Home Most Beautiful Destinations Around the World20 BEST Group Trip Ideas with Friends (My Favorite Places)

20 BEST Group Trip Ideas with Friends (My Favorite Places)

by Jon Miksis

After visiting 73 countries, I can say one thing for sure…traveling with friends brings a whole new level of fun. I’ve done everything from epic city breaks and beach escapes to bachelor parties. Whether you’re looking for a wild weekend in a major city, a cozy cabin getaway, or the ultimate camping trip under the stars, this list has you covered.

Here are 20 incredible destinations around the world that are perfect for a group adventure, each bringing something unique to the table. So if you’re planning a girls trip, guys weekend, or a big group getaway, these spots are bound to make it memorable.

Transparency Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

At a Glance: 20 Incredible Destinations to Visit with Friends

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into all these amazing spots to visit with friends in 2027.

Awesome places to visit with friends

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is my top pick for a bachelor or bachelorette party or a milestone birthday with friends. The Strip packs casinos, rooftop bars, headline shows, and pool parties into a few walkable miles. I find late spring and early fall the best times to go, when the weather is warm and the dayclubs are open.

Las Vegas skyline with hotel and casino towers
For a big group, I often book a suite with a shared living room, which can cost less per person than separate rooms.

Hotel prices have softened in 2026, and the average Las Vegas room rate dropped to about $150 a night in August. Before you book, add the resort fee to the nightly rate, since Strip hotels typically charge $35 to $55 per night before taxes. To skip that fee, I like Best Western Plus Casino Royale on the Strip and Four Queens on Fremont Street downtown.

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

Dayclubs like Encore Beach Club and Marquee host pool parties from March through late October. If you’re visiting in winter, Stadium Swim at Circa stays open year-round. Race fans can catch the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 19 to 21, 2026, and I’d book rooms early if your dates overlap.

For the outdoorsy members of your crew, I recommend a day trip to Valley of Fire State Park or Red Rock Canyon. Valley of Fire charges $15 per out-of-state vehicle, while Red Rock requires a timed entry reservation for arrivals between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from October 1 to May 31. I like rolling in before 8 a.m., when you skip the reservation and the desert air helps clear a hangover.

Read next: Top Road Trip Destinations in the US

Colorful light show on the Las Vegas Strip at night
Walking the Strip after dark is one of the few free things to do in Vegas with a group.

2. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena de Indias is one of the prettiest places in Colombia, and I love it for group trips that mix beach days with nights out. The colorful Walled City and the neighboring Getsemaní district are compact and walkable, and meals and drinks cost far less than in US party cities. The dry season from December to April brings the sunniest weather, and I find late January through March cheaper than the holiday rush.

Palenqueras in colorful dresses carrying fruit bowls in Cartagena
Palenqueras usually ask for a small tip when you take a photo with them.

For a group, I’d book a villa or an Airbnb with a pool inside the walls or in Getsemaní. A private pool gives everyone a place to cool off and pregame without paying bar prices. On weekend evenings, I head to Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní, where locals and travelers fill the square before the salsa bars get going.

Colonial buildings in Cartagena's historic center

My top day trip is a boat to the Rosario Islands, which takes about 45 minutes from the official Muelle La Bodeguita dock. Shared tours with lunch and snorkeling start around $75 per person, while a private boat for up to 12 friends starts near $680 total. Bring cash for the national park fee of about 28,000 pesos (roughly $7), since tours usually leave it out.

Cartagena’s Independence festivities peak from November 11 to 16, 2026, with parades and concerts around the historic center. The US keeps Colombia at Level 3, though Cartagena isn’t on its do-not-travel list. I always use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps and book boats only through licensed operators.

Read next: Top Reasons to Visit Bogota, Colombia

Colorful colonial houses with balconies on a street in Cartagena
Many of the old colonial houses in the Walled City now hold boutique hotels and rooftop bars.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is my go-to pick for a bachelorette party or a weekend of live music with friends. The honky-tonks on Lower Broadway have live bands from late morning until after midnight, and many charge no cover. Music City is a top place to visit in Tennessee, and I’d plan at least three nights to see it properly.

Downtown Nashville celebrating New Year's Eve
Nashville throws a free New Year’s Eve concert downtown, which makes it a fun pick for a year-end trip with friends.

For country fans, the Grand Ole Opry is a must, with standard tickets starting around $50 and shows several nights a week. The Opry House sits about nine miles from downtown, and I’d book a rideshare there and back. On a rainy afternoon, I head to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the city has plenty of cool free things to do between nights out.

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Downtown Nashville above ground view

Party vehicles are a Nashville tradition, but the rules have tightened. A city ordinance bans open containers on open-air party buses and tractors, with a $50 fine for anyone caught drinking. Pedal taverns still allow BYOB beer and seltzers under 8% alcohol, but no liquor, wine, or glass.

CMA Fest returns June 10 to 13, 2027, with free daytime stages downtown and nightly concerts at the new enclosed Nissan Stadium. Downtown hotels fill early that week, and I’d book rooms by spring. Between shows, I like grabbing hot chicken at one of Nashville’s unique restaurants.

Neon signs lining a street in downtown Nashville
Broadway gets busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, and weeknights are easier for big groups.

4. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of my favorite European cities for a long weekend with friends. The center is compact and flat, and renting bikes is the easiest way for a group to get around. Budget extra for lodging, since Amsterdam’s 12.5% tourist tax plus the new 21% hotel VAT adds about a third to your room rate.

Canal houses lining a canal in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Timed museum tickets sell out in busy months, and I book them before anything else. Anne Frank House tickets cost €16.50 and go on sale online every Tuesday for visits six weeks later, while the Rijksmuseum charges €25 and the Van Gogh Museum also requires a timed slot. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss the Heineken Experience, one of my favorite interactive brewery museums.

Museum building in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has tightened its rules for party groups in the historic center. Smoking cannabis on the street in the Red Light District, Dam Square, Damrak, and Nieuwmarkt brings a €100 fine, and street drinking there is banned too. Licensed coffeeshops are still open to visitors 18 and over, but you’ll need to smoke inside.

For a classic group day, I recommend a picnic in Vondelpark and a canal cruise before dinner at one of Amsterdam’s unique restaurants. King’s Day on April 27, 2027 turns the entire city into a free street party, and the celebrations kick off the night before. Hotels sell out early around the holiday, and I’d book by the start of 2027.

A view of Amsterdam’s canal houses from a cruise boat on the water
Renting a private boat lets your group cruise the canals on your own schedule.

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of my favorite group trips in Asia, and it stays affordable once you land. Before you fly, pay the IDR 150,000 (about $10) tourist levy on the official Love Bali website, separate from your visa on arrival. I recommend the dry season from April to October for the clearest skies.

Tropical beach and palm trees in Bali
Bali is a tropical paradise and one of the most fun trips imaginable

Start in Canggu, where Finns Beach Club throws all-day pool parties and The Lawn offers a calmer sunset on Batu Bolong Beach. Entry to both is free, but daybeds come with a minimum spend, and I’d book ahead for weekends. Between stops, I’d hire a private driver for the day unless everyone in your group has scooter experience.

Scenic landscape in Bali, Indonesia

Next, head to Ubud to walk the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where adult entry costs IDR 130,000. For a group highlight, I recommend the sunrise trek up Mount Batur, which requires a licensed local guide. Shared tours with hotel pickup and breakfast start around $25 to $35 per person.

Finish in Uluwatu for cliffside temples and Sundays Beach Club, where day passes start at IDR 800,000 per adult. A private pool villa is the best value for a group, but book only licensed listings, since Bali is removing about 1,600 unlicensed rentals from booking sites. Avoid flying in on Nyepi in early March 2027, when the island shuts down for 24 hours and the airport closes.

Jon running through a street in Bali with a friend
Running through the streets of Bali with one of my good friends

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is my home base, and it’s where I bring friends who want history and great food in one walkable city. It’s smaller and calmer than NYC, which makes it easy to plan a long weekend on foot and the T. I recommend late September through October, when the weather is crisp and fall foliage peaks across New England.

Public street in downtown Boston
Hanging out with friends and taking pictures on Acorn Street is a popular activity in Boston.

Start on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which links 16 historic sites including the Old North Church and Boston Common. For a group activity, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum lets you toss tea into the harbor, with adult tickets from about $35. Afterward, stroll through the Public Garden and up Beacon Hill to Acorn Street for photos.

Boston skyline lit up at night

I’d plan one dinner in the North End, then explore Boston’s multicultural restaurant scene and mouthwatering desserts. For a classic night out, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park between April and September, or take the one-hour ballpark tour for about $30. Boston’s fun nightlife gets a boost from its many universities, especially around Fenway.

The 131st Boston Marathon takes over the city on April 19, 2027, and hotels book up months ahead. Boston Calling is expected to return over Memorial Day weekend 2027 after taking 2026 off. You won’t have to drive far to reach mountain getaways and seaside fishing villages for a day trip.

Boston skyline across the Charles River
Renting kayaks or paddleboards on the Charles River is a fun group activity in summer.

7. Paris, France

Paris is a magical European city for couples, but I think it’s even more fun with friends. Split a rental apartment in the Marais or Saint-Germain for a central home base near the Seine. From March 28, 2027, the new CDG Express train is set to link Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare de l’Est in about 20 minutes.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes at the start of every hour after dark.

For a classic group photo, I recommend a lunchtime picnic on the Champ de Mars beside the Eiffel Tower. Drinking alcohol on the lawn is banned from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m., which makes lunch the best time to bring wine. Summit tickets by elevator cost €36.70, or €28 if you take the stairs to the second floor.

The Eiffel Tower seen from a distance across Paris

Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened in December 2024 and is free, though I’d reserve a timed slot online. Climbing its 424-step towers costs €16 with a separate ticket. At the Louvre, non-EU visitors now pay €32, and I’d book an early slot to beat the crowds.

Shop the Champs-Élysées by day, then head to the Marais or Pigalle for cocktail bars at night. Sports fans can plan around the 50th Paris Marathon on April 11, 2027, or the Tour de France finish on July 25. Book a show at the Opéra Garnier soon, since it closes for renovations from mid-2027 until 2032.

The Seine River flowing through Paris
A Seine river cruise takes about an hour and passes many of the city’s best-known landmarks.

8. Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is my top pick for friends who want beach days and big hikes in one trip. Splitting a vacation rental keeps costs down, since lodging taxes now add close to 19% to your bill after the state’s 2026 Green Fee. I’d pick one or two islands for a week instead of rushing through all four.

Road lined with palm trees leading toward mountains in Hawaii
Hawaii is truly a paradise on Earth.

On Oahu, book Diamond Head up to 30 days ahead for $5 per person, and reserve Hanauma Bay snorkeling two days out for $25. Both fill quickly in peak season, and walk-up entry isn’t guaranteed. From Honolulu, it’s a short flight to the untouched island of Molokai for a more authentic experience.

Surfers riding waves off the coast of Hawaii

On Maui, sunrise from the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakalā requires a $1 vehicle reservation plus the $30 park entry fee. Reservations open 60 days ahead on Recreation.gov and go fast, though sunset needs no booking. I’d skip Red Sand Beach in Hana, since its unofficial trail crosses private land and the community asks visitors to stay away.

On the Big Island, Kīlauea has been erupting in episodes since December 2024, with lava fountains reaching hundreds of feet. Check USGS updates before driving to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, since activity can start or pause within days. End the day at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, where green sea turtles often rest on the sand.

Sandy beach and turquoise water in Hawaii
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, since Hawaii bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

9. Iceland

Iceland is my favorite country for a group road trip, and splitting a rental car and cabin keeps the high costs manageable. The Ring Road loops about 820 miles around the island, but a week on the South Coast and Golden Circle covers the highlights. Budget around 1,000 ISK (about $8) per car to park at popular stops like Þingvellir, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss.

Deep canyon with a river running through it in Iceland
Epic canyon in Iceland

Unlike other places on this list, Iceland is a great friends trip any time of year. Winter 2026/27 is one of the last strong northern lights seasons before solar activity fades toward its next low around 2031. I’d chase the aurora between October and March, driving away from Reykjavík’s lights on clear nights.

Small waterfall flowing over rocks in Iceland

In summer, you’ll get nearly 24 hours of daylight for long hikes and horseback rides on Icelandic horses. Glacier hikes and ice caves need a certified guide, and I’d book those a few weeks ahead. Gullfoss still has free parking, which makes it an easy first stop on the Golden Circle.

The Blue Lagoon is operating normally, though it closes at short notice when the nearby Reykjanes Peninsula erupts. Magma has been building there since the last eruption in August 2025, while Keflavík Airport has stayed open throughout. I’d book a lagoon slot with free cancellation and keep Reykjavík’s Sky Lagoon as a backup.

Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in West Iceland
Kirkjufell sits on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík.

10. New York City, NY

New York City is my pick for friends who want world-class restaurants and nightlife that keeps going until 4 a.m. Skip the Airbnb plan for a big group, since city law limits rentals under 30 days to two guests with the host present. I’d book connecting hotel rooms or a suite in Midtown instead.

New York City skyline with Midtown skyscrapers
New York’s endless skyline

Get lost in Central Park, then head up Top of the Rock for views of the Empire State Building, with tickets from about $45. I’d book a sunset slot a week or two ahead, and The Beam photo experience costs extra. For a free skyline view, the new Centre 360 deck atop the Municipal Building near City Hall now takes reservations.

Busy street scene in New York City

Broadway’s 41 theaters cluster around Times Square, where the TKTS booth sells same-day seats at 20% to 50% off. Digital lotteries and rush tickets can drop prices to around $30 to $60 a seat. Evita, starring Rachel Zegler, is one of the big new musicals set to open in spring 2027.

For a nature break, I’d plan a weekend in the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, or Lake George. Vacation rentals upstate fall outside NYC’s rental law, which makes them easier for big groups. Soccer fans can add Etihad Park in Queens, the city’s first soccer-specific stadium, planned to open in 2027.

Read next: Coolest Stays in the Adirondacks

Times Square lit up with billboards at night
The TKTS booth sits under the red steps in Times Square’s Duffy Square.

11. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is where I’d take friends who want a beach city with late nights and amazing food. Book a licensed apartment or hotel, since the city is phasing out all of its tourist apartment licenses by November 2028. Budget for the tourist tax too, which now adds €6 to €12 per person per night.

The Sagrada Família towering over the Barcelona skyline
The Sagrada Familia dominates Barcelona’s skyline.

By day, explore Barcelona’s cool cultural and historic attractions like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. The basilica’s central Tower of Jesus Christ was completed in 2026, making it the world’s tallest church, and tickets start at €26. Park Güell costs €18 with timed entry, and I’d book both at least two weeks ahead in summer.

Visitors at a popular landmark in Barcelona

By night, experience Barcelona’s next-level nightlife, where clubs don’t fill up until after 1 a.m. Dinner starts around 9 or 10 p.m., and the waterfront clubs near Port Olímpic stay open until dawn on weekends. Keep phones and wallets zipped up on La Rambla, since pickpocketing is common there.

Barcelona has a modern cosmopolitan vibe with a unique Catalan heritage, and there are fun things to do at every turn. I recommend late spring or September for warm beach weather without the peak August crowds. It’s a must-see when visiting Spain, and the high-speed train to Madrid takes about 2.5 hours.

Casa Milà, also called La Pedrera, on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona
Casa Milà’s rooftop of sculpted chimneys is open to visitors, including on special evening tours.

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is my favorite US city for a bachelor or bachelorette party, with nightlife that goes well past midnight. You can carry drinks between bars in plastic go-cups, but glass bottles and open cans are banned on the street. I’d stay in or near the French Quarter, where you can walk to almost everything.

Iron balconies along a street in the French Quarter of New Orleans
Much of the French Quarter shows Spanish design, since the area was rebuilt under Spanish rule after fires in the 1780s and 1790s.

For the biggest party of the year, plan around Mardi Gras on February 9, 2027, the end of a Carnival season that starts January 6. It’s a bucket list experience, and 2027’s season is one of the shortest in years, packing parades into the final weekend before Fat Tuesday. Book hotels early and expect bag checks and barriers in the French Quarter during big events.

Public square in New Orleans

Music lovers can also time a trip for Jazz Fest, held at the Fair Grounds on April 22 to 25 and April 29 to May 2, 2027. Gates are open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., which leaves your nights free for Frenchmen Street. Frenchmen is where I go for live jazz, with smaller crowds than Bourbon Street.

As a hub of hedonism, New Orleans draws bachelors and bachelorettes from around the country. Between bars, I’d grab beignets at Café du Monde and book a swamp tour for a day outside the city. The mix of Afro-Caribbean and European influences shows up in every bite, from gumbo to po’boys.

Street scene in New Orleans
Summers here are hot and humid, and I prefer visiting from October through May.

13. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind for a friends trip, but it should be. As the capital of Portugal, it’s one of the more affordable capitals in Western Europe. Budget for the €4 per person nightly tourist tax, which tops out at €28 after seven nights.

Colorful rooftops and buildings in Lisbon
Lisbon’s miradouros, or viewpoints, are free and great for sunset drinks with a group.

Foodies come for the fresh seafood and Michelin-starred restaurants, and I’d plan a long lunch at the Time Out Market. At night, start with drinks in Bairro Alto, where bars spill into the narrow streets, then head to Lisbon’s world-class nightclubs. Pink Street in Cais do Sodré is my pick for a late-night bar crawl with a group.

Historic landmark in Portugal

Lisbon’s hills are steep, and the historic Glória, Bica, and Lavra funiculars have been closed since a deadly crash in September 2025. The newer Graça funicular reopened in April 2026, and Tram 28 still climbs through Alfama. Pack comfortable shoes, since the cobblestones get slippery.

For a day trip, take the 40-minute train from Rossio Station to Sintra and book a timed slot at Pena Palace in advance. For a group of four, a rideshare straight to the palace can cost about the same as the train and shuttle bus. The colorful buildings and waterfront views make Lisbon a great pick with your best friends or significant other.

Yellow tram on a street in Lisbon
I ride Tram 28 early in the morning, before the long lines build.

14. Orlando, Florida (Disney World and Epic Universe)

Disney World is one of my favorite nostalgia trips with friends, and it’s even more fun as an adult. One-day tickets range from $119 to $209 in 2026 depending on the park and date, and multi-day tickets cut the daily cost. I’d skip peak holiday weeks and aim for late August through September, when prices are lowest.

Theme park scene at Disney World in Orlando, Florida
The My Disney Experience app shows live wait times, which helps a group decide where to head next.

Drink and eat around the world at EPCOT, where the Food & Wine Festival takes place from August 27 to November 21, 2026, with over 30 food booths. Thrill seekers can ride the new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which opened at Hollywood Studios in May 2026. Book a Lightning Lane for the biggest rides if your group hates long lines.

The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney says Tropical Americas, with new Encanto and Indiana Jones rides, will open at Animal Kingdom in 2027. The first phase of a Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios is also set to open in 2027. If your group wants bigger thrills, I’d add a day at Universal’s Epic Universe, where one-day tickets start at $139.

Since 2026, 3-, 4-, and 5-day park-to-park tickets let you hop between Epic Universe and Universal’s other two parks. For a group, renting a vacation home with a pool near Kissimmee can cost less than splitting Disney resort rooms. Disney is magical at any age, as long as you bring the right company!

Read next: Coolest Vacation Rentals in Florida

Colorful parade float at Disney World
On busy days, I grab a curb spot about 30 minutes before the parade starts.

15. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is my go-to for a group trip where nobody wants to plan meals, since the all-inclusive resorts cover food and drinks. While a lot of spring breakers head to Mexico and Florida, this Caribbean destination is easy to reach on nonstop flights from across the US. Fill out the free E-Ticket form online before your flight, and skip any site that charges for it.

Person holding a large orange starfish above clear water
Starfish gather in the shallow natural pool near Saona Island, and guides ask visitors to keep them underwater.

For groups, I like the Hard Rock Hotel on Playa Macao, with an on-site water park and casino. Its ORO nightclub carries a cover charge outside the all-inclusive plan. Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is adults-only and better for couples or a more relaxed crew.

All-inclusive resort pool in Punta Cana

Plan your trip between November and April, when sargassum seaweed is at its lowest and the weather is driest. Seaweed season peaks from May through August, and beaches in Cap Cana tend to stay cleaner than the open Bávaro shoreline. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, and I’d buy travel insurance for those months.

Soak in the sun at gorgeous beaches including Bávaro Beach and Playa Macao. For a group day trip, I recommend a catamaran to Saona Island, since boat excursions aren’t affected by seaweed. Whether you’re into watersports or golf, it’s not hard to see why Punta Cana is one of the coolest places to go with friends.

White sand beach with palm trees in Punta Cana
The water in Punta Cana stays in the high 70s to low 80s°F all year.

16. Austin, Texas

Austin calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and you’ll find bands playing every night of the week. I’d base your group near Rainey Street or East 6th Street, where old bungalows have been turned into bars with big patios. Start the day with Texas barbecue, and get in line early at Franklin Barbecue, since the queue often forms hours before it opens.

Paddleboarders on Lady Bird Lake in Austin
Motorboats are banned on Lady Bird Lake, which keeps the water calm for paddling.

The Austin City Limits Festival fills Zilker Park over two weekends each October, and the 2026 edition marks its 25th year. SXSW mixes music, film, and tech, with the 2027 event set for March 15 to 21. Hotels fill fast during both, and I’d book as soon as dates are announced.

Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin

Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming hole that stays around 68°F year-round. Non-residents pay $9 per adult through the end of October, and entry is free from November until spring break. Rent paddleboards on Lady Bird Lake for skyline views, then explore Austin’s unique restaurant scene.

Race fans can catch the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas from October 22 to 25, 2026, with a fourth day added this year. Concerts by Maroon 5 and Post Malone are part of the race weekend. It won’t be long until you and your best friends fall in love with this city.

Texas State Capitol rising behind a park in Austin
The Texas State Capitol offers free guided tours and stands taller than the US Capitol.

17. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the prettiest cities in Europe, and it’s still one of the best-value capitals for a group trip. Plenty of pubs pour local lager for under $3 a pint, and the tourist tax is only about CZK 50 (around $2) per person per night. I’d book an apartment in Vinohrady or Žižkov for lower rates and great neighborhood pubs.

Red rooftops and church spires across the Prague skyline
For skyline views like this, I head to the beer garden in Letná Park.

Experience Prague like a local bohemian by drinking Pilsner Urquell in a traditional beer hall. Party all night at Karlovy Lázně, a five-story club with different music on each floor, and bring cash for the cover charge. Agency-run pub crawls are banned between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., but your group is free to plan its own route.

Interior of a traditional restaurant in Prague

Take pictures on the iconic Charles Bridge at sunrise, before the crowds arrive. Prague Castle, founded in the 9th century, holds the Guinness record as the world’s largest ancient castle complex, and the main circuit ticket costs 450 CZK. The castle grounds are free to walk, and there’s always something for young adults in Prague.

Getting around is cheap too, with a 30-minute transit ticket costing 36 CZK in the official PID app. Compared to Western European cities, the prices are super cheap in Prague, and a long weekend goes far for a group. It’s no wonder Prague is a top pick for best trips with friends.

Historic buildings around Old Town Square in Prague
The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square puts on a short show every hour from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

18. Napa Valley, California

If you’re into fine wines, it’s hard to beat a group trip to Napa Valley, about an hour from San Francisco. It’s among the top wine regions in the world, and standard tastings average about $50 to $75 per person in 2026. Nearly every winery requires reservations, and I’d book two or three tastings a day a few weeks ahead.

Hot air balloon floating over Napa Valley vineyards
Balloon flights launch around sunrise, when the air is calmest, and stay aloft for about an hour.

Many wineries waive the tasting fee if you buy a few bottles, which helps a group stretch its budget. For better value, head over to nearby Sonoma Valley, where tastings tend to cost less. Hire a driver or book a group wine tour, since nobody in your crew should be driving between tastings.

Etude Wines tasting room in Napa Valley

For a sunrise splurge, hot air balloon rides over the valley start around $280 to $300 per person. At night, head into Downtown Napa for great restaurants and wine bars within walking distance of each other. Stay at a boutique hotel in the heart of Wine Country, or split a vacation rental with friends to save on lodging.

Music fans can plan around BottleRock Napa Valley, which returns to the Napa Valley Expo on May 28 to 30, 2027. I love visiting during harvest, from late August through October, when the vineyards are at their busiest. San Francisco is right around the corner and makes another great stop with friends.

Rows of grapevines in Napa Valley
Napa Valley stretches about 30 miles from the city of Napa north to Calistoga.

19. London, UK

London is one of my favorite big cities for a group trip, with world-class museums by day and pubs on every corner by night. US visitors now need a UK ETA before flying, which costs £20 and covers unlimited trips for two years. Tap a contactless card on the Tube, and daily fares cap automatically to keep transport costs predictable.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London
London pubs take orders at the bar, and table service is rare.

Stroll the River Thames and ride the London Eye, then start a pub crawl through Soho near Piccadilly Circus. After a day exploring, enjoy London’s nightlife, which is among the best in Europe. Book big group dinners ahead, since popular spots fill up on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London

Rainy days come often in the United Kingdom, but the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern are all free to enter. The Tower of London costs £37 for adults and includes the Crown Jewels and a Yeoman Warder tour. The new V&A East Museum in Stratford opened in April 2026 with free entry to its main galleries.

The relocated London Museum opens in Smithfield at the end of November 2026, with a free Roman London exhibition in its underground vaults set for spring 2027. Theater fans can catch a reborn Les Misérables at the Prince Edward Theatre in 2027. I’ve visited London many times, and I still find something new on every trip.

Curved shopfronts along Regent Street in London
Regent Street’s holiday lights usually go up in early November.

20. Miami, Florida

Last, but certainly not least, is Miami, a destination in South Florida with an awesome nightlife and restaurant scene. Base your group in South Beach for Art Deco hotels and beach clubs, or in Wynwood for street art and craft breweries. Alcohol is banned on Miami Beach’s city beaches year-round, and I save drinks for the hotel pool or a beach club.

Miami skyline along the waterfront
Miami’s Metromover is free and loops through downtown and Brickell.

For a big group, I’d rent a luxury villa or mansion with a pool, or book a boutique hotel with the tropical charm of the Caribbean. Nights in South Beach start late, and clubs like LIV don’t get busy until after midnight. Book a table in advance if your crew wants guaranteed entry on weekends.

Colorful street murals in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood
Many of Wynwood’s murals line public streets and are free to see.

Electronic music fans should circle Ultra Music Festival, back at Bayfront Park on March 26 to 28, 2027. The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix follows from April 30 to May 2, 2027, and it has sold out every year so far. Art lovers can catch Art Basel Miami Beach at the convention center from December 4 to 6, 2026.

If you’re visiting in March, expect a heavy police presence and security checkpoints at South Beach entrances during spring break. The city eased its curfew rules in 2026, though it can still bring them back on busy weekends. For better value, I’d visit from November through April, when the weather is drier and the humidity drops.

Neon-lit buildings along a South Beach street at night
Ocean Drive’s neon signs light up after dark, and I like an evening walk along the stretch between 5th and 15th Streets.
Group of friends on a trip
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Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.

Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that help my readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences - from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences. And I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $10K-15K+ per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, the UK, the Philippines, Argentina, the Caribbean, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

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