Planning a trip with your crew? There’s nothing better than hitting the road (or skies) with your favorite people and making memories that live way longer than the group chat. Whether you're chasing sunsets, good food, or just some uninterrupted catch-up time, we've rounded up the best places to go with friends that offer just the right mix of adventure, chill, and inside-joke-worthy moments. Ready to dive into the fun?
Places to Go with Friends, Based on Your Travel Style
We’ve rounded up our favorite vacation spots for friends—sorted by travel theme to match your crew’s vibe—each packed with the kind of experiences that turn good trips into great stories. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, sunshine, style, or the best thing you’ve ever eaten, we’ve got your destination shortlist right here. Let’s get into it.
For the Adventure Junkies
If your group thrives on switchbacks, sunrise treks, and post-hike beers, these spots deliver a hit of nature with just enough challenge to bond over. No two friends hike at the same pace? No problem—these places offer side quests for every energy level.
Iceland
Fly into Reykjavík and rent a 4x4—you’ll want it for the gravel backroads around Vik and the Highlands. Chase waterfalls (Skógafoss, Gullfoss), soak in the Blue Lagoon or its lesser-known, quieter cousin Sky Lagoon, and don’t skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula if you want to feel like you're on another planet. Expect expensive food—splitting groceries and cooking in an Airbnb is a money-saving pro move. Do not forget to check our Iceland packing guide before flying. And before you fly, don’t forget to check out our Iceland packing guide.
Moab, Utah
Ideal for a long weekend road trip. Fly into Salt Lake City or Grand Junction, then drive through the Mars-like landscapes. Basecamp in town or go full desert cowboy with a BLM campsite (but book early in spring/fall). Pack layers—it swings from hot days to chilly nights—and don’t miss Dead Horse Point for sunset with snacks.
Colorado Rockies
Land in Denver, grab a rental, and head west toward towns like Breckenridge, Buena Vista, or Ouray. Between the hiking, hot springs, breweries, and small-town charm, there's something for everyone—even the friend who "doesn’t hike but will go for the vibes." Check trail conditions if you're coming early or late in the season—snow lingers higher up.
Patagonia (Chile/Argentina)
This one takes planning—fly to Punta Arenas (Chile) or El Calafate (Argentina), then take a bus into the national parks. Torres del Paine’s W Trek is stunning but remote, so book refugios or campsites ahead. Expect unpredictable weather, killer views, and very little phone service (aka forced bonding time).
What to Pack for
Adventure trips demand versatility. Think weatherproof outer layers, a good daypack, sturdy hiking shoes, and clothing that can go multiple wears without losing performance. Western Rise’s Evolution Pant in Classic fit is built for this—quick-dry, breathable, and rugged without being bulky. Pair it with a StrongCore Merino Tee that handles sweat, sun, and campsite smoke, and layer the waffle hoodie over it for added warmth and UPF protection. Bonus: throw in a Meta Shell if you’re hiking through unpredictable climates (hello, Iceland fog). Need help dialing in your gear? Check out our hiking essentials guide before you hit the trail.
Whether you’re campfire types or all-in adrenaline seekers, these destinations turn “just a hike” into a story you’ll be telling for years. But if your friends prefer cobblestone cafés and gallery-hopping, don’t worry—we’ve got options.
For the Culture + Style Seekers
Your squad keeps the group chat alive with museum recs, café pics, and airport fit photos? These cities hit the sweet spot between cultural cred and curated cool.
Tokyo, Japan
Fly into Narita or Haneda, grab a Suica transit card, and explore Tokyo’s neighborhoods like they’re micro-cities. Think cat cafés in Harajuku, record stores in Shimokitazawa, and neon-drenched ramen nights in Shinjuku. Hotels range from minimalist to over-the-top; capsule hotels are a fun, budget-friendly experience for groups, especially if you’re planning long days.
Paris, France
Land at Charles de Gaulle, hop on the RER B train, and base yourself in the 3rd or 11th arrondissement for charm without tourist chaos. Buy museum passes ahead (and skip the lines), spend an afternoon at the Musée d’Orsay, and picnic by the Canal Saint-Martin with wine, cheese, and people-watching for days. Dinner starts late—embrace it.
Montreal, Canada
Easy to reach from most East Coast cities, especially for a long weekend. Rent bikes and cruise the Lachine Canal, brunch hard in the Mile End, and don’t skip Schwartz’s Deli for smoked meat sandwiches. French is helpful but not essential, and the summer festival circuit (Jazz, Just for Laughs) is chef’s kiss for group energy.
Istanbul, Turkey
Fly into IST and set up near Sultanahmet or Karaköy for walkability. Expect a sensory overload in the best way—spice bazaars, ferry rides between Europe and Asia, and rooftop dinners overlooking the Bosphorus. Take it slow and split your days into neighborhoods—this city is layered.
What to Pack for
Style meets substance on these trips. You’ll want smart layers, versatile pants, and daypacks that won’t cramp your look. Evolution Pant in Slim fit is sleek enough for city photos but durable enough for daylong exploring. Throw in a cotton shirt mixed up with a Cotton Long-Sleeve Henley — both work for morning coffee, art museums, and casual dinners. A compact vest like the Airloft Vest will have your back if the skies turn grey (which they often do). Don’t forget a crossbody bag and a pair of shoes you can actually walk in.
These cities will keep your group chat alive long after the trip ends. But maybe you’re craving hammocks over haute couture—time to head beachside.
For the Chill Beach Crew
Some groups move in flip-flops, not hiking boots—and we respect that. These destinations are all about shared sunsets, fresh seafood, and good conversation in sandy clothes. Sometimes we need just these and not other activities.
Bali, Indonesia
Fly into Denpasar, arrange a driver (cheap and easy via Grab or your stay), and choose your base: Canggu for surf cafés and nightlife, or Ubud for jungle vibes and yoga. Tip: split a villa with a pool—it’s surprisingly affordable, and ideal for group hangs. Scooters are fun, but be careful.
Algarve, Portugal
Land in Faro and road trip along the southern coast—Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira all have beachy charm. Try sea kayaking along the cliffs and exploring sea caves like Benagil. Shoulder seasons (May, late Sept) offer sun without the crowds, and you’ll find fresh seafood dinners for less than a beach bar cocktail in California.
Belize
Fly into Belize City, then hop a short flight or ferry to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. English is spoken everywhere, the reef is world-class for snorkeling and diving, and most streets are made of sand. But don’t expect polished luxury—it’s casual, colorful, and endlessly chill. Pack light, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and get ready to unplug.
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Outer Banks, NC
A classic for East Coast friend groups. Rent a house big enough for everyone, load up on groceries, and let the week play out with beach days, board games, and bonfires. Summer books out fast—reserve your place early and don’t underestimate the magic of watching a thunderstorm roll in from a screened porch.
What to Pack for
Go light, go breathable, and go with pieces that can pull double duty. Evolution Shorts are designed to go from beach to street without that soggy look. A Cotton Tee keeps you cool and fresh when the sun’s up, and the easy-going Outbound Camp Collar is perfect for when it goes down. Bring a wide-brim hat, reef-safe sunscreen, a zip hoodie, and a roll-top bag like the Voyager RollTop15 to keep your gear dry and sand-free.
When all you want is sunshine, a cold drink, and your best people in one place, these spots deliver. But if your friends run on flavor and group dinners are sacred, let’s talk food-first adventures.
For the Flavor Chasers
If your group’s love language is shared plates, street food, and cooking class misadventures, these places to go with your friends serve up unforgettable meals with a side of culture.
Mexico City, Mexico
Fly into Benito Juárez airport, stay in Roma or Condesa for walkable streets and boutique hotels, and start eating immediately. Tacos al pastor, pan dulce, street corn—don’t miss Mercado de San Juan for more exotic bites. Tip: brush up on basic Spanish and always ask if the salsa is muy picante. And yes, the coffee scene is legit too.
Charleston, SC
Driveable from most of the Southeast or quick to reach via CHS airport, Charleston is all cobblestones and culinary clout. Reserve tables at Husk, FIG, or The Ordinary early—they book up. Between meals, stroll the Battery, hit up a local distillery, or kayak the marshes. The pace is slow, but the flavor is high.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Fly into Da Nang and take a 45-minute drive to the lantern-lit town of Hoi An. This UNESCO gem is bursting with street food gems—try cao lầu noodles, bánh mì at Bánh Mì Phượng, and fresh seafood by the river. Book a cooking class with a local market tour and take a slow bike ride through the rice paddies. Pro tip: tailor-made clothes are everywhere, so leave space in your bag.
Barcelona, Spain
Land in El Prat and base yourself in El Born or Gràcia. Book at least one paella lunch, load up on jamón ibérico and vermouth, and don’t underestimate how good the market snacks are (La Boqueria is great, but head to Mercat de Sant Antoni for fewer crowds). Tip: Make dinner reservations or expect to wait—Spaniards tend to eat late, and so should you.
What to Pack for
You’re going to eat a lot. Comfort matters, but you still want to look sharp in the group photos. Chino Pant gives you clean lines and just the right amount of stretch. Pair it with a long-sleeve Merino Button-down for breathable comfort during food tours or market strolls, and pack a Cotton Polo or a short-sleeve Merino Shirt for those dressier dinners that still call for easygoing style. And don’t forget breath mints.
Whether you're chasing spice, smoke, or that one pastry someone won’t stop talking about, these trips feed both the appetite and the soul. Just remember a few things to watch out for when traveling with friends to keep it stress-free.
What To Watch Out For On Trips With Friends
Even the tightest friend groups need a little structure to keep things fun. Here’s what we’ve learned about what to keep in mind when planning a trip with your friends:
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Not all friends are travel-compatible—and that’s fine.
If your energy levels, sleep schedules, or activity preferences don’t match, don’t force it. Create split-day itineraries so everyone gets what they need (you go hike, they go nap), and reconnect for shared dinners or evening hangs. -
Book accommodations early, especially for groups of 5 or more.
Big rentals, cabins, or beach houses disappear fast in the high season. Plus, it’s way easier to coordinate logistics when everyone’s under one roof instead of juggling three hotel rooms. -
Assign one or two planners—then share the load.
Group chats are chaos. Designate a couple of “trip leads” to research and book major stuff, then use shared docs or apps (like Splitwise or Wanderlog) to stay organized. Rotate planners for future trips, so no one gets burned out. -
Over-ambitious itineraries kill the vibe.
Leave space for downtime, spontaneous detours, or naps. A packed schedule can make your trip feel like a to-do list—no one wants a vacation that feels like work. -
Group dinners = sacred. Book them.
Whether you're in New Orleans, Charleston, or Paris, getting a table for 6+ without a reservation is a long shot. Reserve at least one group meal per day and leave the rest open for solo cravings or smaller break-out groups. -
Shared expectations = smooth trip.
Talk about the budget, sleeping arrangements, and trip goals before you go. It sounds basic, but knowing if the vibe is “budget and beer” or “bougie and blowout dinners” avoids awkward moments halfway through. -
Leave space to disconnect.
Even with your favorite people, 24/7 togetherness can wear thin. Encourage solo walks, coffee breaks, or even a half-day apart—everyone comes back recharged and with a fresh story to tell.
Bottom line? Travel like you dress: with intention, flexibility, and enough room to breathe. These vacation spots for friends aren’t just places to go; they’re invitations to reconnect, laugh too hard, get a little lost, and maybe even start a new tradition. Just pack smart, stay open, and enjoy the ride.
