Best Vacations For Great Times With A Group Of Friends
No doubt about it: vacations with friends can be simply epic! This is why vacations with groups of friends have increased over the years, and many destinations create packages that appeal to group travel. Deciding where to go can be the most challenging question! So, if this is where you find yourself, then you’re definitely in the right place!
A helpful tip for planning a vacation with friends or family is to find out what you all enjoy doing and where you can do that together. This is a great way to set the scene so you all know what to expect and can quickly settle on a destination. Overall, it’s a great idea to focus on finding a destination where there’s a little something for everyone!
If you’re still in the deciding process, read on as we’ve compiled a list of the best vacations for a group of friends, both close and far from home!
Top group vacation locations in the Caribbean:
1. Negril, Jamaica
Oh, Jamaica … to vacation on your simply beautiful shores would be a dream. Unforgettable, to say the least! If what you seek is lots of entertainment, nightlife, great food, beach time, and warm weather then you don’t need to look any further than Jamaica. This island is popular for traveling with a group of friends, and for good reason. Negril is a charming town, and one of the best places to stay in Jamaica. The vibe there is always chill and inviting, especially at one of Negril’s all-inclusive resorts. You and your friends will also find more than enough things to do in Negril, including excursions that’ll help to keep your vacation fun and exciting.
Good to know: Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is as pristine as they come. This beach is loved for its amazing sunsets, powdery white sands, and beautiful, clear waters. Having cocktails on this beach while in Jamaica is a must!
2. Nassau, The Bahamas
The Bahamas is one of those places that will have your mind drifting to scenes of beachside cocktails, lively resort parties, or the most serene boating adventures with a simple mention. Of course, these daydreams center around you on the most fabulous vacation with the people you love most. Nassau is a great place to start your Bahamian explorations as there are lots of amazing beaches waiting to be discovered, like Cable Beach, and impressive nightlife as well. While in Nassau, you can stay at a luxury all-inclusive resort in The Bahamas, which will put you right at the center of everything!
3. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
At the top of the list for group vacation destinations is Turks & Caicos, known for its incredible diving and gorgeous beaches like the world-famous Grace Bay Beach. This is the place you go to if you want to have the type of beach days you’ve likely seen in movies or in magazines – glorious turquoise waters, gleaming white sand, and swaying palm trees. All of this will feel like a dream, but it’ll be as real as it gets for you as you soak in the sun on this paradise island.
In terms of where to stay, the island of Providenciales (one of about 40 islands and cays in this chain) is most convenient as it is not only beautiful, but it is also home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Turks & Caicos. There are also resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos that have their own thrilling waterpark with gigantic water slides and a relaxing lazy river!
Expert tip: There are many amazing things Turks & Caicos is known for and Coral Gardens in the Turks & Caicos Islands is absolutely one of them. Explore this attraction while on a girls' trip or guys' trip on the islands.
4. Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is that fair-weather destination that has it all – everything from nature-oriented experiences to the ones that are decadently indulgent and marked by luxury. Life is laid back on this small island and a vacation here can be as serene or as involved as you’d like.
Rodney Bay is a popular town where you’ll find some of the best entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, bars, and all-inclusive resorts in Saint Lucia. Other fun things to do in Saint Lucia with friends include hiking, deep-sea fishing, taking boat and snorkeling tours, hopping on sunset cruises, seeing waterfalls, and just exploring the island!
Insider tip: Your Saint Lucia vacation can include unlimited cocktails and a wide array of dining options if you stay at any of the Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia, such as the Sandals Grande St. Lucian all-inclusive resort in Rodney Bay.
5. Ocho Rios, Jamaica
If you want to have a little bit of everything in your vacation, you might want to look in the direction of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Ocho Rios is located on the north side of Jamaica, and it is a fantastic place for anyone looking to unwind and explore at their own pace. This part of Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches and also for adventure – you’ll easily be able to sign up for ziplining and ATV tours, and even go bobsledding down a mountain!
There are lots of other thrilling things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica with friends including going to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville or to the beautiful Dunn’s River Falls. If you want to be near the best attractions in this area, stay at one of the Ocho Rios resorts. At some of these resorts, you’ll be able to plan tours and excursions with no hassle.
6. Exuma, The Bahamas
A vacation in Exuma might feel a bit too good to be true when you get there. You might wonder just how you were able to stumble upon this slice of paradise, which includes what are probably the clearest waters in the world, amazing snorkeling, gorgeous landscapes, secret caves, and swimming pigs! When you finally accept your wondrous reality, you’ll be able to fully sink into your Exuma experience with friends, which can be as adventurous, luxurious, and peaceful as you want it to be. Staying at Sandals Emerald Bay can be the cherry on top of this sublime experience as you’ll have access to multiple bars, including swim-up bars, gourmet dining, day and night entertainment, land and water sports, and so much more!
Top group vacation locations in North America
Away from Caribbean shores and towards North America, here are some of the best vacation destinations for friends looking for good times!
7. Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley promises a sophisticated vacation filled with wine tastings, bike tours, and fine dining. All of these are things best enjoyed in a group, so it would make sense to plan a trip there with friends. After your wine tours, you all can return to the comfort of your villas to relax and reconnect, and once you’re all energized again you might even consider some hiking.
8. Montreal, Canada
One of the best vacations for a group of friends is a trip to Montreal Canada, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Montreal vacations are ideal when you’ve only got a few clear days on your schedule, and you’re looking to have a memorable time with friends. While you’re there, definitely take some time to immerse yourself in the history of the city, indulge in the food, and explore areas like Old Montreal, Old Port, and Mile End.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
In recent times, Nashville, Tennessee has gained popularity for not only being a great getaway for bachelor and bachelorette parties but also for getaways with friends. The growing enthusiasm travelers have for this city has a lot to do with its vibrant nightlife, great food and music, and the fact that Nashville seems to have something everyone can fall in love with. During a vacation in Nashville with friends, be sure to stop by at least one live music event, try some of the city’s best restaurants, and learn more about the intricate things that make this city as wonderful as it is.
10. New York City, New York
If you’re looking to travel with friends to a place filled with opportunities for exploration, New York City is a great option. Whether or not you’ve been to this city before you likely won’t have a hard time finding new things to try or reliving favorite experiences. During your NYC visit, you can also go to popular attractions like the Empire State Building, Times Square, the World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty. MoMA, the Met Gallery, and some of the museums in this city are quite fun to pop into as a group.
11. New Orleans, Louisiana
Partying with friends on Bourbon Street in New Orleans is sure to be a blast - but that isn’t the only thing this southern city has to offer! You can also expect to indulge in food, music, and multi-cultural events during your vacation in New Orleans. In all of these categories, this vibrant city more than hits the mark. Don’t expect Mardi Gras year-round though. This city tends to cool down a lot once that popular festival is over, leaving behind a more mellow but still enjoyable ambiance.
12. Las Vegas, Nevada
Going to Las Vegas, Nevada with friends is the ultimate bucket list item for many people. This reality has a lot to do with the city’s reputation for being an adult playground. In this city known for its nightlife, sleep probably won’t be a priority during the time that you’re there, but, hopefully, you do take some time to rest in between day and nighttime activities. Some of the things you might enjoy doing in Las Vegas with friends include going to some of the most popular bars, restaurants, and nightclubs or taking a road trip to explore the Grand Circle (Zion National Park, Capitol Reed, Monument Valley, Arches, Antelope, Canyon, and Canyonlands). Single-day day trips to nearby attractions will also be a possibility, depending on how much time you all have at your disposal.
13. The Hamptons, New York
Going to The Hamptons, New York can be a great getaway for friends, especially if you’re looking for something a little more extravagant. This destination is ideal for special occasion trips, but a spontaneous vacation with friends can also be well worth it. Your days in the Hamptons can be spent relaxing, shopping, lounging on the beach or poolside, and strolling the towns in this area.
14. Miami, Florida
Miami is known for being a party city and it is a great option if you’re looking to have a vacation that includes lots of beach time and shopping with friends. Night and day, you’ll find things to do in this energetic city whether you want to dance the night away at some of the popular clubs like Cameo, LIV, Mynt Lounge, and Mansion, stroll around the Art Deco District, do some fun tours or chill on Miami Beach.
15. Seattle, Washington
Dubbed the ‘Emerald City’, the best time to visit Seattle is in the summertime, specifically during the months of July and August. At this time of year, you and your vacation crew will find Seattle at its most beautiful and the skies at their bluest. Popular things to do in Seattle include visiting the Space Needle and going to the Pacific Space Center. You might also want to check out Pike Place Market or take a ferry ride to one of the islands in Puget Sound for a water adventure.
16. Oahu, Hawaii
If the mention of a Hawaii vacation doesn’t make your eyes pop, then perhaps you aren’t ready for a vacation at all. Known as the ‘Aloha State’, everything about Hawaii says fun, relaxation, and good times. This can be your friend group vacation experience with just a little planning. Oahu, Hawaii is a great option for a beach vacation where you can relax on postcard-worthy beaches, go diving, learn to surf (if you feel like it), and explore the island.
17. Orlando, Florida
If you’re looking for a great place to visit with a group of friends, keep Orlando high on your list! This is one of those destinations where you can expect to have a great time any time you go. No matter how many times you visit there always seems to be a new experience to try. Whether you want to get into the party scene or you want to let your inner child loose at the theme parks, Orlando, Florida is a top choice for a friend group getaway.
18. Boston, Massachusetts
The bold and fun personality of Boston, Massachusetts is apparent from the minute you get to the airport. This U.S. city is known for many things, but most people go there after hearing great reviews about the food, seafood in particular. A cool seafood spot you can check out in Boston is Faneuil Hall. Try their bread bowl of clam chowder, and then spend the afternoon exploring places like the Boston Tea Party Museum, Old North Church, and the Freedom Trail, which appeal to those who love history. The Boston Common and Public Garden make for a good stroll, and you can also find places nearby to go skiing depending on when you go.
19. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta can make for a great getaway whether you’re looking to explore somewhere new just for the weekend or a bit longer. This city is beautiful and welcoming, and there’s a lot to do night or day. Whether you decide to take in a concert or two, hike Stone Mountain, visit the World of Coca Cola, or just take in as much of the entertainment and dining scene as you have time for, you’re bound to have a memorable vacation in Atlanta.
20. Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas has a lot to offer, and it is known as the “live music capital of the world” where two major annual music festivals take place. It doesn’t have to take a concert to lead you to Austin though as there’s lots more to appreciate about this U.S. city, including its natural beauty and the many outdoor activities available. During an Austin vacation, you and your friends or family can visit the urban parks, experience the live music happening nightly at top city bars, test out the dining scene and hopefully find a way to enjoy an old-fashioned Texan barbeque!
Take a vacation with your group of friends and let the good times roll!
Trips with friends are the epitome of good times and the type of experience you have depends on where you go. We hope that these suggestions will help point you in the right direction for your epic friend vacation. A U.S city getaway with friends will provide lots of activities for you and your crew, but if you really want a taste of adventure, you should head a bit further out to see what the Caribbean has to offer!
If you and your friends have already fallen in love with a Caribbean destination, the next step will be planning where to stay. You’re likely to want a resort experience that’s as stress-free as possible when traveling with a group, so an all-inclusive resort is a perfect solution! Unlimited gourmet dining, anytime food, and (alcoholic) drinks, beautiful beaches, and awesome waterparks are just a few of the awesome inclusions you can look forward to.
Regardless of where you choose to travel with your friends, you all are bound to have timeless memories.
