Top Picks: Best Destinations for Group Trips in 2024

Thinking about planning a group trip? We’ve got you covered.  Let’s explore the best destinations worldwide for culture, history, food, adventure, or simply relaxing with your tribe. Here are our top picks for the best destinations for group trips in 2024.

Journey Through Time

Historical destinations and attractions pique our interests and draw us into past times and places.

If you’re considering a historical adventure in 2024, go big!  Marvel at the Grand Colosseum during a group trip to Rome. Explore the intricate tombs and temples of Luxor, Egypt, and unravel the secrets of a bygone era. Or wander through the charming streets of Old Town Prague and its medieval allure.

Visit the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens and imagine life in 447 B.C. amidst ancient ruins. Or experience the serene beauty of Kyoto’s stunning shrines and gardens.

International travel to Italy, Egypt, Greece, Prague, and Japan are excellent choices for history-loving groups.  Each has an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other important historical highlights.

PRO TIP: Check for augmented reality (AR) apps at historical attractions that allow you to experience the site as it was.

Add a Little Adventure to Your Group Trip

Thrill seekers looking for the next adventure will love these top picks!

Antarctica is quickly becoming a favorite destination for group adventures.  Take a cruise to this exquisitely isolated region and enjoy pristine, snow-covered landscapes, deep blue waters, towering glaciers, and regal penguins.

Plan a warm-weather excursion to see the famous Big Five on safari at Kruger National Park in South Africa. Witness the awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, Tanzania, where millions of animals traverse the plains.

Explore the rich and diverse ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, offering unique wildlife encounters. Observe orangutans in the lush rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia. Or dive into the mesmerizing underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, a paradise for marine life enthusiasts.

Each of these top picks is action-packed and perfect for adrenaline junkies!

Enjoy Authentic Cultural Experiences

Today’s traveler is a bit more sophisticated than previous generations of travelers.  We expect more than just a cookie-cutter trip with standard stops.  We want to soak in the local culture and feel that we are part of it!

Countless places across the globe welcome travelers, but these are a few that really make their destinations feel like home.

Cambodia has a surprisingly diverse landscape – anything from jungles to beaches and rice paddies to ancient ruins.  Here you’ll find charming little cities like Kampong Cham and bustling, big-city vibes in places like Siem Reap (which just happens to be the gateway to the ruins of Angkor.)

Take in a sunrise at Angkor Wat and wrap up with the Naga fireballs at dusk on the Mekong River – taking in the rich beauty of the people and the places during the hours between.

Cuba was off-limits for so long that sometimes we forget to put it on our travel lists.  However, Cuba’s cultural heritage is bursting with music, art, architecture, and tradition. Havanna’s vibrant jazz scene energizes while expressive lithographic artists inspire us.

Visit Ernest Hemmingway’s La Finca Vigía, explore Cuba’s massive, Renaissance-era fortresses, or revive your spirit among the magnificent vistas of Viñales Valley National Monument.

Learn the art of smoking a cigar, take part in the Santiago de Cuba Carnival, or give back through a service project.

PRO TIP: Practice sustainability in the destinations you visit.  Shop small, use eco-friendly transportation, and carry a refillable water bottle when possible.

Practice Responsible Tourism

Whet Your Appetite with These Foodie Favorites

If variety is the spice of life, then these destinations will be a well-seasoned addition to any culinary group trip.

Barcelona sits along the warm waters of the Mediterranean Coast.  Here you’ll find restaurants on every quaint side street and sun-dappled square.  Local Catalan producers peddle their wares at fresh food markets and tucked-away tapas bars serve some of the best light bites and beverages in the world.

Hop on a food tour that blends history and haute cuisine or award-winning wine and plenty of paella. Barcelona will win the hearts of even the ficklest foodies!

New York City was built to impress, and the food scene here reflects its larger-than-life attitude. It’s a literal boiling pot of cultures, flavors, traditions, and a dash of ingenuity. Wander into a cozy Italian deli or reserve a spot at one of countless Michelin-starred restaurants.

Grab a huge slice of thin pizza and fold it like a true New Yorker.  Hit up a Jewish deli for the best bagel of your life or snag a hot dog from a street vendor (there’s one on every corner!)

Simple or extravagant, there’s a dining experience for every taste.

Tokyo boasts the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, making it the “Food Capital of the World.” Along with modern art and ancient architecture, the city seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary cuisine.

Discover the delicate nuances of flavor and traditional preparation of some of Tokyo’s finest foods.  Head downtown for a fried dumpling, then make a savory stop for sushi.  Try a classic street croquette followed by some Matcha ice cream.

Wherever your Tokyo travels take your group, you’ll find flavors as unique as the city itself. Oh- and don’t forget the sake!

PRO TIP: make the most of the experience by doing a little homework ahead of time.  Research the hot spots on your bucket list so you don’t miss a thing.

Relax and Unwind on a Beach Getaway

If your travel tribe is simply looking to unplug for a while, check out these magnificent beach getaways…

Unwind on the pristine shores of Seychelles, explore hidden coves along the Algarve coast, and experience the vibrant beach culture of Phuket. Relax at luxurious beachfront resorts in the Maldives and bask in the serenity of Zanzibar’s beaches. These top beach destinations offer the perfect escape for group trips.

From lounging on picturesque beaches to enjoying water sports and coastal walks, they are the ideal setting for unwinding and rejuvenating amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Make the Most of Your Group Trips in 2024

Make the most of your group trips in 2024 by making it memorable for everyone.  Keep regional weather patterns in mind when picking travel dates and choose group-friendly accommodations and dining.

PRO TIP: Try adding an unexpected experience or other special touch to your group itinerary.  For a little inspiration, check out Make Your Group Trips Memorable with Thoughtful Touches.

Prioritize safety, security, and access to health care along with an emergency plan for unexpected challenges.

Embrace cultural diversity and inclusivity in your destination and within your travel group.  Consider accessibility to attractions, transportation, and navigation that works for everyone.

Finally, start planning your group trip well in advance.  With a little forethought and careful consideration, your 2024 group trip will be an unforgettable experience!