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18 Great Trips to Take With a Group

From Mykonos to Aspen, these are unforgettable group trips for every type of traveler.

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. Virtually any place has the potential to be great for a vacation with friends. (You just might have to get a bit creative in some cases.) 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 awesome options, 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. Splurge 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. That's because this Balearic island 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 palette, spirited bars right on the sand to watch the stunning sunsets, and lovely local boutiques to pick up souvenirs. And ATV excursions, hiking, and zip-lining offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Scottsdale is quickly gaining steam as a go-to destination for group trips thanks to its broad 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 and 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 trip to take with friends. 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 Catedral de San Pedro Claver, and bustling plazas where groups can sit and sip cocktails while watching local performers. It's also a popular beach destination and provides access to the palm-fringed shores of Isla de Barú and the Islas del Rosario.

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 and Hotel Saint Vincent .

Aspen, Colorado

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

Marrakech, Morocco

Hypnotic and at times dizzying, Marrakech 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. 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. 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.

The Complete Guide to Group Travel

By Stephanie Wu

The paella was a breaking point. I was in the middle of the most complicated group trip I’d ever planned—13 people, flying in from six different cities, all gathering in a seven-bedroom villa in Andalucia . We were there, ostensibly, on a joint 30th-birthday trip, a group vacation we’d been planning for years . As high school classmates, some of us had known each other for decades, and the group had grown to include significant others and even a not-yet-announced pregnancy.

It would have been an ambitious trip no matter how many people were attending. We had chosen Spain as a middle ground between North America and East Asia, where my friends and I had scattered after college graduation. We were basing ourselves in Ronda, but rented several cars and planned day trips to see the bigger cities—Seville, Granada, Cordoba. But, inevitably, the dreamy idea of bringing us together for a milestone trip took on a life of its own: destination suggestions ranged from Croatia to Marrakech , and a total of 26 people were invited at some point. And I was wrangling it all— finding a villa , planning activities, making restaurant reservations, confirming the rental cars , and generally making sure it all went smoothly. Thankfully, I had some help: a villa specialist , plus a subset of friends I could count on for strong opinions and quick decisions. I took on this role naturally—and my friends were great about checking in to see if I needed any organizational help whatsoever. But generally, it was up to me to shape the flow of the trip while accommodating every travel personality, from super-planner to totally blasé.

Like every group vacation I’ve ever been on, our Spain trip had its ups and downs. On the first night, my head spinning while trying to keep track of a group text chain that had lost all sense of reason, I found myself struggling to keep my eyes open. Even though I was seeing my friends for the first time in a while, enjoying a home-cooked, multi-course meal as we shared exciting news (A new job! An international move! That pregnancy!), all I wanted to do was lie down after a very long travel day of planes, trains, and cars. On day two, I came downstairs to a breakfast spread of eggs, cheese, meats, and bread (there’s nothing like traveling with someone who likes to wake up early and prepare breakfast), and proceeded to try and block out the morning noise—questions about what to wear, what to bring, where the chargers were—way too much before I'd had my morning caffeine.

I hung back a bit that day during the group tour, scanning the crowd to make sure all my friends were having fun. Did they like the tour guide we had booked? Were they tired and jet lagged? Was the lunch reservation at an appropriate time? That night at dinner, a random spot we found within walking distance of our villa, I was happy to let someone else take the lead in ordering for the group, since the menu was only printed in Spanish. And then, the next night, we were so excited when our paella was delivered. It was in a massive pan the size of my wingspan, and took two people to carry. The saffron-infused aroma was coming through the aluminum sheets, and we were all crowded around the stove, awaiting the big reveal—until we uncovered the aluminum and realized they hadn’t seen my note about dietary restrictions, and my friends with shellfish sensitivities would be eating leftovers instead.

At its best, travel has a way of making every daily anxiety feel absolutely insignificant. And at its worst, even the tiniest mishaps, like the wrong ingredients in the paella, feel like the end of the world. This is even more the case on group trips, when you’re dealing with people of different ages, needs, and activity levels, or traveling with a group of friends of friends, where you’re close with some and not quite as comfortable with others. When you’re trying to accommodate everyone’s travel wishes, but somehow end up pleasing nobody. And of course, that moment when you realize you’re going to need a vacation to recover from this vacation.

That’s not to say that I didn’t have a great time in Spain. When I look back, I think about the one night we picked to be our joint birthday dinner. We were all gathered around restaurant table, 13 of us trying to blow the candles out together, each dissolving into giggles at different times. And of the one day we smartly split up into smaller groups—one group exploring the town, the other hanging by the pool—and then gathered together at night to share the highlights of our day. And how our long car rides led to long conversations, which was a way for me to really get to know my friend’s significant other—something that would have been nearly impossible otherwise, as they live in Toronto and we only see them a few times a year.

It always takes a few days for me to settle into vacation mode, but this time around, I had the added stress of worrying about everything that could go wrong, when a group of people who became friends at 18 meet again to travel together a dozen years later. I needed those moments of joy, of spontaneous laughter, of lounging around in silence, to be reminded of why we were all together in the first place—and why a few years earlier, we had known that we needed to prioritize setting aside time in our schedules to find a week that worked for all of us.

I think about how, during the vacation, we fantasized about what the next reunion would look like. Would we alternate continents? Would we take a cruise? Would we bring partners and kids along for our 40th birthday trip? At one point, someone brought up making it an annual trip —but the panicked look on my face might have nipped that suggestion in the bud immediately.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Rachel Chang

Group travel requires a herculean amount of coordination and compromise. But there’s something about having a group of people in the same place at the same time that can give every trip that once-in-a-lifetime feeling—an adrenaline rush that I only get when I’m traveling. I got to see a new side of my friends, who I haven’t lived in the same city as since I was 18—how some woke up early to check in at the office, how others were unflappable through hours of traffic and confusing driving directions, and how the parents-to-be soaked up the last few months before they became a family of three. That’s the magic of a group trip—you get to see your travel companions out of their daily element, in their vacation selves. And, if you can manage to stay calm throughout the planning process, the truth is, that’s often our best selves.

Why we built this guide

Group trips don’t all have to be stressful before they get good. If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve been tasked to be the planner, at least in some part, for an upcoming trip. Here at Condé Nast Traveler , we embrace group travel in all forms, from big family vacations to a core group of friends that always travels together to traveling alone in a larger group. And we put this package together to help you take care of the big things—from where to stay and how to save money with points and miles —to the little ones, like how one app can change the group travel game.

We’re also letting you in on our best-kept secret, for when it’s time to throw your hands up and let the travel gods take over: Book a cruise . It’s what I did for my recent bachelorette party, where we paid just over $300 per person for 3 nights in the Caribbean, unlimited food and drinks, and endless entertainment. Okay, there was still a little planning, but it was limited to where we’d eat lunch on port day and whether we had brought enough sunscreen for our kayaking trip. As the de facto planner, I never had to think about signing a bill , or making sure everybody was entertained. I simply soaked it all in as my friends congregated in various combinations and got to know each other in vacation mode. It was the best gift I could have given myself—second to this guide, of course.

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Come together for at least one meal a day.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

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Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

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Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

For independent explorers who don’t want to miss out on these amazing destinations, book your hotel stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

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LOVE TRAVELING WITH FRIENDS? MEET TROUPE

PLAN GROUP TRIPS WITHOUT THE HEADACHE.

Say goodbye to long email threads and group texts. Troupe is your one stop shop to plan a group trip everyone will love .

Invite friends to vote on important details like when to go, where to stay, and what to do. Now that’s group travel untangled.

Say goodbye to long email threads and group texts. Troupe is your one stop shop to plan a group trip everyone will love.

What is Troupe?

Your one-stop shop for group trip planning.

 With Troupe, you can invite your friends to participate in polls to decide essential details such as travel dates, accommodation options, and exciting activities. With Troupe, you can now plan your trip through our innovative AI-powered search features that will help you find the perfect accommodations that suit everyone in your group. Group travel becomes effortless and enjoyable, untangling the complexities along the way.

As Featured In

How Troupe Works

Get your first trip up and running in 4 easy steps, create a tripsite and invite friends.

Create a custom tripsite that’s sure to get your group excited. Write out fun text, add GIFs, and upload images. Then, when you’re ready, invite friends via email or text. It’s that easy to get started!

Suggest Things and Vote on Your Favorites

Decide on key trip details by suggesting and voting on dates, destinations, stays, and activities. Once votes are cast, Troupe identifies the group favorites, so you can pick the options that work best for everyone. 

Poll Your Group and Share Notes

Get the input you need to make better decisions faster. Create custom polls to ask travelers about budget, trip length, or anything in between. Want to sort out contact info, packing lists, or menus? Create shared notes to organize all your information, all in one place.ﾠ

Decide on Activities and Build an Itinerary

Figure out what to do at your destination by using our activities feature to suggest and vote on things like restaurants, tours, museums, and more. Then, easily add the group’s favorite activities to an itinerary so you can plan out what to do each day.

Simplify Your Trip Planning

Our collaborative planning features are designed to drive easy decision making.

Manage RSVPs

Collect RSVPs from your group so you know who’s in, who’s out, and who’s on the fence. 

Vote & Suggest

Make choices confidently by suggesting and voting on important details. We’ll show you the faves.

Poll Your Group

Have questions for your group? Use polls to get answers from travel time to budget and beyond.

Build an Itinerary

Easily build your itinerary with your group by adding activities and organizing them by day.

Send Broadcasts

Send announcements to the whole group with the click of a button. Share deadlines, deals, and more!

Get Notified

Customize your notifications so you can stay on top of your group’s decisions, votes, and more.

Download the Troupe App for iOS  

Want to create and manage your trip directly from your phone? Download the Troupe app.

(Android friends, you’re next!)

WHY USERS LOVE TROUPE

Tired of planning alone? Users love the ability to suggest and vote alongside their friends, so they can make decisions everyone can get on board with.

“The entire family is onboard, it’s one central place to put everything and get out of group text chains…”

Columbus, OH

“When I sent this app to people, they felt more confident and onboard with the trip because Troupe was so organized.”

Los Angeles, CA

“We’ve gotten more done in the last 2-3 days with Troupe than we have since March trying to plan this on our own.”

Reading, PA

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• Group Getaways

December 13, 2023

5 minute read

How to Plan a Group Trip Your Friends Will Love

Traveling with a group of your closest friends or family can be a truly wonderful experience. The joys of group travel reside not only in the destinations explored, but the laughter shared, memories forged, and unexpected adventures that arise along the way. 

Whether navigating bustling city streets, venturing into the heart of nature, or immersing in various cultures, the collective energy of a group amplifies the excitement! Orchestrating a seamless group vacation takes meticulous planning and thoughtful consideration of the diverse preferences of your party. 

Here’s how you can plan an unforgettable group travel experience that everyone will love. 

Collaborate on Your Itinerary

Planning a great group trip means taking the various expectations and preferences of your fellow travelers into consideration to ensure everyone's satisfaction. Begin by establishing a collective vision and goals, and engage in open discussions to understand the diverse interests within the group. 

This will serve as the foundation for crafting a well-balanced itinerary featuring a harmonious blend of activities catering to the varied preferences within the group. Whether exploring cultural landmarks, embarking on outdoor adventures, or relaxing in luxury—a diverse mix of group and individual activities ensures everyone has an enjoyable time. 

Establish effective communication channels to keep everyone in the loop throughout the planning and booking process, and be sure to include contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.

Consider Your Budget 

The next crucial aspect of travel planning is establishing a budget.

Depending on your party’s preferences, you may opt for a luxurious, shared suite in the heart of a bustling city, or more rustic accommodations for a budget-friendly stay. 

Be sure to assess your individual financial constraints and considerations, and collectively explore cost-effective options for the best lodging, transportation, and activities. 

Decide on a Destination

Pay careful consideration to the group's collective interests. 

Whether the allure of vibrant cityscapes, tranquility of natural landscapes, or richness of cultural experiences, finding the perfect location is essential. 

Consider factors such as how much privacy your group desires, whether you crave the ability to cook for yourselves, and what activities you wish. And, of course, give everyone in the group a say to narrow down options and vote on favorites.

Find the Right Time to Book & Travel

Timing is crucial, and collaboratively determining the most convenient dates and optimal duration ensures every member of the group synchronizes their schedules— minimizing conflicts and maximizing participation. 

Assess seasonal factors such as weather conditions, crowd sizes, pricing changes, and the overall atmosphere of the chosen destination to determine the best time for your trip. 

Choose Where to Stay 

Accommodations play a pivotal role in the overall experience, so invest time in researching and booking options that align with the group's needs and expectations. The place you call "home" during your journey sets the tone for daily routines and shared moments. 

Ensure that the lodgings align seamlessly with the diverse needs and preferences of the group, whether seeking the cozy intimacy of boutique hotels, communal spirit of rustic lodges, or flexibility of vacation rentals. Each option brings a unique flavor to the collective experience! 

Work With a Professional Travel Advisor 

Navigating the intricacies of group travel planning can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor, so the best way to ensure an unforgettable and worry-free experience is to work with a professional travel advisor. 

These seasoned experts have a wealth of knowledge, industry connections, and keen understanding of unique destinations and travel offerings. 

They Secure the Best Deals 

Travel advisors find tours that aren’t listed publicly, leverage their relationships with various travel partners such as airlines and hotels to secure discounts , and even score upgrades and unannounced perks. Occasionally, travel partners will give discounts for block purchases, such as hotel reservations, which your advisor can advocate for— saving your group even more money than if you went onto a discount travel website or booked directly.

Finally, when you use a travel advisor, you can book with a deposit instead of having to immediately pay in full. That means your group can choose where to go, where to stay, and what to do—without substantial up-front costs.

They Take Care of the Logistics

Coordinating flights, transportation, lodging, and activities is a challenge even when you’re only taking care of yourself. Now imagine trying to get a group of people on the same flight or, at the very least, to your destination in the same time frame, booking multiple hotel rooms, and coordinating who will track down and schedule tours, restaurants, transportations, and rentals.

Travel advisors secure flights for all members of your group and work to meet each individual’s unique needs. They also book room blocks, identify any documentation needs—if you’re going to an international destination, and one of your friends has a passport from a country that has visa specifications, for example—and schedule your trip from start to finish in a time- and money-saving manner.

They Recommend Group Activities

Say you and a friend really want to go whitewater rafting, while the two other members of your group would rather have a spa day. All four of you agree that you don’t want to spend time apart. Travel advisors are trained to advise you on alternate locations, solutions to logistical problems, and anything else that might occur. They may even be able to find whitewater rafting hosted by a hotel that has a spa!

They Help Address Any Hiccups or Mistakes

One of the many benefits of working with a travel advisor is the peace of mind deriving from knowing they’ll continue to advocate for you throughout your trip. Say your friend’s flight gets canceled, or you schedule a group tour and the company only reserves five seats when you actually need six. Instead of wasting precious vacation time on the phone, alert your travel advisor, and they will talk to airlines, tour operators, and whoever else on your behalf. 

Just focus on having a fun time with your friends.

InteleTravel Will Handle All Your Group Travel Planning

When it comes to arranging the perfect group vacation, InteleTravel is the number-one expert.

Our certified team of travel experts works with you to ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch, overseeing all the various aspects of your vacation so you won't have to worry about anything. 

Our advisors go above and beyond to ensure a seamless journey. They book every element of your trip and craft a customized itinerary based on your group’s specifications. They even provide exclusive upgrades and travel bonuses to elevate your travel experience to new heights. 

What's more, their support extends far beyond the planning phase. They’ll be on hand throughout your entire journey, ready to assist in case of any unexpected occurrences abroad. 

The best part? InteleTravel Advisors provide their expertise at no additional cost to travelers . So why wait? 

With an InteleTravel Advisor, enjoy the peace of mind from knowing every detail of your trip is in expert hands. 

To get started planning your group getaway, contact InteleTravel today ! 

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Group Vacation Planning: How to Keep the Peace

Keep your friendship intact with these helpful tips.

(CNN) – A vacation with your pals should be the perfect opportunity to unwind, catch up and have fun with some of your favorite people in – ideally – a fabulous setting.

But coordinating large groups isn’t always easy. We’ve all heard travel horror stories of fighting over finances, itinerary arguments, and barbed comments over cocktails.

Whether you’re currently planning a future friend vacation, or about to embark on a long-awaited group trip, here are some top tips to keep the trip as smooth and fun as possible.

Think carefully about who’s coming

So first things first, who are you inviting? Maybe the answer’s obvious because you’ve got a gang you always travel with, or a ready-to-go group of close pals who you’ve always wanted to vacation with en masse.

But if you’re planning a trip with a friend group that’s never traveled together before, or you’re thinking of bringing together a mix of friends from different parts of your life, it’s worth considering the potential group dynamic.

It sounds obvious, but if you’ve got friends who prefer outdoorsy hikes and adventures, they may or may not gel with the group who enjoy bar-hopping and city breaks.

Plus, travel can be stressful – some friends might get on really well at social events, but their personalities could clash when they’re under pressure to make a flight, or dealing with a vacation rental that doesn’t live up to the listing.

So, generally speaking, the closer the group, the more likely the vacation success. But traveling together can also be a great way to get to know people better, so definitely don’t rule out an invitee just because they’re a newer addition to your circle.

A vacation could also be a great opportunity to get to know a friend’s partner a little better, so extending the invite to significant others could be a great shout, just – again – keep the overall dynamic in mind. If the trip suddenly goes from a college pals reunion to a couples trip featuring a sole single friend, that might be a less-than-fun outcome for that one person who’s not coupled up.

Of course, everyone is different, and there’s no general rule for any of these situations – it’s just worth being considerate and thoughtful in the inviting.

On that note, also bear in mind the potential for a friend being offended if they’ve not made the cut. Not everyone can come to every trip, but be mindful that you don’t want to lose friendships before you’ve even boarded the plane.

Have a budget and stick to it

Talking about finances can be awkward, but it’s part and parcel of vacation planning. The best strategy is to set a budget early on for accommodation and travel costs.

If you want to make sure no one is priced out, ask everyone to be upfront from the beginning and make sure there are no surprise extra costs later down the line.

Chelsea Dickenson, the 33-year-old founder of website Cheap Holiday Expert, suggests one way of avoiding anyone feeling uncomfortable in the group chat is to set up a Google Form that everyone can fill out anonymously, detailing their preferred budget and any other concerns or thoughts.

“You essentially create a questionnaire for your friends,” Dickenson tells CNN Travel. “And then it’s down to the organizer – which probably would be me, in my case – to look at that and see, ‘Okay, what are we actually working with.’”

How you split costs both before and after vacation will depend on your group dynamic, your respective financial positions and your own preferences – but whatever the answer, it’s best to have that conversation before you embark on the trip.

While some friends might be happy to adopt an “I paid for the Uber, you buy the drinks” policy, others may feel more comfortable knowing everything’s been split evenly.

Apps like Splitwise do the complicated sums for you, keeping tabs on who spent what when. Or if everyone in your party happens to use banking apps like Monzo or Revolut (both of which generally allow spending internationally without extra fees) you can set up a shared tab and pay as you go.

Pick your destination and accomodation carefully

So the gang’s assembled and the budget’s confirmed. Now you’ve just to figure out where you’re actually going.

If you’ve not already had to consider the word compromise in the planning process, here’s where it’s almost guaranteed to come up. Maybe one of you fell in love with the beauty of Sicily while watching “The White Lotus” and is desperate to fly to Palermo, but someone else already ticked Italy off their bucket list and is dreaming of hiking the fjords of Norway. Maybe some of the group love the idea of spending evenings chilling in a secluded cabin with a hot tub, but your other friends would prefer to stay in a buzzy city hotel with a rooftop bar.

A group vacation is – generally speaking – more about the group than the destination. After all, while exploring a fantastic place together is theoretically the purpose of your trip, if you wanted free rein to go wherever in the world you like, you’re better off traveling alone – or picking just one like-minded travel buddy.

If you’re going on a friend vacation, you’re going somewhere to hang out with your friends, so you should consider their needs and preferences as much as yours. That doesn’t mean totally abandoning your dream trip, it just means being candid and going into the experience knowing what everyone wants out of the trip and making sure you’re all, more or less, on the same page.

And even if the group ends up voting on a destination you’ve visited before, returning with a different group at a different stage in life is always going to be rewarding.

Know your individual strengths - and your group dynamic

Some people are natural organizers. Others are great at map reading. Some people love driving. Others are pros at finding the best flight deals. Some bring the vibes on the day, arriving with a speaker and vacation-approved playlist.

Knowing your own strengths – and those of your friends – will help you plan and orchestrate the vacation as smoothly as possible.

If you’re vacationing with people you’ve never traveled with before, this dynamic might be a little more of an in-the-moment surprise, but you’ll still likely cotton on to people’s natural roles early on.

And depending on how big your group is, some people will naturally step up into organizing roles, while others might take a backseat. If you’re all natural organizers, you might have to reluctantly cede control to a friend – but if they’re your close pal, you know they’ll do a good job and that you can trust them. Enjoy taking a backseat for once and go along for the ride.

Plan in advance - but also leave room for spontaneity

You don’t want to force your friends to commit to a by-the-hour schedule, but it’s worth having some idea of what you’re hoping to see and do on the trip before you set off.

This is especially important the larger the group – if there are 12 of you vacationing together, you might need to prebook restaurants or organize museum entry in advance. Plus, having a pre-planned schedule avoids 12 different people wasting hours each morning just agreeing on the day’s activity.

To avoid ideas getting lost in a torrent of messages in the group chat, you could create a shared Google Doc pre-vacation and encourage everyone to add in ideas and research they’ve done in advance of the trip. As departure day gets closer, you can highlight the favorite ideas, or wait and go through them upon arrival, glass of wine in hand.

And while planning is always useful, some of the best moments in travel happen spontaneously. Don’t commit to a concrete schedule that can’t be switched around in the day, or leaves no room for improvisation.

Some of your best memories are going to be made at that little cove you randomly stumble upon, or the bar built into the clifftops you spot last minute, or just lying on the couch in the evening enjoying quality time with your best pals.

Take time to yourself when you need it

In a big group, people might naturally go their own way over the course of the vacation – everyone has different interests and it’s unrealistic to expect you all to stick together for the whole trip.

Plus, no matter how close you are to your friends, you might find yourself craving a bit of alone time as the days roll on. Don’t be afraid to take time to yourself, if and when you need it – whether that’s popping out for a solo coffee or taking yourself to see that landmark that only you’re interested in seeing.

If you find yourself getting frustrated with any of your fellow vacationers, taking some me time is also a good way to diffuse the situation without ending up doing or saying anything you’ll regret.

Resist the urge to badmouth a friend to another friend mid-trip. If you really want to vent, text someone neutral back home.

Cherish the moment

Long after you move past the weird Airbnb your friend booked, or the restaurant that would never have been your first pick, or the slightly fraught conversation about splitting the grocery store bill – you’ll remember the quality time you spent with your friends.

It sounds cheesy, but cherishing the moment is the most important tip on this list. A getaway with your friends can become harder and harder with the passing years, as life’s commitments build up and people become more settled in their homes and jobs.

No one is flawless, and no trip is perfect, but there can be perfection in that imperfection. Love your friends for their quirks – which may be out in full force on vacation – and they’ll love you for yours.

And before you know it, you’ll be back home sharing your favorite vacation photos and planning the next trip.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Bespoke experiences for your next group getaway     

Get away with your closest friend group to reconnect, rejuvenate and explore new destinations. | By Paul Oswell | April 6, 2023

Whether you’re relaxing with an indulgent spa session, enjoying a private dinner or embarking on a hike, a group getaway with your closest friends helps build bonds and shared memories. These destinations have a wealth of ways to explore new places with activities that you’ll be talking about for years to come. Build your own itinerary and prepare for amazing memories in the making.

Sensational Seattle: Explore the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors before unwinding at the spa

Opulent Orange County: The famously laid-back West Coast is a wonderful playground, whether you’re out on the water or reminiscing around a beach bonfire

Footloose Fort Lauderdale: Dive into the area’s trendy dining scene with a private dinner in a striking dining room or on a yacht

The Pacific Northwest is an ideal region for group travel, especially if your friends love adventuring in the beautiful wilderness. Seattle is the ideal base for group getaways, with its laid-back vibe, diverse topography and a healthy mix of urban and outdoor amusements.

For one-of-a-kind views of Washington’s vast landscapes, glide above Mount Rainier National Park on a five-star-rated hot air balloon tour with Seattle Ballooning. Back on land, spend time together hiking in the verdant foothills of nearby Mount Rainier, with its picture-perfect, subalpine meadows and the mountain forests of Longmire. Nearby Puget Sound is affectionately known as the American Serengeti, and your group can relax on a private boat tour of the Salish Sea as your expert guide points out the local dolphin, porpoise and whale populations.

For a more indulgent side to the city, sign up for a chef-lead guided food tour of the famous Pike Place farmer’s market, or a wine tour of Snoqualmie Falls or Woodinville. Your concierge at Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts will be happy to book any of these activities for you. To get around town, make use of the hotel’s car-sharing amenity by reserving a Tesla for you and your friends. Enhance your stay with optimal relaxation for the whole group by booking a Spa & Stay package that includes spa credit, retail discount and bath milk amenity. The Spa at Hotel 1000 offers a comprehensive range of hydrating facials, massages and body wraps that will reinvigorate your body and mind.

Recount the day’s adventures over a private dinner at the property’s restaurant, All Water . You and your friends can enjoy a personalized menu featuring an array of local ingredients and fresh seafood for an authentic end to your Seattle getaway.

Orange County, California

This coastal Californian county is an ideal group getaway destination for many reasons. For this friendcation, however, you may want to focus your energies on the breathtaking landscapes of the American West Coast.

Some of the most coveted spots in the region are the area’s pristine beaches such as Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. You and your entourage can live the Californian lifestyle to the fullest, whether it’s through private surfing lessons, embarking on a stand-up paddleboard tour or via snorkeling or kayaking among the scenic ocean coves. Enjoy an eco-friendly leisurely day out cruising to local points of interest on e-bikes, while exploring hidden back roads, picnicking at cute seaside bays and taking in the breathtaking vistas.

While staying at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club , schedule a full range of group activities — including oceanfront golf at the Monarch Beach Golf Links or yoga classes — with expert guidance from your concierge. Soak in the sun, sand and stellar service at the hotel’s private Monarch Bay Beach Club, exclusive to hotel guests and members. Hop on the hotel’s complimentary tram down to the sandy shores, where the beach team will set you and your friends up with lounge chairs, umbrellas and towel service for a worry-free afternoon.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, a AAA Five Diamond-rated resort, is a sophisticated beach house retreat perched atop a seaside bluff. Take in the panoramic views with drinks at 33 North’s terrace overlooking the Pacific before dinner at Bourbon Steak , the resort’s American steakhouse from acclaimed chef Michael Mina.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

This Florida resort town an hour north of Miami has enjoyed a well-deserved glow-up in recent years, with more upscale entertainment options for a thrilling group getaway than ever before. A new generation of restaurants have high-end dining rooms that make for memorable reunions with friends. Fresh seafood is an unmissable local specialty, with the chefs at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Mastro’s Ocean Club serving quality crab, lobster and sushi plates.

A yacht charter shows off the best of the Floridian coastline, and you and your friends can join the lavish Millionaires Row community (as well as their mega-yachts) from the comfort of your own private vessel, complete with crew and everything you might need for high times on the high seas.

When it comes time to completely unwind, the spa at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is a uniquely suitable facility for friends to relax together. The hotel’s spa suite experience is a private suite that accommodates up to 12 guests for massages and/or facials, along with a memorable picnic on the balcony. The entire package can be customized to the group’s needs. The hotel also offers group wellness classes, including complimentary morning yoga on the beach, and a custom WeMoke electric Jeep available for rent to explore the Fort Lauderdale area in style. No matter what’s on your itinerary, a group getaway to one of these destinations is guaranteed to create lasting memories for all.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.

Find your stay

Dreaming of a Group Getaway? 54 Epic Trip Ideas for Friends (National and Abroad)

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: January 10, 2023  - Last updated: July 1, 2023

Categories Travel

Are you and your friends looking for a great group getaway? Group travel is the perfect way to explore new places, create lasting memories, and bond with friends. There are so many trip ideas that make it easy to plan a fantastic vacation, no matter how far or close you choose to go.

For shorter trips within driving distance, check out nearby national parks, beach towns, and big cities for a weekend stay. If you want to venture further away, consider international destinations like Europe or Asia. From mountainside ski trips to tropical island getaways, endless options exist for friends looking to travel together.

34 Group Travel Ideas in the United States

• Road trip : Rent a car and hit the road to a destination of your choice. It’s a great way to explore the country and create memories together.
• Coastal Drive : Take a road trip along the coast, stopping at beaches and coastal towns.
• National Park Tour : Visit several national parks and explore the great outdoors together.
• Wine Country : Visit wineries and vineyards, taste different wines, and learn about winemaking.
• Historic Route 66 : Travel along the legendary Route 66, stopping at unique roadside attractions and historical landmarks.
• City Hopping : Explore multiple cities in one trip and experience the culture and nightlife of each place.
• Scenic Mountain Drive : Take a road trip through the mountains and enjoy breathtaking views and fresh mountain air.
• Music Festival Tour : Visit several music festivals and concerts and experience different genres and artists.
• Foodie Road Trip : Sample different cuisines and local specialties at restaurants and food trucks along the way.
• Surf Safari : Head to the coast and catch some waves, try out different surf spots, and enjoy the beach life.
• Snowboard and Ski Tour : Explore the slopes and enjoy the snow by trying different ski resorts and runs.
• Cruise on Wheels : Rent an RV and travel across the country enjoying the comforts of home on the road.
• Off-road adventure : Take an SUV or 4×4 and explore rugged terrain and backcountry roads.
• Beer Tasting Tour : Visit different breweries and pubs, taste local beers, and learn about beer making.
• Cultural Immersion : Visit cultural sites and learn about different customs and traditions.
• Haunted Road Trip : Visit haunted places and learn about local legends and spooky stories.
• Photography Expedition : Take a road trip to scenic locations and capture breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.
• Volunteer Trip : Give back to the community by getting involved with nonprofit organizations.
• Island hopping : take a ferry or private boat and explore different islands, enjoying the beaches and tropical weather.
• Theme Park Adventure : visit several amusement parks and ride thrilling roller coasters and attractions.
• Animal Safari : Visit several wildlife reserves and observe exotic animals in their natural habitat.
• Vintage Car Tour : Rent or bring a vintage car and drive along scenic routes.
• Yoga Retreat : Take a road trip to a yoga retreat center and practice yoga and meditation together.
• Winter Wonderland : Take a road trip to snowy destinations and enjoy winter sports, hot cocoa and cozy cabins.
• Spa getaway : visit different spas and wellness centers and indulge in massages and treatments.
• RV Camping : Take an RV and camp in different places, enjoy nature, and sleep under the stars.
• Movie Location Tour: Visit locations where famous movies and TV shows were filmed and relive iconic scenes.
• Golf Adventure : Visit different golf courses and play a round together.
• Art Gallery Tour : Visit different art galleries and museums and learn about different styles and artists.
• Cross-Country Adventure : Take a trip from coast to coast and experience different regions and sights.
• Farm-to-Table Tour : visit various farms and farmers’ markets, learn about sustainable agriculture, and enjoy fresh, locally-grown produce.
• Roadside Attraction Tour : stop at quirky and unusual roadside attractions, such as giant statues, unusual museums, and offbeat landmarks.
• Lake Tahoe : Take a road trip through scenic Lake Tahoe and enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.
• Fall Foliage Tour : Admire the colorful foliage on an autumn road trip, stopping in small towns and cozy cafes.

20 Group Travel Ideas for Trips Abroad

• European City Tour : explore several cities like Paris or Amsterdam in Europe and experience each place’s art, culture, and cuisine.
• Beach Vacation : Relax on tropical beaches and enjoy water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and surfing in Bali or Thailand .
• African Safari : Observe exotic wildlife and learn about conservation in Africa.
• Cultural Immersion : Learn about different customs and traditions by visiting cultural sites and participating in local festivals in India.
• Food Tour : Sample cuisines and local specialties at restaurants and food markets in Mexico.
• Island hopping : Take a ferry or private boat and explore different islands, enjoying Hawaii’s beaches and tropical weather.
• Adventure Tour : Try adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, zip-lining, and white water rafting.
• Hi storical Tour : visit historical sites and museums to learn more about the past of different countries and civilizations.
• Volunteer : give back to the community by working at non-profit organizations abroad.
• Cruise : Travel on a luxury cruise ship and visit different destinations worldwide.
• Ski Trip : Hit the slopes and enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in countries like France, Switzerland, or New Zealand.
• Wildlife tour : observe exotic animals in their natural habitat, such as the rainforests of South America or the savannahs of Africa.
• Bus Trip : Take a ride along scenic routes and explore European cities and sights.
• Language Immersion : Learn a new language by signing up for a language class and practicing with locals.
• Sustainable travel : Explore eco-friendly and sustainable travel options to reduce your impact on the environment.
• Music Festival Tour : Attend several music festivals and concerts and learn about different genres and artists.
• Art and Architecture Tour : Visit various museums and galleries to admire the art and architecture of different countries and regions.
• Trekking and hiking : Explore natural landscapes like the Himalayas or Patagonia while trekking or hiking.
• Beach and Jungle Adventures : combine relaxing on the beach with exploring the jungle by visiting destinations like Costa Rica or Thailand.
• Health and wellness retreat : Recover with yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and healthy cuisine at wellness retreats abroad.

If you’re traveling with a group, there are ways to make the experience more enjoyable. Follow these tips to make your next trip more enjoyable:a

The more time you have, the more likely everything will go smoothly. Planning early can also save you money. For example, if you book early, you can take advantage of lower prices and special offers. Plus, planning early gives you time to review all available options and decide which makes the most sense for your group.

Share the Cost

If some members of your group pay for their flights or accommodations, consider sharing the cost with them so everyone pays less overall. This will also help avoid conflicts over who should pay what when splitting the cost later (which isn’t ideal).

Ensure everyone knows where they’re going and how they’ll get there. If someone is accidentally left behind at the airport or gets lost on the way to their destination hotel, that’s no fun for anyone involved!

Talk Openly About Any Concerns or Issues That Arise During Your Trip

If you’re leading the group, you’re responsible for ensuring everyone is informed and knows what to expect.

Ensuring everyone in the group has all the information they need is essential. If someone is running late or can’t go, let them know. If there is a change in plans, let them know. You don’t want anyone to feel left out or not know what’s next.

It’s also important to inform people about any restrictions or limitations on activities – for example, if specific areas are closed due to flooding or mudslides or if certain activities are no longer possible due to bad weather conditions.

If you’re traveling with kids, they must know about all the rules and restrictions so they don’t get upset if they can’t do something they’d like to do because it’s not allowed by law or for other reasons.

Make Sure Everyone Is on the Same Page

When you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, it can be difficult to keep everyone happy. If you want your vacation to go smoothly, here are some tips on how to make sure everyone is on the same page:

When organizing the trip, make sure everyone has the exact expectations for the trip. If you’re going to another city and some want to relax by the pool while others want to see all the sights, everyone must know what to expect.

Give each person their own space. It can be easy for a friend or family member to feel left out when everyone else is having fun together. To avoid this problem, give each person space to do what they want without worrying about getting in everyone else’s way.

Try to plan activities that everyone in your group will enjoy. If you have kids in your group, make sure there are enough activities for them and their parents and siblings so that no one feels left out.

16 trips every group of friends should take together in their lifetime

Everybody knows that places like Venice and Paris are great destinations for couples , and that Washington D.C. and Rome are go-to trips for families , but where in the world should a group of friends go? 

People are asking that exact question now more than ever, especially on Pinterest — the search for  "group travel" is up 367% from last year .

But despite its growing popularity, planning a vacation with a group of friends is tricky. Not only do you need to find a hotel that everyone can afford or a house that everyone can fit in, you need to pick a place that appeals to everyone, whether they're foodies, adventure-seekers, beach bums, or history buffs.

These 16 destinations should cover everyone.

Napa Valley, California, US

You can't go wrong with wine country. Bike tours and wine tastings are great for groups, and when you're not sipping on vino you can can relax at one of the many villas in the area, take hikes in the surrounding hills, or head into nearby Sacramento for some city living. 

Montreal, Canada

If you don't have time to take a full-blown European vacation, Montreal is a great compromise. The cobblestone-covered city will make you feel like you've hopped across the pond, and it's perfect if you only have a long weekend to get away. The history buffs in the group will love it as much as the foodies.

Nashville, Tennessee, US

Nashville has become a hot spot for groups in recent years. It has an amazing music, food, and nightlife scene, which will please almost anyone. 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland became the place to see in 2017 , and if you haven't made it there yet, gather your friends and go now. For nature lovers who want to do a bit more than your average camping trip, Iceland can't be beat — there's the famous Blue Lagoon, Ring Road, dramatic black sand beaches, and, of course, the Northern Lights.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

"Game of Thrones" fans will love exploring "King's Landing," since Dubrovnik was the main filming location for it on the show. Others will enjoy checking out some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, exploring the historic Old Town and it ancient city walls, or wandering through the store and restaurant lined  Stradun. Dubrovnik's nightlife is pretty wild, too.

Munich, Germany

If you can make it to Munich for Oktoberfest you'll find yourself at one of the world's wildest parties. However, even when it isn't Oktoberfest, Munich is still an exciting city rich with art, history, and, of course, beer. For the outdoorsy, there are mountains and glaciers for hiking, biking, and skiing, or stunning lakes to laze at in the summer.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

This tiny town features a plethora of activities: there's surfing, fishing, boating, diving, zip lining, white water rafting, horseback riding, and, of course, pristine beaches to lay out on, making Tamarindo an ideal spot for a friend-filled beach vacation. 

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

For those looking to party there's Bourbon Street, for those looking to eat there's an unrivaled culinary scene, for those into history there's the French Quarter, and for those into music there are jazz clubs on every corner. Win-win.

Taipei, Taiwan

There are hundreds of street vendors and markets for adventurous foodies, a bustling nightlife for those looking to go out, and world-famous hot springs and  beaches for those looking to relax. 

The Hamptons, New York

Going to the Hamptons can get pretty pricey, but if you travel with a group you'll get the best deals on house rentals and transportation. Your days will revolve around relaxing, whether you're on the beach, lounging poolside, or strolling through the adorable towns. 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If you and your friends are trying to relive your college glory days with a Spring Break-esqe vacation, look no further than Punta Cana. The city has dozens of all-inclusive hotels to choose from, and the beaches are stunning.  

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has it all; the history, the scenery, and the adventure. Plus, it's less expensive to travel to than Europe's more popular destinations. 

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, US

You don't need to drop big bucks in Aspen or Vail for a picture-perfect winter vacay. Hit up Steamboat Springs instead, where both ski passes and accommodations are more affordable, especially for groups.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This charming city in Vietnam has something for everyone, but, more importantly, it's relatively cheap. If you're looking for an exotic location that will fit into everyone's budget, this is the spot.  

Medellin, Colombia

The Netflix fave "Narcos" may have factored into this, but Medellín, Colombia, was named the best destination in South America as part of this year's World Travel Awards .

While it was considered a dangerous place until not all that long ago, an impressive public transportation system, beautiful architecture, and rich culture and history has turned the city into a hotspot for visitors.

Madrid, Spain

With its famous local cuisine as well as its abundance of art and music, it's hard to hate Madrid. There's also plenty of history, shopping, and scenery to take in. 

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How to make friends as you travel – according to the women who’ve done it 

Call us biased, but it’s hard to deny the benefits of small-group travel. Want the inside scoop on a place? Say hello to your local leader. Tired of travel logistics? We’ve got you covered. Need a travel buddy? Well, that’s kind of our thing…  

With us, you’ll always explore the world with a group of like-minded travel companions – but some Intrepid travellers are lucky enough to find solid, long-term friendships on our adventures, often quite unexpectedly.

To celebrate Galentine’s Day, we’re putting the spotlight on female friendships forged on the road. Read on for expert tips on how to make friends as you travel from Claire Cohen, author of BFF? The Truth About Female Friendship – and get inspired by real-life friendship stories from Intrepid women. 

Tips from female friendship expert Claire Cohen  

As bonding experiences go, it was up there. As I pulled on my disposable underwear and sat down in the hot room, thick with steam and the scent of soap, I could just make out the faces of my new friends – the three of us ready for our first Moroccan hammam experience. For locals, a trip to these public baths means a moment to bond with family, friends and neighbours – all while being scrubbed (and I mean scrubbed ) with a loofah, washed down with black soap and having buckets of water poured over their heads.  

Yet, here I was with two women I’d only met two days earlier, almost naked and very nervous. Of course, we needn’t have worried – a few moments of eye contact as we were scoured and soaped meant we hadn’t only been stripped of layers of dirt and skin, but all our inhibitions. After that, we didn’t stop talking about it for the rest of our trip and, even better, remained in touch for years, even meeting up in London – our travel experience creating a unique bond that no one else in our lives had shared.  

Making friends when travelling solo can seem daunting but, trust me, it’s easier than you think – and you don’t have to take your clothes off, promise. Here are my tips for success. 

Get out of your comfort zone  

When was the last time you did something out of the ordinary? It’s hard to push your boundaries when faced with the daily grind and that’s where travel comes in. When I’m away, I try to think of myself as a sponge (albeit with a better tan), soaking up every new experience. And it’s the perfect state of mind for making new friends: your guard is down and your mind open.  

On a trip to Italy , years ago, I made myself take part in a Vespa-riding excursion. As I nervously pulled on my helmet, I smiled at the woman on the scooter next to me. She was also mildly terrified and we spent the day encouraging one another. It was positive and supportive, creating a bond. After that, we stayed in touch over email, sharing our other travel experiences to spur one another on. After I did a skydive in Australia? She was the first person I told.  

Be honest   

The key to making new friends is vulnerability. If you stick to small talk, there’s only so deep your connection will ever go. That’s where travel can make things easier: there’s something about being away that enables you to let your guard down and talk about what you want out of life.  

You can connect with others over the ‘big’ topics you might struggle to raise with friends at home, or the dreams you might feel silly admitting to. Grab the opportunity to do so now; after all, you’re surrounded by other people who probably feel the same way. Take a deep breath and start answering their questions honestly – you won’t regret it. 

‘Trust in the unexpected’  

Those four words are what a fellow author told me as I started writing my book about female friendship – and I think they apply to how we make friends, too. So often, we judge whether someone is a potential pal by their similarity to us, but it’s those ‘unlikely’ friendships that can be life’s most rewarding – offering you the chance to see the world through the eyes of someone with different experiences to yours.  

Travel is the ideal way to encounter people you might never meet at home. Take my friend Alexa, who met a fellow solo female traveller, 30 years her senior, on a trip to Austria . Turns out they lived 15 minutes apart back home but their paths had never crossed. Five years on, they regularly meet for coffee or walks – living proof that it’s worth seeking out the unfamiliar. 

Take the pressure off  

While travelling is a fantastic way to make new friends, try not to put too much pressure on it. Instead, look at it as a way to expand your community: not everyone you meet is going to be your BFF, but at the very least, you’ll share some incredible moments with friendly new people. That said, don’t shut the door once you’re home. 

A woman I interviewed for my podcast, BFF? , told me about a climbing holiday she took in an effort to make new friends post-Covid. She’d never climbed before and bonded with two other women, also novices. Back home, she received an email: would she like to take a US road trip with them? My friend found herself saying yes to a holiday with two women she barely knew. That lay the foundation of a solid friend group, all thanks to solo travel and saying ‘yes’ to female friendship. 

BFF? The Truth About Female Friendship by Claire Cohen is out now.  

Real-life Intrepid friendships  

‘i like to think of us as long-lost sisters’ – chloe on her friendship with arantxa  .

We met on a group trip to Peru six years ago. We’re both from Canada (I’m from Calgary, Arantxa’s from Toronto) and that sparked our first conversation, but we quickly realised how similar we are, so we just clicked. Since then, we’ve made it a tradition to travel together around Thanksgiving every year. Last year I got married in Chile, and of course, Arantxa was there. 

We’ve been to Egypt with Intrepid and we loved it so much we booked Premium Turkey for later in 2023! I think Intrepid’s small group sizes mean you are bound to make friends – but it was still surprising to find someone I bonded with so quickly. 

Sometimes I like to think of us as long-lost sisters. We know each other so well now, making travel plans is easy. We even FaceTime each other before we pack for a trip to make sure we both love what each other is bringing so we can share outfits! 

‘They taught me to be more self-reliant’ – Fiona on her group of travel pals  

I knew when I joined an Intrepid trip to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in 2015 that I would meet like-minded people – but I was delighted to end up with three long-term friends, Denise, Ronny and Yvette.  

Our trip was a month long, which is sufficient time to get to know people quite well. I think our shared enthusiasm and willingness to join in with the activities and exchange life experiences brought us together. Denise and Ronny had met on a previous trip and got on so well they decided to travel together again. Now all four of us meet up every year for a new adventure.

The other ladies are younger than me – very independent and far more tech savvy. They aren’t afraid of getting lost – they could find the best places to go just by pushing the right buttons on their phones. Travelling with them has taught me to be more self-reliant, widened my horizons and brought much laughter and joy into my life.  

‘We bonded over our similar life experiences’ – Jan on her friendship with Sharon

Sharon and I have both travelled separately with Intrepid quite a bit – me to Turkey, Peru, Bolivia, Botswana and Namibia, and Sharon to China, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. We met on a Best of Cuba trip back in April 2016. We hit it off over our shared love of photography and penchant for wandering around, chatting to locals.  

I don’t think we realised at the time that we’d remain friends – but I’m very happy we did! After keeping in touch and bonding over our similar life experiences (kids, ex-husbands, etc.) we decided to go to Morocco together in 2017. I did the longer Morocco Encompassed trip, while Sharon could only do the first section of the itinerary ( North Morocco Adventure) due to time restraints – but we got to be roommates between Casablanca and Marrakech!  

I believe Intrepid trips are a great way to make friends, as people tend to be like-minded, responsible and friendly. As Sharon says, ‘they don’t just want to be herded from place to place’. It’s nice to travel with a friend without having to spend so much time planning beforehand. Or go solo and know that you are safe and can meet new people!  

Keen to travel with your very own girl gang? Check out our Women’s Expeditions .  

Feeling inspired?

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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Congrats, Your Trip Made It Out Of The Group Chat — Here Are 35 Things You’ll Want To Bring

"Exactly what we needed for a group of six to sit in the sun and relax." —a reviewer who took this extra-large beach blanket to Puerto Rico

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A very thorough travel checklist  if you’re the go-to "parent" of the group and you just know that someone's going to leave their sunscreen behind or forget their sunglasses as soon as you hit the road. From extra pairs of socks to Advil, this list makes sure all your bases (and then some) are covered. You can never be too prepared!

The pad has 60 sheets, so it'll last a long time — even for frequent fliers.

Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming — especially for trip longer than a few days. I have found this list to be a lifesaver and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. Variety of clothing options and space to add more. As my children reached their pre-teen years I have been able to make them their list on these sheets and then they can use it to do their packing. I just show them how to highlight each item after it has been packed so it is easy to see you took that one off the list. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" — I-really-bought-this

Get it from Amazon for $7+  (available in three styles). 

2. A set of packing cubes  letting you separate your pieces, creating more space in your suitcase for all your stylish must-haves. No more guessing games or cramming — you'll have everything organized and easy to find.

Promising review: "I absolutely love these. I’ve actually purchased a few different sets in various colors. They help organize the suitcase better and save a ton of space. It was so much easier to pack and combine outfits into separate bags. I had a bag set up for each day of my vacation and everything I needed was in there. I was all set. No searching or digging around my suitcases . Just a little planning before we left and everything went smoothly using these bags." — Owl Lady

Get a set of six from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 20 styles, including a set with a laundry bag).

3. A  universal travel adapter  with a number of ports that can power up to four devices simultaneously, so everyone can juice up their phones before heading out on that eight-hour-long excursion. This device has different plugs built into a single unit that's compatible in over 150 countries.

This style has one universal input and three USB ports, including two USB-A and one USB-C, so you can charge up to four devices at once. It works with outlets in most parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Dubai.

Note: This isn't a voltage converter , so be sure to check what voltages your devices are rated for.

Ceptics is a small business that makes travel plug adapters for worldwide travel.

Promising review : "I bought this adapter some three months ago and it worked perfectly in Vietnam, Cambodia, Bahrain, Oman, and Italy (where I saw two different outlet types). My phone is at the stage where it needs to be charged once or twice per day. This is my 'need to pack item' when traveling. I also like the fact that it has USB outlets because I often have to charge my phone and something else at the same time. By the way, it also worked well in the Delta One cabin and in the ANA All Nippon Business cabin. This is also what I use for charging my phone, iPod, and smartwatch using the USB connections right here at home in the US." — Mark, WV

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 .

4. Plus, an ingenious  3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger  you can use to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time in case your beautifully renovated historical hotel room only has one *working* outlet. It folds up compact so it's not taking up too much room in your luggage.

Promising review: "I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers — I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines and all of the previous stand version chargers doesn't fit well in my bags or I am always worried I would break. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well and it is the best compact one you can find in market. Love it and been using it for two months now and no issues!!" — Sbreddy

Get it from Amazon for $29.96+  (available in nine colors).

5. An extra-large beach blanket  designed to accommodate up to eight people. This lightweight blanket is comfortable to lay on and folds up super easily (which is perf because it won’t take up too much room in the luggage) and also comes with little stakes to keep it securely in place. Plus, it's water- and sand-resistant so a quick shake will keep it pristine!

Promising review:  "We just got back from Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico. This blanket was exactly what we needed for a group of 6 to sit in the sun and relax as we enjoyed the changes of the ocean colors throughout the day. The white and turquoise blanket stayed cool for us, reflecting the sun rays. And the material is fantastic — so soft and lightweight. The stakes easily held the blanket secure with the gentle ocean breezes. This blanket is easy to wash and comes with an attached pouch for compact storage. Highly recommend this product!! The extra large size was perfect for our needs." — Sheryl Shenk

Get it from Amazon for $37.98 (available in seven colors and two smaller sizes).

6. A  mini belt bag  made to keep your phone, wallet, passport, and other essentials close by whenever you travel (and for day-to-day use). Reviewers love that the versatile strap can be worn crossbody or around the waist, keeping their hands free while on the go. 

Plus, reviewers say this is a great swap for the trendy, pricier Lululemon belt bag!

Promising reviews: "I bought this as a purse for traveling to populated European cities as there are heaps of pickpockets. It worked perfectly! It is the perfect size to fit everything I need and was super comfortable . Highly recommend." — Jessie Anela

"I bought this fanny pack to take on our trip to San Francisco and it worked out better than I thought it would! We hiked through Muir Woods and I loved that my hands were free from holding a purse! Then we walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, went to Chinatown, the wharf, etc. and again it was great not having to hold anything. This is by far the best bag I've ever traveled with. It is almost the same exact size a (name brand) bag but a lot less. Best purchase for the vacation :)" — Pat

Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in 43 colors).

7. A  Bluetooth JBL speaker  just begging to be brought on that group float tri or beach hang. This little guy is not only waterproof but also offers up to five hours of playtime on a single charge. Reviewers are absolutely gagged at how loud the sound can get from this itty-bitty speaker!

Promising review: " This small, and I mean small, speaker is awesome! If you're looking for something which provides excellent sound quality (bass, treble, highs, lows, clarity, and surprisingly loud volume) then this is the small wireless Bluetooth speaker out in the world! JBL has an excellent reputation and makes quality items, I just didn't expect this little one would have just as strong output as my larger one! I can watch water droplets bounce on top of this little one when the bass hits! I needed something to just carry around, take to the pool, take to the river when floating in the tube down the Comal River and for myself and/or my group to clearly hear the music. This little one can be CLEARLY heard from at least 15 yards away, even outdoors with a crowd at my pool! Excellent system." — Stormy M.

Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in nine colors, combo packs, and two versions).

8. A  digital luggage scale  to avoid that awful stomach drop feeling when you're hit with an oversized suitcase fee at check-in. This trusty scale can help you gauge how overboard you can go with the souvenirs you plan on bringing back without the risk of your luggage being 20 pounds overweight.

Just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements. BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor  Elizabeth Lilly  recently put this scale to the test while packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on  TikTok !

Promising reviews: "Took this on several overseas trips in the first two months. I can't believe I used to hold my bags and weigh myself and the bag on scales — and then subtract my weight. It was so time consuming, especially when we were either close to the limit or over. This small device literally saved us hours of frustration and possible unpacking at the airport check-in line. We couldn't live without this item now. We bought another one as a backup. Wouldn't hesitate to buy this exact item again." — AB

"Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." — B. M. O'Connor

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+  (available in five colors).

9. Some homeopathic jet-lag tablets  so you can help reduce that “off” feeling from switching time zones — now the fun can start as soon as you hop off your flight.

The instructions say to take one at take off, every two hours during the flight, and then again after you arrive. One box is good for 50 hours of flying! 

Promising review: "I swear by this stuff — it works if you take the doses exactly as indicated. I set my timer on long flights to make sure I wake up on time for my next dose. And drink plenty of water, which sucks on long flights having to use bathroom all the time, but it's worth not getting jet leg. I was a flight attendant for six years and always used this when I worked long flights!" — Jvelez

Get a pack of 32 tablets from Amazon for  $15.50 . 

10. A portable cornhole board  guaranteed to provide *hours* of entertainment for everyone. It conveniently folds up and slides into this neat little bag (with a handle) so you can easily carry it to the beach, park, or campsite. Everyone is going to BEG for you to bring it on future trips.

Promising review: " I bought this for my twentysomething daughter. She uses it all the time with her friends (both male and female) and has been urged to take it along on a planned camping trip. She says it’s super easy to set up and that it is both easy and fast to get it put away in its pouch. She loves it!" — Donna A.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 .

11. A spacious  two-room tent  that'll comfortably fit the whole crew (10 people, to be exact). This tent is equipped with five generously sized mesh windows to let in the breeze, a double-layer shield for extra protection, and a zip-up privacy curtain to create separate spaces or open it up for one massive hangout spot. And guess what? You can even gaze up at the twinkling stars through the top mesh roof when night falls. 

Promising reviews: " We went camping last weekend. The tent is pretty big (even though it was three of us in there, we could easily fit more people). Good material as well. Not super thick and not thin. I had some issues with assembling it, but it was my first time assembling the tent lol, so it may be me problem. I hope for many more camping days with my friends and this tent ." — Inna

"This tent is huge, we fit a queen air mattress and 2 cots and had plenty of space. Camped with 2 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs for a week. It did rain 1 night while we were camping and although you could feel slight dampness on the walls no water penetrated the tent (we did waterproof prior to camping with 3 cans of waterproof spray ). My only complaint is the zipper requires two hands and kids can easily struggle with it." — Heather Fazekas

Get it from Amazon for $169.90 (available in six colors).

12. Prefilled hangover helper kits , because these magic bags of goodies will have everyone's backs when the previous night out involved more drinks than planned. Inside this lifesaver, you’ll find all the essentials like liquid IV, Advil, under-eye patches, makeup remover wipes, a hair tie, ginger chews, and mints.

Promising reviews: " I love the quality of the bags, just as expected!! Love how they’re packaged. Bought this for a girls' trip and I can’t wait to show my friends! This is a must have for any type of outing or event." — AnonymousC

"I absolutely love these packs! Everything inside serves its purpose & was well thought out . It makes as a great gift, funny yet practical. I had a couple extra after giving to my nieces for their 21st birthday so I'm putting one in my car and one in my travel case lol. They're bigger than I was expecting too which is great! I highly recommend getting these!" — Steph06

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 .

13. Bestselling Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers  that, as the name suggests, feel like they've bottled up a cloud and put it right under your feet. Now your feet won’t be in complete shambles for the rest of the trip after that marathon of a walking tour your bestie talked everyone into.

Promising reviews: "They felt weird the first time I put them on…but as I started walking in them it got better! Usually my feet are killing me by the end of the day or I’m just super sweaty in my dress shoes, but these are like walking on a literal CLOUD ☁️ and they let my feet breathe! " — Alyssa

"Literally the BEST shoes ever! So comfy. I spent a whole day at Disney with no complaints , normally I'm tired after two hours of walking in the park, but with these babies, I was up and walking alll day with no problem." — Katherine

Get them from Amazon for $33.32+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 30 colors). 

14. A wedge doorstop alarm  for an extra layer of safety — when this clever little device is activated by door pressure, it unleashes a booming 120-decibel siren that's guaranteed to send any would-be intruder running for the hills. It'll give the entire group some peace of mind, especially if you're staying in an unfamiliar area.

No wiring is required, either — just pick up a 9V battery . 

Promising review: " Travel must-have. I use this traveling, and it provides extra peace of mind in motel rooms considering I'm a cheapskate and stay in dives and my dog is getting so old he is likely to refer any criminal who breaks and enters to me for further processing. Works well, as a startled maid in a West Virginia motel can attest when she thought I had checked out and unlocked the door to clean. I gave the second one to my sister, who uses it at home." — QuintessentiallyYours

Get it from Amazon for $13.80 .

15. A set of Sea Bands  if you're someone who suffers from motion sickness and don’t want it to ruin your BFF's b-day cruise. These little bands apply acupressure to a specific point on your wrist, helping to relieve nausea without needing to carry around bottles of medication.

Promising review: "I’ve always been kind of sick. I throw up on long car rides, I can’t read in the car, I get horrible migraines 24/7, etc. Recently I changed medications and because of that, my migraines came back with a vengeance. Thinking there was nothing I could do I kind of gave up, until, I was looking at BuzzFeed and saw this in their recommended. I thought it could help with any car sickness that I would get but man I was not giving these enough credit! Since I have bought them I wear them ALL. THE. TIME. I wear them in and out of the car, to bed, and just around the house. I no longer feel nauseous and my migraines are almost nonexistent. Whoever invented these are a freaking god! I don’t know think I could ever live without these! BUY THESE!! They're so worth it." — JohnDz

Get a pair from Amazon for $8.51 .

16. A  Trtl neck pillow  so you can prevent yourself from awkwardly dozing off on your buddy's shoulder during flights — no matter how tight you two are, drooling on them is a no-no. This neck pillow helps keep your head upright so you can peacefully snooze instead of arriving at your destination exhausted (and with an achy neck). 

Unlike the regular U-shaped pillows, Trtl Pillows are machine-washable and fast-drying.

Check it out on TikTok . 

Promising review:  "Used it for a 14-hour flight to Japan last week, and it helped tremendously. This was the first time I was able to sleep on the plane so this helped tremendously. Definitely a must-have for travel. It is very light so I was able to easily pack it in my under-the-seat wheeled trolley. I want to emphasize how much the light warmth of the fleece (and I don't like being hot) was just right to help me nod off to sleep. Since this is primarily for sitting upright in the seat or someone in the middle or the aisle seat, this was ideal for me. I just got back yesterday. Again I used it — this time for a 12-hour flight." — Ambience

Get it from Amazon for  $64.99  (available in four colors and another style).

17. Or an adjustable  infinity pillow  designed to cradle your noggin from every angle so you can finally say goodbye to those mid-sleep head flops. And with its cushiony texture, you'll feel like you're snoozing on a cloud.

The pillow is made with a breathable, super soft bamboo fabric, and fully machine washable. 

Promising review: " We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, arm rest… anything. It’s actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." — Tom Shaw

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in 10 colors). 

18. An Apple AirTag  for keeping a keen eye on your luggage because you've heard too many horror stories of airlines losing bags. This little device can attach to your belongings and help you keep track of them using the "Find My" app on your phone so you don't become the next victim.

Promising review: "I bought a pair of these AirTags for a trip to France, and I’m so glad I did! First of all, the setup is super easy; I had zero problems and both were done in like five minutes . I put one in my purse and one in my suitcase. On the way back home, the airline lost my luggage. Checked the Find My app where the AirTag is tracked, and I could see that it never left the Charles de Gaulle airport. I felt more assurance being able to track my bag through the app as it made its way across the world back to me . 10/10 would recommend!" — Lindsay Kirby

Get it from Amazon for $24  or get a group of four for $79.99 . 

19. A set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds over 235,000 reviewers gave 5 stars. These earbuds offer over 10 hours of playtime to block out all the unwanted noise around you — including loud, chatty people on the plane and the adorable but screaming baby in 23A.

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone. 

Promising review: "I love these SO much. I'm a budget traveler so I usually have long days of driving, layovers and plane rides. My previous headphones would ALWAYS die and usually during the first hour of my flight. These ALWAYS last me through a day of traveling . I hardly ever hear the low battery warning because they just go back into the charging case. The case keeps battery pretty well too and I usually charge it about once a month (I typically use them about 4 hours a week when I'm not traveling). I really like that these have a red light that shows when the earbuds are actually charging. I've had some in the past that I thought were charging and weren't." — Eden

Get it from Amazon for  $24.99+  (available in five colors).

20. A travel jewelry case to prevent all your dainty little necklaces from turning into a giant knot. Honestly, you could solve a Rubik's Cube faster than the time it takes to untangle your jewelry.

Promising review : "I purchased this box for a weekend getaway. In the past I have just thrown all of my jewelry into little makeup bags, but then everything gets tangled and disorganized. I love that this box keeps everything organized and leaves all my necklaces tangle free!" — Dogmom206

Get it from Amazon for $18.74+  (available in 10 colors).

21. A lipstick-size  cordless portable charger  that'll be a lifesaver when you're calling an Uber for the group, but you've just spent an hour trying to get the perfect shot of the Sydney Opera House and now your phone battery is at a mere 10%. This small but mighty charger is capable of charging smartphones lightning fast when in a pinch. 

My former colleague Britt Ross says, "I'd had my eye on this bad boy for a while, and finally ordered it to take on a two-week trip to Europe. Let me tell you: LIFESAVER. I'm the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours exploring new cities, but with the amount of photos and videos I take, my phone's battery tends to drain really quickly (relying on Google Maps to get literally everywhere doesn't help, either). With this, I knew I'd have some backup when there weren't any outlets nearby, and it was *so* nice not having to connect my phone to a clunky charging bank via cord. 100% recommend!"

Promising review: "This is the perfect charger to take with you everywhere! I’ve taken it to football games, Disneyland and even used it in the hospital for two days. I can usually get two charges out of it." — Janeo

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in five colors).

22. Tide sink packets  in case someone’s checked luggage doesn't make it to the right location and now you have to share outfits (being an over-packer paid off this time). These little packs allow you to hand-wash your clothes in the hotel sink, letting you rewear outfits as needed. And don’t worry, these are well sealed to limit the chance of leaks in your carry-on bag!

Promising reviews : "Great product. Used it to wash some clothes while traveling for a week and half. Did a great job and allowed me to pack less. Will be purchasing again for a two-week trip coming up." — April M.  

"Some in our party were forced to check their carry-on bags due to lack of space on the plane. Our connecting flight then got canceled and we ended up on a different plane…some of the bags didn’t make it and these Tide sink packs SAVED US! We were able to keep a rotation of things clean while we waited for our bags. I was ASTONISHED at how much sweat and grime came out of my clothes after a long, hot day of travel! Won’t travel without them ever again ." — Kristin St. Martin

Get nine packs from Amazon for $6.93 .

23. A compact  portable safe  to keep your valuables secured while catching some waves. This little safe is the perfect companion for all your beach adventures. Attach it to your beach chair and throw a towel over it, and your belongings will be safe and sound while you soak up the sun.

Elizabeth  recommends it: "After putting this in MANY travel stories, I bought one for myself for a summer European vacation where I found myself at several beach clubs. It was perfect for keeping mine and my friend's belongings safe while we dozed in our beach chairs or swam in the sea. Plus, it's the perfect size to hold phones or wallets, and easily carry in your beach or tote bag. 

Promising review: "This safe has become a MUST-HAVE on all our vacations. We no longer travel without it. We put two iPhones, cash, and car keys in this little safe, locked it to a beach cabana, threw a towel over it and took off for a hour of snorkeling. Never once worried about our belongings. We now use several of these as room safes AND as 'hide a key' lockboxes outside our vacation condo for teens who come and go throughout the day . They are invaluable!" — KeepIT Reel

Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in gray or pink ).

24. A cooling, memory foam  contoured sleep mask  that doesn't apply pressure to your eyelids (unlike flat eye masks), helping you drift off into dreamland faster than you can say, "Jet lag who?" This light-blocking mask will give you much-needed sleep so that by the time you land at your destination, you won't be a puffy-eyed zombie.

Promising review : "I'm a flight attendant. I've been in need of proper eye shades because I often find myself trying to sleep at a layover hotel in the middle of the day. Some hotel rooms have blackout shades but sunlight always seems to leak in. The 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask makes me feel like I'm sleeping in the darkest of dark caves. No light leaks in at all. And the memory foam makes it feel like I'm wearing nothing on my face. Also, the mask's twin contour cups allow my eyes to blink. This product has made my life sooooo much more comfortable. Seriously. I love this mask!" — Elliott

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+  (available in seven colors).

25. A portable white noise machine  to cancel out disruptive noise so everyone can get their beauty rest. It produces a consistent, soothing sound that can lull you into a peaceful slumber, no matter if your hotel room is right next to the elevator or your balcony is just above the street level.

It features 11 sleep sounds, and can also be paired with your phone and used as a Bluetooth speaker!

Promising review: "I’m a flight attendant so I spend half my life in hotel rooms, which can be extremely noisy between people running through the hall, the elevator dinging, or loud trucks and cars outside. This lil thing has some major power to it! It really doesn’t have a loop, thank goodness, the volume control is great, and it has so many different sounds to choose from. I am quite impressed with it! It weighs practically nothing, which I’m grateful for because my bags are heavy enough as it is. I wake up and swap it to the speaker mode to play music while I get ready for work. I have honestly never written such a long review before, so take that as a sign if you’re on the fence about buying! If this thing holds up for at least a year I will be happy to repurchase every year because of all the positive things about it!" — Kinsey Alexandra

Get it from Amazon for $34.99  (available in black or white). 

26. A chic anti-theft backpack  if you hate the idea that while you're on the crowded airport shuttle, you would never know if someone unzipped your bag and took something out. With this bag, the only way to open it is from underneath (thanks to the zipper being flush against your back), making it as practical as it is stylish. 

Britt  says, "I went to Italy last summer, and as someone who prefers a small backpack over a purse most of the time, I thought this would be a great purchase, as it would give me some peace of mind as I spent hours wandering around different cities. I'm happy to report that after two weeks of daily use, I'm convinced I'll be bringing it on every trip I take from now on. It's small enough so that it doesn't feel bulky or uncomfortable throughout the day, but has plenty of space for everything you'd need on the go — I fit my wallet, sunscreen, glasses case, hand sanitizer, water bottle, snacks, and even a small umbrella, with room to spare! And the fact that it opens from the back means someone would literally have to pry it off of you to get to your valuables. I bought the medium size in black pebbled faux leather, and it's actually quite cute for the price!"

Promising review: "I bought this backpack to use as a purse while on vacation, and it worked perfectly. The main pouch is protected when you’re walking around because the zipper is protected by your back. There are also two side zippered pockets, one of which kept my phone and the other perfect for sunglasses and a few other items that I wanted to access more easily. I loved that I could wear it as a purse to dinner but use it as a backpack during the day so that my shoulder didn’t get tired. I highly recommend this item!" — Allison

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in 8 styles, including two different sizes).

27. A waterproof pouch  that'll protect your phone while you swim with dolphins, high-five a sea turtle, or when you fall off a Jet Ski in Miami. (Or was that just me?)

It fits any phone up to 7 inches diagonally, and you can also use it to keep your ID and money from getting wet! 

BuzzFeed Shopping writer  Emma Lord says,   "It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options)."

Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" — Julie McDonald

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 14 colors).

28. A memory foam seat cushion  designed with orthopedic gel to spare everyone’s tushy and lower back while taking turns driving on that cross-country roadtrip. This seat cushion promotes correct posture, giving more support to the lower back and making it a little more enjoyable to sit for extended periods of time.

Promising review:  "A few weeks into working from home five days a week I started having a lot of hip/leg/back pain. I have a good Herman Miller task chair that had been fine for one to two days of WFH a week, but wasn't working for me full time. In the early afternoons my lower back would start cramping. I did some research and bought this pillow and it immediately helped!  I also took it on a two-week road trip since a three day road trip earlier this year had made a mess of my lower body that lingered for weeks — and no pain!  What really drove me to write this review was that yesterday, unknowingly, I worked all day sitting on my chair without my cushion. I had removed it to use as a spare chair at my dinner table and forgot to put it back. At the end of the day hip was aching and I realized why! Today it's back on my chair and I'm already feeling better." — Lorene

Get it from Amazon for  $39.99  (available in three colors).

29. A pair of reusable waterproof shoe covers , because nothing's going to rain on your parade (not even Mother Nature). These covers are made with heavy-duty material so you don't have to worry about water seeping in. They're so compact, they can easily fold down and fit right in your backpack for those unexpected downpours.

There's a handy sizing chart provided on the product listing page so you can find your ideal fit!

Promising reviews: "Truly amazing for a rainy day at Disneyland! I got asked about them by at least 100 people that day, when everyone’s shoes were wet and uncomfortable and mine were super dry!! Highly recommend them. Very easy to use, and also the bottoms were non-slippery! Must-have for a rainy activity day!" — Juhi

"Exactly as described. The size was exactly right for my shoe size. Perfect for a trip, as they take up very little space in a suitcase and work quite well to keep the rain out and puddles away from shoes." — Caroljean

Get a pair from Amazon for $12.89 (available in unisex sizes S–4XL and five styles). 

30. A  roll-on migraine stick  formulated with oils like peppermint and spearmint to help ease and relax muscles. It can help soothe your throbbing migraine after the panic of that one friend who thinks they forgot their passport at home — but it was in their bag the whole time (just the wrong pocket)! They’d probably forget their own head if it wasn't firmly attached.

Promising review: "This stuff is my go-to fix when I feel a migraine coming on. I suffer from sinus headaches and migraines usually once or twice a week. This product I put on each temple, under my nose and on my wrists when I feel the pressure starting and it cuts the pain to a minimum. It seems to stop the worst pain before it has a chance to start. Thank you for a great product! I will buy again and again! " — Brenton1985

Read BuzzFeed's Migrastil Migraine Stick review  for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 .

31. A  stylish travel belt  (as seen on Shark Tank ) that'll not only keep your valuables close and secure and protected from sticky fingers, but also keep you from having to rearrange your bags every five minutes because they're constantly falling over throughout the airport.  

Cincha Travel is a small BIPOC-owned biz based in Oakland, California, specializing in adjustable vegan leather travel belts. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase to help reunite migrant families.

Promising review:  "Worth the money. Like many others, I’ve struggled with purses/totes slipping from my suitcase especially on public transportation to and from the airport. I finally purchased one and I can’t imagine traveling without it from now on. This is made especially for people who use public transportation to and from the airport. It does take a little getting used to when you’re unloading in a hurry but I still recommend it." — VF

Get it from Amazon for $39.99  (available in 17 styles).

32. A pack of four pocket-sized, refillable  travel perfume atomizer  designed to pump perfume directly from your full-sized bottle. Now everyone can take their favorite fragrance through TSA without any issues.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor  Elizabeth Lilly loves this thing: "^ That's me pumping my signature perfume into one of these travel atomizers I've been using for about a year. As the reviewer down below mentions, it's great to just throw in your purse on the reg for a fragrance re-up throughout the day. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point." 

Promising review:  "I bought these due to traveling a lot for work and needing to cut down on the size of things in my carry-on bag for flying. I can bring four different perfumes now instead of one big one. They’re super easy to fill, haven’t leaked so far but I keep them in a sandwich baggie while traveling just in case. I would 100% buy them again." — Emily

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.99 .

33. A  waterproof toiletry bag  with enough room to fit all of your morning AND nighttime routine products. It also hangs in the bathroom so it's easy to see everything you packed.

Promising review: "I waited too long to review this amazing bag. It's incredibly well made for the price, holds so many items, but somehow feels like it fits just fine in your suitcase without being too bulky . It's really nice to hang once you get to your destination, especially if the bathroom space is tight  like in city hotels, or if you have numerous people using one bathroom, you can leave it hanging without being in the way. Anyway, buy now!" — Sarah B

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in two sizes and 12 styles).

34. A genius  Alleyoop Pen Pal , the ultimate travel companion for those who want to keep things light but still look their best. With just a simple twist, you can switch between eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, and highlighter, making it the perfect all-in-one tool for any makeup routine.

My former colleague  Jasmin Sandal  loves the Pen Pal: "I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen...for my face. After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it’s a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the workday, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already overflowing makeup bag! "

Promising review : " I bought the Pen Pal to help make my travel makeup bag not so bulky with a bunch of different items. I really like how smooth every product is. The colors were pigmented and great. I probably wouldn't use this on a daily basis, but when I travel it'll be really nice and compact in my suitcase!" — Kara E.

Get it from Alleyoop or  Amazon for $20 (available in three shades). 

35. A very cute and practical  fan, flashlight, and USB port  with three different speeds and capable of holding a charge for a long time. When folded down, it easily fits in a purse or pocket, and you can even use it as a backup power bank for your phone!

It's rechargeable (no batteries!) and can be folded and propped up on a desk or other flat surface. Lots of reviewers said it's great to have on hand if you're experiencing hot flashes!

Promising review: "Impulse bought this for a 90-degree day at Disneyland and now my kids cannot live without it. It lasted all day on one charge, even with the kids playing with it for hours . Also brought it camping and the flashlight was great for them. Bringing it on every trip from now on." — Michelle

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors). 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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Helpful Tips On The Best Way To Travel With Friends Of Different Incomes

B ack in college, we were all poor. We had student loans up to our ears and fueled ourselves on instant ramen -- maybe with some added Sriracha sauce when we were feeling fancy. Travel was easy because everyone was more or less in the same boat, financially speaking, so we pooled together pennies from our summer jobs and Federal Student Aid loans to go abroad. But then we graduated and got real jobs, and thus began the income insecurity.

The "rich" friend, "poor" friend dynamic has always been a perennially awkward one, a wealth gap capable of hewing any long-standing relationships in twain. The data bear this out; one survey concluded that money is the very, very last thing friends will discuss amongst themselves. Or take findings by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave , suggesting more than half of women would prefer to talk about their own death before divulging the state of their pocketbooks.

Planning a trip amongst old pals of varying financial situations is, understandably, precarious. There's a lot of potential for hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and awkward conversations about expenses. People can feel pressured, left out, or shamed when ends don't meet for that group reunion in Cancún. It doesn't have to be this way. Let's look at a few tips for making travel plans work when your salaries aren't quite in alignment.

Read more: This Is What You Should Never Do When You Travel

Be Inclusive

The number one tip here is to never assume and never exclude. It's a knee-jerk reaction to, after hearing whisperings of a friend's financial troubles, avoid embarrassing them by leaving them out of the travel conversation entirely. This is a surefire way to bruise even the most solid relationships when they accidentally learn about a trip in the offing -- or worse, spot your beach photos on social media after the fact and ask for an explanation.

The solution? Always invite friends -- finances be damned -- regardless of where you're going or how long. Make it an open invitation without forcing their hand to commit or not. This gives them a graceful way to bow out without inviting questions about the number in their bank account. There's no need to investigate; people will think up the requisite excuses regardless of why they decide not to come, letting them save face in the process.

Be Transparent

The worst possible thing for a person on a tight budget is an unexpected expense. In group planning situations, these are all too common. Everyone wants different things, so each person mentally plans their version of the trip -- or makes plans with another friend. Then suddenly, the budget-focused person finds out everyone is renting jet skis for the morning, an expense that leaves them out.

Transparency needs to be the operative word from day one. Get the whole gang together, or start a group chat, and be brutally honest about every aspect of the trip. Are you going to fly in together? How long will you stay? What's the itinerary from day to day? Make sure you include the "maybes" on the docket, too, and the projected costs for them if plans change.

Account for emergencies, and figure out how you'll deal with contingencies that force you to throw out your plans altogether. The more open everyone is, the easier it will be to maximize your budget while traveling . This gives the person whose wallet is on a tight leash a chance to make their own plans for those travel vagaries.

Talk In Terms Of Budget, Not Income

While we might be slowly chipping away at the foundations of the taboo on discussing finances, it's still very much a faux pas in Western culture to inquire about someone's earnings. Planning a trip, unfortunately, encourages questions of this forbidden nature. Change the paradigm by tweaking the vocabulary. Ask people what their anticipated budget is rather than awkwardly whispering behind their backs: "Can so-and-so afford it?"

Budgets are great because even those flush with cash can have a limited budget. There could be so many reasons behind a budget that financial insecurity won't necessarily be the first suspicion on everyone's mind. Someone might have just signed a mortgage or have a bigger family trip planned later in the year. If something on the checklist is too expensive, all a person needs to say is, "That's out of my budget," and that's that. No further discussion is required. Even so, you get a realistic, workable idea of what everyone can and cannot afford without economic squeamishness.

Assign A Lead Travel Planner

Some people love planning, so much so that they get a thrill out of the prospect of designing a trip from beginning to end for their friend group. If you've got that type of friend, give them the reins -- but while you're at it, have them craft the trip to be as budget-friendly as possible. Then, there's never any awkward discussion where any one friend has to keep clearing their throat and reminding everyone that they can't do XYZ activity, either.

This works best if the trip planner functions as a proxy to buy all the tickets, accommodations, and tours and then gives each group member their "bill." This creates some budget anonymity where each friend individually pays the planner their share. It also makes it possible (should higher-income friends so desire) to offset the cost of a lower-income friend's share by paying more, resulting in a smaller bill that's more manageable for them.

Generosity Is Okay, But Keep It Reasonable

There are plenty of tight-knit groups out there where everyone's willing to pitch in to make sure that one friend doesn't miss out on the big yearly reunion. On the one hand, this is great. It's a testament to how close you all are and ensures no one gets left out of the fun -- after all, low wages and high inflation don't look to be changing anytime soon. If everyone's on board, then why not?

On the other hand, be cautious here. This can create an awkward power dynamic between someone with a higher income and someone who earns significantly less. Some people derive a great sense of pride from their ability to pay for themselves, so gifting them some or all of a vacation can be shameful and create a sense of financial impotence. Conversely, it can create pressure on friends who are flush to make up the difference, intensifying the suspicion many well-off individuals have that their lower-income friends just use them for money. Wherever you sit in this exchange, walk on eggshells.

Avoid IOUs Like The Plague

IOUs (an "I owe you" or an unpaid debt from lending money) are a battering ram to most friendships, as anyone who has lent money can attest to. Even borrowing a measly $20 creates a persistent sense of indebtedness and urgency, one that lingers in the room between the debtor and the lender until the debt is paid. Even afterward -- and even if you did pay them back in full -- it can create silent resentment if you took too long or that friend had to pester you about it. Friendships have ended in messy fallingouts for far, far less.

As much as is reasonably possible, don't lend money -- nor borrow it -- from friends, especially when it comes to costly trips. It's just not worth the drama it could potentially create. Helping someone out without the expectation of repayment is one thing (as mentioned in the previous tip), but bad feelings can stick around for years after an IOU. Leave lending to the banks.

Create Flexible Itineraries

It is important to plan a trip that's forgiving to the lowest budget, make no mistake, but there's no shame if one friend wants to do a more expensive activity -- say, they want to swim with the pigs while planning a Caribbean vacation . On that same trip, someone else might prefer sitting on the beach for free. Rather than make the former the default planned group activity, provide extra options. While one group is island-hopping on a private boat, another could try their hands at surfing. Then, you reconvene later and dovetail your travel plans as if you were never apart. Varied plans make for great conversation when you regale each other about what the others missed.

In particular, create lower-cost or free alternatives to all the plans that require money. Regardless of where you are in the world, there are a ton of cheap or free things you can do . Never make the mistake of assuming good memories need money to create them. As the Ray Henderson song goes, "The best things in life are free."

Account For Independent Traveling

Following off the previous point, it's key that your plans give space for independent traveling -- that is when the group "parts ways" to go off and do their own thing. This is a rock-solid solution to avoid compromises and allot everyone a few hours of breathing space to do what they will. Think of this as an "escape hatch," so friends who feel boxed in by expensive -- or undesirable -- travel plans have a way out. It's time they can use as they please, whether to take a nap or do that thing that no one else wants to.

As a general principle, it's a good idea to include plenty of free time when group traveling. People get tired and need a moment or two alone. The last thing you want is an argument brought on by weary, hangry travelers. A few breaths apart helps to reset and recharge everyone for another day of fun-filled traveling together and gives space for those whose budgets cannot cope.

Split Costs In A Way That Makes Sense

Splitting costs makes sense for things of equal value, like airplane tickets of the same class booked as a group, shared hotel accommodations, and anything where per-person prices would be identical. In other situations, such as a group dinner at a restaurant, splitting is nonsensical. Why should the person who filled up on free garlic bread subsidize another's fresh lobster? Adopt a "pay for what you get" rule and don't do bill splitting for unequal costs; as with avoiding IOUs, it prevents arguments and hard feelings.

Go a step further and make sure everyone knows they're equal with splitting apps, such as Splitwise . This lets you break up a payment among friends, showing clearly how much each person is responsible for and holding them accountable for paying it. If struggling budgets are preventing certain friends from traveling, then consider splitting the overall cost by category. In other words, one higher-income friend handles the flights, one handles the accommodations, and others who don't earn as much split other expenses. This method still feels fair, like people are pulling their own weight, even if some spent less than others.

Try A You Pick, You Pay Approach

Maybe there's one friend who's absolutely dying to watch the sunset over San Diego Bay on a sailboat, but no one else is quite as gung ho -- and, more to the point, able to cough up enough dough. Assuming they've got the cash to spare, they could (if they're fully onboard, no pun intended) treat everyone else by paying for the whole thing. It lets the friend in question get their dream sunset sail tour, and those whose budgets are less accommodating enjoy something they might not have been able to afford.

Of course, we recommend trying this out mostly for things that are on the smaller side, such as food and drink stops. If you do try out this strategy, though, it creates a sense of fairness -- similar to how you wouldn't feel indebted if a friend invited you over for dinner. If you pick, you pay. Simple.

Don't Go Into Debt For Your Friends

Do you have that one extravagant friend who throws around money like they're Jordan Belfort in "The Wolf of Wall Street?" One whose opulent weekend escapades are the bane of your credit card statement? You're not alone. 88% of millennials end up in some kind of debt because of that kind of friend, according to CreditKarma .

National Debt Relief reiterates that one of the most common reasons people stay in debt is out-of-control credit card spending. Despite this, many get locked into a FOMO mentality around their friends and a fear that they need to spend to "keep up with the Joneses," as it were. Anyone who's been in debt knows that it feels like bailing out a boat that's taking on more water than you can dump back out.

You can probably see where this is going. If your friends are planning a bombastic vacation (or successive, too-frequent vacations) that might require a second mortgage, just skip out on the trip -- whether they can afford that trip themselves or not. This might be prime time for a heart-to-heart conversation on money habits, just so that you avoid the impression that you're flaking out for other reasons.

Grab Group Discounts

Always look for group discounts. Yes, they do still exist, even if industry leaders like Groupon have veered more toward general discounts than things people can do together. Said discounts are most common when it comes to informal, off-the-books prices you would negotiate, such as hiring a private driver or a tour guide. Travel agents can work to secure private deals directly that net you more advantageous discounts than if you were to book the conventional way.

You can still find group discounts in a number of other ways on your own. Airlines sometimes offer up to 10% off provided you have a large enough group -- say, 10 people or more. The same may apply to hotels as long as you book a certain number of rooms. That said, many of these discounts are the sort you would get by haggling with airlines and hotel chains directly via their hotlines -- though keep in mind that you may be on the hook for non-refundable deposits and minimum stay requirements. Some businesses may give you further discounts if you categorize your trip as a retreat or a special event of some kind. It never hurts to ask, and the worst that can happen is the request is denied.

Cook Your Meals Together

It doesn't take an accountant wunderkind to understand that eating out will always be more expensive than cooking at home. Getting a decent burger in a restaurant  costs exponentially more than if you'd made it with your own two hands. Now multiply that by a dozen people and add a 20% gratuity. Goodbye, budget.

Look, we get it. No one likes the idea of cooking for themselves on a vacation. You're away from home and all your beloved cooking implements, so, you reason, you have a good excuse for racking up a ton of restaurant charges. For friends with varying incomes, though, this can quickly become a pain point. One man's McDonalds is another man's Guy Savoy.

Instead, take a trip to a local grocery store and buy enough to make a few meals -- or all of them for your trip's duration. Plenty of vacation rentals and Airbnbs come with fully functional kitchens. There's a good chance at least one of your friends is a maestro behind the saucepan, so you won't have to subsist on rice and salt. Plus, it doubles as an unforgettable group activity. Cooking together strengthens bonds and is arguably far more exciting than sitting around in a cramped, crowded restaurant where the food could be a total -- and expensive -- bust.

Consider Point Sharing

Credit cards are a no-brainer for the avid traveler, provided you've got a firm hand on excess spending. You accumulate points for any purchases you make, and those points convert into, effectively, free money when you redeem eligible purchases. Unless you've been institutionalized for uncontrollable spending, it's hard not to recommend a card that covers travel purchases.

One technique some friends have tried out is "point sharing." This is where you "gift" a vacation to a friend using your credit card points. Or, you subsidize a portion of the getaway and let them pay the remainder. It's a no-cost, minimum-guilt way to help a friend enjoy a vacation they can't afford. Some people have more points than they know what to do with, so it's better to put them to use than let them gather dust.

You can do the same with points for airlines and hotels. The only downside is that you can't literally gift your points to them. You'd need to make the purchase in their name and have them transfer you the difference.

Book Hostels

Your perspective on a hostel will vary wildly from that of the next person. For some, hostels are strictly the domain of backpackers headed across Europe with only a small wad of euros in their pockets. For others, they're a fun way to mingle with fellow travelers. And for the paranoid, they're a place rife with crime or an ideal setting for a horror movie. One thing they are, without a doubt, is cheap. There are some incredible hostels to stay in around the world , many costing less than $50 per night per person. If you can hold your nose at the idea of sleeping in the same room as some strangers, this is a bargain of an idea.

Many hostels offer cozy common areas perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or reading a book before turning in for the night. Some include great amenities such as pools, gyms, and restaurants, things that would make the average hotel skyrocket in price. Many even have chill backpacker bars for drinks and conversation. Plus, the floorplan of many hostels could allow your group to get a room to itself, one with a lock and key so you can leave your belongings behind safely when you go out for the day. There's also a good chance you'll run into budget-conscious people with their own travel secrets to share -- ones that will save your group even more money.

Read the original article on Explore .

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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Should You Ditch Your Companion at TSA if You Have PreCheck and They Don't? A Travel Expert Answers

PEOPLE spoke to travel pro and etiquette expert Nicole Campoy Jackson about when it’s acceptable to ditch your partner or group for a smoother airport security experience

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Prostock-Studio/Getty

Would you bid your travel partner farewell at airport security to enjoy the luxuries of TSA PreCheck ?

It's a divisive question for the efficiency-obsessed traveler. On one hand, you get a more hassle-free security experience, but on the other, you may provoke a rift with your companion after ditching them in perhaps the most chaotic part of the airport.

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck status expedites the screening process, making it easy for travelers to go through the safety routine in just a few minutes. PreCheck users also get to skip some of the hassles that the regular security line brings, like removing their shoes and taking their laptops out of their bags. 

Though PreCheck has been around since 2013 and is offered at more than 200 airports in the United States, it does require an application process and fee that deters some fliers.

But is it actually rude to leave your travel partner behind if you have PreCheck and they don't? PEOPLE spoke with travel advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson of Fora Travel for the answer. 

According to Jackson, ditching your travel partner or group to use the PreCheck line really boils down to “know your audience.”

“If you’re traveling for work and one or some of you have PreCheck and the others don’t, go for it. No need to wait in line unnecessarily,” she explains. 

On the opposite end, “If you’re a couple on your honeymoon, it's maybe not the best start to things to leave your beloved behind at security.”

She adds that if you’re the one traveling without PreCheck, you need to “know yourself” and speak up about being an anxious traveler who would prefer companionship during the sometimes stressful security process if that's the case.

However, it gets a bit more complicated when you’re traveling as a family.

Per TSA’s official website , children 12 years old or younger are allowed to accompany an enrolled parent or guardian with PreCheck “without restriction.” Children ages 13 to 17 can also join their parents as long as they have a TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. 

“Multi-generational travelers can discuss it — grandma and grandpa have PreCheck? Great, let them go,” Jackson says, adding that caveat that you should not "make grandma and grandpa take your kids through security without you unless you know for certain everyone can handle that.”

izusek/Getty

As for when it would be completely unacceptable to leave behind a travel partner at security, Jackson references any situation where someone definitely needs help going through the process. 

Some examples she gives include, if someone "can’t lift that carry-on easily on their own, is a very nervous or less experienced flier and needs your support." Leaving "your spouse alone with your young kids or your elderly parent who’s moving more slowly these days" are also no-gos for Jackson.

She adds that it’s only acceptable to “push back” if your travel partner is “entirely capable” of going through the line on their own. 

“I think you can push back, once, and say, ‘please let me keep my laptop in my bag, I beg of you.’ But if they insist, then I would suggest you respect that they want or need you this time for whatever reason,” she explains. 

If the traveler with PreCheck does decide to leave their partner behind after they were asked not to, Jackson says their companion then has “every right” to be angry. However, they shouldn’t let it ruin a trip.

“It’s a security line, it’s not meant to be fun or bonding or memorable. If you’re the one that’s been left behind and feel that your partner needs to repair that, I recommend making them jump in the Starbucks line with all of their ‘extra time’ and make sure they have your order exactly right,” she jokes.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Asked whether PreCheck is worth it for regular travelers, Jackson says, “a thousand times yes. If everyone in your group has it then this conversation (and all of the potential drama) is a moot point.”

The application process can be started online and costs $78 for a five-year enrollment. After that, it will be another $70 for an online renewal or $78 to renew in person. At the enrollment location, travelers can expect to be fingerprinted and present required documents, photos and payment.

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