Few experiences can be as fulfilling and memorable as a well-planned holiday with your closest friends. But perhaps the most crucial component of any holiday plan is the destination. Having a good time often hinges on where you go.
Fortunately, the modern world provides options to suit just about every taste and inclination: from sedate breaks to active ones, and from history-rich cities to remote wildernesses.
But exactly which type of destination might suit your group? Let’s take a look at the major options.
City Escapes for Culture and Nightlife
The good news for those who love city breaks is that Europe is packed with them. If you’re in search of world-class cuisine, then Lyon might appeal. If you want to be able to stroll (or cycle) around a cobblestone-paved ring of bars, museums, and canals, then Amsterdam is probably the best bet. If you want to chase the sun late in the holiday season, then the sun-kissed streets of Seville are worth considering.
Many of the best European breaks offer not just stellar daytime culture, but an exciting nightlife, too.
Beach Destinations for Relaxation
For many, a summer break is synonymous with a sunlounger and a long white stretch of sand. There are beach holidays in Europe to suit every taste, from activity-packed watersports destinations to secluded coves. If it’s beauty you’re looking for, then it’s difficult to look past Cephalonia, which is too often overlooked among the Ionian islands. If you’re looking for that sunlounger experience, however, Praia da Comporta in Portugal is difficult to ignore. It’s a little more crowded than it once was, because it’s hard to keep a beach this good a secret for too long.
Adventure Holidays for the Thrill-Seeking Crowd
What if you’re in search of something a little more high-octane? You might go surfing on the coast of Cornwall, or one of the Greek islands (Tinos and Santorini are excellent). Hiking, mountain-biking and canoeing might also appeal.
If you’re looking to go on holiday during winter, however, it’s the Alps you’ll probably be drawn to. Group ski holidays offer a great way to bond with close friends, while enjoying stunning scenery and a fantastic week-long workout.
Budget-Friendly Getaways
You might feel that your options are limited by your budget. But the good news is that, when you take your friends away, you’ll all benefit from economies of scale. Look to split the cost of dining, accommodation, transport, and other expenses. If you’re on a budget, then cities like Tirana, in Albania, and Kaunas, in Lithuania, are well worth weighing up. Of course, destinations like Prague and Porto remain affordable, despite their higher profile.
