among many in Scotland, with its charming bridge and moss-covered walls near the entrance to the Isle of Skye. My other favorite castles are on the opposite side of Scotland: the grand Sterling Castle and romantic cliffside Dunnottar Castle.

17. International trips with friends to AUSTRIA

Austria is a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural experiences. Start your trip with friends in Vienna , the capital city. It’s a hub of art, music and architecture, with magnificent palaces, cathedrals and museums. Pick accommodations near City Center so you can walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral for evening drinks.

Then, travel through the Danube’s Wachau Valley before heading south to Salzburg. Wachau Valley is a beautiful area of vineyards and cute villages along the river valley. I also highly recommend a stop at Stift Melk Abbey .

Roam the streets and hills surrounding the lovely city of Salzburg , the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. It’s a charming old town with cobblestone streets, lovely gardens, and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress looming above.

18. ENGLAND road trips with friends

Take a road trip with friends through the English countryside. There are SO many romantic castles, parks and gardens. Quaint villages in the Cotswolds. Rugged rolling hills in the Lake District. And haunting mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel. Experience England’s beauty on a drive from London to Edinburgh .

If you’d prefer a relaxing group tour rather than driving yourself, check out excellent tours of England from Trafalgar . Include a tour of Scotland and Ireland, too.

Find amazing places to stay on PlumGuide.com .

19. EUROPEAN CRUISE vacation with friends 

A European cruise vacation with friends would be AMAZING. You have all the benefits of world-class service, entertainment and food. Plus the gorgeous cities, islands and rugged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Elegant spires off the Baltic Sea. Incredible history and the Cliffs of Dover off the North Sea. And then the more intimate cruise experience of exploring the Rhine or Danube.

Choosing your perfect European cruise option will be the toughest part. River cruises are quite unique, and an incredible way to experience Europe together.

20. Road trips through ITALY with friends

I’ve been to Italy only once and long to go back. There is SO much to see in Italy and it would be absolutely amazing to experience it with my best girl friends. Given the variety of sights to see, I recommend either getting a train pass for the time you’re there or renting a car.

On a road trip through Italy, start and stop in the vibrant city of Rome. Rome is a must-visit for historical landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. Stroll its charmings streets while indulging in pastas and gelato.

Then head up to Venice, a unique floating city built on canals. On your return to Rome, stop in Florence to see the famous Statue of David and beautiful churches. Then calm things down with a few days exploring the stunning Cinque Terre coastline and Tuscany wineries.

If you have more time, continue south of Rome to explore the historic ruins of Pompeii. It’s just south of Naples, another gorgeous coastal city. Sorrento and the Amalfi coast promise more spectacular views and memories for an epic trip with friends.

Find amazing home rentals on PlumGuide.com and hotels on Booking.com .

21. Explore ICELAND on a trip with friends

Iceland is a magical land of fire and ice, with waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon and ice caves. It’s an amazing trip with friends who love exploring nature’s wonders … and don’t mind a remote experience. There are no Starbucks in Iceland! But you will find other delicious coffee.

Visit the famous Golden Circle, which includes the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir National Park. Take in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach. Hike through the mesmerizing landscapes of Landmannalaugar or the volcanic region of Mývatn. Discover rugged fjords and black sand beaches, and then soak in the soothing Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

If you want to explore Iceland’s famous ice caves or chase the Northern Lights, you must come in winter. Plan your friend’s trip between mid-November and mid-March.

22. Fun CARIBBEAN CRUISE trips with friends

A cruise is as easy as they come for trips with friends. Choose a destination, timing, and go!

A super easy cruise vacation for friends would be the Bahamas or Caribbean. Hop from beautiful island to beautiful island, all while enjoying luxury amenities, entertainment, and dining onboard.

A cruise is also a fantastic solution to taking trips with friends who have different interests. So long as you can agree on a cruise destination, you can go your separate ways in the afternoon and come back together at dinner.

Explore cruises on CruiseDirect.com .

23. INDIA adventure places to travel with friends

India is rich in cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences for friends traveling together. Explore the bustling streets of Delhi and vibrant markets of Jaipur. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. And take a spiritual journey in Varanasi.

But to see the best of India on your trip with friends, you need to leave the popular northern cities. Travel south to the popular Kovalam Beach and witness the breathtaking landscapes of Kerala’s backwaters.

Find incredible treehouses for your next best adventure with friends! Check out these treehouses on Booking.com , including in India, Chile, Costa Rica and more.

24. International trips with friends to THAILAND

Are you and your friends intrigued by Asian culture and finding the perfect secluded beach (like in The Beach movie)? Then I’m guessing Thailand is on your radar for international places to visit with friends. 

My main tip for visiting Thailand is to get out of Bangkok as quickly as possible. It’s busy, smoggy and not especially friendly. Instead, head north to Chiang Mai to experience the floating markets . Climb an ancient temple and brush up against an elephant. Then indulge at a beach resort at Phuket or the Phi Phi islands . Bask on white sand beach, surrounded by gorgeous limestone peaks and perfect turquoise waters.

Interested in a guided group tour? I highly recommend Intrepid small group tours for an incredibly rich, “local” experience. They have tours into Northern and Southern Thailand, including food and beach tours!

You may also like 5 Charities in SE Asia Tourists Should Visit .

25. Epic CAMBODIA trips with friends

Ancient temples, jungle and Tomb Raider. And an incredibly resilient people that carry an awful history of genocide. Cambodia is a place that will touch your soul and guarantees a friends trip you’ll never forget.

You’ll want to visit both the capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, home to the famous temples. In Phnom Penh, visit markets, temples and gardens. But hold onto your food, because those monkeys are gutsy! And my opinion is that tourists should pay their respects at the genocide sites . How else can we begin to appreciate what their people have been through?

In Siem Reap, explore the gorgeous temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm. A local guide can also take you to lesser-known temples you can climb with a jungle view all to yourself. Be sure to have a drink at The Red Piano and ask for a Tomb Raider drink. Cheers!

When I was in Siem Reap, my sister challenged me to do more than visit, so I will challenge you. Read about my experience of donating blood in Cambodia . (Yes, it was safe.)

26. JAPANESE MONASTERY places to travel with friends

I’ve only had a taste of visiting Japan on a layover in Tokyo on our way to Vietnam, but they completely charmed me with their hospitality! Japan is now on my bucket list, and specifically the zen experience of staying in Japanese monasteries.

Two iconic Japanese monastery communities to visit on a trip with friends include Kōya-san (Mount Kōya) and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Mount Kōya is in a mountainous region about 7 hours southwest of Tokyo. It’s home to over a hundred temples including the famous Kongōbu-ji. Stay in shukubo (temple lodgings) with traditional Japanese-style rooms, vegetarian meals, and the opportunity to participate in morning meditations.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is right in Kyoto. It’s known for its stunning golden exterior, and creates a breathtaking view as it reflects off the surrounding pond. Explore its exquisite gardens and the historic tea house inside the complex.

27. Fun AUSTRALIA beach road trips with friends

Australia is known for powdery white-sand beaches. So, rent a car and go beach-hopping on a road trip with friends!

Fly into Sydney and start your trip with friends at the iconic Bondi Beach . It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent surf and coastal walks. Take in the lively beach culture as you sample the many beachside cafes.

Then, head south for about 3 hours to Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. It holds a Guinness World Record for having the whitest sand. Swim and snorkel at these beautiful clear waters and enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe.

Along the way, stop at the coastal Royal National Park and inland Heathcote National Park . They offer rugged hiking and other adventures that balance nicely with beach-bumming!

28. International trips with friends to BRAZIL

Have you heard of Iguazu Falls? Iguazu Falls is the world’s LARGEST waterfall, made up of a massive 270 separate falls! Check it out for yourself in the best virtual tours of waterfalls around the world . Iguazu Falls is right on the Brazil and Argentina border. 

Along with Iguazu Falls, experience Brazil’s beaches, rainforest and Rio de Janeiro. Make the epic climb up to Christ the Redeemer for epic views.

If you’re interested in a guided tour, check out Trafalgar’s tours in South America . This would be an easy way to explore the best sights on a trip with friends.

29. COSTA RICA best places to travel with friends

I SO want to experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica. And stay in treehouse resorts. It sounds incredible.

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise known for its incredible biodiversity and natural wonders. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers breathtaking views, misty forests, and the chance to see rare wildlife. The nearby Arenal Volcano National Park provides thrilling hikes and hot springs for relaxing afterwards. 

For a beach experience, head to Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for stunning beaches and lots of wildlife, perfect for relaxing and snorkeling. It’s on the Pacific Ocean and accessible by road.

With its lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and eco-friendly practices, Costa Rica offers a memorable and sustainable travel experience for friends.

30. Fun MEXICO beach trips with friends

There’s a reason why North Americans flock to beautiful Mexico! Mexico has some of the world’s finest beaches, best preserved Mayan ruins and fascinating, colorful cultures. But with all the options, where should you travel with friends? I suggest two. 

First, Cancun is an obvious choice. It’s a world-class destination with something for everyone. Exquisite beaches, first-class hotels, a more authentic downtown area, Mayan ruins and fantastic weather year-round. For an incredible trip with Mom to Cancun, stay at the adults-only all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort . 

A second, quieter choice is Playa Maroma. About 30 miles from Riviera Maya, Playa Maroma has arguably the best beaches in the world. Plus rainforests and snorkeling right off the beach. A beautiful all-inclusive resort to check out is Catalonia Playa Maroma .

You may also like:

• How to travel with friends: Trip planning
• How to find better accommodations
• Trips with Mom and Trips with Dad

Featured photo: Priscilla Du Preez from Unsplash.

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• Group Travel

18 Great Trips to Take With a Group

From Mykonos to Aspen, these are the best group vacation spots for an unforgettable trip.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

The chance to explore an exciting new destination — or revisit a favorite spot — with your pals is one of the great joys of travel. How to coordinate a group vacation depends on your group's interests, but virtually any place has the potential for a great vacation with friends. 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 of the best group vacation spots around the world, 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. And consider splurging 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 destination. That's because this Balearic Islands 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 palate, spirited bars right on the sand to watch the stunning sunsets, and lovely local boutiques to pick up souvenirs. ATV excursions, hiking, and zip-lining, meanwhile, offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Scottsdale has become a go-to destination for group trips thanks to its wide 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 — plus 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 group trip destination. 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 Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, and bustling plazas where groups can sit and sip cocktails while watching local performers. Cartagena is also a popular beach destination and provides access to the palm-fringed shores of Isla Barú and the Islas del Rosario. Beaches, architecture, history, nightlife: when everyone in your friend circle has different wants, Cartagena makes one of the best group vacation spots.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

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.

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 , Celestine, and Hotel Saint Vincent .

Aspen, Colorado

World-class slopes, swanky lodgings like Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection , and a convivial après 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.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Hypnotic and at times dizzying, Marrakesh 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 and is one of the best group vacation spots for foodies. 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; we're sure someone will add it to the group vacation ideas spreadsheet. 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.

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2. Head to the Expedia homepage, click on Trips in the top right corner (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app), and then select "Create a trip".

How do I create a trip plan?

Once you've signed into your account and created your trip, you can save accommodations and activities to your trip. Soon you will also be able to save your preferred flights in our Trip Planner.

Why is trip planning important?

Saving items in a travel planner online helps you stay organized by keeping all your favorite stays and activities saved in one place. Instead of switching between multiple browser tabs, just open our Trip Planner.

When you're ready to book, it's easy to compare options , see all your locations on a map, and book directly from your saved items.

When should you start planning a trip?

Any time is a good time to start planning travels, and our Trip Planner can be used for everything from last-minute weekend getaways to a summer vacation planned over the winter. Just click on Trips on our homepage to get started.

How to plan a successful trip?

Saving your stay and activities to a trip helps Expedia better understand your preferences, so we can recommend more places to go and things to do to fill out your travel plans and make your trip unforgettable. Take advantage of our vast inventory and useful filters to make sure you get the accommodations and activities for your ideal trip.

Where can I find the items that I saved to a trip?

Head to the Expedia homepage and click on Trips in the top right (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app). Select the trip that you want to view and look for "Saved items" to see all the items you've selected for that trip that haven't been booked yet.

With our trip planner, your booked and saved items are all in one place, which makes it easier to book your trip piece by piece.

Where can I find my booked items?

On the Expedia homepage, click on Trips in the top right (on desktop) or in the bottom menu bar (in the app). Select the trip that you want to view and head to "Bookings" to see all the items booked for that trip.

When you plan a trip online with us, you can keep your booked and saved items all in one place, making it easier to manage and build your trip.

Can I move a booked or saved item to a different trip?

Yes, we've made it easy to move items, because we know that planning your trip can mean adding more places to see or splitting favorite destinations up into multiple trips.

First, select the trip that already has the items you want to move. For booked items, tap the three dots on the top right corner of the item and select "move to another trip". For saved items, follow the same process and select "save to another trip" instead.

How can my friends and family help me plan a trip online?

Friends and family invited to collaborate on a trip with you will be able to view, save, and book items in your trip planner itinerary. All they need to do to start collaborating is accept the trip invite sent to their email.

• Even Better

Going on vacation with friends? Read this first.

If you want to get away together, but you don't want to fight, here's what you need to know.

by Allie Volpe

Wendy Diep thought all of her friends were on the same page when they booked a trip to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando a few years ago: Roller coasters were most definitely on the itinerary. She was unfortunately mistaken.

“One girl didn’t ride roller coasters at all, and everybody wanted to ride roller coasters,” says Diep, the co-founder and CEO of group travel planning app Let’s Jetty . “We had to assign someone to hang out with her because she didn’t want to hang out alone.”

Mismatched expectations are just one of the many ways a vacation with a group of friends can go sideways. When you’re traveling, you’re faced with dozens of decisions you don’t always have to make in your daily lives, says Auston Matta, the owner, founder, and CEO of the travel advice and LGBTQ group trip planning website Two Bad Tourists . A group of friends can often have conflicting ideas of where to eat, what to see, how much to spend, and how to get around. Add in the stress of being in a new place and disagreements are bound to arise.

But you don’t have to let the possibility of conflict deter you from jet-setting with your pals. Most of the planning and discussion should take place before your bags are ever packed. Here’s what experts say will make your friend getaway as pain-free as possible.

First, figure out the kind of trip you’ll take

Group travel usually comes together one of two ways, Matta says: one friend decides on a destination and loops others in, or a few people commit to traveling together and they choose a locale collectively. Regardless of how the idea originates, everyone should be on the same page with the kind of vacation they want to have.

“One of my favorite questions to ask,” says Nicole Martinez, a co-founder and chief design officer of Let’s Jetty, “is ‘What is everyone’s intentions for the trip?’” This gives members of your group the opportunity to share whether they’re looking to lounge beachside at an all-inclusive resort or want to hit the trails and camp.

Then, get more granular: What experiences do you hope to prioritize on the trip itself? You might be open to spending more money on meals and museums, but want to stay in cheaper lodging and skip shopping. (More on how to handle these kinds of money conversations later.)

Once everyone has shared their preferences, the group should ideally feel prepared for the type of vacation you’ll have. This includes whether the trip is child- or partner-friendly. Maybe a majority of the group is aligned in their desire to do wine tastings. Your toddler might not have the best time. Having this knowledge allows you to make a choice on whether to sit this one out.

However, just because your friends want to do a ski trip doesn’t mean you necessarily have to skip as a noted ski-hater. Many ski resorts and towns offer other activities, like spas or shopping, for people who want to join the trip without partaking in the main activity, Martinez says.

Talk about budget early on

One of the biggest factors determining the type of trip you’ll have is budget. People often dance around the topic of money instead of offering concrete boundaries for what they can and can’t afford, says financial therapist Amanda Clayman . We say “I’d like to stay someplace nice, but not too fancy,” Clayman says, when we really mean “my budget is X amount a night.”

To get around this, Clayman suggests saying to your friends, “It would be really helpful if we could all share what we’re comfortable spending on a hotel” or “What is everyone comfortable spending on dinners?”

Get clarity on how you’ll split expenses. Maybe each person will pay for their travel and lodging individually. Set a deadline for when everyone will book and pay for any of these charges, Matta says, so one person isn’t saddled with the bill for an entire hotel stay when they were supposed to split it with four people who backed out of the trip at the last minute.

Figure out how you’ll split any costs that the group incurs on the vacation itself. Maybe the person who wants to rack up credit card points will pay for activities and meals. How will you keep track of what everyone owes? Matta and Diep suggest bill-splitting apps like Splitwise or Tab for dividing up costs.

Give your friends the flexibility to opt out of certain excursions or activities if they’re out of budget, and never force anyone to spend more than they’re comfortable with. If you do decide to upgrade certain experiences — like sitting in first class on a flight or choosing a more expensive hotel — be prepared for potential hurt feelings, Clayman says. “That comes down to the values of the friend group,” she says. “Is there a higher value on togetherness [or] the individual value on comfort?”

Set expectations on how you’ll spend your time

To address potential pain points like staying in separate hotels, be explicit with how much time you hope the group spends together. For example, if your ideal vacation includes eating, sleeping, and sightseeing with every travel buddy for the entirety of the trip, you may want to select lodging or activities that are in everyone’s budget in order to fulfill that goal.

Let the group know how much time you expect to spend in smaller groups or on your own, too. Maybe you and another friend are early risers and plan on getting breakfast each day without the rest of your pals. If there are activities you hope everyone attends — like a group dinner — give the rest of the group a heads up, says Suzie Palma, a co-founder and chief product and growth officer at Let’s Jetty. You could say, “I made dinner reservations for all of us the last night of the trip. It would be awesome if we could all celebrate together.” Letting your friends know your expectations on togetherness gives them an idea of when they can peel off, too. Sometimes a friend just needs some alone time in the middle of the day and that’s okay.

Palma advises against scheduling every part of your trip down to the hour, since it’s unlikely you’ll be able to hit every spot and you’ll end up feeling rushed. Instead, schedule one or two big activities for the day and fill in the gaps. Maybe you’ll book a surfing lesson in the morning and score tickets to a comedy show at night. What else is in the vicinity of those two locations that can keep you occupied during the rest of the day? You could opt for spontaneous wandering or refer to a collaborative Google Map where you all have flagged potentially interesting locations throughout your destination. “What are the things to do in that area?” Palma says. “Here’s the wine windows in Florence that we can check out while we’re going to this restaurant.”

One friend might naturally take the lead in planning, but make sure each person has some input on the itinerary. Maybe everyone takes a turn planning a different day of the trip. Or the lead organizer can delegate tasks, such as asking one person to pick up firewood for the cabin. Just remember not to get upset if they don't do their homework, Matta says: This is supposed to be fun for everyone, not an obligation.

If things don’t go quite according to plan, stay flexible, says travel agent Erionne Thompson . Try not to break down if your suggestion to whitewater raft is overruled or the restaurant you booked actually can’t accommodate you. “Come in with an open mind,” she says. “There may be things that others within the group may not want to do.”

What to do if someone gets mad

It’s entirely possible that someone might get frustrated, tired, or hangry and not be on their best behavior. The larger the group, the more likely clashes of personality are to occur, Matta says.

Try not to let the tension escalate. If a friend isn’t acting like themselves, address the person individually and ask them if they want to talk about it, Thompson says. Whether your friend has an issue with another traveler or simply didn’t get good sleep, you don’t want to let animosity follow you home. Sometimes your friend may want space. Let them have it.

The best-case scenario for any group trip is for everyone to enjoy themselves — and remain friends once you’re back home. Even if everyone’s vacation looks a little different, so long as you communicate and stay open-minded, everyone is bound to have a trip for the ages.

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How to Plan a Friend Trip (and Keep Your Friends)

I F THE POINT of a vacation is to get away from it all—should that include friends, too? I used to dread the thought of running into people I know while traveling and, obliged to hang with them, having to derail my plans. But a recent trip challenged my thinking. On holiday with my husband and two kids, six and three, at a small hotel on Mexico’s Pacific coast, we bumped into some friends with their young children. Over a few days, I started to see the appeal of traveling with friends: built-in companionship and social levity for the adults, playmates for the kids.

The accidental run-in got me weighing whether I might want to organize my own “friendcation,” an increasingly popular portmanteau I promise to use sparingly here.

When friends from our son’s school mentioned they were going to Turks and Caicos in February, I saw my opportunity and arranged to join them. Unprepared to go all in on shared accommodation, I booked a rental near the Grace Bay Club resort where they will stay. As planning began, the sheer number of variables at play raised my heart rate: The kids all need to jibe, partners must like each other. The adults must, at bare minimum, tolerate how everyone else parents.

Would my friends, for example, abide what I deemed an appropriate breakfast: Nutella on a hot dog bun followed by a doughnut or two? What if a discussion about current events spiraled into a friendship-ending argument? I’d have to see this family at school drop-off for the next five years at least. Even without our kids, I realized, a trip among friends can leave the relationship in tatters.

In an attempt to arrive prepared, I started sourcing advice from friend-trip veterans.

For years, Tanya Scalisi, a 38-year-old public relations professional, has taken trips with a couple who have similarly aged kids. She told me the key is setting the pace to match that of the group’s most laid-back member. “I’m definitely more type-A than my friend, who has helped keep the weekend more relaxing,” said Scalisi, a fan of Airbnb rentals in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley with easy access to snowboarding, an activity that lets everyone be alone together.

While discussing our itinerary with Grace Bay’s pre-arrival concierge, I learned that the resort’s chief operating officer, Nikheel Advani, undertakes up to eight trips with friends every year. I told Advani that I worried I’d be judged a derelict parent for my lax approach to sugar and screens. “Everyone needs to take it down a notch,” Advani advised. “I’m a cleanliness freak normally—my house looks like a hotel—and my kids eat very healthy at home, but on vacations with other people those things go out the window.”

Talk About Money

A few things no one wants: 14 credit cards on the table after dinner, a surprise four-figure bill at the end of a trip, a fight over who owes what. Lisa Karvellas, 35, founder of Cedar Lakes Estate, an event space in Port Jervis, N.Y., has been regularly traveling with the same four college friends for the last decade. She credits her enduring friendship to transparently establishing a budget with which everyone is comfortable well before planning begins. “It’s not fun to travel with friends who want to spend more than you do, or who have a much smaller budget than you,” she said.

Advani has everyone prepay the designated lead planner (every friend trip needs one) a lump-sum estimate for all the meals and activities.

But even incompatible budgets needn’t be a deal breaker. On a recent trip to Barcelona to see a Beyoncé concert, Matt Butler, 41, founder of a New York City-based college test-prep company, booked the Soho House for around $650 (600 euros) a night. That price was out of range for one friend on the trip, so Butler found him a cheaper hotel nearby. “It does help if everyone is willing to spend the same amount of money, but there is always a workaround,” Butler said.

Set Expectations

“Friendcations are not for the faint of heart, and you must be on the same wavelength: Are you sightseers or relax-by-the-pool people?” said Butler. Having checked Beyoncé off his list, Butler recently set his sights on a Taylor Swift show in Rio de Janeiro. On the trip, Butler dissuaded one of his friends from splitting off for a trip to Iguazu Falls because he felt it wasn’t in keeping with the spirit of their weekend together: group bonding.

Janet Rodgers, 83, who has traveled with different friends for decades, disagrees with Butler’s approach. She says she would have encouraged the travel companion to visit the Falls. “Try to plan a number of daytime activities that are separate or individual, so when you have dinner together, the conversation will be lively, fun and newsy,” she advised.

Cayla Hollis-Emery, 25, recently traveled to Canada with a group she met on a study abroad program. “I told my friends that my only must-do for Montreal was to try a bagel, while my friend wanted to hike up Mount Royal,” Hollis-Emery, a trip planner for FTLO Travel, said. They made sure to parcel out time for both activities. “When traveling with a group, there can be so many opinions of how the vacation should go. What’s most important is that everyone gets to enjoy themselves and does at least one of their ‘must-dos,’” she said.

As for my own trip, mere weeks away, I’m still worried whether our friends will like us after a few days in proximity. To allay some of my concerns, I came up with my own rule: a pact, obliging us to say the silent parts out loud and be transparent about our preferences. It already seems to be working. When I suggested we book a boat trip for one of our days there, my friend texted back: “We will pass. Every time we take [our son] on a boat, it’s a nightmare with the weather or he gets sick.” We’ll take that particular excursion alone and see them at dinner.

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10 Best Travel TRIP PLANNER APPs To Have in 2024

In a fast-paced world where the stress of work and school is overwhelming, we all need a break to de-stress our minds. Traveling is one good way to take your mind off of stressful things – a breather. And a scheduled vacation gives you something to look forward to.

Whether it’s a local trip alone, a family holiday, or a getaway with your best friends, it just excites you to wish the day would come faster. 

10 Best Trip Planner Apps in 2024

The freeform app.

• TripIt: Travel Planner

Hopper – Flight & Hotel Deals

• Sygic Travel Maps Trip Planner

Roadtrippers: Trip Planner

Tripadvisor, travelspend: track travel expense & trip budget, tripcase – travel organizer app, travel planning apps for your next trip.

The Freeform app is an endless whiteboard that lets users add information from a variety of websites, photos, videos and files.

Because the boards are kept in iCloud, they can be accessed from any device anytime inspiration hits. While you and your travel companions plan your dream trip, the specifics can be shared with several individuals working together on the same whiteboard, making them an ongoing work in progress.

The Freeform app is free to iPhone users on iOS 16.2, iPad users on 16.2, and Mac users on Ventura MacOS Venture 13.1. 

Download the brand-new app here .

Read our full post: Apple Launches New Travel App Freeform – What to Know

Wanderlog Trip Planner App

Wanderlog is your all-in-one destination for planning future trips, sharing travel guides, and blogging past trips.

Its trip planning features are incredibly flexible: you can research destinations and activities, organize reservations by connecting your email, and map out a day itinerary with start/end times. You can also add notes and links all throughout.

Everything is stored offline so you can access your itinerary when traveling abroad. For road trips, it calculates the time and distance between places and exports them to Google Maps (and there are no limits to the number of stops you have on a trip!).

Plus, there’s a fun social component: collaborate with friends on itineraries, write your own travel guide, and blog about past trips. Wanderlog is available on the web and on your smartphone, so you can seamlessly plan while at home and on-the-go.

iOS  /  Android

TripIt: Trip Planner App

If you need any help organizing the dozens of itineraries, TripIt is the app for you. Users simply need to forward your flight, hotel, restaurant, and car rental confirmation emails to [email protected] and the app will create a free master doc for each of your trips. The best thing about this app is that you can get access to your itinerary anywhere, even without an internet connection. 

In addition, the Pro version will find you alternative routes for canceled flights and send out notifications for delayed flights, cancellations, and more from the airlines. 

iOS / Android

Rome2rio is a versatile travel planning app that simplifies the process of finding and booking travel options. It’s a handy tool for travelers seeking to explore various transportation choices between destinations. Rome2rio offers users a comprehensive view of travel options, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even driving directions.

Key features of Rome2rio include:

• Route Information: The app provides detailed information on different routes, including estimated travel times, costs, and the number of transfers required.
• Booking Integration: Users can book flights, train tickets, and other transportation options directly through the app, streamlining the booking process.
• Map Integration: Rome2rio integrates with maps, allowing users to visualize their travel routes and explore nearby attractions.
• Multi-Modal Travel: It offers options for combining various modes of transportation, making it easy to plan complex journeys.
• Accurate Pricing: The app provides real-time pricing information, helping users make informed decisions based on their budget.
• Offline Access: Rome2rio offers offline access to previously searched routes, which can be handy when traveling without a data connection.

Hopper is an amazing trip planner app to have on your phone. The app predicts airfares up to 1 year in advance, with 95% accuracy. It analyzes over billions of flight prices and hotels within the day – telling you whether to book your trip now or wait for just a little longer.

Here’s how it works: Key in your destination and a color-coded calendar will display the cheapest and most expensive date to fly. The app will then recommend you to either book the flight now or sit it out and wait for airfare to get cheaper. Also, you can filter predictions to custom-fit your trip – remove long layovers, extra fees, restrictions, and more. 

And if you worry about missing out the cheap flight bookings, don’t be! Hopper will send you a notification when fares have dropped to its lowest point.

SYGIC Travel Maps Trip Planner

Sygic Travel Maps , the new version of Sygic Trip Planner, is the first travel app to display all of the attractions and places a traveler needs to see and visit on a single map.

Sync your trips with the Sygic Travel app and find hidden gems in all cities you visit. The app boast a large database that allows you to find the best hotels, tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, bars, and stores wherever you go.

This mobile app also let you download offline maps and guides, which come in helpful when traveling to remote locations with poor or non-existing Wi-Fi.

It also has a dedicated section to worldwide places of interest for travel business. Get location information for individual cities, countries, continents, or the entire planet.

The app is available in 18 languages.

iOS / Android iOS

Planning on a cross-country road trip ? Roadtrippers is the app for you! Not everyone is fond of waiting long hours at the airport while sitting through your red-eye flight. Hit the road with your friends instead.

Roadtrippers provides everything you need to know on your road trip. Just enter your starting point, destination, and let the app do its work for you! From camping sites to rest stops, outdoor activities, exciting adventures along the way that you didn’t know existed. This app is the perfect buddy for your road trip regardless of your mode of transportation – a sedan, a rental car, or a huge family RV.

Most of us dream of going to places! But planning an amazing trip to places we have not been to is pretty hard as you don’t know where to stay, what to do, places to eat, and adventures to try. We mostly rely on recommendations, most of which are not even right, that we find online. 

TripAdvisor has over millions of travel recommendations on hotels, top dining spots, must-do experiences, and treasured gems to over 8 million destinations at your perusal. It is an all-in-one app that lets you book tables at restaurants and compares low prices on hotels and flights.

You can also follow friends and travel experts for advice that match your interests, watch videos, and read articles. In return, you can share your experiences, reviews, and helpful guides for other users too!

Setting up a budget for your trip is easy, however, sticking to it is hard. TravelSpend will help you with that. It starts with entering your budget and expenses over multiple days so you don’t go overboard. The app helps you in sticking to your budget effectively.

Being in another country is not a problem at all: enter your expenses in any currency and the app will automatically convert it to your home currency.

Track your travel expenses whether going on a solo around-the-world trip or backpacking holiday with your best friends. The app allows you to share your trip with your friends and track your expenses together. Pay debts, split bills, and check your balances – all in the app!

TripCase, a comprehensive travel organizer app, has emerged as a popular choice among travelers seeking a streamlined and efficient way to manage their journey details.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features and functionalities:

Centralized Itinerary Management : TripCase allows users to consolidate all their travel details, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, into a single, easily accessible itinerary.

Real-time Flight Alerts : The app keeps travelers informed with up-to-the-minute notifications on flight statuses, including delays, cancellations, and gate changes.

Itinerary Sharing : TripCase offers a sharing option that enables users to send their travel plans to friends, family, or colleagues.

Travel Directions and Maps : To aid navigation in unfamiliar locations, the app provides directions and maps.

Nearby Recommendations : TripCase offers recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and other services close to the traveler’s location.

Document Storage : For added convenience, the app allows users to store essential travel documents digitally, ensuring that important information like passport details, visas, and insurance policies are readily available.

Customizable Notifications : Users can customize their notification preferences, choosing what types of alerts they receive and how they are notified, tailoring the app to suit individual needs and preferences.

iOS / Android 

Hi, great List. I couldn’t travel without my Apps! I have one App you could check out =) Its called ” ATM Fee Saver” and it gives a list with all ATMs and their fees and limit. I found it super helpful and it really helped me to save some money. Best regards, Charlotte

Thank you for your suggestions! Those apps are very useful and various

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10 Bucket-List Trips for Best Friends of Any Age

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

The bond between best friends is like nothing else. So it makes sense that you and your PIC would be on the same page for vacation, too. A BFF who’s always down to pack a bag and jet off somewhere awesome? Well, that’s the best kind of bestie. Whether you’re more into a chill seaside getaway or up-all-night antics weekend rampages.

Ready to plan your next escape or need some inspo for a future trip? Bookmark these bucket-list destinations—from party islands and game reserves to wine country towns and culture-rich cities—that are perfect for dynamic duos. 

10 Trips for Dynamic Duos at a Glance

• Best for Wine Tasting : Bordeaux, France
• Best for Free Spirits: Careyes, Mexico
• Best for Foodies: Osaka, Japan
• Best for Partiers: Mykonos, Greece
• Best for Wildlife Viewing : South Africa
• Best for the Ultimate Beach Bums: Maldives
• Best for Spa Lovers: Scottsdale, Arizona
• Best Adventure: Trans Bhutan Trail
• Best City Break: New York City, New York
• Best Desert Oasis: Joshua Tree National Park, California

10 No-Passport-Required Destinations That Feel Like You’re Abroad

Best for Wine Tasting

1. bordeaux, france.

• Where to stay: Historic Duplex (from $132/night), Charming House (from $168/night)  Hotel Singulier Bordeaux (from $215/night); Luxury Chateaux with Staff (from $1,651)

Nestled on the Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux is arguably the most famous wine capital in the world. What’s not up for debate? That incomparable quality of the vin produced in this legendary French viticulture region. To the surprise of absolutely no one, tourist pursuits mainly center around swirling and sipping. Pals who favor bold reds, in particular, will find a plentiful supply of vineyards to visit. Accommodations range from stylish five-star hotels in the city to grand châteaux set on enchanting vine-covered estates in the country. Did we mention the many Michelin-starred restaurants, including Racines by Daniel Gallacher and Le Pavillon des Boulevards ? 

Best for Free Spirits

2. careyes, mexico.

• Where to stay: Casitas de las Flores (from $250/night), El Careyes Club & Residences (from $350/night), Bungalows in Playa Rosa (from $600/night)

An enclave for artists and free spirits since the ‘60s, the vibrant bohemian community of Careyes on the Pacific coast of Mexico is a magnet for those who share a passion for music, wellness and high-vibration pursuits. Colorful villas with bougainvillea-draped balconies face the and sea. Talented practitioners host sound healing sessions in La Copa del Sol. How special would it be to do a mud bath ceremony with your bestie on the gorgeous beach? There’s also visiting yoga instructor program, an art gallery tied to the Careyes Foundation and an art festival that many liken to a more intimate Burning Man called Ondalinda . 

Best for Foodies

3. osaka, japan.

• Where to stay: Hotel the Flag Shinsaibashi (from $54/night), Osaka Apartment (from $122/night,) InterContinental Osaka (from $302/night)

Yes, it’s a long-haul flight from the U.S., but this article is about bucket-list trips and what’s more unforgettable and delicious than eating your way through the city known as the Kitchen of Japan ? A shining star in the culinary world within the country and globally, Osaka boasts an endless array of palate-pleasing dining options—from upscale Michelin three-starred restaurants and famous omakase joints to unagi counters and stalls that sling traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki. Booking one of the club rooms at the InterContinental Osaka provides access to the swish lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks and top-shelf booze.

Best for Partiers

4. mykonos, greece.

• Where to stay: Amazing Mykonos Studio (from $179/night), Rocabella Mykonos Hotel (from $305/night), Charming Flower-Covered House (from $229/night), Sea View Villa (from $349/night)

The sun-splashed Greek island of Mykonos has become a hotspot for jet setters looking to let loose all day and night. Renowned for its revelrous atmosphere, the liveliest of the Cycles group brims with beach clubs, restaurants that turn into full-blown parties after the plates are cleared and huge clubs that blast tunes until the wee hours of the morning. In between dancing on tables, catching rays with a glass of crisp rosé in hand and toasting to the greatest trip ever, pairs of pals can splash in the sparkling Aegean Sea and sleep it off at one of the many stylish hotels around town. 

Best for Wildlife Viewing

5. south africa.

• Where to Stay: Kapama River Lodge (from $450/night), Arathusa Safari Lodge (from $450/night), Hamiltons Tented Camp (from $1,400/night)

Doing a once-in-a-lifetime safari in South Africa is one of the most epic vacations on the planet. Who better to bring along on this over-the-top amazing journey than your bestie? The largest and most popular safari destination in the country, the Greater Kruger National Park attracts animal-lovers with the promise of seeing Big Five game (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and buffalo), plus giraffes, hippos, zebra, hundreds of different species of birds and reptiles and many other wild, beautiful creatures. The stylish safari lodges—basically glamping setups with a major emphasis on the glam—are the ideal spot to unwind.

Best for the Ultimate Beach Bums

6. maldives.

• Where to stay: Baros Maldives (from $405/night), Hurawalhi Island Resort (from $647/night), Six Senses Laamu (from $1,035/night)

Yes, the Maldives tops of the list of the ultimate luxury honeymoon destinations, but you definitely don’t need to have a romantic partner to visit this dreamy Indian Ocean island nation. Your bestie who’s been there through all the ups and downs def feels like the right person to take on a heavenly beach holiday to a place that’s truly a tropical paradise. Start the day with a cup of coffee on the private deck of your overwater bungalow above the waves, sip cocktails by the pool, stroll the powdery white sand beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise tides.

Best for Spa Lovers

7. scottsdale, arizona.

Where to stay: Modern Home with Pool (from $300/night), The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale (from $390/night), Canyon Rock Resort (from $1,326/night)

With more spas per capita than any other city in the United States, Scottsdale is a no-brainer for a weekend of massages, facials, mud wraps and giggling in the sauna with your BFF. It has a wealth of wellness experiences beyond just pure pampering. Why not try a sound bath or desert meditation? There are also some really great restaurants. Of course, we wouldn’t fault you for going the room service route. Getting cozy in fluffy robes, sipping bubbly and watching the sunset from the comfort of your room at a ritzy resort just sounds utterly blissful. 

Best Adventure

8. trans bhutan trail.

• Where to stay: Go Ahead Tours Trans Bhutan Trail (from $6,349/13-day itinerary + hotels + meals)

Want to get away…like really get away with your bestie? Bhutan is far, remote and logistically requires quite a bit of effort to visit. (Sidenote: you’re better off planning the whole thing through a tour operator that specializes in tailor-made trips like this 13-day adventure through the country from Go Ahead Tours. All of these factors have helped shield the Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas from the plight of over-tourism and preserved its unique culture. It’s a special, peaceful place where spiritual awakening and off-the-grid adventure coexist. On the itinerary? Hike through serene hillsides (this trip includes seven hikes), forested valleys and tackle dramatic mountain peaks and journey to historic monasteries and fortresses. When you're done, you'll have better understanding for why Bhutan is considered the happiest place on earth.

Best City Break

9. new york city, new york.

• Where to stay: The Moore Hotel (from $265/night), The James New York - NoMad (from $329/night), Walker Hotel Tribeca (from $395/night)

The Big Apple is always a convincing choice for best friends keen to experience all the excitement of the greatest city on earth (not that we’re biased or anything). Score tickets to a Broadway show. See fascinating exhibitions at world-class museums. Hungry? You’ve come to the right place. Snag a table at some of the hottest new restaurants or return to long-time classics. Go for a stroll through Central Park or meander along the Hudson River Waterfront Greenway. For a stylish stay in the middle of everything, check into The James New York - NoMad . Grab a drink at the speakeasy cocktail lounge and pick up some sleep-promoting products from the “insomnia cart.”

Best Desert Oasis

10. joshua tree national park, california.

• Where to Stay: Rock Box (from $338/night), AutoCamp Joshua Tree (from $245/night), Ocotillo Bush (from $331/night), The Cactus Nest (from $403/night)

Searching for a trip that’s guaranteed to reinvigorate your soul and strength those bestie bonds even further? The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation surrounded by the jaw-dropping beauty of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park feels like its own world. There are so many ways to experience the otherworldly landscape. Duos can hit the trails (just don’t forget hiking boots and water), do a rugged 4x4 off-road tour or even join a half-day group rock climbing expedition. It’s also an unparalleled destination for stargazing. Roll out a blanket and peer up at the wonder of the cosmos above.

15 Bucket-List Mother-Daughter Trips That Will Make You Two Even Closer

Freelance PureWow Editor

Tripsy Travel Planner & Guide 4+

Trip itinerary plan organizer.

• 4.6 • 863 Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Tripsy is a travel planner that helps you plan your entire trip in one place. You can share your itinerary with family and friends, receive flight alerts, store documents, and make wish lists of places to visit. During the trip, the app helps you by providing a 10-day weather forecast, updated flight information, offline access to everything, time zone changes, and much more! **WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING:** App Store Featured: “Making the most of your holiday time requires some planning. With Tripsy, that’s plain sailing. Enter flight times, hotels, and places you want to visit, then share your itinerary with your travel mates with a tap of a button”. MacStories: “Tripsy does what I’ve long wished for: offers a compelling trip planning experience in a modern app that takes advantage of iOS’ core technology strengths.” 9to5mac: “The app’s interface is extremely user-friendly, and it also offers data synching in the cloud, automation service, and Siri Shortcuts.” **Tripsy is your ultimate travel companion** Here are some of its key features: – Organize all your travel information, from flights and hotels to restaurants and tours, in one place. - 10-day forecast weather on your itinerary. – Receive flight updates via push notifications and never miss a gate or time change again. – Share your trip with friends and family and collaborate on itinerary planning. – Store all your travel memories, from images and notes to videos and documents, and easily share them with guests. – Automatically import reservations from over 700 providers, including Booking.com, Hotels.com, and major airlines. – Sync your trip data with your calendar app to stay on top of all your activities and events. – Get one-click access to popular mapping services like Waze, Google Maps, and Uber from any of your destinations. – Stay informed with real-time flight alerts on departure and arrival times, terminals, gates, and baggage claims. – Customize your travel itinerary with background images or colors that match your style. – Configure each activity with the time zone you want, making the organization of your trip more practical. – Explore exclusive travel itineraries curated by Tripsy with tips and insider information to make your trip as fruitful as possible. With Tripsy, you can effortlessly plan your entire trip and stay organized every step of the way. Tripsy is free, but we also offer a pro version called Tripsy Premium with unlimited trips, exclusive itineraries, cloud, documents, and more. Premium is available in monthly and yearly subscriptions, and a lifetime purchase option is available. - View our Terms of Service at: https://tripsy.app/terms - View our Privacy Policy at: https://tripsy.app/policy

Version 2.19.13

This update contains bug fixes and minor improvements.

Ratings and Reviews

863 Ratings

Best App to create and share multiple trips!!!

The pro premium is well worth the $ i currently have 8 trips planned and 5 past trips that I dont want to forget and everything is so easy to add. Links and documents are seamless from emails, webpages, maps, pictures, anything you want to add to your itinerary is done. It is extremely user friendly, easy to update, change, delete or add something. Reservations directly from your multiple emails (including my friends) upload instantly into my itinerary. I love being able to choose my own background pictures for my trips and see them all lined up on my phone. I do wish there was a print feature and maybe a rating system for entries in old trips so i can remember which restaurants/tours etc were worth it and which to skip although i can always just put notes so I’m nitpicking. Really well done and i love not having to worry about adding too many documents or links or trips. Excellent app for travelers!

Great UI, poor customer service, limited free version

I downloaded this app to replace an aging app I’ve used for years. I contacted customer service (twice) to see if they offered a feature to import my old trips. I heard no response both times, but I signed up for pro anyways to give it a try. I like it, but the lacking customer service and limited free version basically giving you hardly anything without pro is a challenge to overcome. I can pay $5 a month for something I may use a few times a year and keep having that commitment, or, I can pick something that’s pretty well done for free, and possibly pay a-la-crate for extras. Having all my old trips stuck in an app that I cannot easily export the data from, and having to start from scratch with a paywall here just to break free, gives me an uneasy feeling. If the developer were more responsive and were to consider taking my request into consideration, i might have a better feeling that the commitment is there. Without that though, it’s hard to want to commit to a monthly or yearly subscription. I get that people and companies want to make money, but that money needs to be earned, and so far I’m still waiting. I hope it happens, I like this app and would be willing to commit if it truly were and all-inclusive data store for everything I want and had in the past. Thanks for your commitment, and i’ll keep an eye on this.

So Frustrating!!

I have been using Tripsy Pro paid subscription for over a year now. I love that all my information can be stored in one place. But getting it there us another story. The app simply doesn’t work properly. When entering data the app hangs up constantly. Upon finally getting all the info in for an entry and clicking “save”, it can take up to 4 minutes for it to save. Most entries take me on average of 10 minutes per entry to get it into the app. When I try to scroll through the entries it looks up and won’t move through the entries. When I tap the itinerary box or a entry box or even the gray “x” box in the top right corner, the app just sits there and doesn’t move for a while. It takes me 4 or 5 times as long to get the entry in as it does for me to do the typing. I have contacted Rafael many times about these issues but nothing gets better. Matter of fact, I have been pitting in a new trip the last couple of days and the app is WORSE than it has been in the past year. In 2 days I have spent close to 10 hours putting in data and have only gotten 10 days worth entered. I have on average about 5-6 entries per trip day. This is VERY annoying and frustrating to have to spend this much time just because the app won’t move through the process. I continue to use Tripsy because I have so much time invested, close to 200 hours over the past year. If you use this app, be prepared for frustration and ling hours.

App Privacy

The developer, Tripsy LLC , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish

• Tripsy Premium Monthly $4.99
• Tripsy Pro Annual $39.99
• Tripsy Premium Yearly $39.99
• Tripsy Pro Monthly $7.99
• Tripsy Pro Weekly $3.99
• Tripsy Pro: Monthly $7.99
• Tripsy Pro: Yearly $49.99
• Tripsy Pro Annual $59.99
• Tripsy Pro $29.99
• Premium Lifetime $199.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., you might also like.

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Attention road trippers! These apps play vacation planner, make life on the road a dream

For many people, the classic American road trip is a rite of passage.

The 48 states on the continental U.S. are home to rolling hills, mountains, rivers, oceans and countless other attractions. And thanks to modern technology, planning the perfect road trip is easier than ever.

Just juice up your phone, make sure your car is ready to roll , grab your go-to road snacks, and let your smartphone do the hard work.  

Apps, like Roadtrippers or InRoute, can do most of the route planning for you.

Begin by inputting your starting and ending point, then let it suggest fun places to check out, whether you're taking the direct route via the highways or the winding roads less traveled.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Watch this video to learn more about some of the apps you need for your next road trip.   

Roadtrip essentials

A good road trip needs these three things: Good snacks, an excellent playlist, and plenty of gas. 

If you’re driving through an unfamiliar area, fill up your gas tank sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of getting stranded on empty.

Check out these apps to keep your car juiced up along the route: 

• Gas Buddy  

Gas Buddy helps you find gas stations near you and tells you how much the gas costs. 

Prices are put in by other users, so there is a chance prices may have changed by the time you arrive. If that happens, you can report the price change in the app. 

PlugShare helps you locate EV charging stations that are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles. 

And just in case you need it, because you almost certainly will, Toilet Finder can help you find a nearby facility to take a comfort break.

The app also tells you if the toilet can be used without charge and if it's wheelchair accessible. 

Taking a road trip with a pet

If your copilot has fur and paws, BringFido will help you find dog-friendly places to stay, eat, visit, and more. 

It even includes reviews from other users to help you make the best decision for you and your pet. 

On the road again

By the way, before you hit play and take the wide-open road, download your car insurance app on your phone.

Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it can make it much easier to file a claim or call for roadside assistance. 

Reviewed-approved car recommendations 

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.  

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of experts test everything from waterproof speakers to air purifiers so you can shop for the best of the best. 

• Customer-loved portable car vacuum: ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner  
• Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder  
• A clutch jump-start box: N OCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box  
• This well-reviewed dash cam: RedTiger Dash Cam  
• A handy USB C charger: Anker USB C Car Charger  

More problems, solved

• Breeze through security: 6 tips to quickly get through airport security
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• Pre-travel checklist:  4 things you need to do before your next trip
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• Get inspired:   3 tips to plan your next trip using social media
• Be prepared:   3 travel apps to download before your next trip
• Carry on:   5 tips to travel safely with your tech like phones and laptops
• Easily get around:  4 tech tips to easily explore a new city
• Stream offline: How to watch TV shows, movies offline
• Speak in any language: 5 ways to use Google Translate on your phone

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Planning perfect summer getaway: Destination planning and essentials for memorable trip

Want an unforgettable summer vacation with family and friends check out these travel tips for your next trip.

As the summer sun beckons, it is time to start planning a proper summer vacation with the family and friends . Whether you want to make an easy trip to a tropical paradise or to plan a multiple hopping a bustling city, or a serene mountain retreat to reach your final destination once.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, William Hall, Vice -President of Marketing and Digital, RCI EMEM, India and APAC, suggested some essentials which each traveller needs to have this summer vacation to make the most of the travel and create unforgettable memories -

• Choose destinations wisely and plan your travel in advance: Shortlisting a destination thoughtfully and planning your travel effectively are key to saving time, money, and ensuring safety. Popular tourist spots can be overly crowded, leading to less enjoyable experiences. Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer a more tranquil and relaxing vacation. Consider places with cooler temperatures or opportunities for water activities to enhance your summer travel experience. By making informed choices, you can make the most of your journey while avoiding common pitfalls associated with busy tourist areas.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Water is universally known to be essential, yet we often forget to drink enough of it. During summers, it's crucial to keep your body hydrated and eat well to avoid losing out on any location due to dehydration, fatigue, or other health issues. Proper hydration and nutrition can enhance overall mood and improve the travel experience.
• Packing Essentials: Creating a checklist beforehand saves time and money by preventing the need to purchase necessities while on the go. ensuring you have all the essentials for a stress-free trip, including medications, travel documents, and chargers, to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. Moreover, packing comfortable and breathable fabrics is crucial to avoid discomfort during your journey. Remember to include summer travel essentials such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and scarves in your packing list.
• Travel First Aid Kit: Having a well-stocked first aid kit can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are prepared for any medical situation that may arise during your travels. In addition to your regular medications, it's important to carry certain common medicines and supplements when planning a summer trip. Multivitamins, fiber supplements, and other sources of instant energy are must-haves in your travel medicine kit to replace all the minerals and salts that you may lose during travelling in India in the summer.
• Travel Early: It is suggested to travel early during summers because it can help you if you wish to do outdoor activities. The cooler temperatures in the morning and evening make it easier to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, or exploring. Additionally, travelling early can reduce the risk of exhaustion from the hot weather. Planning the perfect summer trip requires preparation and excitement, and with the right mindset and planning, you can make the most of your time at your destination. Starting your day early can also give you more time to explore and experience all that your destination has to offer.

Travelling is the best way to learn and experience new cultures, places, people, and cuisines. The tips mentioned for summer travel will help you plan a safe trip. So, pack your bags and get ready for the adventure you've been waiting for!

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The 5-Day Friendship challenge

The Secret to Refreshing a Friendship

Today’s challenge: ‘Repot’ a relationship and connect with an old friend in a new way.

• Share full article

By Catherine Pearson

This is Day 2 of the 5-Day Friendship Challenge. To start at the beginning, click here .

We’ve all got them: work friends, college buddies, playground dads. Whatever you call them, they’re the discrete groups of friends from different facets of our lives. Even our “weak ties” seem to exist only in certain settings, like the neighbors you nod at while walking the dog, or the barista who has memorized your coffee order.

But there is value in decompartmentalizing such friendships, said Marisa G. Franco, a psychologist and the author of “Platonic,” a book about making and keeping friends. Research has found that connecting in different settings or contexts can help bring friends closer, she added.

Friendship Challenge Day 2: ‘Repot’ a friendship.

“Repot” is a term coined by Ryan Hubbard, who heads up Hinterland, a social lab that has generated reports on friendship. And it’s simple: Think of friends you tend to interact with in one setting. Then invite them to join you for something else.

Ask a colleague you usually gossip with on Slack to sneak out to a matinee with you. Ask a friend you normally meet for dinner to join you for a walk through a museum. Or maybe raise the stakes a bit and invite a friend on an overnight trip — you really get to know someone once you’ve hung out together in your PJs, Dr. Franco said — or to try something totally new to you both. ( Clown cardio , anyone?)

Dr. Franco pointed to research showing that sharing unusual or extraordinary experiences can sometimes help bring people together. And researchers who study romantic love have long known that novelty can nourish relationships. But it’s not all about finding activities that are unconventional or adventurous.

You can repot a relationship by asking a friend for help, Dr. Franco said, or ask if that person wants to meet your family, something we do naturally all the time as kids. You can also “integrate” your friendships, inviting people who don’t know each other to meet up.

Whatever you settle on, your overarching goal should be to “challenge the norms” of your friendship, Dr. Franco said. If you feel unsure of whom to reach out to, she recommends simply asking yourself: Is there someone I would like to feel closer to in some way?

Repotting has risks. Your friend might screech at the idea of taking a beginner’s trapeze class with you, rather than meeting for your usual glass of wine. But the only way to know is to ask, Dr. Franco said. You might also discover that you don’t like spending time with your friend in another context, which can be valuable information as well, she added.

When it works, repotting can lead to a greater sense of ease and comfort with friends, Dr. Franco said, because you are each getting a more complete picture of the other person. “Every setting,” she said, “brings out a different side of us.”

Catherine Pearson is a Times reporter who writes about families and relationships. More about Catherine Pearson