Whether it’s hometown friends having moved away over time or extended family members settling down in a new country, many travelers know the feeling of trying to orchestrate a group trip to see their loved ones. To make the planning process a little bit easier, consider meeting up in one of these U.S. cities; their convenient locations, large airports and accessible group activities ensure that every member of the trip has an unforgettable and hassle-free time.
Chicago, Illinois
Home to two major airports — O’Hare and Midway — Chicago is a popular hub for both international and domestic travel. Not only is the Windy City’s central location in the Midwest a natural connecting point for visitors coming from both the East and West coasts, but Chicago is served by a variety of major airlines like United, American and Southwest. This range in flight options allows for members of the groups to find a route best suited to fit their budget while also offering enough choices to accommodate their schedules.
While O’Hare and Midway undoubtedly make Chicago a fantastic meeting spot for groups, the city itself also boasts an impressive array of activities for parties of any size. Relaxing on one of the 25 beaches dotting the coastline, a walking tour exploring the historic architecture or a day spent in immersive state-of-the-art museums — each traveler is sure to find something that piques their interest. And, if groups do decide to split up at any point, Chicago’s public transportation options make it easy to reconnect with one another at the end of the day.
Dallas, Texas
Connecting over 40 million passengers annually to their destinations in both the U.S. and abroad, Dallas-Fort Worth is another busy and well-connected airport. In particular, DFW mainly serves American Airlines and, despite its considerable size, is rather easy to navigate. Travelers who have flown in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth note that the airport operates quite efficiently compared to other hubs its size, and its employees also boast a touch of that classic Southern charm, having earned a reputation for their exceptional customer service in recent years. If that doesn’t sound like a seamless experience, we don’t know what does!
Once there, Dallas itself is a relatively affordable destination for group travel, compared to other major cities. Family-friendly attractions like the Dallas Zoo, Arboretum or Botanical Gardens make this ideal for the young ones, while entertaining activities such as sipping drinks along the Margarita Mile, shopping at the Dallas Galleria or cheering on the famed Dallas Cowboys are great for the adventurous adults.
Denver, Colorado
The Denver airport has popular airline choices like United, Frontier and Southwest, offering a good variety of nonstop flights out of the city. Consisting of three concourses, DEN is a large airport in the U.S., though its underground train system connecting these areas makes it a more enjoyable travel experience.
The Mile High City is a flexible destination for groups, emphasizing outdoor activities in each season like hiking or skiing. The nearby Rocky Mountains, vibrant arts scene and eclectic downtown area are all fantastic spots to explore the best of Denver without breaking the bank. Additionally, while some hotels in the city offer a more standard layout, others are getting innovative with their room configurations, utilizing arrangements like bunk beds to accommodate families or groups. These lodging spaces help to cut down on room costs, too.
Nashville, Tennessee
A true embodiment of small but mighty, Nashville’s airport is on the up with recent domestic expansions and a growing world-class reputation. In 2023, BNA was ranked 19th in the world for flight punctuality, and in 2024, JD Power’s North American Airport Satisfaction Study noted that the hub was one of the best for customer service. The airport also reached a milestone of nonstop service to 100 destinations with recent domestic additions including Spirit Airlines to Cleveland, Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Myrtle Beach, San Antonio and Savannah; Frontier Airlines to Cleveland; and Avelo Airlines to Boston, Charlotte and Rochester, NY.
Of course, Nashville needs little explaining as to why it’s a recommended spot for group travelers. From nights out in one of the city’s many famed country bars and visiting historic attractions like Dollywood, Graceland and the Grand Ole Opry to outdoor activities at Radnor Lake State Park, there’s plenty of unique ways for visitors to immerse themselves in Nashville’s hustle and bustle.
Salt Lake City, Utah
According to AirHelp, an online flight compensation service, its annual report ranking the world’s best airports has placed Salt Lake City International at eighth place globally. With its convenient location for visitors from all around the U.S. and easy-to-navigate layout, it’s a no-brainer why SLC landed this prestigious honor. In addition to its growing list of recognitions, the airport is known for its punctuality, with 84% of its flights arriving on time — a gold standard that will likely extend to the airport’s newest terminal, which is slated for completion in 2026.
On top of all these added perks of flying into SLC, the airport is also conveniently located 10-15 minutes away from downtown, giving travelers unbeatable access to the city center. Whether it’s hiking and mountain biking in Big Cottonwood Canyon, sipping through a brewery tour or kicking back at a Utah Jazz NBA game, Salt Lake is teeming with group-friendly activities.
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