The trend of vacationing with groups of friends – often five or six couples – has gained momentum in recent years, as reflected in travel industry data for 2025. According to a survey from vacation rental platform Vacasa, 46% of Gen Z travelers expressed plans to take a trip with friends during the summer, while 32% of Americans overall indicated a preference for traveling with friends over solo or family-based travel.

Group travel has also demonstrated long-lasting social and emotional benefits. Americans most often cite relaxation, adventure, and reconnecting with friends as their top travel motivations. Time spent together in new environments fosters relationship-building, offers avenues for shared storytelling, and supports a balance between communal and individual pursuits. It’s about finding a balance between group experences while also carving out space for personal interests within larger itineraries.

As the trend continues, group vacationing is reshaping the way American adults approach leisure, combining practicality with opportunities for meaningful connection. Small group travel appeals to diverse age groups and enables shared experiences that extend beyond traditional family vacations.

It’s important to have clear expectations about expenses, dining preferences, and activity planning to ensure a successful trip. Many groups maintain annual standing schedules, reserving the same accommodations year after year, and others look for new destinations and experiences each year.

Friendcations, vacations taken with close friends who share accommodations, meals, and much of the daily experience, offer a powerful way to deepen social bonds through extended, meaningful time spent together. New research underscores how simply spending quality time with friends on trips can strengthen friendships, improve emotional well-being, and create lifelong memories, making friendcations a transformative approach to vacationing.

And hey – it’s a lot of fun, too!

We’ve got some tips to help you start planning a friendcation, along with 12 choices that we think are perfect friendcation destinations.

Tips for Planning a Friendcation

It’s not just about picking a spot and booking flights; it’s about crafting an experience that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories. Whether you and your friends are seasoned travelers or trying this for the first time, organizing a trip together comes with its own unique joys and challenges. If this feels like uncharted territory, keep reading – you’re in good company.

Choosing the Destination

Picking the right place to visit is the foundation of a successful friendcation. The destination doesn’t just set the scenery, it sets the tone for the whole trip. It needs to excite everyone, offer a mix of options (a modern luxury house? a cozy cabin in the woods?), and remain practical in terms of travel time and cost. A destination with variety ensures everyone feels included, whether your group of friends lean toward adventure, relaxation, culture, or nightlife.

There are plenty of options for big city busyness as well as slower paced getaways, so keep as open mind as you begin to explore destination ideas.

Assessing Group Interests

Every friend group is a mix of personalities. Some may adore lazy beach days while others live for adrenaline-pumping hikes. Before confirming the destination, it’s smart to have a conversation about what interests everyone. Brainstorming in a group chat or creating a quick survey can help highlight overlaps and preferences. 

Do friends want to do everything together, or have lots of options that lets everyone enjoy personal interests? How much alone time do people need? Is there downtime for the introverts in the group to get what they need without feeling left out? 

Considering Travel Logistics

Logistics turn dreamy ideas into workable plans. Is the destination easy to reach? Does it require visas or long-haul flights? 

When traveling with a group, convenience is often more important than ambition. Picking a location with multiple airport or transportation options, reliable ground transportation, and accessible attractions helps keep stress levels low. A destination that requires multiple transfers might sound exotic but could sour once people arrive exhausted. On the other hand, if it really is that dreamy of a destinationn, and the stay is long enough, you can build in time to recover.

Matching Budget Expectations

Nothing strains a friendship like money issues. Talking openly about finances early avoids uncomfortable surprises later. This isn’t just a good idea, it’s a foundational discussion to having a great time  Money management isn’t glamorous, but it’s the silent pulse of a stress-free trip. With clarity, honesty, and tools, expenses become manageable rather than divisive.

Some friends may want a luxury villa, others might prefer a mid-range rental. Aligning expectations doesn’t mean everyone needs identical budgets, but it does mean respecting what feels comfortable across the group. If handled right, budgeting can lead to creative solutions—like splurging on one special meal while keeping other meals casual or cooking together in a shared rental.

Managing expenses once on site is equally important. Some group opt to pool money for group expenses, with one payment being made. Apps like Splitwise, Tab, Trip Splitter, Splitwise, and TravelSpend can make the process easier. I think the most important thing is transparency about individual costs. Not everything expense is a shared one. Make clear that personal shopping, upgrades, and other extras are not part of the group budget. Alcohol expenses should also be addressed when there is a big variance between friends.

One question that I get when discussing friendcations is how to divide up certain costs. We have always divided accomodation costs by the room as the price is the same regardless of numbeer of guests in the room. We divide all other costs by person.

Scouting Group-Friendly Accommodations

The right accommodation isn’t just a bed; it’s the heart of the friendcation. Instead of hotel rooms scattered across hallways, consider options with shared spaces—a villa, cabin, or spacious apartment. Having a central living room or kitchen allows for late-night conversations, shared cooking, or morning coffee rituals. Reading reviews carefully ensures surprises (like too few bathrooms) don’t derail friendships. 

As they say in real estate – location, location, location. The location matters . Staying near the action saves travel time and helps the group stick close to plenty of activities without worrying about transportation details. Location also impacts the budget,, so recognize that there may need to be some tradeoffs.

Setting the Itinerary

The rhythm of the trip often matters just as much as the destination itself. A balanced itinerary helps prevent both boredom and burnout. 

The key? A mix of structure and freedom so everyone feels energized rather than over-scheduled. Discuss whether you want a short weekend getaway or a four-day friendcation, and how those days can be spent. There’s room in a schedule for full days of skiing, while balancing with activities that also provide a relaxing winter holiday. You can meet me in the spa when you get off the slopes.

Collaborative Planning

When everyone contributes to the itinerary, the trip feels like it belongs to the whole group. 

There are lots of apps that allow friends to collect information and share ideas (Wanderlog, WhatsApp, GroupMe, Troupe, and others). This avoids the dominance of a single planner and creates excitement before departure. Seeing the group plan fill up with diverse ideas makes the friendcation feel like a collective adventure instead of someone else’s vision. But watch out for analysis paralysis; decisions have to be made.

Balancing Group and Solo Time

Traveling together doesn’t mean being inseparable. In fact, carving out solo time can save friendships. Build in blocks where people can nap, shop, journal, or explore independently. This flexibility makes group meetups more refreshing. A good rule of thumb: schedule one or two group activities daily, leaving the rest open for smaller subgroups or downtime. Set expectations early, with room for early morning yoga classes as well as sleeping in.

On my most recent friendcation, we planned nightly dinners and evening time as group time to cook, eat, play games, talk, and relax. Everyone was free to plan the rest of the time on their own. Some people went off exploring on their own, some wandered on the beach, some read and napped. With the loose schedule laid out, everyone was free to craft the four days the way they wanted.

Prioritizing Must-See Spots

Every trip has its “big ticket” items – the Eiffel Tower,a winemaker dinner, a Broadway show, a diving expedition, a concert. Identifying these early will help  you make sure to get tickets or reservations, so no one misses out. 

Equally important is leaving room for serendipity and preventing the urgency to “do it all.” Sometimes lingering in a piazza or discovering a neighborhood cafe outshines a bucket-list attraction. The best friendcation moments often aren’t planned – a sunset stumbled upon while walking home, a small-town fair discovered en route, or a spontaneous karaoke session. Keep the itinerary loose enough to welcome such surprises. 

Handling Conflicts Gently

We are fortunate that we haven’t had any major conflicts. I think it’s best to let the small, unimportant things slide. But if big issues come  up, handle them directly and with finessse.

If there’s an always late person, chances are you’ve already had to deal with the issue. But on a group outing, it can become a nightmare. You’ll need to set clear boundaries around timeliness and stick to them. It’s okay if someone wants to bow out of an activity and do their own thing. Instead of being disappointed, let that friend determine what the best thing is for them to do during that time. Adaptability and flexibility are critical travel skills.

Creating Unforgettable Moments

What separates an ordinary vacation from a friendcation is the laughter, shared stories, and emotional glue created along the way. 

Every friend group has quirks—an inside joke, a signature cocktail, or maybe a silly group pose. Carrying these into your travels makes the trip feel instantaneously yours. These rituals build continuity from one trip to the next.

There’s a special bravery that comes from trying something new as a group. Whether surfing lessons, a cooking class, or tasting unusual local delicacies, sharing the nerves (and victories) cements memories forever.

Ending on a High Note

How the trip finishes often shapes how it’s remembered. Plan a farewell dinner, revisit a favorite activity, or simply sit together reflecting before parting ways. Expressing gratitude for the shared time strengthens bonds for the next adventure.

When you get home, share your photos, create a special photo album, or start talking about the next trip

12 Destinations for Your Next Friendcation

Hopefully you’re convinced to plan a friendcation and are ready to get ideas on where to go. Here’s a great starting list.

TERRA Belize at Villa Selena, Belize

This private santuary offers a six-suite hideaway located on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula. This one takes some effort to get to, but it’s well worth it for the luxury accommodations, amenities, activities, and all-inclusive pricing.

Each suite is self-contained with everything you need. Kitchen, dining, and living room space are common areas, along with an upstairs sun deck and the outdoor pool and activity area. A resident chef takes care of meals, and a staff takes care of housekeeping and making sure you have refreshing drinks at sundown.

Activities include snorkeling, jungle exploration, waterfalls, hiking, beach time, and more. There lots of room in the daily schedule to keep busy or relax, and the service is top notch.

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Ocean Trail, Long Beach, Washington

This large, high-end home has an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean and a private path taking you to the beach. The home has six bedrooms (two of which are primary suites), a fully equipped kitchen, and all the games, puzzles, movies, and outdoor equipment you could possibly want.

Do as we did, spending our days visiting Long Beach, Ocean Shores, or other nearby beach communities, or cross the Astoria bridge to Oregon to discover the Oregon beach communities and Astoria. Then, kick back in the evening, with group dinners, games of cornhole, and star gazing.

If a vacation in luxury is what you are looking for, this is the beach house for you and your friends.

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French Country Waterways, Europe

French Country Waterways is known and trusted for operating the finest fleet of luxury hotel barges cruising on France’s inland waterways. Ranging in size from four to six suites, it’s a perfect opportunity to cruise with an entire barge of friends.

Each morning, your luxury hotel barge gets underway for the day’s cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If you feel adventurous, take one of the barge’s bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold before you.

During the day, you are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region – romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting.

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Finniss River Lodge, Northern Territory, Australia

Finniss River Lodge settles beautifully into its panoramic landscape in the Outback Northern Territory.

This secluded, all-inclusive outback lodge, is perched on a 50,000-acre working cattle station in the Northern Territory, about 90 minutes from Darwin. Designed for small adult groups of 6–8 couples, the lodge offers six spacious suites with private verandas, and sweeping views of floodplains alive with birds, wallabies, and freshwater crocodiles.

Rates include meals, selected beverages, and curated daily adventures such as guided 4WD drives across the rugged station, bushwalks to secret waterholes, airboat rides along the Finniss River, and immersive wildlife spotting. With sunsets over the floodplains and starlit skies above, the lodge offers a rare chance to fully immerse in barefoot luxury while embracing authentic Northern Territory adventure in Australia’s tropical outback.

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The Rothschild-Pound House Inn, Columbus, Georgia

Accommodations in the historic 1870’s main house or the cottages integrate the best of historic preservation and the comfort of a fine hotel. This home was saved from the wrecking ball in 1993, restoriing it to its former glory.

Located on a beautiful corner lot in the original city historic district, the four guestroom inn has a wrap-around veranda shaded by lacy white crepe myrtles. Fourteen foot ceilings, original baths, moldings, mantles and a hand carved staircase reminds guests of the Southern aesthetic. Cottages are also available onsite and include a front sitting room with a gas fireplace, bedroom, bath, and a full kitchen.

The Inn’s proximity to the river and Riverwalk means you are in the midst of the vibrant community of Uptown Columbus.There’s plenty to do and explore, while maintaining a slower, small town pace.

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The Restoration: Grand 3-Bedroom Residence, Charleston

This 3-bedroom residence is part of The Restoration Hotel, giving you a great combination of hotel amenities and private space. Historic charm meets high-touch hospitality in a city known for its charming architecture, culinary excellence, and history.

The foyer features hardwood floors and exposed brick walls welcoming you to the living room and full kitchen.The three-story residence features a 500-square-foot private rooftop terrace, with a fully open-air space that’s a perfect spot to relax, unwind, and take in panoramic views of Charleston’s skyline.

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Old Manse of Blair, Perthshire, Scotland

Want to escape to the Scottish Highlands? Immerse yourself in Scottish estate life at The Old Manse of Blair, located on Blair Atholl. This six-room Victorialn guesthouse has been loving restored to the elegance and grandeur of its heyday.

Located near adjacent to a Caledonian pine forest on the outskirts of the picturesque victorian village of Blair Atholl, the heritage-rich bedrooms may induce you to lie abed for hours. But the Highlands landscapes beckon for exploration, local whisky is calling you for a taste, and the onsite celebrated Michelin Restaurant shouldn’t be overlooked.

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SB Winemaker’s House & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina

More than just a place to stay, this small-group (seven suites), adults-only, wine estate is the result of years of expertise in wine and a passion for creating unforgettable moments to share.

Take over the full estate for an exclusive stay ad enjoy glass-walled suites that open to private gardens with heated loungers and fire pits. In-suite spa amenities are impressive (steam room, sensations shower, massage table, soaking tub)! The onsite Michelin-recommended restaurant anchors curated culinary programming and private tastings, while tranquil gardens, a pool, wine bar, and chef’s table complete the setting. 

Delightful additions can include artisanal breakfasts, premium wine tastings, and spa treatments, allowing you to arrange the best group experiences for your food and wine-centric friends. . 

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Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia

Awaken your senses and adventure in luxury at this intimate family-owned wilderness resort in the heart of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Located in the southern part of the Great Bear Rainforest, Nimmo Bay is renowned for its wilderness, wildlife, culinary and wellness experiences.

The property is situated in a serene bay, partly floating, partly built on an outcrop of land, with a waterfall that cascades through the heart of the resort. Guests can explore the surrounding waterways and wilderness by luxury boats, endless hiking trails, kayaks and helicopters.  

Nimmo Bay is comprised of nine private cabins accommodating up to 18 guest. It is only accessible by air or water, but the relaxation after you get here will make you forget all about your jorney. The restaurant, fitness room, indoor and outdoor lounges and fire deck are all floating and accessed by a walkway. A yoga studio plus two beautiful spaces for wellness treatments, alongside the waterfall and natural plunge pool offer relaxation options for guests.

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Angama Mara, Kenya

This award-winning safari lodge overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara, offers a luxury tented camp located in a remote wilderness region of the southwestern Mara Triangle. This is another destination that may be more complex to get to, but the return is outstanding.

Comprising four tented luxury suite, sleeping up to eight guests, the camp offers absolute privacy in the midst of the mega herds of the migration and abundant resident wildlife. The tents ares landscape-oriented, with a bedroom, dressing room and bathroom, and open up to the jaw-dropping view of the Mara Triangle.

Guests have access to extraordinary wildlife experiences right on their doorstep and can tailor-make their safari days. Aside from the migration, the region of the Mara Triangle where Angama Safari Camp is located is home to cheetah, resident prides of lion, large elephant herds, buffalo and abundant plains game. 

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Tuxedo Falls Luxury Camp, North Carolina

Tucked between Hendersonville, Saluda, and Brevard, North Carolina, this new luxury camping retreat has four well-appointed safari tents and two upscale treehouses. Each climate-controlled unit includes luxury linens, handmade local furnishings and dinnerware made by local potters. All have en suite bathrooms and showers, private decks, kitchenettes and pizza ovens. Some units also include heated bathroom floors, adjustable beds and soaking tubs with views.

Rates include breakfast, hiking trails (there are two guests-only trails on property, one is a loop that goes to five waterfalls, ,and a longer trail is about two miles out and back and goes to a pinnacle with views of the Pisgah National Forest), and most activities. Guests can add on other meals and activities like guided fly fishing for additional fees.

Although less than 20 minutes from restaurants, attractions and wineries in Hendersonville, its secluded location at the apex of 50 acres of forest land gives the feeling of being miles away from civilization.

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Fly Fishing Camp at The Broadmoor, Colorado

Located 75 minutes west of the Resort along a five-mile stretch of Colorado’s famed Tarryall River, The Broadmoor’s Fly-Fishing Camp is an all-inclusive seasonal retreat, operating from May through October. With seven restored 1880s cabins, small groups can coordinate full buyouts of the property, making the aspen-clad mountain setting a private retreat.

Anglers of all levels can immerse themselves in a world-class ORVIS-Endorsed fly-fishing experience. Expert guides assist seasoned anglers and novice fishers alike with reeling in wild brown, brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Amid timbered canyons, grassy meadows, and winding rivers, guests can seek respite at the end of day while spending evenings around the fire pit, sharing stories under the stars.

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