9 great group vacation trip ideas

A group vacation isn’t just about discovering a new destination—it’s about sharing moments that make each trip unforgettable. Late-night chats and improvised detours can become core memories.

While the right group makes any trip extraordinary, some destinations are tailor-made for traveling together. From inspiring vistas to palate-expanding restaurants, we’ve rounded up the best group vacation ideas to inspire your next getaway. Plus, you’ll find tips to keep the planning stress-free. 

Reasons to organize a large group getaway

If chilling on a white-sand beach with your friends isn’t enough to convince you, here are a few reasons to plan a group trip:

• Cost savings: If the price of an all-inclusive resort in Mykonos or a cruise across the Caribbean is too steep, traveling with friends can lighten the burden on your wallet. By pooling resources, you can share costs on large group accommodations, transportation, and tours, making even pricey destinations more budget-friendly. 
• Bonding time: Group travel is all about exploring together and sharing new experiences—all of which can deepen connections. Even downtime between destinations offers moments to connect with your companions. 
• Variety of activities: When you travel with a large group, there’s no shortage of adventure buddies to tag in or new experiences to try. Whether it’s an adrenaline-filled mountain trail or a quiet afternoon taking in the local culture, group trips offer a variety of activities that cater to everyone’s interests. 
• Logistical support: Organizing a trip with friends doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have built-in help. With everyone pitching in—from choosing accommodations to reserving activities—the planning process becomes much more manageable. Plus, having a team to share duties means less stress and more time to focus on having fun. 

9 great group trip ideas

From meditative escapes in nature to nightlife in a vibrant city, here are nine of the best group travel destinations, covering every preference. 

Fun group vacation ideas

Spending time with friends and family is a delight no matter where you go, especially if you’re celebrating a birthday or engagement. But some destinations crank up the fun with unique tours, lively nightlife, and one-of-a-kind local experiences that make group adventures even more unforgettable. 

1. Bayou tour in New Orleans, Louisiana

Although the city is world-famous for its nonstop nightlife, there’s more to New Orleans than jazz bars, Cajun restaurants, and Bourbon Street. Groups searching for daytime activities can take a guided tour through the moss-covered bayous on the city’s outskirts or stroll through the fragrant Garden District, home to the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line.

2. Alpine adventure in Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Lakes is a great vacation spot for groups who love the snow. Home to one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., you can choose from skiing and snowboarding on Mammoth Mountain, cross-country and snowshoeing, or sledding and snowmobile expeditions for family fun. And springtime at Mammoth Lakes is just as full of activities, including fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.

3. Distillery crawl in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville isn’t just cowboy boots and country music—it’s a paradise for whiskey lovers. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail includes 25 distilleries, many of which are located around Music City. Groups can enjoy guided tours, sample small-batch moonshines, and discover the art of crafting Tennessee whiskey. After a tasting, hit Honky Tonk Row for live music and finish the day with a plate of hot chicken to round out the ultimate Southern experience.

Luxury group vacation ideas

For some, a getaway isn’t complete without a little indulgence. These destinations elevate group travel with exclusive experiences that let your group savor every moment in style, whether celebrating a milestone birthday or simply treating yourselves.

4. Wine tasting in Napa Valley, California

There’s a good reason travelers return to Napa Valley year after year, and it isn’t just the 400 wineries. The valley’s rolling hills are as lush as the wine, with plenty of spots to catch a jaw-dropping sunset with a glass of California cabernet. 

Beyond the vino, there are plenty of options for world-class dining, including the Michelin 3-star French Laundry, minimalist Kenzo Napa, and local-food-focused SingleThread Farms Inn. 

5. Historical sight-seeing in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s characteristic antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets are the perfect backdrop for a stylish getaway. After exploring the mansions, museums, and churches in the city’s Historic District, you can book a group dinner at farm-to-table Common Thread or enjoy some eclectic shopping at Starland Strange and Bazaar and The Paris Market. 

6. Skiing and snowboarding in Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is the place to be in winter for groups who love adventure and sophistication. Carve through pristine powder during the day and unwind in a swanky 5-star mountain lodge by night. And if you just want to be spotted in your designer winter gear around town, head over to Michelin-starred Bosq, shop downtown, or book a private art viewing at the Powers Art Center. 

Beach group vacation ideas

While some crave non-stop sightseeing, museum tours, and nightlife, others just want to work on their tan. Here are our favorite places to hit the beach. 

7. Zen in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

This relaxed beach town tucked away on the Pacific coast is among the best group trips for wellness-focused folks. In Santa Teresa, you can begin your day with a Costa Rican organic coffee and a beachside yoga class. After that, hit the surf and round out your evening with a massage. 

Natural beauty and natural cures make Santa Teresa the perfect getaway to unwind, connect, and recharge with your favorite people. 

8. Kicking back along the Amalfi Coast, Italy

16th-century cliffside villas overlook the turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast, where everything feels like a postcard. Explore iconic vacation spots like Positano and Ravello, book a private wine tour of the Carine Marisa Cuomo, or doze under an umbrella on the beaches of Praiano. 

The Amalfi Coast is hardly a well-kept secret, so if you want to beat the packs of tourists, visit during the off-season—late spring or early fall—when the coastline is just as stunning. 

9. Surfing in Maui, Hawaii

Maui’s beaches offer the best of both worlds for thrill-seeking adventurers and laid-back beach bums. Whether road-tripping along the coast to a secluded beach, swimming with sea turtles, or riding waves at legendary surf breaks, Maui has something for everyone in your group. Plus, luxurious resorts line the beaches, with exclusive spas and golf courses from Wailea to Kapalua. Wherever you land, you’ll find fun luaus and endless Mai Tais. 

Make your group vacations unforgettable with Engine

Large group vacations should be unforgettable. With careful planning, you can enjoy every moment without last-minute inconveniences. By using Engine, you can choose from our hand-selected hotels, consolidate expenses, and modify the details with the help of a dedicated trip manager. Plus, Engine is 100% free to use—no contracts, no minimum spend, and no agent-assistance fees.

You worry about choosing the perfect destination. Let Engine handle the rest.