Top Group Trip Ideas for 2026
It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down. I’ve been deep in planning mode for my dream trip to Africa next year, and it’s reminded me how energizing it is to have an adventure on the horizon. If you’re like me, you’ve pictured sunsets on the savannah, drifting past storybook castles, and uncovering new cultures with your favorite people. I have to let you in on a little secret — now’s the perfect time to start mapping it out! From river cruises and safaris to cultural explorations, here are my top group trip ideas for 2026.
River Cruises Through Europe
Imagine gliding past castles, vineyards, and charming medieval towns all without having to repack your suitcase. River Cruises are perfect for groups who want a balance of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation.
Danube River cruise sailing through Prague
Why it’s great for groups:
Everyone travels together, but can choose their daily excursions.
Meals, activities, and accommodations are all included.
Plenty of opportunities for group dinners, sunset drinks, and onboard entertainment.
Destinations to consider for 2026:
Danube River: Visit Vienna, Budapest, and quaint riverside towns.
Rhine River: See the fairytale castles of Germany’s Rhine Gorge.
Douro River: Cruise through Portugal’s wine country and enjoy port tastings.
2026 Travel Trend to Watch: If you’re interested in Christmas market river cruises, they are expected to be in high demand. These festive journeys combine charming European towns with holiday shopping, music, and seasonal treats.
Travel tip: Book Christmas travel early to secure connecting cabins or suites close to each other — it makes the group experience even smoother.
African Safari Adventures
For a group trip that’s equal parts thrilling and awe-inspiring, nothing compares to an African Safari. Watching elephants roam free, spotting a pride of lions at sunrise, or witnessing the Great Migration are experiences you’ll never forget.
Game drives in the Serengeti
Why it’s great for groups:
Private game drives can be arranged so your group has its own guide and vehicle.
Safari lodges often offer discounts for group bookings.
Safaris are full of once-in-a-lifetime sights, and experiencing them side by side makes the adventure even more powerful.
Top safari destinations for 2026:
Tanzania & Kenya: Witness the Great Migration between July and October.
South Africa: Combine game drives in Kruger National Park with Cape Town’s food and wine scene.
Botswana: Explore the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe.
Travel tip: Consider pairing your safari with a beach extension in Zanzibar, Mauritius, or the Seychelles for a relaxing finish.
Culinary Tours in Italy & France
People always bond over great food and wine. A culinary-focused group trip would be the ultimate shared experience. Spend your days exploring markets, learning to cook regional dishes, and tasting your way through world-class vineyards.
Produce market in France
Why it’s great for groups:
Small group cooking classes and wine tastings are interactive and fun.
Food brings people together and sparks great conversation.
Perfect for milestone celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries.
Culinary travel ideas for 2026:
Tuscany, Italy: Learn to make pasta from scratch, tour Chianti vineyards, and enjoy truffle hunting.
Bordeaux, France: Taste bold reds and sweet Sauternes wines while exploring charming châteaux.
Provence, France: Visit lavender fields (in bloom in July) and sample local olive oils and cheeses.
Tip for booking with a Travel Consultant: A travel advisor can arrange private chefs, vineyard tours, and even market-to-table cooking days tailored to your group’s interests.
Yacht Charters
Sometimes you just want a “choose your own adventure” trip. Chartering a private yacht lets your group create a completely personalized itinerary. Imagine waking up in a different bay each morning, swimming off the back of the boat, and dining under the stars.
Yacht charter in the Mediterranean
Why it’s great for groups:
Full control over destinations, activities, and meals.
Privacy for your group = no sharing with strangers.
Luxury without needing to book a resort.
Top yacht destinations for 2026:
Greece’s Cyclades Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and hidden gems like Folegandros.
British Virgin Islands: Smooth sailing, calm waters, and plenty of beach bars.
Maldives: Luxury yachts here mean access to private atolls, turquoise lagoons, and world-class diving spots.
Travel tip: Yachts often sleep 8–12 people comfortably, making them ideal for friend groups or extended families. If you’re new to sailing, a crewed charter means a captain and chef handle everything!
Adventure Travel in Costa Rica
Do you love being active outdoors? Costa Rica is a dream for active groups. Here, you can zipline through cloud forests, hike to volcanoes, go white-water rafting, and end the day soaking in natural hot springs.
Hiking through the rainforest in Costa Rica
Why it’s great for groups:
Endless variety of activities for different energy levels.
Compact country makes it easy to combine beach, rainforest, and mountains in one trip.
Many eco-lodges offer group discounts and private tours.
Adventure highlights:
Arenal Volcano: Hiking, hot springs, and waterfall rappelling.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Canopy tours, birdwatching, and hanging bridges.
Pacific Coast: Surfing lessons and catamaran cruises.
Travel tip: Travel in the dry season (December to April) for the best weather, but book early. It’s peak time for both tourists and wildlife sightings.
Wellness & Retreat Getaways
If you’re the type of traveler who just wants to get away to recharge, a wellness retreat offers the perfect mix of relaxation and self-discovery. You can choose a structured retreat with yoga and meditation, or create a custom wellness trip with spa days, gentle hikes, and healthy meals.
Yoga during a wellness retreat
Why it’s great for groups:
Encourages bonding through shared activities.
A slower pace lets everyone truly disconnect.
Perfect for friend groups, bridal parties, or work teams.
Top retreat destinations for 2026:
Bali, Indonesia: Oceanfront yoga studios and holistic healing experiences.
Pokhara, Nepal: Peaceful lakeside retreats surrounded by the Annapurna mountains, perfect for yoga, meditation, and rejuvenating spa treatments.
Costa Brava, Spain: Mediterranean wellness resorts with sea views.
Travel tip: Booking as a group can secure private classes, dedicated instructors, and personalized meal plans.
Festival & Event Trips
Some trips are built around a specific event — and sharing the experience it with a group makes it even more spectacular. Whether it’s music, culture, or food, these celebrations bring destinations to life.
Cherry blossom festivities in Japan
Why it’s great for groups:
Shared excitement and built-in entertainment.
Great way to immerse yourself in local traditions.
Often includes special group packages with event tickets and lodging.
Events worth planning for travel in 2026-2027:
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: February, parades, samba dancing, and elaborate costumes.
Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan: March–April, stunning scenery and cultural activities.
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany: September–October, beer tents, traditional music, and Bavarian culture.
Travel tip: Arrive a day or two before the event starts. You’ll beat the biggest crowds, have time to adjust to the local pace, and get a better feel for the city before the festivities begin.
Why Plan Your Group Trip Now for 2026-2027?
The best group trips often sell out months or even years in advance. Especially those with limited space, like safaris, yacht charters, and event-based travel. Starting early isn’t just about securing your spot; it’s about giving yourself the freedom to design the trip exactly the way you want it.
Camel trekking in the Sahara
Booking ahead offers big benefits:
More choices for accommodations and activities
You’ll have first pick of the most desirable lodgings, from river-view cabins on a cruise to luxury safari lodges in prime wildlife locations. Early planning also means securing hard-to-get experiences, such as private cooking classes, behind-the-scenes museum tours, or exclusive event seating.
Better group rates and early booking discounts
Many travel providers offer special pricing or added perks for groups that book well in advance. This could mean lower per-person costs, free upgrades, or included extras like guided excursions, onboard credit, or welcome dinners.
Plenty of time to coordinate schedules and payment plans
With more lead time, it’s easier for everyone in your group to request vacation days, arrange childcare, and budget for the trip. You can set up installment payments to make the cost more manageable, reducing last-minute stress.
Planning now also builds excitement. Knowing you have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the calendar gives you and your group something to look forward to all year, whether it’s a river cruise through wine country or spotting lions on the savannah.
I’ve experienced this firsthand while planning my African safari for next year. Having the time to research the perfect lodges, choose the best season for wildlife viewing, and coordinate every detail has not only made the process smoother, but it’s also made the anticipation part of the joy. That’s the magic of starting early.
Make 2026 the Year of Shared Adventures
Travel is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about the connections we make along the way. You could be toasting with friends on a Greek island, watching wildlife roam across the savannah, or exploring a new city’s street markets. Group travel turns great moments into lifelong memories.
Ready to turn one of these group trip ideas for 2026 into the getaway of your dreams? I’ll help design every detail from finding the best group rates to creating an itinerary that fits your style so you can focus on the fun. The most unique trips fill up fast, so starting now means more options, better availability and an adventure your whole group will never forget.
