Having spent the last five years organizing group trips across six continents, I’ve learned that finding the perfect destination for multiple travelers isn’t always straightforward. Every group has its own personality – some want beach lounging and cocktails, others seek hiking adventures, and many hope for a mix of both.
“Group travel is all about finding places that offer something for everyone,” says Maria Chen, a travel coordinator who’s led over 200 multi-family vacations. “The key is choosing destinations with enough variety to keep different personalities happy, but with infrastructure that makes it easy for groups to stay together and share experiences.”
While coordinating schedules and preferences can feel overwhelming at first, plenty of destinations cater perfectly to group dynamics. To help you plan your next adventure with friends or family, here are 18 destinations that consistently work well for group travel, whether you’re planning a reunion, a family vacation, or just a getaway with your favorite people.
Barcelona, Spain
Have you ever watched street performers dance the flamenco while you sip sangria at a sidewalk café? That’s just another afternoon in Barcelona, where Gothic architecture meets Mediterranean beach life. This Spanish city is perfect for groups, with its endless tapas bars made for sharing small plates and stories late into the night. You can wander through Las Ramblas with your friends, checking out the street artists and food stalls, or spend hours marveling at Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. The city really comes alive after dark, when groups hop from one buzzing neighborhood to another, sampling local wines and joining impromptu street festivals that seem to pop up around every corner.
Little-Known Fact:
Did you know that Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia basilica has been under construction for over 140 years, making it the longest-running construction project in modern history? Construction began in 1882 and is finally expected to finish in 2026, exactly 100 years after the death of its visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, who was so dedicated to the project that he lived on-site during his final years.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket holds a special place in my heart as Thailand’s largest island and a perfect spot for group getaways. The island draws friends together with its mix of busy beaches, laid-back coastal towns, and endless opportunities for shared adventures. You’ll find your crew splitting time between lounging on white sand beaches, exploring hidden coves by long-tail boat, and diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea. The nightlife in Patong Beach keeps the energy high, while quieter spots like Kata and Karon offer a more chilled-out vibe for groups wanting to escape the crowds. It’s the kind of place where you can spend mornings taking Thai cooking classes together, afternoons island-hopping, and evenings watching the sun set from a rooftop bar.
Las Vegas, USA
Ever wondered what it’s like to see the Eiffel Tower, Venice canals, and an Egyptian pyramid all in one day? That’s just another Tuesday in Las Vegas, where replicas of world-famous landmarks line the famous Strip. Beyond the neon lights and casino floors, this desert city knows how to keep groups entertained with its endless buffets, poolside parties, and Cirque du Soleil shows. From November to February, you can escape the heat and enjoy comfortable temperatures while exploring the nearby Red Rock Canyon, or catch a Golden Knights hockey game at T-Mobile Arena. The city’s countless hotel rooms and direct flights from major cities make it easy to coordinate big group trips.
Ibiza, Spain
Ever danced until sunrise with 3,000 new friends? That’s just another Tuesday night in Ibiza, a sun-soaked Spanish island where the party never really stops. Just a quick hop from mainland Spain, this Mediterranean hotspot draws world-famous DJs to its mega-clubs like Pacha and Ushuaïa from May through October. But there’s more to Ibiza than just thumping bass lines – you can spend your days lounging on white sandy beaches, wandering through the UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila (Old Town) with its cobblestone streets, or watching the sun dip into the sea at the legendary Café del Mar. The island’s bohemian spirit lives on in its hippy markets and hidden coves, perfect for those moments when you need a break from the dance floor.
Bali, Indonesia
When I first landed in Bali back in 2018, I knew I’d found something special. This Indonesian island sits like a jewel in the Java Sea, wrapped in rice terraces and dotted with ancient temples. The town of Ubud forms the cultural heart, where traditional dancers move to gamelan music and local artists display their work in open-air galleries. Along the coast, places like Canggu and Uluwatu draw surfers to their consistent waves, while beach clubs offer front-row seats to orange-tinted sunsets. The island’s group-friendly atmosphere really shines through its villa accommodations, where private pools and communal living spaces make it easy for friends to share those magical Bali moments together.
Cancun, Mexico
I first visited Cancun back in 2015, drawn to its white sandy shores along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This coastal paradise sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, where ancient Mayan ruins share the landscape with modern resorts. The Hotel Zone stretches along a narrow strip of land, shaped like the number ‘7’, with calm waters on one side and wild waves on the other. Beach clubs dot the shoreline, while downtown Cancun buzzes with local markets, street food vendors, and mariachi bands. The water here shifts between shades of blue and turquoise, creating perfect conditions for snorkeling at the nearby Great Mesoamerican Reef, where tropical fish dart between coral formations just beneath the surface.
Greek Islands, Greece
Looking to explore the Mediterranean with your crew? The Greek Islands offer the perfect mix of history, beaches, and laid-back island life. From the bright white buildings of Santorini to the ancient ruins of Delos, each island has its own personality. You can spend your days hopping between islands, discovering hidden coves, trying fresh seafood at local tavernas, and watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea with your friends.
Costa Rica
Pack your sense of adventure when heading to Costa Rica, a country that offers everything from rainforest hikes to beach relaxation. Your group can spend mornings zip-lining through the jungle canopy or watching sea turtles nest on protected beaches. Head to Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can soak in natural hot springs after a day of exploring the trails. For those who love wildlife, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve lets you spot playful monkeys and colorful toucans in their natural habitat. The laid-back vibe and variety of activities make it easy for groups to split up and reunite, whether they’re into surfing, hiking, or simply lounging by the pool with a fresh coconut drink.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Perched on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is the ancient city of Dubrovnik. Like many Mediterranean destinations, it has its share of beaches, seafood restaurants, and sunny weather. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve stepped into a medieval fantasy come to life. Just walk along the massive stone walls that circle the city, looking down at the red-tiled roofs and narrow limestone streets, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its strategic location between East and West, Dubrovnik became a powerful maritime republic, and you’ll find remnants of its wealthy past in the baroque churches, Gothic palaces, and perfectly preserved Old Town that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Many travelers come to Amsterdam for its picturesque canals and world-class museums, but the city can also be considered a cycling paradise. The flat streets and dedicated bike lanes make it perfect for groups to explore on two wheels, passing by historic townhouses and charming bridges. While the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum draw crowds year-round, the city truly comes alive during King’s Day in April, when streets fill with orange-clad revelers, open-air markets, and live music. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or nightlife, Amsterdam’s compact size makes it easy for groups to split up and reunite throughout the day.
Puerto Rico
Many travelers come to Puerto Rico for its famous beaches and Old San Juan, but this Caribbean island offers so much more than just sun and sand. The El Yunque National Forest – the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System – provides excellent opportunities for hiking, waterfall chasing, and spotting unique wildlife. While the island’s pristine coastline draws beach lovers year-round, groups can also explore historic Spanish fortifications, take food tours through local markets, or go kayaking in one of the world’s few bioluminescent bays. The blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences creates a rich cultural experience that makes group activities, from salsa dancing to cooking classes, especially memorable.
Cape Town, South Africa
Have you ever seen penguins waddling on a white sand beach? It’s a regular occurrence at Boulders Beach in Cape Town, where rocky coastlines meet crystal-clear waters at the southern tip of Africa. The city sits in the shadow of flat-topped Table Mountain, where you can take a cable car ride for views that stretch across two oceans. Beyond the mountain trails and beaches, you’ll find the rolling hills of the Cape Winelands, packed with centuries-old vineyards and Dutch colonial architecture. The waterfront buzzes with open-air markets and seafood restaurants, while just offshore, Robben Island stands as a powerful reminder of Nelson Mandela’s journey to freedom.
Maldives
Float on crystal-clear waters when you escape to the Maldives, where overwater bungalows dot the Indian Ocean like pearls on blue silk. The islands offer loads of ways to enjoy paradise, from swimming with whale sharks to lounging in hammocks suspended right above the sea. Head to one of the many all-inclusive resorts where your group can snorkel through coral reefs in the morning and enjoy fresh seafood feasts under the stars at night. It’s the ideal place for friends who want to split their time between water adventures and pure relaxation – especially if you book one of the multi-room villas that come with private pools and direct ocean access.
Marrakech, Morocco
Located in the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is where African, Middle Eastern, and European cultures blend together in one busy package. Much like other cities in North Africa, Marrakech has its sprawling souks, ancient mosques, and busy squares filled with vendors. But unlike the others, it feels like walking through the pages of a storybook. Just wander into the medina’s maze-like alleys, still laid out exactly as they were centuries ago, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its position along historic trade routes, Marrakech became a melting pot of different cultures, and you’ll find red-earth buildings, ornate palaces, and bustling food stalls where locals and tourists share mint tea and trade stories.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
Did you know that Marrakech’s famous Djemaa el-Fna square transforms into a different world as day turns to night – with snake charmers and street performers giving way to hundreds of food stalls serving up hot, fragrant dishes under the stars? The city’s ancient medina is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through a maze of narrow alleyways filled with over 3,000 merchant shops selling everything from spices and carpets to traditional leather goods and jewelry.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps offer the perfect backdrop for groups looking to mix adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable trip. You can hop aboard scenic train rides that wind through snow-capped peaks and charming villages, or hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz. In summer, gather your friends for hiking expeditions along well-marked trails, or try your hand at mountain biking down gentle slopes. After active days outdoors, unwind together in cozy chalets, sharing fondue and local wines while swapping stories about the day’s adventures. It’s an ideal destination for groups who want to combine outdoor activities with classic Swiss comfort.
Budapest, Hungary
I first visited Budapest on a whim in 2015, drawn by stories of its famous thermal baths and riverside charm. The Hungarian capital sits gracefully along the Danube River, split into the historic hills of Buda on one side and the lively streets of Pest on the other. Art Nouveau buildings and centuries-old architecture line the boulevards, while ruin bars – unique drinking spots set in abandoned buildings – give the city its modern edge. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Europe’s largest medicinal bath complex, offers a perfect gathering spot for groups, with its outdoor pools staying open even during winter’s gentle snowfall. At night, the Parliament Building glows golden against the water, creating a backdrop that makes every group photo look like a postcard.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Nature lovers, get ready – the Galapagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on Earth. This chain of volcanic islands off Ecuador’s coast is where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution, and it’s easy to see why. Here, you can walk among giant tortoises, swim alongside playful sea lions, and watch blue-footed boobies dance their mating ritual just feet away. What makes these islands special isn’t fancy resorts or nightlife, but rather how the animals seem completely unbothered by human presence. They’ll happily go about their business while your group snaps photos and marvels at their behavior. Island-hopping by boat is the way to go, letting you experience multiple ecosystems and encounter different species on each stop.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown first caught my eye during a backpacking trip through New Zealand in 2015. Nestled between the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Southern Alps, this adventure capital draws thrill-seekers and nature lovers from around the globe. The compact downtown buzzes with local pubs, cozy cafes, and friendly tour operators ready to send you bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge or skiing down the slopes of Coronet Peak. What makes Queenstown perfect for groups is its mix of activities – while some friends tackle white-water rafting on the Shotover River, others can enjoy a peaceful wine tasting in nearby Central Otago or take the gondola up Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of the region. The numerous hostels and holiday homes dotting the hillsides make it easy for large groups to find affordable accommodation, especially during the shoulder seasons.