8 Fun Activities to Experience with Friends on Vacation

Sure, solo travel has its magic… but traveling with friends? That hits different. It’s waking up in a strange place and laughing at the same joke you’ve been telling since day one. It’s shared playlists blasting through the car windows, group selfies that take 10 tries, and that one night where everything went wrong but somehow felt perfect.

Let’s be real—vacationing with friends isn’t just about saving money by splitting Airbnb costs or taxi rides. It’s about the kind of memories that resurface years later with a single glance or inside joke.

Whether you’re thrill-seekers, foodies, nature lovers, or just trying to escape the routine for a bit, this list is built to make your next group trip unforgettable.

Guide to 8 Of the Fun Activities to Experience with Friends on Vacation

In this guide, you’ll find 8 seriously fun things to do on vacation with friends—from wild adventures and chill retreats to ideas that’ll bring your whole group closer (without any of that awkward “so… what should we do today?” energy).

Each idea includes helpful examples, pro tips, and mini destination inspo to spark your perfect friends vacation itinerary.

🧭 1. Go on a Group Road Trip Adventure

Why Road Trips Are Perfect for Friend Groups

Road trips just… work for friend groups. There’s something about the open road, spontaneous detours, and questionable snacks from gas stations that bonds people in a way few other trips can. It’s affordable, it’s flexible, and it gives everyone a chance to blast their music and argue about who has the best taste (spoiler: probably no one).

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a multi-week epic, the journey becomes just as memorable as the stops themselves.

What to Plan Before You Hit the Road

Before you pack the trunk with way too many bags, here’s a quick checklist:

• Route Ideas:
  • U.S.: Pacific Coast Highway, Blue Ridge Parkway
  • International: Iceland’s Ring Road, Italy’s Amalfi Coast
• Vehicle Tips:
  • A campervan for 4–6? Ideal.
  • A minivan with fold-down seats? Underrated comfort.
• Entertainment Hacks:
  • Collaborative Spotify playlists
  • Podcasts everyone can get into
  • Road games (nothing too competitive… friendships have been lost to Uno)

Pro Tip: Assign a rotating co-pilot. They handle the snacks, maps, and keeping the driver awake with random trivia or terrible jokes.

🏄 2. Try a New Adventure Sport Together

Bonding Through Adrenaline

Nothing says “friendship” quite like screaming your way down a whitewater river or cheering each other on while trying to stand on a surfboard for the first time.

These moments of shared courage (or chaos) somehow become the highlights of every story you tell afterward.

Adventure sports stadium tours aren’t just for thrill junkies—they’re memory makers. And even if half your group chickens out… well, that becomes a story too.

Where to Go for Adventure Sports

Here are a few favorite spots to kick off your vacation adventures with friends:

• Bungee Jumping: Queenstown, New Zealand (because jumping off a bridge is strangely bonding)
• Ziplining: Monteverde, Costa Rica — zip through cloud national forests and spot wildlife along the way
• Surfing:
  • Beginners: Bali or Portugal
  • Vibes-only option: Hawaii’s North Shore
• Bonus Ideas: Sandboarding in Peru, kayaking in Thailand, or ATV rides through Moroccan deserts

Quick Tip: Look for beginner-friendly vineyard cycle, brewery tours with group discounts. Safety briefings may sound boring, but they’re low-key important.

🍲 3. Take a Cooking Class in a Foreign Country

Taste the Culture Together

There’s something really special about making food together. Not just ordering it, but getting your hands messy with spices and strange ingredients, learning how locals actually cook their favorite dishes. It’s one of those group travel outdoor activities that ends in full bellies, a lot of laughs, and maybe a few kitchen disasters.

Try sushi rolling in Tokyo, pasta making in Rome, or pad Thai lessons in Chiang Mai. It’s a totally different way to explore a destination—and a lot tastier than a walking tour.

Why It’s More Than Just Food

These cooking classes usually come with a little storytelling. You’ll learn why that one spice is used, where grandma’s recipe came from, or how that dish became a national staple. It’s a slice of culture you actually get to eat… and maybe take home with you.

Plus, cooking together naturally creates fun, low-pressure moments. Someone always burns the garlic, someone else turns into a self-proclaimed sous chef. It’s chaotic and fun in the best possible way.

Where to Book:

• Mama Noi Cookery School in Chiang Mai
• Thai Secret Cooking School for small-group vibes
• Local Market tours and paella classes in Valencia
• Pasta & tiramisu workshops in Bologna

These kinds of culinary experiences for travelers are often beginner-friendly, and many places are happy to accommodate dietary needs—just let them know ahead of time.

🎉 4. Rent a Beach House and Plan Your Own Mini Festival

Bring the Party to You

Not every trip has to be go-go-go. Sometimes the best move is to rent a dreamy beach house, stock up on snacks, hang string lights, and turn your getaway into your own private festival. It’s one of those best friend trip ideas that gives you the freedom to just… do your thing.

Have a themed dinner night (everyone dresses like their 2010 selves), make playlists by genre, or bring board games for a midnight showdown. The point? Build your own vibe instead of searching for one.

Where to Rent a Dreamy Group House:

• Goa for budget-friendly bungalows and spicy seafood
• Bali for infinity pools and floating breakfasts
• Amalfi Coast for lemon trees and rooftop dinners
• Florida Keys for kayak access and warm water
• Tulum for jungle-meets-ocean scuba diving energy

Mix in extras like a DIY spa day (face masks and cucumber water, anyone?), bonfire s’mores, or sunset yoga on the deck. A little planning up front can make this kind of trip feel way more magical.

Quick Tips:

• Look for homes with multiple bathrooms and big common areas
• Create a shared Google Doc for groceries, playlists, and short games
• Don’t forget the speaker, sunscreen, and a backup aux cord (just in case)

🛶 5. Go on a Multi-Day Camping or Glamping Trip

Disconnect to Reconnect

There’s something about sitting around a fire with your best people that makes everything else fade away… in the best possible way.

Whether you’re all about s’mores and stars or prefer a tent with a queen-size mattress and twinkly lights, getting out into nature is one of those vacation adventures with friends that hits differently.

For the low-maintenance crew, glamping domes, safari tents, or forest cabins strike that perfect balance between comfort and outdoorsy vibes when you are enjoying luxury safari tours. You’re still waking up to birdsong, just… with good coffee and Wi-Fi.

If you’re leaning more toward a classic experience, national state parks offer group sites with big fire pits, scenic trails, and often, epic lakes or waterfalls just a short hike away.

What to Pack & Plan:

• A shared gear list (so you don’t bring four coolers and zero flashlights)
• Food assignments — think DIY tacos, breakfast burritos, and group coffee rituals
• Portable speakers, arcade games, and maybe a tripod for group shots
• Bug spray… because someone will forget

Popular destinations for group camping trips or glamping with friends? Try Yosemite for jaw-dropping views, the Canadian Rockies for crisp air and big skies, or even somewhere quirky like Iceland’s geothermal dispersed camping spots.

And if you’re not outdoorsy? It’s still worth trying. You’ll laugh about the mosquito bites later.

🎨 6. Take a Creative or Wellness Retreat Together

Recharge Together

Not every vacation has to be high-energy. Sometimes, the real glow-up comes from slowing down. Think yoga on the beach, painting in a hillside studio, or learning to journal with a cup of herbal tea in hand. These kinds of wellness retreats for friends are ideal when your group wants to feel better, not just busier.

It doesn’t have to be serious or spiritual (unless you want it to be). One group might book a photography weekend in the Greek islands. Another might land in Ubud for yoga flows, sound baths, and vegan pancakes.

Art retreats, music residencies, dance intensives — whatever your crew’s vibe, there’s probably a creative getaway that fits. And the best part? You leave with something more than photos. Like a finished sketchbook. Or a clearer head.

Top Places for Creative Group Retreats:

• Sedona for that woo-woo-meets-red-rocks feel
• Tulum for beachfront journaling and cacao ceremonies
• Byron Bay for surfing by day, sound healing by night
• Chiang Mai for lantern festivals and watercolor workshops
• The Greek Islands for sunlit studios and fresh olives

These are more than just group travel activities. They’re shared memories where you all grow together — in ways that sometimes surprise you.

🛍️ 7. Plan a Local Culture + Shopping Day

There’s something about wandering through a new city with friends and zero plans. Just eyes wide open, pockets full of curiosity… and maybe a little cash. That’s where local culture meets casual chaos — in the best way.

Street markets? Yes. Food stalls sizzling in the background? Also yes. Whether you’re ducking into artisan boutiques in Mexico City or browsing the floating markets in Bangkok, this kind of day becomes more than a shopping trip.

It turns into a memory loop — tasting unfamiliar spices, bargaining (badly) over handmade jewelry, or stumbling into a live performance you didn’t expect.

Here’s how to make it fun and meaningful:

• Choose one or two local markets or neighborhoods with cultural depth and historical walking tours — places like the souks of Marrakech or the Damnoen Saduak Market near Bangkok
• Give each friend a small budget and do a “souvenir scavenger hunt” (we once challenged each other to find the weirdest item or historical artifacts under $10 — someone brought back a wooden goat that still lives on our shelf)
• Take a break at a street-side café or snack stall — share bites of whatever looks unfamiliar

Want more ideas? You can always explore travel resources like the Thailand Forum or View More guides online if you’re headed somewhere new. Some platforms even have curated “Destination by Region” tips or partner with local experts like Explera DMC to help shape your day around authentic cultural experiences.

And when it’s time to head back? Show-and-tell hour with your finds. Half the fun is hearing the stories behind them.

🥾 8. Hike to a Viewpoint or Waterfall Together

You know what really bonds people? Sweat. And maybe a little complaining on the way up. But also that moment when you all reach the top — breathless, grinning, eyes locked on a waterfall or mountain view that somehow makes everything quiet for a minute.

Group hikes are underrated. You get fresh air, uninterrupted catch-ups, and an excuse to unplug for a bit. Plus, there’s always the post-hike snacks waiting.

Some group-friendly hiking trails and destinations that work like a charm:

• Plitvice Lakes in Croatia — for lakes, waterfalls, and fairytale energy
• Trolltunga in Norway — iconic and tough, but doable with prep
• Banff National Park in Canada — pristine trails and unreal scenery
• Yosemite’s Mist Trail — steep but worth every single step

Want to keep things easy? Pack a light picnic, bring a Bluetooth speaker (low volume, of course), and don’t forget a tripod for group shots. There’s something about sitting together at the summit, sipping warm coffee from a thermos, and just… being.

Oh — and if you’re headed somewhere like Chiang Mai or Pai, add a soak in the nearby hot springs after your hike. It’s the perfect way to reset those sore legs. Trust me.

Some national parks even allow pets, and if you’re planning well in advance, pet-friendly hotels are easier to find than you’d expect — especially in places like Koh Samui or certain parts of the North East.

🎁 Bonus: Other Fun Vacation Home Ideas to Try with Friends

Okay, maybe you’ve already done the beach house thing. Or your group is split between adrenaline junkies and “can we just chill?” types. Totally fair.

That’s where these extra ideas come in — little curveballs you can toss into your travel itinerary depending on your mood, the weather, or how ambitious you’re all feeling.

Here’s a mix of travel-friendly gems that don’t take too much planning but still make the trip feel rich and full:

• Rent bikes in Amsterdam or any cycle-friendly city. No real goal, just pedal and see what shows up around the corner.
• Take a scenic train ride — the kind that feels like a slow movie. Think the Bergen Railway in Norway or the Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia.
• Volunteer abroad together. Whether it’s wildlife rescue or community gardens, this turns your vacation into something that gives back — and it’ll spark deeper convos over dinner.
• Visit a theme park or escape room. Pure fun, zero planning stress relief. You just show up and let the chaos begin.
• Join a local festival or street carnival. If you time it right, this could be anything from Holi in India to Songkran in Thailand, where water sports turn entire cities into playgrounds.

Don’t forget that sites like the Thailand Forum or curated options from Explera DMC often list hidden or seasonal experiences. If your trip spans multiple destinations, use tools that highlight a destination by region to avoid getting stuck in the tourist-only zones.

You might also find gift-worthy souvenirs or local art galleries in pop-up stalls. Perfect for that Gifts & Inspiration list you’ll forget to make later — or for grabbing a few New Releases from local creatives that won’t show up in airport shops.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing — no one remembers the perfect itinerary. They remember that awful karaoke duet, the beach bonfire that burned too fast, or the hike where someone forgot their water bottle (don’t be that friend).

Vacations with friends aren’t just about going somewhere. They’re about being somewhere — together. Laughing at things that aren’t funny the next day. Eating street food that maybe wasn’t the best idea. Taking a hundred blurry photos and loving every one of them.

So… don’t overthink it. Choose two or three of these ideas, start a group chat, and get planning.

Oh, and don’t forget your portable speaker, extra chargers, and snacks for the hangry one in the group. You know who they are.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions