It can be difficult to carry out plans with friends. It's even harder for a group of friends because life can be very busy. But there's more to life than all work and no play. So may 2025 be the year for you and your friends to move from plan concepts in text messages to a journey that finally comes out of the group chat.
Some main reasons trips with friends Don't exit the group chat due to lack of communication, expectations, poor planning, and different travel styles within your friend group. That's why it's essential to define your friends' travel goals, communicate the budget, and choose destinations where you can all offer variety to your diverse group of friends. Consider these five places to visit with your friends in 2025.
Ghana – For groups of friends who need variety
Even before its popularity “Year of Return” campaignGhana was a tourist hotspot due to its year-round warm tropical climate, welcoming culture and beautiful landscapes, such as waterfalls, palm-fringed sandy beaches, caves and much more.
From Kumasi, Cape Coast and Accra, there is plenty to do and see in Ghana. Even though Ghana has the reputation of being one of the safest African countries When traveling alone, you don't want to leave your friends behind on this trip. From Accra, you can take a day trip to Cape Coast to visit Elmina Castle for insight and perspective on the transatlantic slave trade. Accra has an incredible nightlife, so there will be no shortage of entertainment. Head to some of Ghana's beautiful beaches including Labadi, Kokrobite and Busua beaches.
Bali – For groups of friends who want a tropical paradise and luxury
It's no secret The beauty of Bali is without equal. Its natural beauty attracts lonely people. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful places in the world to travel to, Bali is known for many enchanting and unforgettable aspects that would be lovely to share with your friends.
If all this wasn't enough to convince your friends to book a trip ASAP, what makes Bali an exceptional destination for friends is that it offers the perfect setting to rest, refresh and hang out intentional with your friends. If you're all feeling exhausted from work and life, Bali has created a space for you and your friends to connect and let go.
Even with your spa days and yoga and meditation retreats planned, Bali has a fun and vibrant nightlife to explore. Don't forget to hire a photographer. You don't want to miss the opportunity to take some of the best photos with your friends in a place where the scenery is naturally photogenic.
An African safari – For groups of friends who want adventure
In 2023, a study found that the search for an African safari more than doubled compared to 2022. A significant factor in this increase was that after the pandemic, people were looking for adventures to maximize time spent with their close ones. As the report highlights, safaris take place unhurriedly in natural surroundings, providing the ideal setting for bonding and creating lasting memories.
Visit a safari is a bucket list experience for many, and the fun starts from the planning stage. The best way to decide which safari is to figure out which animals are must-sees for you and your friends. The wildlife you want to see depends on the time of year and weather, which will help you decide on the location. Then determine the length of the trip, the activities you want to do when you're not looking for pets, and a budget.
A Caribbean Carnival – For groups of friends who don't want any downtime on vacation
We all know that friend who refuses to sleep on vacation. Chances are this friend is surrounded by people who feel the same way. If you are in that group that is all gas and no brakes, then consider a Caribbean Carnival.
For Caribbean carnivals, many of them are continuous celebrations that last for days or even weeks. The great thing about going to Carnival with friends is that you can coordinate costumes together, even going so far as to create your own theme. Aside from barely sleeping, Carnival creates a space for you and your friends to party without the pressures of everyday life and will strengthen your bond.
Türkiye – For groups of friends who want to escape the city and are foodies
Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It offers it all: rich history and culture, delicious food, and incredible experiences across two continents, as Istanbul is in both Asia and Europe.
There are plenty of activities for your group of friends to choose from, including getting lost in the Grand Bazaar or booking a Turkish hammam, which is a great bonding experience for a group of friends. Take a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait, a cooking class to learn how to prepare Turkish street foodthen end your evening on both sides of Istanbul by finding a cafe or bar with a view of the city from the rooftop.
One thing that is clear to anyone visiting Istanbul is that the food alone is worth the visit. Istanbul will leave you satisfied.
