A group holiday with friends can provide a sense of fun and camaraderie that might strengthen the bonds between you and leave you with memories that last a lifetime. On the other hand, if the holiday isn’t planned appropriately, it might be a disappointing and acrimonious experience.
But what exactly does good planning and preparation look like? Let’s take a look at a few key considerations to plan the perfect getaway in 2025. This guide covers everything from selecting a destination to budgeting, booking, and making the most of your group trip.
Choosing the Perfect Destination
To begin with, you’ll want to pick a destination that everyone’s happy with. This might mean making a compromise. You might all discuss the various options and go with whatever is broadly popular. If you’re celebrating a birthday, an engagement, or a special achievement, this might be the way to go.
On the other hand, you might try a kind of holiday that none of you are familiar with. Group ski holidays might allow you to tackle a new kind of challenge as a collective. There is also trend in sustainability with eco-friendly destinations and slow travel where groups are spending weeks or months in one place.
There has also been a 20% shift from classic European capitals to diverse, less saturated locales, possibly driven by social media and adventure-seeking younger groups. The opportunity for unique experiences has seen a rapid rise of destinations like Medellin and Kuala Lumpur.
Top Group Travel Destinations in 2025
Budget aside, this is what the cool kids are doing (because social influencers rarely boast about Butlins and Centre parcs I guess). Although if you research prices compared to a week in the UK it might surprise you.
- Europe remains the most popular choice: London, Paris, and Rome consistently rank among the top destinations, offering a balance of history, culture, and nightlife.
- Asia is rising fast: Bangkok (32.4 million visitors in 2024) and Tokyo are gaining traction, thanks to affordability, street food culture, and unique urban experiences.
- Emerging hotspots: Istanbul (23M visitors) and Dubai (18.2M) are becoming luxury-meets-culture destinations for groups looking for a mix of history and modernity.
- Unexpected travel trends: Medellin, Colombia, and Osaka, Japan, are seeing a sharp rise in group tourism. These destinations offer alternative city experiences, cultural heritage, and a bustling nightlife scene.
How to Choose the Right Destination for Your Group
- Budget Matters: Some cities are more wallet-friendly than others. Bangkok, Medellin, and Kuala Lumpur offer great experiences at a lower cost compared to Paris, Dubai, or London.
- Adventure vs. Relaxation: Looking for thrills? Thailand’s islands, Bali’s beaches, or Medellin’s hiking trails are great choices. Prefer luxury? Dubai’s five-star resorts or Paris’ boutique hotels offer high-end experiences.
- Cultural Hotspots: Tokyo, Istanbul, and Rome are perfect for groups that love history, fashion, and food.
Setting a Budget Everyone Agrees On
One thing that’s likely to cause stress and tension is money. This can be a big problem if some members of the group have more cash to play with than others. If some people want to dine at fancy restaurants, while others want cheap and cheerful pub grub, then you might end up resenting one another.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to decide on a budget early on before any research, and then plan your activities accordingly. Don’t make your friends and family spend beyond their means for the sake of pride!
Money can make or break a group trip. Setting a clear budget early on ensures that no one feels pressured to spend beyond their means.
Group Travel Costs to Consider:
- Flights & Transport: Book early to secure the best deals.
- Accommodation: Consider Airbnb for shared spaces or group-friendly hotels.
- Food & Dining: Fine dining vs. street food, agree in advance!
- Activities & Excursions: Plan a mix of free and paid activities to suit everyone.
- Nightlife & Shopping: Budget for entertainment and souvenirs.
Budget-Friendly Group Travel Destinations
- Europe: Lisbon, Kraków, Budapest, Prague
- Asia: Bangkok, Hanoi, Bali, Kuala Lumpur
- Americas: Medellin, Mexico City, Lima
Booking Accommodation and Transport Early
The earlier you sort out your accommodation and transport, the less likely you are to be disappointed. This applies especially when you’re a large group, since there are only so many minibuses, and twelve-bedroom villas, to go around.
Of course, things might be slowed down by the simple fact that members of your party might be late in replying to messages on WhatsApp. So anticipate this and start the process months in advance.
The earlier you book flights and accommodation, the better the rates, especially for large groups.
Best Group-Friendly Accommodation Types
- Villas & Airbnb – Great for privacy and shared costs.
- Boutique Hotels – Ideal for luxury without breaking the bank.
- Hostels & Shared Stays – Budget-friendly and social.
For transport, Europe’s trains, Asia’s budget airlines, and the U.S.’s road trips offer affordable and scenic ways to travel as a group.
Planning Activities to Suit Everyone’s Interests
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll need to pick activities. In some cases, your choice might be made for you: if you’re at a ski resort, you’ll be spending most of your time skiing. Sometimes, however, the choice might be more varied.
Don’t be afraid to split the group up so that everyone can do what they’d like. If half of you want to go on a pub crawl, and the other half want to visit an art gallery, then you can meet up later on.
Activity Ideas Based on Destination Type
- City Breaks (London, Tokyo, New York): Museums, shopping, and nightlife.
- Beach Trips (Bali, Thailand, Mexico): Snorkelling, island hopping, and yoga retreats.
- Adventure Travel (Iceland, Medellin, Patagonia): Hiking, extreme sports, and safaris.
- Cultural Immersion (Istanbul, Rome, Kyoto): Food tours, history walks, and festivals.
Packing Essentials for a Smooth Trip
Getting the best from your trip means making sure that certain key items are packed. These include toiletries, clothes, passports, and other essential documents. Compose a checklist and make sure that you don’t forget anything. You’ll end up spending more if you have to pick up supplies along the way.
Packing smart ensures a stress-free experience.
Group Travel Essentials Checklist
✔️ Passports, Visas & Travel Insurance
✔️ Adapters & Power Banks
✔️ Toiletries & Medications
✔️ Comfy Footwear for Exploring
✔️ Light Layers for Weather Changes
✔️ Shared Items (Speakers, Playing Cards, Sunscreen)
Tip: Make a shared packing list on Google Docs so no one forgets anything.
