Group travel can pose its own unique set of challenges for both advisors and the vacationers, as the conglomerate of age, gender and interests can create conflicting preferences. Instead of attempting to organize a trip around these obstacles, themed itineraries can help narrow down the focus of the trip while providing travelers the opportunity to explore on their own. In need of some inspiration? Check out these domestic and international suggestions for your next group getaway.
Wellness
For those with a little more time to spare in their schedules, Rishikesh, India, possesses a captivating energy that leaves visitors feeling irrevocably changed and refreshed. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills along the holy Ganges River, Rishikesh has earned its reputation as a wellness destination because it’s not only the birthplace of yoga, but it’s also home to world-class spiritual centers and retreats.
Practitioners in Rishikesh utilize a holistic approach to health through Ayurvedic medicine, seeking to balance the body, mind and spirit through natural treatments. With wellness operating as the city’s beating heart, groups will find packages for shared experiences highly accessible, allowing everyone to participate in activities such as cleansing ceremonies, guided tours to temples and meditation.
A more localized alternative can be found in Sedona, Arizona. The city is often cited as having a reputation for its holistic healing culture, and a large part of that comes from its surrounding vortices. Sedona’s tourism page describes them as “swirling centers of the earth’s energy emanating all around,” which promotes healing and self-discovery.
Group-friendly resorts and accommodations are in abundance here, offering mindful activities like yoga, reiki, sound baths, spa treatments and guided hikes through Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon. The spiritual communities embedded into the local wellness culture, in addition to Sedona’s stunning red rock formations, will help visitors find some inner peace and return home feeling rejuvenated.
Food & Drink
Let’s eat! Foodies who enjoy dining together and tasting the bold flavors of new destinations are in for a treat in San Sebastián, Spain. The resort town on the Bay of Biscay is internationally recognized for its culinary scene, as San Sebastián boasts an impressive number of renowned and innovative chefs putting their creative twists on traditional Basque foods. In fact, the city is home to a combined 16 Michelin stars from its restaurants. Complementing this fine-dining experience, San Sebastián is also known for its pintxos (small bites) bars, which are famous for pairing local wines with regional specialties, particularly in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) area. The nature of the pintxos makes the city an ideal spot for groups to barhop, sampling local dishes or partaking in cooking classes.
Similarly, the bustling city of Charleston, South Carolina, has an incredibly dynamic culinary landscape, appealing to all types of groups. Food tours and mixology classes get travelers hands-on with the city’s gastronomy, while many award-winning restaurants offer private dining experiences. Charleston, with its southern hospitality, walkable streets and historical attractions, is sure to keep visitors of any age entertained during their stay.
Art & Culture
With all the buzz around immersive cultural experiences and art appreciation from travelers, how is it even possible to narrow down the list to two recommendations? Well, it’s not, but Kyoto, Japan, is a great place to start!
It's a vibrant destination that once acted as Japan’s former capital city for over a thousand years, and just as many artists have flocked here to support the city’s ongoing cultural developments and shifts. As a result, visitors will find that Kyoto houses much of Japan’s art history, seamlessly blending heritage and contemporary works, and making it an intriguing place to uncover. The city’s layout is conducive for guided walking or biking tours, and centuries-old temples, tea ceremonies, festivals, museums and architecture are some of the experiences groups can look forward to.
Back in the states, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is an unsuspecting hub for art and culture. Traditional, contemporary, outdoor, indoor, immersive or intimate — if there’s a niche travelers are interested in, it’s here. Canyon Road is arguably the city’s most famous art district, as it’s long been the hub for creators and houses over 80 galleries. Additionally, areas like The Plaza offer several museums, including the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, while The Railyard features edgier gallery spaces.
Aside from the thriving art scene, visitors will notice Indigenous, Spanish and American influences interwoven into the city’s architectural style, traditions and food, making these areas ideal for heritage exploration. This domestic destination accommodates groups of travelers well, as activities like studio tours, museums and Native American cultural experiences are designed to cater to large parties.
Historical & Educational
Where history as a systematic study quite literally originated from, Athens, Greece, is the perfect fit for an educational endeavor. Famous attractions like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Panathenaic Stadium capture the essence of this ancient city, depicting the formative stories of war, national identity and cultural heritage.
Even though the city today is far more developed than the presence of these ancient structures would suggest, visitors will still stumble across protected ruins all throughout Athens, providing them more opportunities to learn. Seeing as the city itself is a museum, walking tours are popular for travelers and easily bookable by groups. A range of hotel options in the city makes lodging rather accommodating for a variety of trip budgets.
Alternatively, our nation’s capital is an easy pick for a U.S. destination rooted in history. While many visitors might be familiar with iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial or the United States Capitol, not many are aware of the nitty-gritty details about each place.
Touring these attractions in addition to memorials, Smithsonian museums and art galleries will highlight some of the more nuanced pieces of U.S. history that travelers never knew they missed out on. Not only is purchasing group tickets for these activities extremely intuitive, but Washington D.C. has a well-developed public transportation system because of its prominence as a political epicenter, making group travel especially accessible.
Adventure
The self-proclaimed “Adventure Capital of the World,” adventurers have no shortage of options when it comes to Queenstown, New Zealand. The destination sits on the shore of South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, against the Southern Alps, creating diverse landscapes that encourage unlimited outdoor experiences. Activities like bungee jumping, jetboating, hiking and skiing keep visitors active all year round, no matter their preferences. Queenstown is highly accommodating towards groups, with its range in itinerary options and diverse venues appealing to any and all adventurers.
Of course, if we’re talking adrenaline-inducing destinations back in the U.S., Moab, Utah, is a top contender. The city’s proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks is great for group-friendly activities such as jeep tours, mountain biking or even whitewater rafting. Its previously established reputation for adventure also means that many tour operators cater to groups with guided activities and transportation, making it easier to book excursions together. Nearby campgrounds and city hotels create flexible lodging options for guests as well.
Pop Culture
Many of our beloved pop culture moments have roots in London, making this destination across the pond worthy of a visit for American travelers. A tour of the Warner Bros. Studio provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the “Harry Potter” films, while a Beatles walking tour will have visitors taking a musical trip down memory lane.
In addition to acting as the filming locations for “Bridgerton,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “James Bond” and many more critically acclaimed film and TV productions, London is bursting with music tours, theater productions and literary experiences to round out the pop culture theme. Groups will find London particularly easy to navigate, as public transportation, walking tours and multi-day passes streamline the day-to-day logistics.
Back on home turf, Los Angeles, California, is the epitome of American pop culture. Studio tours, live tapings of shows, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive are a handful of the iconic options that have propelled the city to stardom. Because of Los Angeles’ general popularity among travelers and its Hollywood reputation, tours and lodging can accommodate groups of many different sizes.
Beach Escapes
What’s more fitting for a group beach vacation than a trip to Tulum, Mexico? With white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, shimmering turquoise waters and palm tree-lined coasts, utter relaxation is within reach. In line with Tulum’s growth in tourism, a variety of upscale villas, boutique hotels and breathtaking all-inclusives welcomes visitors, giving groups, families and couples an abundance of options to choose from. The good times never cease in Tulum, as exploring the Mayan ruins, swimming through cenotes and dining on local cuisine make for the perfect beach getaway.
Domestically, Outer Banks, North Carolina, is an underrated destination for beach-themed vacations. The string of barrier islands off the state’s coast is home to some of the most stunning (and quiet) beaches, offering low-key group activities like wild horse tours, beach bonfires and kiteboarding. Outer Banks’ reputation as a summer escape also means that vacation rentals are accessible for groups who book far enough in advance.
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