Thinking about luxury group travel? You’re not the only one. As we continue to move through the pandemic, the desire for people to connect is stronger than ever. Here, I’ve curated a selection of nine luxury travel experiences that are especially great for groups, for a variety of reasons:

They lend themselves to downtime for you to relax and enjoy each other’s company, particularly after a busy day of exciting new experiences;
They center around the type of “wow” or bucket list-worthy experiences that lend themselves to a shared bonding experience;
They provoke conversation and thought; or
All of the above!

The experiences featured here are particularly suited to groups of adult travelers (and not necessarily families or multi-generational groups). Think groups of friends, groups of couples, or even groups with common interests, such as photography, cooking, wine, art, etc. While some of these experiences may work with kids, as I was coming up with this list, I really focused on experiences that adults, in particular, would enjoy with one another.

These are also the sorts of group experiences for which most discerning travelers would hire a travel advisor. They typically seek professional help for planning because of the destination, the many options available, or the complexity of the journey or itinerary.

Gỏi cuốn, a Vietnamese specialty, consists of fresh vegetables, herbs, shrimp or meat wrapped in bánh tráng, a rice paper. Southeast Asia is a perfect region for a group culinary experience for like minded culinary enthusiasts

Keep reading to discover the perfect luxury travel experience for your next group adventure.

1. A Culinary Journey Through Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, food and social connection are inextricably intertwined. The cuisine here is tasty, complex, and absolutely distinct from region to region. Think Thai curries, Vietnamese phở, and Singaporean chicken rice (the unofficial national dish). Southeast Asian food also features a variety of influences from other parts of the world, including India, China, France, Malaysia, Portugal, Japan, the Netherlands and more.

This corner of the world is the perfect destination if you’re interested in private cooking classes, food-focused tours, countless tasting experiences, renowned restaurants, and the like. In fact, food is so central to the cultural experience of Southeast Asia that we can easily design an itinerary around food alone in places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

And the food is just the beginning. There is so much more to experience in Southeast Asia, from religious and historical sites to incredible experiences in nature and cultural exchanges with the warm, wonderful people who call the region home.

Chartering a private luxury vessel exclusively for your group is a wonderful way to explore the Adriatic coast of Croatia

Honorable mentions: Italy and Mexico

2. A Private Yacht or Charter Through Croatia

Imagine sailing the Adriatic Sea (part of the Mediterranean) on a luxury vessel exclusively for your group. A private yacht or charter is the perfect way to explore the beauty of Croatia, from the gorgeous vistas and lively towns to the delicious (and incredibly fresh!) local cuisine. With over 1,100 miles of coastline, Croatia is a destination uniquely conducive to being on the water and exploring the region both on foot and at sea.

If you’ve traveled elsewhere in the Mediterranean, like Italy, Croatia offers a distinctive experience—but still with that vibrant, laid-back Mediterranean feel you’ve come to love so much.

Honorable mention: the Greek Isles

3. An African Safari

An essential experience for any well-traveled adventurer, an African safari is a fantastic memory to share with the people you love. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda or witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti to getting a hippo’s-eye-view of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the opportunities for adventure—and luxury!—in Africa are unparalleled.

An African safari is one of our favorite ideas for group travel with friends or family

Safaris can be perfectly tailored to your group’s unique preferences. Enjoy a barefoot luxury experience in a well-appointed tented camp with all the conveniences of home. Unwind after a game drive in a glamorous safari lodge with spa treatments and a gourmet meal. Trek into the bush with a private guide for a night of fly camping under the stars for a truly out-of-this-world sensory experience. However you like it, the experience of an African safari is one you’ll want to share with your nearest and dearest.

For more on why we love Africa so much, discover 8 Reasons Why Your Next Escape Should Be to Africa. And if that’s not inspiration enough, Does Your Dream Safari Await You in Southern Africa or East Africa?

Honorable mention: the Galápagos Islands

4. A Private Manor or Castle in the U.K.

The U.K. offers a delightful variety of accommodations for groups of all sizes and styles. From bucolic country estates and sprawling castles to private manors and everything in between, the U.K. does not disappoint.

Explore the glaciated landscapes of England’s Lakes District or the Scottish Highlands. Stroll the glamorous, historic streets of London or Edinburgh. Experience the beauty and charm of England, Wales, and Scotland with your group in total comfort. And if your group has a particular interest, like active adventure, culinary tours, golfing, or ultra-luxe experiences, we can arrange the perfect itinerary for you with first-rate private accommodations to serve as the home base for all your adventures.

Honorable mention: A villa in Italy or the Caribbean

5. A Wine-Focused River Cruise

A scene from the Douro River valley in Portugal, a destination ideal for a wine-focused journey, by river or by land

River cruise lines and itineraries are not a one-size-fits-all experience, even when traveling to the same destination. There are so many regions to explore (and ways to explore!), and the options you have to choose from can be quite overwhelming. I love working with clients to help match their unique interests and travel preferences with the cruise line and itinerary that’s ideally suited to them.

One of my favorite options is a wine-focused river cruise. Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers through Burgundy and Provence, sampling the region’s exquisite wine and cuisine. Meander along Portugal’s Douro River, exploring the wine caves of Vila Nova de Gaia and immersing yourself in the stunning mountain landscapes of Portuguese wine country. Savor the wonderful Alsatian wines and the rich history of Strasbourg where you’ll find a barrel that is still filled with wine from 1472.

Whether yours is a group of longtime wine connoisseurs or newer devotees (or a mix of both), a wine-focused river cruise can be a luxurious, relaxing, and indulgent experience to share with good friends and family.

For an in-depth look at why we love river cruising in general, check out our blog post: What to Know About River Cruising.

Honorable mention: a land-based wine-focused journey through France or Australia (there are so many regions to explore!)

6. A Polar Expedition

Of all the travel experiences available to you, there’s nothing quite like a polar expedition. Trek across massive glaciers. Whale watch. Witness the lives of penguins up close. Sail through crystal-clear waters and appreciate the surprisingly diverse polar landscapes. Imagine sharing this exhilarating experience with some of your closest friends or family, bonding over the incredible beauty, remoteness, and undeniable sense of adventure.

Antarctic expeditions make fantastic additions to travels to South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. And you can embark on an Arctic expedition from Alaska, northern Canada, and Scandinavia. But a polar expedition is such a special experience that it could easily be the centerpiece of your group’s journey.

For more inspiration on your own polar expedition, check out This is Why You’ll Be Amazed by an Expedition to the Arctic and 9 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Antarctica.

Sampling and learning about the tradition of mint tea is just one of many ideas of experiences to have with your group on a bespoke journey to Morocco

7. A Bespoke Journey Through Morocco

Immerse yourself and your group in the vibrancy of Morocco. You’ll love the sights (and sites), the sounds, the food, and the complex amalgamation of cultures here. And if a remote stay in the desert or in the mountains is to your liking, that can be arranged, too.

Everything Morocco offers makes for a high-spirited experience only made more enjoyable when sharing it with others.

Honorable mention: Egypt. Or a bespoke journey anywhere! (I specialize in curating your experience to the group and tailoring it to your unique group’s interests and preferences)

8. A Small- to Mid-Size Ship Luxury Ocean Cruise

Cruising has evolved tremendously in recent years, and that trend will only continue. The ability to visit culturally intriguing places by ship will be more possible in the future than ever before. We love that smaller vessels offer travelers access to an incredible variety of destinations like the Amazon, Patagonia, Antarctica, New Zealand, Greenland, Costa Rica, Panama, and so much more.

Imagine exploring a new place all day, then returning to your ship in the evening to unwind and talk about the experience and insights with your travel companions. Small ships are uniquely equipped to reach interesting—and in many cases smaller—ports that encourage travelers to focus on the experience of the journey and destination itself versus the bells and whistles of the ship.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Peruvian Amazon by small ship

You’ll love ending the day in a relaxed environment after visiting an intriguing, conversation-worthy place. Think tucking into a gourmet dinner after a stimulating day touring Stockholm or unwinding poolside after an adventure in the Galápagos or the Bay of Bengal.

For some Mediterranean-centered inspiration, discover why a small-vessel cruise is one of our favorite ways to explore the region here: These 11 Essential European Experiences Deserve a Place on Your List.

9. An Island or Beach Beyond the Caribbean or Mexico

You can’t argue that being on a beach is perfect for a group experience. Everyone is so relaxed and chilled out!

And while it’s easy enough to get to the Caribbean or Mexico, why not spring for something a bit more out of the ordinary? Travel a bit farther and experience something different. There are so many options! Think French Polynesia, the Maldives, Fiji, and the like. Or even some of the Mediterranean islands. Or how about adding on a few days in Mauritius, the Seychelles or Mozambique after your African safari? It’ll take you a little extra time and effort to get there, but the payoff is absolutely incredible.

Your Perfect Group Travel Experience Awaits

The experiences we’ve shared here barely scratch the surface of all the amazing ways you can travel with a group. Here’s a recap of our favorites (but keep in mind the sky really is the limit if you have another destination or experience in mind):

A culinary journey through Southeast Asia
A private yacht or charter through Croatia
An African safari
A private manor or castle in the U.K.
A wine-focused river cruise
A polar expedition
A bespoke journey through Morocco
A small- to mid-size ship luxury ocean cruise
An island or beach beyond the Caribbean or Mexico

For even more reasons why group travel might be perfect for you, check out this recent post: Thoughts & Ideas for Group Travel: Why It Feels Right Now.

Start Dreaming Today

Now is a wonderful time to begin dreaming about a luxurious group travel adventure. Let us handle the complex logistics and many moving parts of coordinating travel for a group. You can rest easy knowing group travel planning is one of my specialties. We’ll work with you to understand your goals, find the perfect destination, and plan the finer details of your journey, all while managing the group on your behalf. And you’ll get to focus on doing what matters most—making memories.

Let’s make your group travel dreams a reality! Schedule a complimentary discovery session today to learn more about my process.

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Let the dreaming start today. Your exciting group travel adventure awaits.