18 Great Trips to Take With a Group
Itās almost inevitable. Youāre sitting around your friendās living room or chatting with the newĀ members of yourĀ book clubĀ and someone will mention a burning desire to get away from it all. They want to head to the mountains, the beach, a historic city ā anywhere that gives them the chance to findĀ adventure, and they're looking for like-minded travelers to bring along.Ā In its best moments, traveling with a group means bonding over newfound common interests, sharingĀ big laughs, and making memories that will last long after you return home.Ā
Some groups make it a tradition to rent the same lake house or beach bungalow every year. If youāre looking for something new, here are 18Ā ideas for great cities, countries, islands, and resorts to explore.Ā
1 of 18
Iceland
Grab a group of adventurous travelersĀ and spend a week exploring the natural wonders of Iceland. Wander the streets and shops of Reykjavik, learn about the countryās history at the National Museum of Iceland, snag a dinner reservation at the revolving glass-domed restaurant Perlan, and work off jet lag with a cup of coffee at Reykjavik Roasters. Then head to the Golden Circle with stops at the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir that gave all other geysers their name. Save time for a swim in the dreamy waters of the Blue Lagoon.
1 of 18
2 of 18
Montreal
Europe is too far to travel for a long weekend, but Montreal offers that charming European vibe ā and itās a quick plane ride away. Brush off your high school French and check into the boutique Hotel William Gray tucked into Old Montreal, the cityās charming historic district, which is now filled with sleek shops and inviting restaurants. Eat your way through Mile End and Plateau, pick up a bagel at Saint-Viateur, check out nightlife hot spots, and stroll through Jean-Talon, one of Montrealās oldest public markets.
2 of 18
3 of 18
Destination Kohler, Wisconsin
Set in the village of Kohler, Wisconsin ā two-and-a-half hours north of Chicago and one-hour north of Milwaukee ā Destination KohlerĀ is made up of several lodges and clubs with chic accommodations, sophisticated dining options, activities for all interests, and a world-class spa (after all, this is where the Kohler bathroom fixture empire started). Visit in winter to challenge your groupĀ to learn the art of Bavarian curling or go on a pheasant hunt, while summer activities include golfing at the PGA-approved courses, horseback riding, fishing, or trap shooting. Thereās so much to do at Destination Kohler that you may just forget to leave at the end of the trip.Ā
3 of 18
4 of 18
Napa Valley, California
Californiaās Napa Valley is the ideal destination for anyone who loves good food, beautiful landscapes, and outstanding wine. Mild temperatures mean that itās always a good time to visit Napa, whether taking advantage of āCabernet Season,ā which runs from November to April, hitting up theĀ Napa Valley Truffle FestivalĀ in January, eating your way through St. Helena, riding the Wine Train, or enjoying a concert in Pioneer Park in Calistoga. Calistoga RanchĀ has guest lodges that are good for a group with a spa featuring warming baths with supposedly curative properties that are perfect for working off the after effects of too much wine.
4 of 18
5 of 18
Cartagena, Colombia
Frequent viewers of Netflixās drug war series, Narcos, may not realize it, but Colombia has evolved into a peaceful country with exciting cultural offerings, a vibrant dining scene, and, of course, incredible coffee. Head to Cartagena to visit the oldest port city in the Americas, which combines urban charm with a beachy vibe. Check into one of the many luxury hotels opening in the area, tour the bohemian Getsemani neighborhood, and explore Old City during your stay. Cartagena sits on the shores of the Caribbean and if you want a beach day, arrange for a boat to take you toĀ Playa Blanca on the Isla de BarĆŗ for a day of sun and turquoise water.
5 of 18
6 of 18
Los Angeles, California
Thanks to Uber, you donāt need to rent a car to get around L.A. anymore, which makes it an even more desirable vacation spot. Stay at the centrally located and comfortably hip LINE hotel in Koreatown and youāll have easy access to the shops in Venice, the restaurants in Silver Lake, and the nightlife in Hollywood. Explore the newly revived downtown LA, visit the Getty Museum, hike up Runyon Canyon, and try to snag tickets to the Broad.
6 of 18
7 of 18
Helsinki, Finland
For classic luxury, book a room at Hotel KƤmp, while the design-minded may prefer the Lilla Roberts. Spend your days checking out the shops in the design district, walking the halls of the Kiasma art museum, dining at the lively Holiday, or taking a sauna at the sleek public sauna,Ā Lƶyly. Finnair's stopover program makes it easy to visit the city even if yourĀ final destination is elsewhere, and itās definitely worth the stop.
7 of 18
8 of 18
St. Lucia
Itās easier to stick to resolutions when you have back-up, so grab a few friends and head to St. Lucia to unwind while shaping up at BodyHoliday. The all-inclusive resort combines spa treatments, whole foods, and cutting edge fitness routines like Spoga (thatās spinning + yoga) and science (they have a genetic testing program to create personalized roadmaps for health) to create a whole body experience that is actually fun and relaxing. Play a game of tennis, go for a round of golf or archery, or try something even more adventurous like cave diving or rappelling, or just kick back and relax on the shores of the Caribbean.
8 of 18
9 of 18
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has some big musical landmarks to visit, including the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the iconic Bluebird CafĆ©, and the Ryman Auditorium, the venue where bluegrass was born that has hosted everyone from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash. While you're in the city, stay at the sleek Thompson, which is within walking distance of the musical landmarks and the restaurants and shops that fill SoBro (thatās South Broadway neighborhood).
9 of 18
10 of 18
Sanya, China
While China isnāt the most obvious beach destination, Sanyaās white sand beaches might change that. Sanya is the main tourist destination on Hainan, the island provinceĀ that is designed to lure in touristsĀ with abundant hotels, golf courses, shopping, and more. Book your stay at the luxurious EDITION hotel, where you'll find stunning architecture and even more impressive amenities, including four restaurants, a private beach, SkyBar, six swimming pools, and playland with train rides, a rock climbing wall, an electric car racing circuit, bumper cars, mini golf and every water sport you can dream up.
10 of 18
11 of 18
Sedona, Arizona
Get in tune with positive energy in Sedona, home to vortexes, crystal peddlers, and an easy relationship with nature. Shop at Tlaquepaque, browse the art galleries and shops along Highway 89A, indulge in Ayurvedic fare at ChocolaTree Organic Eatery, or simply watch the sunset over the desert mesas. Book a room atĀ LāAuberge de SedonaĀ for their in-room massages, which are the perfect way to work out the sore muscles earned on a hike through Red Rocks State Park.
11 of 18
12 of 18
Beaver Creek, Colorado
For a rustic retreat with a few good friends, head to Trappers Cabin at Beaver Creek Resort,Ā perched at 9,500 feet in the mountains of Colorado. This luxurious mountain getaway sleeps 10 with a fireplace, hot tub, and incredible views of the alpine landscape. Winter visitors can hit the slopes right from the door, while summer adventurers can hike or mountain bike. For a luxurious getaway, book the hotelāsĀ White Carpet Club, whichĀ will arrange first class airfare, a private helicopter transport, and a private car to deliver guests to the mountain cabin where they will be greeted by a personal chef, concierge, and every amenity imaginable.
12 of 18
13 of 18
Guatemala
Guatemalaās rural landscape is a patchwork of brilliantly blue lakes, stark gray volcanoes, and verdant green hills that are ripe for exploration. Book one of the nine rooms atĀ Casa Palopó ā the countryās first Relais & ChĆ¢teaux property ā to visit the Mayan villages that surround the spectacular Lake AtitlĆ”n, or head to La Lancha, the rainforest retreat above Lago PetĆ©n ItzĆ”, near Tikal National Park and the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
13 of 18
14 of 18
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Step into a Game of Thrones set in the charming medieval fortress town of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The city is lined with ancient walls, stately architecture, buzzing nightlife, and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Take your photo alongside the anchors at the Maritime Museum, walk the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, take advantage of the cityās infamous clubs, and find a cure for what ails you at the Old Pharmacy ā the third oldest in the world ā which has been curing hangovers since 1317.
14 of 18
15 of 18
Austin, Texas
Go find out if the stars at night really are bigger and brighter in Austin, the capital city and culinary heart of Texas. Go for classic Southern style at the Four Seasons or check out the hip charm of Hotel Saint Cecilia. If the weatherās hot, do like the locals and head to Barton Springs Pool or Lady Bird Lake. Catch a concert at the Moody Theater where Austin City Limits takes place or watch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse. When youāre placing your order at Gourdoughās donuts or Torchyās Tacos, remember everything is bigger than Texas.
15 of 18
16 of 18
Danube River Cruise
Weave pastĀ ancient castles and towns as you make your way across several European stops on a Danube River cruise. Most liners offer itineraries along the river, giving you a variety of trips to choose from. TheĀ Adventures by Disney Danube River cruise provides an eight-day itineraryĀ that includes cycle rides along the river, treetop climbs filled with views of the Austrian Alps, a visit to a 7,000-year-old salt mine, a ride across an underground lake, and chocolate tastings inside a Baroque palace for families. Meanwhile, luxury travelers can take advantage of Uniworldās āEnchanted Danubeā itinerary, where theyāll have a Mozart and Strauss concert in a Viennese palace, whileĀ amenities includingĀ LāOccitane and Hermes products and in-suite butler service ensure the utmost comfort onboard.Ā
16 of 18
17 of 18
Italy
Choices abound in Italy, from shopping fine leathers and shoes toĀ marveling at Renaissance artwork andĀ indulgingĀ in delectable wines. You can have an active trip filled with skiing in the Dolomites, a sun-bathing vacation in the Aeolian Islands, or aĀ history-filled trek throughĀ the museums of Rome and the volcanic city of Pompeii.Ā Full-service tour companies likeĀ Access Italy, with clients that includeĀ everyone from Ben Stiller and Oprah to Barack Obama, can put together an itinerary for you that includes private tours of the Vatican complete with a behind-the-scenes look at its mosaic shop.
17 of 18
18 of 18
Undiscovered Britain
Besides the more popular stops like London and Edinburgh, Britain has plenty of hidden gems to offer. Nature lovers will enjoy North Wales'Ā LlÅ·n Peninsula, where theyāll find a variety of seaside villages, beaches, and walking trailsĀ with coastal views. Lake Grasmere, one of the smaller lakes in theĀ English Lake District in Cumbria, is home to rowboats and scenic walks that lead to the nearby village, where William Wordsworth is known to have spent several years of his life. Those with a sweet tooth should make a visit to Sheffield, where the Cocoa Wonderland chocolate shop sits nestled in the hills, offering chocolates galore alongside a chocolate-themed afternoon tea.