Being with friends makes traveling more fun and memorable. Even if you think that you already know your friends well, you’ll be surprised to discover things that you didn’t know before you got to travel together. The time spent traveling with your friends will strengthen your bond and friendship.
If you plan to take a vacation with your group of friends, check out some of the fun places to travel with friends in this article. We will also give you a few ideas on how to prepare for a group trip with friends to the must-see places in the USA.
Preparing for a Group Trip with Friends
To make sure that everyone will enjoy the trip as a group, here are some of the things you should consider and prepare for when traveling with friends.
1. Select a coordinator of the group.
Assign who will lead and coordinate all the matters that need to be decided on for the group trip. This person will serve as the group’s coordinator who will play an essential role in the overall coordination from booking plane tickets, accommodation, and scheduling of activities.
2. Determine the group’s interests and goals.
Make a list of all the interests of the people in the group. This will serve as a guide to planning the destination and activities. Identify group travel goals. This will also help you choose whether you will explore arts and culture, do outdoor adventures, go on educational trips, or chill with indoor activities. Choose your destination as a group to make sure that everyone agrees with the plan.
3. Create a loose itinerary of your schedule and activities.
To maximize your time during the group vacation, set an itinerary from the time you leave your starting point to the time of return. Take note that this itinerary doesn’t have to be set in stone. It should be open to adjustments especially when things don’t go according to plan.
4. Set a budget.
Set the group travel budget for airfare, transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. Make sure that everyone brings their own pocket money for personal use and to cover any additional or emergency expenses.
>> Enjoy some snacks while on the road with a bag of chips.
5. Check the season.
The best places to visit in the USA by month may vary depending on the season. Knowing the specific season will give your group ideas about what to expect for the entire trip, including what activities you can and cannot do.
6. Find the best deals when booking tickets and accommodations.
Be sure to book your airline tickets and accommodations ahead of time. Early booking will give you cheaper airfare and accommodation fees. Some airlines and destinations also offer great discounts when booking for a group.
Best Group Destinations in the USA
Some of the fun places to travel with friends are New York City, Grand Canyon, and Oahu. These are commonly included in the must-see places in the USA.
New York City, New York
Located in the northeastern part of the USA, New York City is probably one of the most fun places to travel with friends. It is considered the world’s financial and cultural capital. With a whopping 8.3 million population, it is one of the world’s most populous megacities.
The city of New York has many things to offer its visitors. There are various places to visit in the city. Don’t miss the famous Times Square, one of the busiest places for pedestrians in the world. It is famous for electric ads, theaters, shopping, and dining.
While in New York, you can visit the One World Observatory, the tallest building in North America. Here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from 1,250 ft. above ground. If you and your friends are into arts, you must visit the Guggenheim Museum to enjoy impressionist, early modern, and contemporary art exhibitions.
While you’re in the city, check out the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the main tourist spots in NYC. Other popular spots include Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty. These are just a few places that make New York one of the coolest cities in the US.
The best time to visit New York is from April to June, and from November to December as the city turns to its festive mode. The ideal length of stay in the city is five days. A week’s stay in NYC can cost more than $1,600 per person.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon can be found in the state of Arizona. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and boasts of picturesque rock formations that are millions of years old. Aside from the spectacular views at the Grand Canyon, there are so many fun things to do in the area, making it one of the fun places to visit with friends.
Marvel at the colorful rock formations at the Grand Canyon National Park and hike along the walking trails specifically designed for tourists. You and your friends can also take a helicopter tour or a mule ride. You can experience a rafting tour along the Colorado River.
A week’s stay in the Grand Canyon would cost approximately $910 per person. Temperatures are cool from March to May and from September to November, making it an ideal time to visit the place.
Oahu, Hawaii
If you are looking for a fun island getaway, Oahu is one of the fun places to visit with friends. It is one of the most visited islands in Hawaii, known for the world-renowned Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. Tourists on the island can enjoy the pristine beaches and fantastic mountain views where you can feel one with nature.
Take a short hike in the Lanikai Pillbox to see the amazing view of Lanikai Beach and the nearby mountains. Explore Maunawili Falls to experience cliff diving, visit Makapu’u Lighthouse, and see humpback whales. Try surfing on the North Shore with its huge waves. You can also visit the Black Rock Beach and Kualoa Ranch, the filming site of some famous movies. You won’t run out of things to do when in Oahu.
The best time to visit Oahu is from April to June when the weather is beautiful. You can also visit from September to December when the island is less crowded. A week’s stay in Oahu would cost about $1,862 per person.
Conclusion
For the most fun places to travel with friends, plan your trip to New York City, the Grand Canyon, or Oahu, Hawaii. You can start planning early for your most awaited travel adventure with your friends to get a better flight and hotel deal. Just take note of our recommendations and you are good to go!