• Home
  • Adventure Travel Blog
    • Destinations
    • The Great Outdoors
      • Hiking
      • Camping
    • National Parks
    • Unique Stays
    • Gear Guides
    • Travel Tips
  • About Me
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Media Kit
  • Get in Touch

Chasing Trail

Chasing Trail

Destinations, Travel Tips
/
September 25, 2024

Best Places to Travel With Friends | 3 Terrific Trip Ideas

Dozens of boats on shore with waves crashing in Sri Lanka, one of the best places to visit with friends

Wondering about the best places to travel with friends? You’re in the right place! Travel expert Tyla Oliver brings us this fun guest post with the top three destinations for traveling with friends, along with tips and tricks for ensuring it goes smoothly!


From early morning hikes to late-night partying overseas and paddleboarding in the Canadian Rockies, trips with friends are adventures like no other.

With your passport, carefully selected travel gear, and a close-knit friend group at your side, you’ll be able to craft lifelong memories with some of your closest compadres.

While exploring some of the best places to travel with friends might seem like a daunting experience, you’ll be well-equipped for your trip with some destination inspiration and travel hacks.

From an adrenaline-infused Emerald Cave kayaking tour to simply sleeping the day away with a hangover, a best friends’ trip is a kaleidoscope of different adventures.

Unsure how to unearth the hidden gems of the ultimate places to travel with friends? Take a look at the best places to go with your friends to ensure you have an unforgettable trip!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission — at no cost to you — if you click or make a purchase through any of them. For more information, read my disclosure statement. I appreciate you!

Jump ahead to:

  • Best Vacation for Friends | Cities & Countries to Visit
    • Amsterdam: The All-Rounder Choice
    • Las Vegas: The Party & Adventure Choice
    • Sri Lanka: The Tropical & Chill Choice
  • Tips & Tricks for Travel With Friends
  • Final Thoughts on Places to Travel With Friends

Best Vacation for Friends | Cities & Countries to Visit

Whether you’re craving a quaint setting or a vibrant city filled with life and color, you’ll have a blast discovering the nooks and crannies of urban spaces with your friends.

Take a look at a few exceptional destination options to get the ball rolling for the perfect pal-cation trips for best friends.

Bonus: spending time with friends and exploring are both beneficial self love habits!

Canal buildings in Amsterdam, one of the best places to travel with friends
Photo credit: Liene Ratniece on Pexels

Amsterdam: The All-Rounder Choice

The taste of delicious street food, charming waters of the canals, and sweet smells from a flower market — Amsterdam is a tapestry of sensations waiting to be explored.

From the iconic cultural museums to the ever-famous cannabis-infused sweet treats at coffee shops, the capital of the Netherlands is a fantastic find like no other.

While accommodation is quite expensive in this magical city, you and your friends will find plenty of traveler hostel stays to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. 

What could be better than having a nostalgic sleepover experience (many times, even equipped with bunk beds!) to swap travel war stories after a long day of traveling?

Plus, there are many awesome FREE things to do in Amsterdam!

Top Group Excursion: A pillar of the hop-filled history of an uber-famous brewery, the Heineken Experience is sure to be a crowd favorite with your travel crew. From a sneak peek into the beer brewing process to a frothy taster at the end of the tour, this excursion is a treat to experience.

Local tip (pun intended!): Tipping in Amsterdam is somewhat different from what you may be accustomed to. For example, you generally don’t tip for every drink or round ordered at a bar. Instead, you tip a few euros at the end of the evening.  

The iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign in one of the best places to travel with friends

Las Vegas: The Party & Adventure Choice

As they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except for the memories, of course! With a nickname like Sin City, you’ll be able to experience a surprising range of interesting and exciting activities with your travel buddies.

Whether it’s the loud jingles of a winning slot machine, a killer performance from a famous singer at a Las Vegas show, or an outdoor adventure, you’ll soon be transfixed by the melodies of this city.

Pssst…looking for a unique way to take a break from the neon lights of The Strip? Consider taking a half-day trip to kayak Emerald Cave, just one hour away!

If you’re looking for a hot deal (in terms of both very warm weather and low hotel prices), June to August is a great time to pack your bags and head for the Mojave Desert.

And if you’re specifically looking for one of the best places to travel with friends on a budget, here it is! Not only can you do Sin City cheap, but you can get there without spending much, either, especially if your group takes a bus to Las Vegas.

As a bonus, Vegas is less than three hours from Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree, making it a prime spot to reach by a private flight Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Closer to town, you also have the option of touring Hoover Dam. 

Top Group Excursion: A breath of fresh air from neon and late nights, Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire State Park are both worth visiting. A fun trip to take with friends, you’ll find hikes filled with sandstone rock formations and hidden waterfalls. Remember, bring lots of water, even in winter!

People relaxing on a beach in Sri Lanka, one of the best places to travel with friends
Photo credit: olga-filo on Pixabay

Sri Lanka: The Tropical & Chill Choice

Are you looking for the lush tropics of Hawaii and Thailand without the sea of tourists and soaring accommodation prices? Sri Lanka is a beach paradise destination sure to be high on any best place to travel with friends list.

This dazzling Asian country is known for producing an abundance of different sights and activities to tickle any traveler’s fancy. From the fragrant aromas of Ceylon tea plantations to the gentle giants of elephant sanctuaries, Sri Lanka provides a layered trip filled with treasured experiences.

Make your way to the hippie haven of Hikkaduwa on the West Coast to experience the life of sea, sand, and sunshine. From November to April, surfers rejoice due to the epic surf breaks found during this time.

Top Group Excursion: A must-visit destination rather than an excursion, a few days in the town of Tangalle in the South is the ultimate stay for the beach bum lifestyle.

With stunning secluded beaches and quaint restaurants, this town is perfect for a lazy vacation with best friends—but there are also tons of fun things to do in Tangalle.

A bridge over a canal in Amsterdam, one of the best places to travel with friends
Photo credit: zwaan6 on Pixabay

Tips & Tricks for Travel With Friends

While it might be tempting to set sail with your friends overseas, a vacation with your close clan sometimes makes or breaks a holiday — and a friendship. To ensure you keep the peace between pals, take a look at a few essential pre-planning guidelines.

  • Plan in advance – While planning travel isn’t always easy, the stakes are much higher when you add friends to the mix. By crafting a group vacation plan in advance, you’ll ensure many key travel components are handled, such as the destination and accommodation.
  • Use an app to help – These days, we have endless tools and resources to help plan travel. Especially when it comes to friend trips, group travel planning apps like Tab or TripSplitter can be a tremendous help. 
  • Determine your budget – Whether you’re looking to swim in the lap of luxury travel or ballin’ on a budget, you need to be on the same page with your fellow travelers. From there, decide if you’ll pool finances or pay separately. This is another way travel apps can help!
  • Travel with the right people – A breezy break can quickly turn into a storm of awkward tension if you’re not traveling with close friends. While this definitely isn’t always the case, you’re more likely to know what’s in store if you’ve known your travel group for a long time. Have an open communication policy throughout your trip to ensure no underlying negativity.
Red Rock Canyon State Park in Nevada, one of the best places to go with friends
Photo credit: esudroff on Pixabay

WANT MORE FRIEND-FOCUSED TRAVEL INSPO?

  • 13 Towns Similar to Asheville
  • Best Fall Hikes in Colorado
  • Guide to Whitewater Rafting in Yellowstone National Park
  • Outdoor Activities in New Orleans
  • Best Places to Go Glamping in Montana

Final Thoughts on Places to Travel With Friends

From bustling beaches to sanctuaries of solitude, the best places to travel with friends are beautiful opportunities to explore exotic locations and solidify friendships.

Whether you choose boozy Las Vegas or the tranquil tides of Sri Lanka, the destination won’t matter, but rather the people you embark on new journeys with.

So there you have it, three of the best places to travel with friends. Do you have any recommendations we missed? Comment below or connect with us on social media to let us know!

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
TAGS:adventure traveltravel tips
Pin this Post
Share this Post
0 Comments
Leave a Comment
Taryn

Taryn is happiest when she's outside and always up for an adventure — especially if it involves a hike, sunset, road trip, or limited cell service.

You May Also Like...

Telluride Camping Guide + 10 Epic Campsites Near Telluride

June 5, 2024

8 Jaw-Dropping Things to do at the Royal Gorge Colorado

May 12, 2025

How to Drive Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

May 14, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Aster Falls & Paradise Point: Glacier National Park Hike
Next Post
18 Best Hiking Leggings for Women | Ultimate 2025 Guide
Hi, I’m Taryn!

Hi, I’m Taryn!

I travel extensively, hike kind of a lot, am a champion of the underdog, definitely don't identify as 'indoorsy,' have a serious love affair with glamping, believe life largely revolves around eating and drinking well, and I'm a wannabe photographer. If any of that resonates with you, let's connect!

Let’s connect on Instagram!

That time @westernwhiptailadventures took us to watch sunrise on the moon, featuring an elusive photo of me AND my husband.

#capitolreefcountry #utahisrad #utahgram #utahrocks #moonscapeoverlook #shetravels
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
That time @westernwhiptailadventures took us to watch sunrise on the moon, featuring an elusive photo of me AND my husband. #capitolreefcountry #utahisrad #utahgram #utahrocks #moonscapeoverlook #shetravels
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
Kennaday Peak Lookout is one of just a handful of fire towers in Wyoming you can spend the night in (as you can see, though, it's been vandalized and trashed - I'm not sure I'd personally feel safe up here overnight). This one is unique in that you can drive right up to it.

Fire lookouts are unfortunately fading from existence as drones and other modern technology replace them, so I'm always stoked to explore one, especially when you can see the inside...and even more especially when there's no one around to have to share it with 🙌

Have you ever seen the inside of a fire lookout?

Thank you to @discovercarboncountywy and @wyoming.outdoor.adventures for sending me off on this solo adventure! 

#firelookout #wyoming #thatswy #medicinebow #brushcreek #firetower
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
Kennaday Peak Lookout is one of just a handful of fire towers in Wyoming you can spend the night in (as you can see, though, it's been vandalized and trashed - I'm not sure I'd personally feel safe up here overnight). This one is unique in that you can drive right up to it. Fire lookouts are unfortunately fading from existence as drones and other modern technology replace them, so I'm always stoked to explore one, especially when you can see the inside...and even more especially when there's no one around to have to share it with 🙌 Have you ever seen the inside of a fire lookout? Thank you to @discovercarboncountywy and @wyoming.outdoor.adventures for sending me off on this solo adventure! #firelookout #wyoming #thatswy #medicinebow #brushcreek #firetower
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
One of the most memorable sunrises I've ever seen - and I'm a sunrise gal who's seen a LOT of 'em.

📍Moonscape Overlook, Utah

#southernutah #capitolreef #capitolreefnationalpark #moonscape #moonscapeoverlook #capitolreefcountry
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
One of the most memorable sunrises I've ever seen - and I'm a sunrise gal who's seen a LOT of 'em. 📍Moonscape Overlook, Utah #southernutah #capitolreef #capitolreefnationalpark #moonscape #moonscapeoverlook #capitolreefcountry
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
"The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man" - Harold Allen

Got to play in Wyoming's Medicine Bow range last week, exploring solo in this beast at nearly 11,000 feet. There is no better therapy or stronger medicine. 

#thatswy #wynot #medicinebownationalforest #saratoga #womenwhoexplore #firetower
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
"The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man" - Harold Allen Got to play in Wyoming's Medicine Bow range last week, exploring solo in this beast at nearly 11,000 feet. There is no better therapy or stronger medicine. #thatswy #wynot #medicinebownationalforest #saratoga #womenwhoexplore #firetower
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@_chasingtrail

Snag My Travel Essentials

product_title_1

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel - 55L

product_title_2

CamelBak Women's Sequoia 24 Hydration Pack

product_title_3

Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket

product_title_4

Athleta Trekkie North Joggers

product_title_5

Darn Tough Vermont Hike/Trek Wool Socks

RSS RSS Feed

  • The 15 Best Hikes in Moab Utah You Don’t Want to Miss
  • 21 Best Fall Hikes in Colorado From Easy to Challenging
  • The Wave Arizona Lottery: Winning a Permit in 2025
  • 25 Epic Bucket List Arizona Adventures
  • Best Places to Stay in Oahu for Couples + 25 Oahu Date Ideas
  • 15 Stunning Great Smoky Mountain Waterfalls
  • 31 Best East Coast Hikes for Your 2025 Bucket List
  • 11 of the Best South Dakota Badlands Hikes
  • 16 Most Stunning Underrated National Parks in the US
  • Running Eagle Falls (AKA Trick Falls): Easy Hike in Glacier
  • The 15 Best Hikes in Moab Utah You Don’t Want to Miss

    September 1, 2025
  • 21 Best Fall Hikes in Colorado From Easy to Challenging

    August 16, 2025
  • The Wave Arizona Lottery: Winning a Permit in 2025

    July 18, 2025

Follow Along @_chasingtrail

That time @westernwhiptailadventures took us to watch sunrise on the moon, featuring an elusive photo of me AND my husband.

#capitolreefcountry #utahisrad #utahgram #utahrocks #moonscapeoverlook #shetravels
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
That time @westernwhiptailadventures took us to watch sunrise on the moon, featuring an elusive photo of me AND my husband. #capitolreefcountry #utahisrad #utahgram #utahrocks #moonscapeoverlook #shetravels
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Kennaday Peak Lookout is one of just a handful of fire towers in Wyoming you can spend the night in (as you can see, though, it's been vandalized and trashed - I'm not sure I'd personally feel safe up here overnight). This one is unique in that you can drive right up to it.

Fire lookouts are unfortunately fading from existence as drones and other modern technology replace them, so I'm always stoked to explore one, especially when you can see the inside...and even more especially when there's no one around to have to share it with 🙌

Have you ever seen the inside of a fire lookout?

Thank you to @discovercarboncountywy and @wyoming.outdoor.adventures for sending me off on this solo adventure! 

#firelookout #wyoming #thatswy #medicinebow #brushcreek #firetower
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
Kennaday Peak Lookout is one of just a handful of fire towers in Wyoming you can spend the night in (as you can see, though, it's been vandalized and trashed - I'm not sure I'd personally feel safe up here overnight). This one is unique in that you can drive right up to it. Fire lookouts are unfortunately fading from existence as drones and other modern technology replace them, so I'm always stoked to explore one, especially when you can see the inside...and even more especially when there's no one around to have to share it with 🙌 Have you ever seen the inside of a fire lookout? Thank you to @discovercarboncountywy and @wyoming.outdoor.adventures for sending me off on this solo adventure! #firelookout #wyoming #thatswy #medicinebow #brushcreek #firetower
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
One of the most memorable sunrises I've ever seen - and I'm a sunrise gal who's seen a LOT of 'em.

📍Moonscape Overlook, Utah

#southernutah #capitolreef #capitolreefnationalpark #moonscape #moonscapeoverlook #capitolreefcountry
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
One of the most memorable sunrises I've ever seen - and I'm a sunrise gal who's seen a LOT of 'em. 📍Moonscape Overlook, Utah #southernutah #capitolreef #capitolreefnationalpark #moonscape #moonscapeoverlook #capitolreefcountry
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
"The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man" - Harold Allen

Got to play in Wyoming's Medicine Bow range last week, exploring solo in this beast at nearly 11,000 feet. There is no better therapy or stronger medicine. 

#thatswy #wynot #medicinebownationalforest #saratoga #womenwhoexplore #firetower
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
"The trail leads not merely north and south, but up to the body, mind, and soul of man" - Harold Allen Got to play in Wyoming's Medicine Bow range last week, exploring solo in this beast at nearly 11,000 feet. There is no better therapy or stronger medicine. #thatswy #wynot #medicinebownationalforest #saratoga #womenwhoexplore #firetower
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
I don't often get personal on my socials, but this deserves a spot on the permanent feed.

It's my husband's birthday, which gives me the perfect opportunity (excuse) to brag on him. He doesn't even have social media anymore, though, so he won't even see this! 🤣 Steven recently left a job he'd been at for 16 years, sacrificing something huge in the process: time. He acquired a whopping seven weeks of PTO (a huge factor in us surviving long distance for multiple years!) and knew he'd lose it starting with a new company. But he felt more and more like a soulless number, and the environment was toxic. He came home miserable, exhausted, and irritable, and those same feelings haunted him on his days off, dreading going back. 

He got everything he wanted in the new company - minus the time off, of course. We discussed it at length and ultimately decided we'd find creative ways to maximize PTO. NO job is worth feeling like that, worth letting it drastically affect your life around the clock. I'm incredibly proud of him...and actively looking for easy weekend travel destinations 😉

That's just one of the things I love most about this guy - he stands up for what he believes in and would do absolutely anything for his family. I guess that's two things...

Happy birthday my love, my BFF, my knight in shining armor, my adventure buddy, my lucky charm 🎉🎂❤️
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
I don't often get personal on my socials, but this deserves a spot on the permanent feed. It's my husband's birthday, which gives me the perfect opportunity (excuse) to brag on him. He doesn't even have social media anymore, though, so he won't even see this! 🤣 Steven recently left a job he'd been at for 16 years, sacrificing something huge in the process: time. He acquired a whopping seven weeks of PTO (a huge factor in us surviving long distance for multiple years!) and knew he'd lose it starting with a new company. But he felt more and more like a soulless number, and the environment was toxic. He came home miserable, exhausted, and irritable, and those same feelings haunted him on his days off, dreading going back. He got everything he wanted in the new company - minus the time off, of course. We discussed it at length and ultimately decided we'd find creative ways to maximize PTO. NO job is worth feeling like that, worth letting it drastically affect your life around the clock. I'm incredibly proud of him...and actively looking for easy weekend travel destinations 😉 That's just one of the things I love most about this guy - he stands up for what he believes in and would do absolutely anything for his family. I guess that's two things... Happy birthday my love, my BFF, my knight in shining armor, my adventure buddy, my lucky charm 🎉🎂❤️
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Playing tourist in places I know extremely well = one of my favorite things.

Even if you're not into architecture, an architecture river tour is a must in Chicago. It's such a beautiful city with a fascinating history, and seeing it from this perspective is unforgettable. We went with @shorelinesightseeing (and had an amazing guide - shoutout to Andrew!), but there are also several other choices.

.
.
.
.
.

#chicago #chicagogram #chicagoarchitecture #windycity #midwestmoment #touristythings
_chasingtrail
_chasingtrail
•
Follow
Playing tourist in places I know extremely well = one of my favorite things. Even if you're not into architecture, an architecture river tour is a must in Chicago. It's such a beautiful city with a fascinating history, and seeing it from this perspective is unforgettable. We went with @shorelinesightseeing (and had an amazing guide - shoutout to Andrew!), but there are also several other choices. . . . . . #chicago #chicagogram #chicagoarchitecture #windycity #midwestmoment #touristythings
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions

COPYRIGHT CHASING TRAIL © 2024 | As a participant in the Amazon Associates program, this site earns income from qualifying purchases Site Powered by Pix & Hue.