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Tips for a fabulous friendcation and dream destinations to explore

by Chumasande Matiwane

Gathering your friends for a getaway is one of the most exciting ways to strengthen bonds and create unforgettable memories.

You know the drill: when one of your friends drops the vague “We should travel” into the group chat, and then all of a sudden, you and your friends are whisked up to your destination.

According to Pentravel, travelling with friends comes with a number of advantages. These include cost sharing, access to group travel packages, and even enhanced comaraderie. Notable Life also highlights friendcations as events where memories that last a lifetime can be made. 

To ensure your trip is nothing short of fabulous, here are some essential tips to consider: 

Also see: Travel’s quiet places that ask you to slow down

Choose the right destination together

Start by involving everyone in the destination decision. Consider everyone’s interests. Do your friends enjoy beach lounging, city exploring, outdoor adventures or cultural immersions? Finding a location that excites all members will set the stage for a memorable trip.

Set a realistic budget

Discuss budgets early to ensure everyone is comfortable with the expenses from the onset. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises and allows for a more enjoyable experience without financial stress.

Make your bookings in advance

Secure accommodation, flights and popular activities well in advance to get the best deals and availability. Early planning also allows for flexibility and more options.

Assign roles and responsibilities

It helps to divide planning tasks such as booking accommodation, planning activities, or researching restaurants. Sharing responsibilities keeps everyone engaged and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Leave room for spontaneity

While planning is crucial, it helps to leave room for spontaneous adventures. Sometimes the best moments happen unexpectedly.

Also see: 2026 Travel trends: Discover the new rules of wanderlust

Dream destinations to consider

gettyimages-2228106213-612x612
Image Credit: Gettys

As reported by IOL, here are a few dream destinations you and your friends can opt for:

Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal is known for colourful and chilled vibes. Lisbon is for friendship groups who are after culture, food and charm but without the chaos of a massive city. The destination balances chill with adventure, and adds culture into the mix.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Are you young, wild and free? Reykjavik is the perfect destination for those who live for epic landscapes and road trips. 

The accommodation options in the city are dramatic, with modern city-centre hotels that are perfect for groups who want easy access to cafes, bars, and quirky streets.

Some of the cabins at the destination also come with hot tubs, allowing you and your friends to bond over freezing hands and to soak in steamy water. 

Bali, Indonesia

Beloved Bali is a group photo paradise with tropical sunsets and jungle adventures. From Insta-worthy spots to spiritual encounters that feed the soul, your circle will be in for a treat. For adventure seekers, the destination is also ideal for surfing, while nature lovers can enjoy unbelievably breathtaking natural beauty.

Santorini, Greece

Known for its whitewashed buildings and endless blue seas, Santorini is the place where fond and fabulous friendship memories are made. 

Beyond the aesthetics, the destination offers a plethora of experiences. From beach bliss to private sailing trips, there’s a special experience available for everyone. 

Also see: Green flags to look out for in a friendship

Feature Image: Gettys

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