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30 Best Trips with Friends! FUN Weekend and International Places to Go

But before you decide on a destination, be sure to keep the personalities and preferences of your friends top of mind. Some friends are awesome to lay on a beach with, but not so great for trekking through the jungle or road tripping through Europe.

My top tip: Embrace the personalities and preferences of who you’re traveling with, and let it guide your destination.

After getting trip ideas below, check out my travel planning guide to help you make it epic.

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15 FUN Places to go with friends on the weekend

I highly recommend OFTEN taking fun trips with friends near where you live. Short and sweet trips are a great way to “test the waters” of traveling with friends without putting too much stress on a relationship. Especially if your travel styles are quite different.

Here are awesome places to go with friends on the weekend, including ideas across the US and Canada.

1. HOUSEBOATING near you

My very first BIG trip with friends was a houseboating weekend in beautiful British Columbia. It was perfect! 

We soaked in the hot tub and slid down the waterslide when we got too hot. Ate way too much ice cream. Met some cuties. And we even crashed. Yup, we did. There’s nothing like a little drama to pull you together! (Make sure you get insurance, ‘cause those boats are harder to steer than they look!)

Find the nearest pretty lake country near you, book a car and make it happen. It’s like camping but with a waterslide.

2. Fun LOS ANGELES weekend getaway for girls

A girls trip to LA is pretty classic. Strut your stuff like Pretty Woman on Rodeo Drive. Hit up the star-prone restaurants. And time it with the Oscars to experience the red carpet. It’s possibly THE most epic place to travel with friends on the weekend.

Or, if you’re not into the Hollywood mayhem, stay on beautiful Santa Monica Beach. Cycle The Strand bike path along the waterfront. Ride the ferris wheel on the pier. And people-watch while enjoying incredible beachfront restaurants.

Where to stay with friends in Los Angeles:

• Casa Del Mar resort and spa (Santa Monica): Right on Santa Monica Beach, with an outdoor pool, restaurants and live music on Sundays. Every room has a hydrotherapy spa tub and floor-to-ceiling windows, some with an ocean view.
• Beverly Wilshire (Beverly Hills): As close as you can get to Rodeo Drive, overlooking Rodeo Drive and the Via Rodeo fountain and steps. An epic place for a trip with friends to explore Rodeo Drive’s boutique shops and cafes.
• SIXTY Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills): Five blocks from Rodeo Drive along Wilshire Blvd, with a pretty rooftop pool and bar.

3. FLORIDA KEYS road trips with friends

A road trip from Miami to the tip of the Florida Keys is the perfect mix of beach and culture. It’s only about 3.5 hours, with plenty of time to stop along the way.

If you’re not from Miami, spend a day exploring its museums, Bayside Marketplace at the waterfront, or cultural neighborhoods like Little Havana.

Then, rent a car and head out to Key West. Along the way, stop to play with dolphins, feel the sand between your toes, and eat and drink with a view. Want more adventure? Where better to go skydiving with the girls than in Key West?!

Find all you need to plan your Florida Keys road trip with friends .

4. NEW ORLEANS weekend getaway with friends

Visiting the plantations in Louisiana would certainly make for a memorable travel experience with friends in the USA. Stay in a former plantation mansion, the elegant Nottoway Plantation that dates back to the 1850s. It’s the south’s largest antebellum mansion, located right on the Mississippi River. It features antiques and fireplaces in the rooms. Plus, an outdoor pool, hot tub, onsite dining and self-guided tours.

Plantations to visit near New Orleans, Louisiana:

• Oak Alley Plantation : Known for the stunning Oak-lined path entrance to this sugarcane plantation. Features tours of the “big house” (with a pretty wrap-around upper balcony), slave cabins, expansive garden and exhibits.
• Whitney Plantation : Famous for its ground-breaking slavery museum, with restored buildings and educational guided tours.
• Destrehan Plantation : Established in 1787, this sugar plantation was the site of one of the three trials following the 1811 Slave Revolt. Features interpretive tours, exhibits and pretty grounds.

5. Fun trips with friends to NEW YORK CITY

New York City can be anything you and your friends want it to be. 

Times Square and Fifth Avenue are perfect for high-end shopping, flashing lights and nightlife. Its museums, Broadway theater and The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts are epic for the culturalists. Foodies will love exploring Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. And for those who love relaxation, Central Park, Staten Island and Brooklyn waterfront promise amazing views. I’d argue that NYC is one of the BEST places to travel with friends.

On my trip with friends to NYC, we stayed in a boutique hotel in the Upper West Side . Within a block, we had a small pastry shop, grocery store and plenty of cute cafes. We could easily walk to Central Park and Riverside Park (perfect for a You’ve Got Mail walking tour). And since we were surrounded by residential streets, I got to meet so many dogs out for their walk! Plus, easy subway access to everything else.

Find your perfect place to stay in Manhattan , Brooklyn , Staten Island , Queens and the Bronx (a 3-part series).

6. SEATTLE jazz weekend trips with friends

I love Seattle, Washington. Its Pike Place Market and waterfront restaurants. Plenty of jazz clubs. And lots of excellent shopping and coffee shops, too. Seattle has beautiful waterfront parks, artsy museums, Space Needle views, and boat tours to stay busy. Time it with a concert, too!

When I visited Seattle with one of my best friends, we LOVED the comfortable beds and pillows at the Staypineapple Maxwell Hotel . You simply cannot get a better sleep! It’s colorful vibe is super fun, too, and it has an indoor pool and bikes you can use. Price includes wifi.

Now, as much as I love the Staypineapple beds, you can’t get a better location than The Edgewater . It’s right at Pier 67, with fabulous views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Elegant rooms have fireplaces, cozy furnishings and spa bathroom. The property features an onsite restaurant, gift shop and coffee bar. Price includes wifi and downtown shuttle.

7. Fun LAS VEGAS weekend trips with friends

I’ll admit that Las Vegas is pretty low on my list of places to visit, but I understand the appeal – especially with friends. Awesome shows. Epic shopping. Sights you just won’t see anywhere else.

If you want to embrace the chaos, Las Vegas Strip is the place to stay. If you want to come up to breathe, consider a place like Tahiti Village Resort & Spa near the airport and outlet mall.

You’ll also find some incredible house rentals on VRBO , both near The Strip or near the mountains.

8. Epic CANYON road trips with friends

A great add-on to a friends Vegas trip, especially for the outdoorsy adventurers at heart, is a 2-day canyon road trip . Hike the amazing canyons of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon North Rim and Antelope slot canyon.

You have some incredible options for places to stay, too. Under Canvas near Lake Powell has lovely tents with a cozy wood-burning stove and private balcony with canyon views. Or book the luxury Amangiri spa resort, tucked right into the rocks. It has an onsite restaurant, bar, concierge, sauna and spa. And the rooms look AMAZING.

9. AMUSEMENT PARK hopping trips with friends

Are you guys dare-devils? How fun would it be to go amusement park hopping together?!

Top on my list are Coney Island in New York City and Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. In Canada, Montreal’s Six Flags is lots of fun.

To visit a bunch on one trip, take a road trip through California or Pennsylvania. Yup, Pennsylvania! Check out this USA Today article for 17 awesome parks.

10. BEACH resort weekend getaway with friends

You can have an amazing beach resort getaway with friends even without leaving the continental USA. One of my favorite spots is about half an hour from downtown Jacksonville, Florida, at the lovely Ponte Vedra Beach seaside community. It’s also known as San Pablo Island, and is a great mixture of relaxing beaches and bustling Jacksonville nearby.

A wonderful place for a beach weekend getaway with friends is Ponte Vedra Inn and Club . Its beach and gardens are beautiful, with warm and comfortable rooms. Enjoy four heated pools, bikes, seven restaurants and lounges, and plenty of onsite shops and boutiques. Despite all of its amenities, it feels like a charming boutique inn.

Our equivalent for relaxation in Canada is Prince Edward Island. It’s super low-key and perfect for friends who just want to chill.

Dalvay by the Sea Hotel is classic and luxurious, located on the north shore. It’s inside a national park and has an onsite restaurant, bar, tennis courts and bike rentals. Or stay in one of many lovely historic inns in Charlottetown. I highly recommend the charming Fairholm National Historic Inn .

11. Fun ARTSY places to go with friends

Here are two very different types of artsy places to go with friends.

First, East Hampton Art Bed and Breakfast on Long Island. This sprawling property is perfect for art lovers and those looking for a refreshing getaway. Relax in the outdoor pool and jacuzzi while admiring the meditation garden, waterfalls, and lotus pond.

And second, head to Memphis to meet the king! If your friends are big music buffs, you’ll enjoy exploring the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Gibson Guitar Factory, and Orpheum Theatre. And of course, the iconic Beale Street’s shops and restaurants. 

Stay at the Peabody Memphis with an onsite dining room, spa, indoor pool and luxurious bathrobes. And don’t miss Peabody’s “March of the ducks” tradition!

12. LAKEFRONT retreat weekend trips with friends

Head to Upstate New York for a weekend trip with friends at the lake. 

Inns of Aurora is a community of five lakefront properties. They’re beautiful and cozy, with wine tastings, yoga and painting classes. Plus, a private beach, lakeside firepits, paddling and bikes. Organic, fair-trade coffee and fresh scones in the morning. Farm-to-table restaurant during the day. Book a room with a fireplace and lake views.

13. Fun weekend trips with friends in TEXAS

There are plenty of beautiful resorts in Texas perfect for weekend trips with friends. One of my favorites is the JL Bar Ranch Resort and Spa in lovely Texas Hill Country. This estate is grand, with a full-service spa, outdoor pool and two restaurants. Plus, pretty gardens to explore, complete with a fountain. Rooms offer warm decor, with gorgeous dark wood accents, furnished patios, bathrobes and slippers. Price includes wifi.

Another favorite is Commodore Perry Estate in Austin Texas. Its manicured gardens are gorgeous, as is the massive library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and plush couches. You’ll also spend plenty of time in its elegant tea room, pool, terrace and restaurant. Book a room with a terrace for pretty views. Price includes wifi and shuttle service.

14. WINE AND SPA getaways with friends

Do you girls love sipping wine and relaxing with beautiful views? One of the best places to travel with friends in the USA is Napa Valley, California. Napa Valley is about 1.5 hours northeast of the San Francisco International Airport. You’ll find more than 375 wineries, more than 150 restaurants, and beautiful weather year-round. Napa Valley is nestled among two mountain ranges, with incredible views wherever you look.

For weekend getaways with friends at Canadian wineries, choose from gorgeous views in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, and Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. All three locations have excellent wines, spas and views.

Where to stay for a wine and spa getaway with the girls:

• Auberge du Soleil Resort (Rutherford, California): This gorgeous resort is the ultimate friends weekend getaway, surrounded by a 33-acre olive grove. Relax in cabanas at the pool. Indulge at the spa and fine dining restaurant.
• Therapy Vineyards (Okanagan, BC): Suites overlook the vineyard and Okanagan Lake, with oversized windows, fireplace, patio and oversized tub. The property also has an outdoor fireplace and hot tub, and serves breakfast.
• Prince of Wales (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario): This elegant Victorian-style luxury hotel is the perfect base for exploring nearby wineries. Features an onsite spa and indoor pool. Enjoy traditional English tea at the onsite restaurant and local wines in the cozy lounge.

15. CRAFTING retreat with the girls

There’s something about a crafting getaway that screams “treat”! How often do you dedicate time to create together?

You can find accommodations that offer things like cooking classes or join a retreat that focuses on a particular craft, like painting. For me and my friends, we’d just bring our favorite crafting supplies to a cozy cabin retreat with a hot tub and views.

15 BEST Places to travel with friends in Europe and the world

Taking international trips with friends is a sure way to create lasting memories and bonds. But the stress of international travel will put pressure on your friendship. Make sure you choose a destination that complements your relationship and how you enjoy spending time together.

In Europe, my favorite place to look for accommodations is Plum Guide . You’ll find the coolest house rentals ever, all verified and not all ridiculously expensive.

Here are awesome places to travel with friends in the world, including Europe.

16. European CASTLE getaway with friends

Take your international trip with friends around Europe chasing castles! The biggest challenge will be narrowing your castle adventure to a geographical area, like England or France.

Pick the most iconic castle or area you most want to see and plan the rest of your friends vacation from there. Here are three ideas:

• Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany): The most classic fairytale-like castle nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Take in its stunning architecture, lush surroundings, and panoramic views. Other (relatively) nearby castles to visit include the medieval and mountaintop Hohenwerfen Fortress in Austria and 
• Château de Chambord (France): A Renaissance masterpiece with elegant French architecture and vast gardens. It’ll enchant you with its grand halls and intricate details. Other notable French castles to visit include the lovely Château de Chenonceau built atop an old mill and the opulent Palace of Versailles.
• Eilean Donan Castle (Scotland): A remarkably enchanting castle among many in Scotland, with its charming bridge and moss-covered walls near the entrance to the Isle of Skye. My other favorite castles are on the opposite side of Scotland: the grand Sterling Castle and romantic cliffside Dunnottar Castle.

17. International trips with friends to AUSTRIA

Austria is a captivating blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural experiences. Start your trip with friends in Vienna , the capital city. It’s a hub of art, music and architecture, with magnificent palaces, cathedrals and museums. Pick accommodations near City Center so you can walk to St. Stephen’s Cathedral for evening drinks.

Then, travel through the Danube’s Wachau Valley before heading south to Salzburg. Wachau Valley is a beautiful area of vineyards and cute villages along the river valley. I also highly recommend a stop at Stift Melk Abbey .

Roam the streets and hills surrounding the lovely city of Salzburg , the birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. It’s a charming old town with cobblestone streets, lovely gardens, and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress looming above.

18. ENGLAND road trips with friends

Take a road trip with friends through the English countryside. There are SO many romantic castles, parks and gardens. Quaint villages in the Cotswolds. Rugged rolling hills in the Lake District. And haunting mysteries of Rosslyn Chapel. Experience England’s beauty on a drive from London to Edinburgh .

If you’d prefer a relaxing group tour rather than driving yourself, check out excellent tours of England from Trafalgar . Include a tour of Scotland and Ireland, too.

Find amazing places to stay on PlumGuide.com .

19. EUROPEAN CRUISE vacation with friends 

A European cruise vacation with friends would be AMAZING. You have all the benefits of world-class service, entertainment and food. Plus the gorgeous cities, islands and rugged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Elegant spires off the Baltic Sea. Incredible history and the Cliffs of Dover off the North Sea. And then the more intimate cruise experience of exploring the Rhine or Danube.

Choosing your perfect European cruise option will be the toughest part. River cruises are quite unique, and an incredible way to experience Europe together.

20. Road trips through ITALY with friends

I’ve been to Italy only once and long to go back. There is SO much to see in Italy and it would be absolutely amazing to experience it with my best girl friends. Given the variety of sights to see, I recommend either getting a train pass for the time you’re there or renting a car.

On a road trip through Italy, start and stop in the vibrant city of Rome. Rome is a must-visit for historical landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. Stroll its charmings streets while indulging in pastas and gelato.

Then head up to Venice, a unique floating city built on canals. On your return to Rome, stop in Florence to see the famous Statue of David and beautiful churches. Then calm things down with a few days exploring the stunning Cinque Terre coastline and Tuscany wineries.

If you have more time, continue south of Rome to explore the historic ruins of Pompeii. It’s just south of Naples, another gorgeous coastal city. Sorrento and the Amalfi coast promise more spectacular views and memories for an epic trip with friends.

Find amazing home rentals on PlumGuide.com and hotels on Booking.com .

21. Explore ICELAND on a trip with friends

Iceland is a magical land of fire and ice, with waterfalls, the Blue Lagoon and ice caves. It’s an amazing trip with friends who love exploring nature’s wonders … and don’t mind a remote experience. There are no Starbucks in Iceland! But you will find other delicious coffee.

Visit the famous Golden Circle, which includes the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir National Park. Take in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach. Hike through the mesmerizing landscapes of Landmannalaugar or the volcanic region of Mývatn. Discover rugged fjords and black sand beaches, and then soak in the soothing Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

If you want to explore Iceland’s famous ice caves or chase the Northern Lights, you must come in winter. Plan your friend’s trip between mid-November and mid-March.

22. Fun CARIBBEAN CRUISE trips with friends

A cruise is as easy as they come for trips with friends. Choose a destination, timing, and go!

A super easy cruise vacation for friends would be the Bahamas or Caribbean. Hop from beautiful island to beautiful island, all while enjoying luxury amenities, entertainment, and dining onboard.

A cruise is also a fantastic solution to taking trips with friends who have different interests. So long as you can agree on a cruise destination, you can go your separate ways in the afternoon and come back together at dinner.

Explore cruises on CruiseDirect.com .

23. INDIA adventure places to travel with friends

India is rich in cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences for friends traveling together. Explore the bustling streets of Delhi and vibrant markets of Jaipur. Visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. And take a spiritual journey in Varanasi.

But to see the best of India on your trip with friends, you need to leave the popular northern cities. Travel south to the popular Kovalam Beach and witness the breathtaking landscapes of Kerala’s backwaters.

Find incredible treehouses for your next best adventure with friends! Check out these treehouses on Booking.com , including in India, Chile, Costa Rica and more.

24. International trips with friends to THAILAND

Are you and your friends intrigued by Asian culture and finding the perfect secluded beach (like in The Beach movie)? Then I’m guessing Thailand is on your radar for international places to visit with friends. 

My main tip for visiting Thailand is to get out of Bangkok as quickly as possible. It’s busy, smoggy and not especially friendly. Instead, head north to Chiang Mai to experience the floating markets . Climb an ancient temple and brush up against an elephant. Then indulge at a beach resort at Phuket or the Phi Phi islands . Bask on white sand beach, surrounded by gorgeous limestone peaks and perfect turquoise waters.

Interested in a guided group tour? I highly recommend Intrepid small group tours for an incredibly rich, “local” experience. They have tours into Northern and Southern Thailand, including food and beach tours!

You may also like 5 Charities in SE Asia Tourists Should Visit .

25. Epic CAMBODIA trips with friends

Ancient temples, jungle and Tomb Raider. And an incredibly resilient people that carry an awful history of genocide. Cambodia is a place that will touch your soul and guarantees a friends trip you’ll never forget.

You’ll want to visit both the capital of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, home to the famous temples. In Phnom Penh, visit markets, temples and gardens. But hold onto your food, because those monkeys are gutsy! And my opinion is that tourists should pay their respects at the genocide sites . How else can we begin to appreciate what their people have been through?

In Siem Reap, explore the gorgeous temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm. A local guide can also take you to lesser-known temples you can climb with a jungle view all to yourself. Be sure to have a drink at The Red Piano and ask for a Tomb Raider drink. Cheers!

When I was in Siem Reap, my sister challenged me to do more than visit, so I will challenge you. Read about my experience of donating blood in Cambodia . (Yes, it was safe.)

26. JAPANESE MONASTERY places to travel with friends

I’ve only had a taste of visiting Japan on a layover in Tokyo on our way to Vietnam, but they completely charmed me with their hospitality! Japan is now on my bucket list, and specifically the zen experience of staying in Japanese monasteries.

Two iconic Japanese monastery communities to visit on a trip with friends include Kōya-san (Mount Kōya) and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Mount Kōya is in a mountainous region about 7 hours southwest of Tokyo. It’s home to over a hundred temples including the famous Kongōbu-ji. Stay in shukubo (temple lodgings) with traditional Japanese-style rooms, vegetarian meals, and the opportunity to participate in morning meditations.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is right in Kyoto. It’s known for its stunning golden exterior, and creates a breathtaking view as it reflects off the surrounding pond. Explore its exquisite gardens and the historic tea house inside the complex.

27. Fun AUSTRALIA beach road trips with friends

Australia is known for powdery white-sand beaches. So, rent a car and go beach-hopping on a road trip with friends!

Fly into Sydney and start your trip with friends at the iconic Bondi Beach . It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent surf and coastal walks. Take in the lively beach culture as you sample the many beachside cafes.

Then, head south for about 3 hours to Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. It holds a Guinness World Record for having the whitest sand. Swim and snorkel at these beautiful clear waters and enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe.

Along the way, stop at the coastal Royal National Park and inland Heathcote National Park . They offer rugged hiking and other adventures that balance nicely with beach-bumming!

28. International trips with friends to BRAZIL

Have you heard of Iguazu Falls? Iguazu Falls is the world’s LARGEST waterfall, made up of a massive 270 separate falls! Check it out for yourself in the best virtual tours of waterfalls around the world . Iguazu Falls is right on the Brazil and Argentina border. 

Along with Iguazu Falls, experience Brazil’s beaches, rainforest and Rio de Janeiro. Make the epic climb up to Christ the Redeemer for epic views.

If you’re interested in a guided tour, check out Trafalgar’s tours in South America . This would be an easy way to explore the best sights on a trip with friends.

29. COSTA RICA best places to travel with friends

I SO want to experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica. And stay in treehouse resorts. It sounds incredible.

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise known for its incredible biodiversity and natural wonders. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers breathtaking views, misty forests, and the chance to see rare wildlife. The nearby Arenal Volcano National Park provides thrilling hikes and hot springs for relaxing afterwards. 

For a beach experience, head to Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for stunning beaches and lots of wildlife, perfect for relaxing and snorkeling. It’s on the Pacific Ocean and accessible by road.

With its lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and eco-friendly practices, Costa Rica offers a memorable and sustainable travel experience for friends.

30. Fun MEXICO beach trips with friends

There’s a reason why North Americans flock to beautiful Mexico! Mexico has some of the world’s finest beaches, best preserved Mayan ruins and fascinating, colorful cultures. But with all the options, where should you travel with friends? I suggest two. 

First, Cancun is an obvious choice. It’s a world-class destination with something for everyone. Exquisite beaches, first-class hotels, a more authentic downtown area, Mayan ruins and fantastic weather year-round. For an incredible trip with Mom to Cancun, stay at the adults-only all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort . 

A second, quieter choice is Playa Maroma. About 30 miles from Riviera Maya, Playa Maroma has arguably the best beaches in the world. Plus rainforests and snorkeling right off the beach. A beautiful all-inclusive resort to check out is Catalonia Playa Maroma .

You may also like:

• How to travel with friends: Trip planning
• How to find better accommodations
• Trips with Mom and Trips with Dad

Featured photo: Priscilla Du Preez from Unsplash.

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• Group Travel

18 Great Trips to Take With a Group

From Mykonos to Aspen, these are unforgettable group trips for every type of traveler.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

The chance to explore an exciting new destination, or revisit a favorite spot, with your pals is one of the great joys of travel. Virtually any place has the potential to be great for a vacation with friends. (You just might have to get a bit creative in some cases.) That being said, some spots are just inherently better suited for a fabulous group trip. And that can take many forms. It might mean lively nightlife, stellar restaurants with space to accommodate your entire crew, loads of activities, or wide, sandy beaches for everyone to sprawl out in the sunshine.

In need of group trip ideas? Our list includes 18 awesome options, whether your ideal getaway is an action-packed city break or a relaxing island escape .

Tokyo, Japan

At once futuristic and deeply rooted in the past, Tokyo showcases glimmering skyscrapers alongside ancient pagodas, giant megamalls, and tiny artisan shops that honor centuries-old traditions. Book an omakase experience (depending on the size of the restaurant, you might have the whole place to yourself) and then hit the pint-size drinking dens in Golden Gai. Splurge on a traditional luxury ryokan stay with an on-site onsen in the middle of the city at Aman Tokyo .

Ibiza, Spain

Many people consider Ibiza to be the ultimate group trip. That's because this Balearic island paradise is famed for its nightlife. Of course, it's not all about bar hopping and beach clubs. Pals who prefer to relax instead of party can visit secluded coves, traipse around the chiller villages, browse the artisan shops, or just make the Six Senses Ibiza vacation HQ. Ibiza also brims with natural beauty and hosts many yoga retreats throughout the year.

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Searching for the perfect place to surf, do yoga, and chill with your pals? Santa Teresa is a laid-back beach town on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula with beautiful beaches, great food, and a relaxed pace. It has an international dining scene with cuisine to please any palette, spirited bars right on the sand to watch the stunning sunsets, and lovely local boutiques to pick up souvenirs. And ATV excursions, hiking, and zip-lining offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Scottsdale is quickly gaining steam as a go-to destination for group trips thanks to its broad variety of activities, restaurants, and accommodations. Love high-flying fun? Sunrise hot air balloon rides over the desert await. Craving a little R&R? Book a rejuvenating massage at one of the many destination spas . After a group dinner at FnB Restaurant , snooze at ADERO Scottsdale , the only Autograph Collection property in a certified Dark Sky Community.

Capri, Italy

An upscale coastal Italian getaway with glamorous hotels such as Capri Palace Jumeirah and villa rentals, fresh-caught seafood, chartered boat tours, scenic hikes, a chairlift to the highest point on the island , sun-drenched afternoons at La Fontelina , and aperitivo at the iconic Grand Hotel Quisisana , Capri is a dreamy trip to take with friends. Just be sure to book all your reservations well in advance as things fill up quickly during high season — especially for larger groups.

Cartagena, Colombia

Perched on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena turns on the charm and makes for a sizzling group getaway. Within its 16th-century stone walls sits a warren of cobbled corridors, preserved Spanish colonial buildings, bougainvillea-clad balconies, striking churches like Catedral de San Pedro Claver, and bustling plazas where groups can sit and sip cocktails while watching local performers. It's also a popular beach destination and provides access to the palm-fringed shores of Isla de Barú and the Islas del Rosario.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

A charming and energetic city with a little bit of everything for everyone, Amsterdam looks like a postcard with colorful old houses, canals, flower-clad bridges, and bike paths. There are many excellent restaurants, fascinating museums, cool neighborhoods, and glorious green spaces such as the famous Vondelpark. And with everything from dance clubs and dive bars to upscale cocktail bars and underground speakeasies, Amsterdam very much deserves its reputation as a party capital of Europe.

The cosmopolitan gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is easily accessible with direct flights from most major East Coast airport hubs (which makes things much easier if you have travel buddies flying in from all over). This popular Caribbean vacation destination also wows with its beautiful beaches, incredible snorkeling, interesting cultural sights, and duty-free shopping in the capital of Charlotte Amalie.

New Orleans, Louisiana

A soulful and spirited city on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a non-stop good time with bars and live music venues around every corner. Need a break from the more raucous side of things? Chow down on flavorful Creole cuisine, go for a ride on the historic St. Charles streetcar, and (provided you're all feeling brave) book an after-dark ghost tour. Then recharge at one of the many design-forward boutique hotels such as The Chloe and Hotel Saint Vincent .

Aspen, Colorado

World-class slopes, swanky lodgings like Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection , and a convivial apres ski scene make Aspen the it destination for the jetset crowd come winter. But this legendary Colorado locale also shines during the other seasons. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, summer brings sunny conditions for trekking and cycling, and fall is prime for leaf peeping. We guarantee everyone in your crew will shout out hiking the Maroon Bells as a highlight of the trip.

Bali, Indonesia

There's a reason why everyone who visits Bali falls in love. The Island of the Gods is a magical place with an irresistible mix of nature, culture, wellness, and nightlife. Beautiful beaches, lush rice terraces, yoga, clifftop temples, fishing villages, flavorful cuisine, spa rituals, and jaw-dropping sunsets are just a few of the highlights. And a trip to this Indonesian paradise won't drain your bank account. Groups can split a huge serviced Balinese villa with a pool and ocean views.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A renowned brewery culture remains one of the biggest reasons to take a trip to Milwaukee . For groups, that translates to good times and sprawling spaces to sip microbrews. In between pints, crews can do a tour to learn about the history of the city's beer industry. A prime perch on Lake Michigan's western shore means access to all sorts of fun waterfront activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to jet skiing and sightseeing boat cruises.

Marrakech, Morocco

Hypnotic and at times dizzying, Marrakech is an intoxicating mix of maze-like alleyways, vibrant souks, Moorish architecture, grand palaces, manicured gardens, and ornate mosques. Moments of peace and refreshing mint tea can be found at El Fenn's rooftop refuge above the madness of the medina. Down to splurge on a serene, next-level luxurious stay with your closest friends? The Grand Riad at Royal Mansour Marrakech has a cinema, library, hammam, gym, and two swimming pools.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Does your crew love trying local delicacies? The central Vietnam city of Da Nang is a culinary powerhouse with an array of palate-pleasing delights. The night market stalls overflow with fresh-hauled seafood, and the fragrant aroma of bún chả cá fills the air outside the cafes. Besides mouth-watering food, there are sandy beaches, the Marble Mountains, the Ba Na Hills, and the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort for a swish group stay.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

For some groups, the stress of planning a holiday overshadows the excitement of actually escaping somewhere awesome. That's when a luxury all-inclusive resort comes into play. If you'd rather hit "book" and let the rest unfold in easy, breezy vacation style, consider jetting off to Punta Cana for a few days of oceanfront bliss, great food, and fun with your buddies at the top-rated Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana on beautiful Juanillo Beach.

London, United Kingdom

Love sightseeing, shopping, and theater? London is the perfect place to indulge those passions with your pals. It's home to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and countless other recognizable landmarks, plus posh shops such as Harrods and Dover Street Market as well as the treasure trove of vintage stores in East London. Of course, no trip would be complete without afternoon tea, taking in a show at Shakespeare's Globe, and shacking up at a five-star London legend like Claridge's .

Vancouver, Canada

Movie and television buffs will jump at the chance to visit Vancouver . Beyond serving as the filming location for countless motion pictures and shows, this dynamic British Columbia seaport dishes up diverse cuisine, live music, art galleries and museums, and outdoor adventure. Want to stay in the heart of the action? Groups will love the 1,492-square-foot Rosewood Suite at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia , which features two bedrooms and a rooftop garden terrace with a plunge pool.

Mykonos, Greece

When a group trip means devouring whole grilled octopus, poppin' bottles, and dancing on tables, it's got to be Mykonos. Greece's unofficial party island has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and tons of bars and beach clubs where world-famous DJs spin tunes. It also boasts five-star hotels with impeccable service and amenities to help you recover from a big night out. Because everyone knows the best hangover cure is a dip in your private plunge pool followed by an in-room massage.

6 Fun Trips to Take With Your Best Friend

Party islands, desert towns, and everything in between: Try one of these hand-picked destinations for your next girls’ getaway.

Editor's note: As we continue to practice  social distancing , we encourage our readers to check the  Centers for Disease Control website  for up-to-date information on how to safely travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The beauty of vacationing with your best friend is that you’re effortlessly on the same wavelength; after all, so much of what makes for an easy trip is that baseline of compatibility. And now that more arms are getting shots and travel restrictions are beginning to ease, it’s a perfect time for the two of you to start plotting your next escape.

Where to? We’ve rounded up six spots around the country that offer culture, adventure, and spectacular sites or scenery—basically, a foolproof formula for any twosome. (Bonus: If you sign up for the brand-new  United Quest  card from Chase, you can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles. Plus, get a $125 annual United purchase credit and two free checked bags for each of you, saving up to $280 right out of the gate.)

Palm Springs, California

Why go:  Everywhere you turn in this desert town, there’s something interesting to look at. Charming boutiques and galleries, pastel mid-century modern architecture, palm trees swaying in the breeze—it’s no wonder aesthetes flock to the Coachella Valley for celebrated art and design festivals like  Modernism Week  and  Desert X . And with  Joshua Tree National Park  less than an hour away, you can balance the urban cool with some off-grid adventure.

Where to stay:  Les Cactus , which opened in February, may be a newcomer to Palm Springs, but the Airbnb-hotel hybrid is a total throwback—a revamped 1930s property renamed for a 1960s song by French rocker Jacques Dutronc. There are 27 airy, bungalow-style guest rooms, a hammock garden, an outdoor fire pit, and a cool pink exterior, all of which scream California eclectic.

What to do:  Hit the  Palm Springs Art Museum  to admire works by Louise Bourgeois and Anish Kapoor, and book a  day spa package  at the newly opened  Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort  in Desert Hot Springs, where the geothermal mineral springs are naturally heated to 174 degrees and there’s a Himalayan salt room for relaxing and detoxifying.

Later on, enjoy Hemingway daiquiris at the Cecil Beaton-inspired  Bar Cecil , which opens in mid-April. Sacred  Tahquitz Canyon  has 60 miles of trails; one of the two-mile loops rewards hikers with ancient rock art and a 60-foot seasonal waterfall at its summit. And in 2022, be on the lookout for the opening of  Agua Caliente Cultural Museum  from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. When the 5.8-acre center debuts, it’ll be the largest Native American museum west of the Mississippi.

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Austin, Texas

The Carpenter Hotel

Why go:  For pals who have cemented their sisterhood through food—tracking the latest restaurant openings, veering off the beaten path to hunt down delicious street eats—Austin is the buffet that just won’t quit. There’s famous  Franklin Barbecue , of course, but also stellar breakfast tacos at  Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ , matzo ball caldo at  June’s All Day , brisket bentos at Texan izakaya  Kemuri Tatsu-ya , and the sunny wine patio at  LºLº , where the only thing more hip than the bottles are the (masked) servers.

center']For pals who have cemented their friendship through food, Austin is the buffet that just won't quit.

Where to stay:  Even ATX hotels pride themselves on next-level fare.  Carpenter Hotel , a stylish haunt in an old union hall, serves fresh-baked kolaches (pastry) in its café and innovative dishes like Tex Mez, a white bean hummus with pecan baba ganoush, golden beets, and feta, at its restaurant,  Carpenters Hall . The 93-room inn, founded by alums of the  Ace Hotel , hosts creative activities like sound bath meditations and textile marbling—though you and your better half may prefer to just decompress by the pool, Oaxacan Old Fashioneds in hand.

What to do:  Dance up a storm at the tropical-themed  Coconut Club ; go for a splash at  Barton Springs , a spring-fed emerald swimming pool in Zilker Park; catch a drive-in movie at  The Blue Starlite ; or browse the wild collection of rare motorcycles, souped-up hot rods, and movie cars (including one of three original Ghostbusters Ectomobiles!) at the  Austin Rock & Roll Car Museum .

For a cool souvenir, book a portrait session with  Lumiere Tintype , a photo studio pitched in the backyard of  Justine’s Brasserie . Photographer Adrian Whipp is a master of the wet plate collodion process and will capture your grinning mugs in a tintype as timeless as your friendship.

Punta de Mita, Mexico

Punta de Mita

Why go:  Friends who need a good re-centering after the challenges of the past year needn’t look any farther than the Riviera Nayarit. Punta de Mita, in particular, is just 45 minutes from the airport in Puerto Vallarta but feels a world apart with its hidden beaches, consistent surf breaks, and varied wildlife.

Where to stay:  For sunny-good vibes,  W Punta de Mita  is the perfect pick. Its infinity pool has a see-through wall and the “wet deck,” a ‘grammable million-tile mosaic walkway inspired by the artistry of Mexico’s indigenous Huichol people. The spa has five private treatment rooms, plus a therapy pool equipped with hydro jets and a pressure shower. Yoga classes take place in the high season, with private Pilates and meditation sessions available upon request. The guest rooms are spirit-lifting too, splashed in bright colors like turquoise and magenta, some with deep soaking tubs and headboards made of punched tin. Best of all, you don’t have to walk far to sample some of the peninsula’s freshest fish. W’s  Chevycheria , a 1950s Chevrolet truck turned thatched-roof cevicheria and beach bar, specializes in regional varieties. Try the spicy Yucatán version with shrimp, scallops, and octopus.

Just 45 minutes from the airport in Puerta Vallarta, Punta de Mita feels a world apart.

What to do:  Learn how to catch a wave with bilingual instructors from the esteemed  Tranquilo Surf Adventures & Surf School . Their semi-private lessons, with two students per teacher, are ideal for friends. (If you two already know what you’re doing and just want to rent boards or SUPs by the hour,  Mita Surf Club  can help.) Hop a private yacht to  Islas Marietas , a national marine park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its humpback whales and blue-footed boobies.  Punta Mita Expeditions  will take care of all the details, leaving you to enjoy the snorkeling or diving.

Another day, shop the funky galleries and bohemian boutiques in nearby Sayulita, or hike up Monkey Mountain, a 4.6-mile trail near Bahía de Banderas. It’s rocky and steep with an elevation gain of more than a thousand feet—but the sweeping views of the sparkling Pacific are worth it.

Mykonos, Greece

Why go:  After a year of Zoom meetings and puttering around in sweatpants, doesn’t it sound fun to dress up real nice and, like, hang out with strangers? Greece’s most glamorous party island siren-calls with beautiful beaches by day and glittery nightlife from dusk till dawn. Notably, it’s just a 40-minute flight or 2.5-hour high-speed ferry ride from Athens, so you can first cram in a little culture (Acropolis, Parthenon, etc.).

Mykonos siren-calls with beautiful beaches by day and glittery nightlife from dusk till dawn.

Where to stay:  This sun-drenched Greek isle has no shortage of dreamy hotel suites, but many are aimed at honeymooners.  Paradise View  is unique because its light-flooded rooms, done up in dazzling white with pops of Aegean blue, include double beds with rainshower baths and terraces overlooking the sea. The helpful front desk staff can assist with bike and car rentals, and while it’s just a five-minute stroll down to buzzy Paradise Beach, you might just find yourself spending most of your time lounging by the hotel's jewel box pool.

What to do:  Tempting as it is to stake out a sunny strip of sand at tranquil  Kapari Beach  or spend every day lounging by your suite’s private plunge pool, this is an island that rewards doers. Ask the Paradise View concierge about chartering a catamaran for a sunset cruise on the brilliant blue Aegean Sea or set off on foot to tour the très chic boutiques and ancestral chapels in labyrinthine Chora. Panagia Paraportiani, a whitewashed church dating back to the Byzantine era, is not to be missed.

When hunger strikes, make the schlep to  Kiki’s Taverna  near buzzy  Agios Sostis Beach . There’s no sign, no phone, not even electricity, but the rustic cooking and utter simplicity of high-quality local ingredients makes it a fan favorite. As the sun sinks on the horizon, bound over to Paradise Beach to see what’s hopping. Some of Mykonos’ most storied EDM clubs ( Cavo Paradiso ,  Paradise Beach Club ) haven’t fully reopened yet, but when they do, look out. Ibiza who?

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Shiprock Santa Fe

Why go:  With its groovy mix of Native American arts and culture, to-die-for shopping, and striking high-desert vistas, the City Different really delivers. The downtown is walkable, but you’ll need to rent a car if you want to explore the landscapes that gobsmacked Georgia O’Keeffe.

Where to stay:  Plopped on an original stretch of Route 66,  El Rey Court  is a 1930s roadside motel filtered through a modern New Mexican lens. The five-acre campus, rehabbed by the co-owners of the cult-favorite olive oil and skincare brand Wonder Valley, features 86 trendily decorated rooms (some with kitchenettes and fireplaces) and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Conveniently, it’s just a two-minute walk to the best Chimayo-smothered breakfast burrito of your life, courtesy of 1948 diner  The Pantry .

What to do:  Scoop up bundles of dried lavender and jars of green chile sauce at the colorful  Santa Fe Farmers Market , then swing over to the edgy contemporary art museum  SITE Santa Fe . A trippy, choose-your-own-adventure installation awaits at the  House of Eternal Return , created by esoteric art collective Meow Wolf and Games of Thrones author George R.R. Martin.

After ogling the stunning—and stunningly expensive—Native American rugs, jewelry, and ceramics at  Shiprock Santa Fe , shop for artisan-painted molcajete bowls from Michoacán at  Heritage By Hand  or rummage through racks of threadbare rock tees and retro aviators at  Santa Fe Vintage , a by-appointment-only showroom on the outskirts of town. For a sweet memento, grab some small-batch bonbons from  Kakawa Chocolate House , made with New Mexican ingredients like red chili and piñon, or a box of Southwesternized French macarons from  Chainé  in a fun flavor like churro (cinnamon meringue buttercream and dulce de leche).

Nashville, Tennessee

Graduate Nashville

Why go:  Maybe the reason they call it Music City is because everyone who visits Nashville sings its praises. Whether you’re challenging your bestie to a Hot Ones-style hot chicken binge (heaven help your fire-breathing hearts if you order the “Shut the Cluck Up!!!” at  Hattie B’s ) or you’re going to see the next big country music star at the  Grand Ole Opry , it’s impossible not to have a grand ole time in the Tennessean capital.

Where to stay:  From the genius duo behind  Urban Cowboy  in Brooklyn comes  Urban Cowboy East Nashville , set in a rambling Victorian mansion. Eight suites, each with their own personalities, sport 14-foot ceilings, copper-leafed bathtubs, hip Pendleton bedding, and eye-popping Printsburgh wallpaper. There’s even a music parlor, should the two of you feel the urge to burst into song on the upright piano.

What to do:  After taking in the rhinestone getups and Elvis Presley’s 1960 “Solid Gold” Cadillac at the  Country Music Hall of Fame , bounce over to the new  National Museum of African American Music , the only such museum devoted to preserving and celebrating the countless genres of music created and influenced by Black Americans. Nightfall begs adventurous types to cut a rug at the honky tonks of South Broadway ( Tootsies Orchid Lounge  and  Robert’s Western World  are always a good time).

Come morning, you can start the day with a little indulgence: by chomping into an East Nasty buttermilk biscuit sandwich with fried chicken thigh at  Biscuit Love  or sipping frozen Aperol Spritzes under fringed magenta umbrellas at  White Limozeen , the rooftop pool bar at  Graduate Nashville . For a one-of-a-kind vacation keepsake, make a field trip to the novelty record booth at Jack White’s  Third Man Records . There you can record an acapella duet on a refurbished Voice-o-Graph machine, cutting a two-minute vinyl single that immortalizes your bad singing for generations to come.

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17 Fun Trips to Take With Friends

Traveling with friends can be a life-changing experience. Check out this list of fun trips to take with friends and create a lifetime of memories!

From weekend getaways to New York City to long-haul adventures across Southeast Asia, traveling with friends can be an unforgettable experience. You not only learn a lot about each other but also about yourself. You also create great new memories that are sure to last a lifetime! It’s a time when you can focus on self-care and reflection and think about how lucky you are to have so many great people in your life.

We know how important and meaningful traveling with friends can be. So, we’ve put together a list of fun trips to take with friends. These adventures around the world can be done with just your bestie or with a whole heap of friends!

Enjoying Precious Time With Let’s Roam

If you’re interested in fun trips to take with friends, bonding must be on the brain! Let’s Roam is dedicated to helping you enjoy every precious moment of time you have with friends and family. It doesn’t matter if you’re hanging out at home or exploring the world! With hundreds of great scavenger hunts in cities across the globe, expertly designed scratch-off adventure books full of fun activities, and virtual games that are perfect for both kids and adults, Let’s Roam gives you plenty of great ways to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!

Great Travel Experiences to Enjoy With Friends

Below, you will find a long list of travel ideas you can do with friends. Since we know some of these places may be a bit far to travel to from North America, we’ve included some additional adventures. You can include these in your trip to make the most of your travel time! We’ve also included some useful travel tips for traveling with friends based on our own decades of travel experience. 

1. Go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef.

Roughly the size of 70 million football fields, the Great Barrier Reef off of the eastern coast of Australia is big. Like, really, really big. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to millions of colorful fish, turtles, sharks, sea snakes, dolphins, seabirds, eels, mollusks, sponges, and, of course, coral. Thanks to this incredible biodiversity and how easily accessible it is from cities like Sydney and Melbourne, it’s high on the bucket lists of many travelers. So, why not take a trip with a great group of friends?

You can choose to visit the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip from Cairns. These boats tend to be big and crowded. It can be difficult to explore the reefs without having a lot of other people around. Alternatively, you can book a spot on one of the liveaboard diving boats that go out for a few days at a time. This is a great option if you have the time and the budget. It allows you to experience the reef with significantly fewer people, and it gives you the chance to spend the night floating above this breathtaking natural landscape.

Expert tip: While you’re underwater, you’re very likely to hear a chomping sound, like someone or something is taking a big bite of something crunchy. That’s actually the colorful parrotfish eating algae off the coral. They’re an important part of the reef’s ecosystem. It’s one of my favorite parts of snorkeling, and I love watching the fish happily chomp away on the coral. 

Additional Adventures in Australia

After you’ve snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, you can continue your Australian adventure by heading up through northern Queensland to the Daintree Rainforest. This is the oldest rainforest in the world at a whopping 135 million years old. You can visit as a day trip from Cairns or spend the night in one of the many lodges located nearby. There are many different hiking trails within the rainforest that let you get a closer look at the unique flora and fauna there. 

2. Spend a weekend visiting the historic bars of New York City.

New York is a fascinating city, and many tourists barely even scratch the surface of what it has to offer. For many people, their first visit to the Big Apple includes highlights like Times Square and Broadway, Central Park, and the World Trade Center. However, if you want to see how New Yorkers really spend their time and learn more about the cultural fabric of the city, why not spend a weekend bar hopping through some of the city’s historic dive bars? 

The many dive bars scattered across the island of Manhattan are a treasure trove for history buffs looking to get a peek at old NYC. Some of the most popular historic bars, like McSorley’s, Rudy’s, and Jeremy’s Ale House, still have much of their original decor. If you look closely, you can often see the ornate woodwork, colorful flooring, and vaulted ceilings of yesteryears. To make it even better, the drinks are often much, much cheaper than what you would pay at some of the trendy bars of the Meatpacking District or Midtown. 

To help break up your day of drinking a bit, we suggest taking the time to see some of the many attractions located near the bars, especially ones off the beaten tourist path, such as the many tiny parks hidden amongst apartment buildings and niche museums that you had no idea even existed. 

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out one of the Let’s Roam New York scavenger hunts ! These hunts are expertly designed to help you get off the normal tourist trail and see some of the lesser-known sights. From the public art of Chelsea to the ghost of Greenwich , there’s something to fit the unique tastes of every traveler!

3. Check out the nightlife of Hong Kong.

With buildings that reach high into the sky, sparkling seas, and emerald-green hills, Hong Kong is one of the world’s most photogenic mega-cities. It’s also one of the most vibrant. While New York is often considered the city that never sleeps, Hong Kong can easily be considered the Big Apple’s sister from another mister. 

Additional Adventures in Hong Kong

If you don’t have a Chinese visa but still want to combine your trip to Hong Kong with another nearby destination, we highly recommend taking the ferry to Macau. Once a Portuguese colony, Macau is now the Las Vegas of Asia with tons of casinos, grandiose hotels, entertainment venues, and bars. You can still see vestiges of its colonial days in the downtown area as well as some of the original Chinese casinos built there. This creates a fascinating juxtaposition that you can’t find anywhere else and makes it well worth the trip.

4. Take a road trip across Patagonia.

With wide open spaces, rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountain towns, Patagonia is the ultimate destination for a road trip. You can begin your journey in Santiago and head south, crisscrossing the border of Chile and Argentina. Or, head straight down to Ushuaia, the end of the world, and work your way north from there. 

When you’re planning your journey, make sure to leave plenty of time for hiking. This region is home to some of the world’s most magnificent hikes, including the incomparable W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. This five-day trek takes you high into the Andes Mountains, offering breathtaking views and breathtaking ascents along the way! 

Additional Adventures in Chile and Argentina 

The lands of Patagonia take a surprisingly long time to get to from the United States, so if you have the time, we definitely recommend staying a bit longer to see other great destinations. Check out the enigmatic Easter Island, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, or Iguassu Falls, one of the world’s biggest waterfalls. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive, which makes it easy to travel around. There’s so much to see that you may find yourself wishing you had many months to spend there!

5. Say hello to Lady Luck in Las Vegas.

Will luck be a lady tonight? This is something you can only find out by organizing a fun getaway to Las Vegas ! Las Vegas, Nevada, has come a long way from its days as the original Sin City. Besides what feels like an endless line of slot machines and over-the-top casinos that make you feel like you’re in some weird version of Disneyland, Las Vegas offers some of the world’s best hotels, entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants just waiting to show you a good time (and to take some of that hard-earned money off your hands!). It’s even the temporary home to some of the country’s most famous musical artists who have long-running residencies there. 

This fun combination of activities makes it the perfect spot for weekend getaways for anyone wanting to spend the day lounging by the pool with a colorful cocktail in hand, trying their luck on the slot machines, and watching their favorite musicians sing their hearts out.

6. Hit up the all-inclusive resorts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

While it’s fun to DIY your own trip, sometimes nothing beats a week at an all-inclusive resort with your best friends. Gone is the stress of having to pick a restaurant, call a taxi, or find a bar to go to. Instead, you have everything you need all under one roof! All-inclusive resorts range from intimate affairs with a handful of restaurants and idyllic poolsides to full-blown resorts with tons of restaurants, pools, and activities to choose from. These ones are usually a bit better suited for groups of friends, but to each their own, right? The beauty of going to an all-inclusive resort lies in the lack of planning you need to put into it. You can simply show up and be you!

While you can find all-inclusive resorts scattered across the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, we love going to the ones in the Yucatan simply because there is so much to do around them! Not only is the peninsula blessed with gorgeous white sand beaches and marvelous weather most of the year, but it’s also dotted with ancient Mayan ruins, fascinating sinkholes that are perfect for swimming in, and colorful colonial towns. This gives you the chance to easily learn more about the history, culture, and geography of this amazing country! 

Some of the most popular areas to stay in include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, but you can find high-end resorts dotted all along the coastline. 

7. Swim with whale sharks in Mexico.

Mexico is famous for having good food, beautiful scenery, great weather, and friendly people. However, if you still need another reason to visit this amazing country, we have one more for you. Mexico is also one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks.

Whale sharks are the biggest fish on the planet, measuring more than 40 feet in length and weighing as much as 47,000 pounds. Their mouths alone can stretch up to five feet wide with 300 tiny teeth. Although they’re considered sharks, they’re not dangerous to humans. In fact, these gentle giants eat only plankton. Swimming with whale sharks is an incredible experience. Although you get just a few minutes in the water with them due to strict conservation rules, it feels like a lifetime as you watch their muscular bodies glide gracefully below you.

The best place to join a whale shark tour is in Isla de Mujeres, just a short boat ride from Cancun. This tourist-friendly island has a downtown area lined with budget-friendly accommodation options, souvenir shops, and restaurants. It’s a nice, laid-back spot to spend a few days before or after your trip, and it gives you a little taste of Mexico without having to deal with all the craziness of Cancun. 

8. Explore the Tuscan wine country in Italy.

While Napa Valley is considered one of the best wine regions in the US, why not think a bit bigger when it comes to having an awesome and memorable vacation with your besties? Just imagine yourselves sitting with a glass of Chianti, overlooking rolling hills lined with vineyards and dotted with historic farmhouses. Taking a wine tour of Tuscany is a great way to try a whole new range of mouthwatering wines that you normally wouldn’t have access to and learn more about Italian culture and heritage. 

The wine region of Tuscany in Italy is relatively easy to get to from major tourist hotspots like Florence, Rome, and Milan. Otherwise, you can base yourself in one of the smaller cities or towns nearby, like Sienna, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Here, you will find a wide range of accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and vacation rentals. There are also tons of different wine tours that you can choose from. Otherwise, you can create your own DIY wine tour and make your way to the wineries by train, car, or bike. Or go on foot for tours of the wineries and wine tastings. 

Additional Adventures in Italy

After you’ve tasted the nectar of the gods in Tuscany, why not visit the ancient delights of Rome or Pompeii? Check out the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence or pretend like you’re holding up a certain tower in Pisa. The comprehensive and budget-friendly train network makes it easy to get around!

9. Take the train across Canada.

All aboard! Epic train rides like the Orient Express may seem like a thing of the past, but in fact, they’re thriving in many parts of the world! The Blue Train in South Africa and The Ghan in Australia are still Mesmerizing riders today. But if you want to try something a little closer to home, you may want to consider riding the long-distance rails of Canada!

Train rides in Canada can range from multi-day adventures to shorter hops between destinations. Some of the most popular routes include Halifax to Montreal and the much longer Rocky Mountaineer that goes from Vancouver all the way to Banff. This luxurious rail journey takes you along the Canadian Pacific Railway in custom-designed trains complete with panoramic glass roofs. The daytime views along the way are breathtaking. At night, you can stop in towns like Whistler, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Quesnel.

10. Visit the honky tonks of Nashville.

Nashville has been THE place to go in the US for live music for decades. From the stages of the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium to the bustling honky tonks of the Broadway Historic District, it’s easy to see why it earned the nickname “Music City.” If you and your friends love spending a night out on the town shaking your groove thing, Nashville has plenty of fun in store for you! 

One of the best ways to get the night rolling is with our Nashville Bar Crawl Scavenger Hunt ! This hunt will take you to some of the best bars and watering holes in Nashville, giving you plenty of chances to make new memories as you complete one quirky challenge after another!

During the day, you can either explore the many different museums on offer in Music City or head out for a day trip to Mammoth Cave National Park or to the Jack Daniel Distillery, both of which are about an hour and a half drive away. You can also combine it with a mini road trip to Memphis!

11. Go for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

Famous for its fairy chimneys, Cappadocia looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. And there’s no better way to view these than from up above! There’s something quite magical about going on a hot air balloon ride. From feeling the heat of the fire to seeing the earth slowly melt away below you, hot air balloons have a special something that many other air activities don’t. It’s an even more memorable experience when you’re flying over something amazing!

Flights depart nearly every morning, weather permitting, and you only normally need to book a few days in advance. Make sure to wear plenty of warm clothes, as it can get pretty chilly up there, and have your cameras ready!

Additional Adventures in Turkey

Before or after visiting Cappadocia, make sure to spend some time exploring Istanbul. Straddling both Europe and Asia, this city truly is where east meets west. It’s a fascinating blend of cultures from all over the world. From there, you can head down to Izmir and begin a southwest Turkey road trip down toward Ephesus, one of the many ancient wonders left behind by the Romans. 

12. Island hop in the Aegean Sea.

Most of us have probably seen photos of the Greek Isles. The white-washed houses with their blue roofs surrounded by the sparkling Aegean Sea are the stuff that dreams are made of. This image has graced everything from mouse pads to coffee mugs. While islands like Santorini, Patmos, Mykonos, and Rhodes are incredibly beautiful, one of the best things about visiting them is just how accessible they are!

Although there are many cruises that roam the waters between the Greek islands, you can visit many of the islands simply by hopping onto one of the many ferries leaving Athens, Greece. While this does require a bit more planning than simply booking a cruise, this gives you the chance to spend as much time as you want on each of the islands. You can see what they’re like when the cruises leave. 

Additional Adventures in Greece

Once you’ve finished island-hopping, you may want to consider spending a few days exploring the ancient ruins of Athens or traveling up to see the sky-high monasteries of Meteora.

13. Unlock your inner mermaid at Miami Beach.

The beautiful shoreline and sunny weather of Florida have been attracting northerners for centuries, and Miami has long been at the top of the list of must-see destinations. From the white sand beach to the curvy Art Deco architecture, Miami Beach feels like a completely different city than the rest of Miami. By day, you can be lounging around in the sun or wandering up the cute residential streets. By night, you can go to some of the hottest clubs in the entire country. 

If you plan on spending the full day at the beach, there are places where you can grab beach chairs and umbrella rentals that allow you to get extra comfy, and don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen with you! Nothing ruins a great vacation faster than a painful sunburn. 

Travel tip: While you’re in Miami, don’t forget to visit Wyndood Walls. This collection of street art and murals spread across warehouses and shop exteriors resembles a long line of outdoor art galleries. The neighborhood is also home to a few microbreweries and pop-up restaurants, making it a great place for foodies and craft beer lovers who are in serious need of a break from the beach. 

14. Get weird in Austin, Texas. 

Located in the great state of Texas, Austin is unapologetically weird. Home to both the University of Texas’s main campus and the Texas State Capitol, the city has an interesting mix of government buildings and a fun, youthful energy. As you would expect from a city this diverse, there is a wide range of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions to choose from. You can even do your very own pub crawl while you’re there! 

Austin isn’t just all culture-vulturing, though. There are plenty of unique activities to do here. During your stay, you can cool down at Barton Springs, a natural pool full of fresh water, watch millions of bats take flight at the Congress Avenue Bridge, take a stroll around Lady Bird Lake, or pick up your very own pair of authentic cowboy boots at Allen’s Boots, an Austin institution!

15. Enjoy a week of outdoor adventures in Iceland.

Iceland was once a bit of a hidden gem for outdoor adventure and other-worldly natural attractions. However, with the rise of low-cost airlines and a massive drop in their currency, Iceland became much more accessible as a vacation destination. Suddenly, it exploded onto seemingly every must-see list. While the excitement surrounding Iceland as a destination has abated a bit, this doesn’t mean that it is any less stunning than it was a few years ago. It simply means that you are likely to have many of the biggest sites all to yourself! 

Most people start their trip in the capital city of Reykjavik before venturing out for an epic road trip on Iceland’s famous Ring Road. Stretching 825 miles, this road takes you by some of the biggest natural attractions in the country, including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Dyrhólaey cliffs, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. While the entire road can be driven in 24 hours, it is best to slow down and take your time so that you can truly enjoy all of the many waterfalls, glaciers, gorges, and hiking trails you see along the way. 

Before you leave, make sure to take some time to relax at the Blue Lagoon, which is conveniently located close to the airport. This will give you some time to reflect on your remarkable journey and all of the magnificent things you saw and did!

16. Get your jazz on in New Orleans.

Throughout the course of history, the city of New Orleans changed hands repeatedly. This wave of cultures left an undeniable mark on the city in terms of architecture, culture, cuisine, and, of course, music. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, so what better place could there be to spend a few evenings at a smoky jazz club listening to these lively melodies? Some of the most popular places to listen to jazz music include the historic Preservation Hall and the intimate The Spotted Cat, so one of these should be your first port of call regardless of whether you are a jazz aficionado or a new fan!

While New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, there is plenty to do during the day as well! You can explore the streets of the French Quarter, explore the wide boulevards lined with stately homes in the Garden District, or visit world-class museums, such as the National WWII Museum or the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Travel tip: If you plan on traveling to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance as places tend to sell out very quickly!

17. Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica.

Thanks to the country’s focus on providing excellent ecotourism experiences, the country of Costa Rica has been a fantastic vacation destination for decades. With beautiful beaches, tranquil cloud forests, smoking volcanoes, and gushing waterfalls, Costa Rica provides the perfect backdrop for tons of great outdoor activities. During your trip, you can put some miles in on the hiking trails, go ziplining above the treeline, or spend your days relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sea breezes coming off the Caribbean.

Travel tip: Prices for hotels and activities have gone up substantially in Costa Rica over the past few decades, making it one of the most expensive travel destinations in Latin America. Make sure to double-check the prices of things before you book your hotels and flights to ensure you will be able to have the vacation you’re dreaming of without having to empty your bank account too much!

So, Ready to Roam?

We hope this list of fun trips to take with friends has given you plenty of inspiration! As always, we would love to hear your feedback, so please let us know if there are any great adventures you think should be added to this list!

If you would like to learn more about any of these destinations, make sure to check out the Let’s Roam Explorer blog , where you can find hundreds of travel guides, to-do lists, and blog posts about both domestic and international travel. You can also download the Let’s Roam app to find scavenger hunts near you as well as user-generated info on destinations around the world. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to have a nice time, what about a weekend in New York or Las Vegas ? If you want to go further afield, Australia , Argentina , and Italy are great options for something unique and memorable!

To make a friends’ trip a bit more fun for everyone, why not try a fun-filled destination scavenger hunt ? With hundreds of hunts to choose from, there is sure to be one perfect for your group!

Mexico , Australia , and Costa Rica all have beautiful beaches and are easy to travel to with friends. Download the Let’s Roam app to see how the locals spend their time in these great spots!

If you want to ensure that you have a great trip with friends , try to schedule a mixture of unique activities like scavenger hunts with plenty of free time for people to explore on their own!

New York , Las Vegas , and Miami all have something unique to offer, making them great destinations for getaways with friends ! Get the Let’s Roam app to access travel tips for these locations and more!

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10 Bucket-List Trips for Best Friends of Any Age

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The bond between best friends is like nothing else. So it makes sense that you and your PIC would be on the same page for vacation, too. A BFF who’s always down to pack a bag and jet off somewhere awesome? Well, that’s the best kind of bestie. Whether you’re more into a chill seaside getaway or up-all-night antics weekend rampages.

Ready to plan your next escape or need some inspo for a future trip? Bookmark these bucket-list destinations—from party islands and game reserves to wine country towns and culture-rich cities—that are perfect for dynamic duos. 

10 Trips for Dynamic Duos at a Glance

• Best for Wine Tasting : Bordeaux, France
• Best for Free Spirits: Careyes, Mexico
• Best for Foodies: Osaka, Japan
• Best for Partiers: Mykonos, Greece
• Best for Wildlife Viewing : South Africa
• Best for the Ultimate Beach Bums: Maldives
• Best for Spa Lovers: Scottsdale, Arizona
• Best Adventure: Trans Bhutan Trail
• Best City Break: New York City, New York
• Best Desert Oasis: Joshua Tree National Park, California

10 No-Passport-Required Destinations That Feel Like You’re Abroad

Best for Wine Tasting

1. bordeaux, france.

• Where to stay: Historic Duplex (from $132/night), Charming House (from $168/night)  Hotel Singulier Bordeaux (from $215/night); Luxury Chateaux with Staff (from $1,651)

Nestled on the Garonne River in southwestern France, Bordeaux is arguably the most famous wine capital in the world. What’s not up for debate? That incomparable quality of the vin produced in this legendary French viticulture region. To the surprise of absolutely no one, tourist pursuits mainly center around swirling and sipping. Pals who favor bold reds, in particular, will find a plentiful supply of vineyards to visit. Accommodations range from stylish five-star hotels in the city to grand châteaux set on enchanting vine-covered estates in the country. Did we mention the many Michelin-starred restaurants, including Racines by Daniel Gallacher and Le Pavillon des Boulevards ? 

Best for Free Spirits

2. careyes, mexico.

• Where to stay: Casitas de las Flores (from $250/night), El Careyes Club & Residences (from $350/night), Bungalows in Playa Rosa (from $600/night)

An enclave for artists and free spirits since the ‘60s, the vibrant bohemian community of Careyes on the Pacific coast of Mexico is a magnet for those who share a passion for music, wellness and high-vibration pursuits. Colorful villas with bougainvillea-draped balconies face the and sea. Talented practitioners host sound healing sessions in La Copa del Sol. How special would it be to do a mud bath ceremony with your bestie on the gorgeous beach? There’s also visiting yoga instructor program, an art gallery tied to the Careyes Foundation and an art festival that many liken to a more intimate Burning Man called Ondalinda . 

Best for Foodies

3. osaka, japan.

• Where to stay: Hotel the Flag Shinsaibashi (from $54/night), Osaka Apartment (from $122/night,) InterContinental Osaka (from $302/night)

Yes, it’s a long-haul flight from the U.S., but this article is about bucket-list trips and what’s more unforgettable and delicious than eating your way through the city known as the Kitchen of Japan ? A shining star in the culinary world within the country and globally, Osaka boasts an endless array of palate-pleasing dining options—from upscale Michelin three-starred restaurants and famous omakase joints to unagi counters and stalls that sling traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki. Booking one of the club rooms at the InterContinental Osaka provides access to the swish lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks and top-shelf booze.

Best for Partiers

4. mykonos, greece.

• Where to stay: Amazing Mykonos Studio (from $179/night), Rocabella Mykonos Hotel (from $305/night), Charming Flower-Covered House (from $229/night), Sea View Villa (from $349/night)

The sun-splashed Greek island of Mykonos has become a hotspot for jet setters looking to let loose all day and night. Renowned for its revelrous atmosphere, the liveliest of the Cycles group brims with beach clubs, restaurants that turn into full-blown parties after the plates are cleared and huge clubs that blast tunes until the wee hours of the morning. In between dancing on tables, catching rays with a glass of crisp rosé in hand and toasting to the greatest trip ever, pairs of pals can splash in the sparkling Aegean Sea and sleep it off at one of the many stylish hotels around town. 

Best for Wildlife Viewing

5. south africa.

• Where to Stay: Kapama River Lodge (from $450/night), Arathusa Safari Lodge (from $450/night), Hamiltons Tented Camp (from $1,400/night)

Doing a once-in-a-lifetime safari in South Africa is one of the most epic vacations on the planet. Who better to bring along on this over-the-top amazing journey than your bestie? The largest and most popular safari destination in the country, the Greater Kruger National Park attracts animal-lovers with the promise of seeing Big Five game (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and buffalo), plus giraffes, hippos, zebra, hundreds of different species of birds and reptiles and many other wild, beautiful creatures. The stylish safari lodges—basically glamping setups with a major emphasis on the glam—are the ideal spot to unwind.

Best for the Ultimate Beach Bums

6. maldives.

• Where to stay: Baros Maldives (from $405/night), Hurawalhi Island Resort (from $647/night), Six Senses Laamu (from $1,035/night)

Yes, the Maldives tops of the list of the ultimate luxury honeymoon destinations, but you definitely don’t need to have a romantic partner to visit this dreamy Indian Ocean island nation. Your bestie who’s been there through all the ups and downs def feels like the right person to take on a heavenly beach holiday to a place that’s truly a tropical paradise. Start the day with a cup of coffee on the private deck of your overwater bungalow above the waves, sip cocktails by the pool, stroll the powdery white sand beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise tides.

Best for Spa Lovers

7. scottsdale, arizona.

Where to stay: Modern Home with Pool (from $300/night), The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale (from $390/night), Canyon Rock Resort (from $1,326/night)

With more spas per capita than any other city in the United States, Scottsdale is a no-brainer for a weekend of massages, facials, mud wraps and giggling in the sauna with your BFF. It has a wealth of wellness experiences beyond just pure pampering. Why not try a sound bath or desert meditation? There are also some really great restaurants. Of course, we wouldn’t fault you for going the room service route. Getting cozy in fluffy robes, sipping bubbly and watching the sunset from the comfort of your room at a ritzy resort just sounds utterly blissful. 

Best Adventure

8. trans bhutan trail.

• Where to stay: Go Ahead Tours Trans Bhutan Trail (from $6,349/13-day itinerary + hotels + meals)

Want to get away…like really get away with your bestie? Bhutan is far, remote and logistically requires quite a bit of effort to visit. (Sidenote: you’re better off planning the whole thing through a tour operator that specializes in tailor-made trips like this 13-day adventure through the country from Go Ahead Tours. All of these factors have helped shield the Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas from the plight of over-tourism and preserved its unique culture. It’s a special, peaceful place where spiritual awakening and off-the-grid adventure coexist. On the itinerary? Hike through serene hillsides (this trip includes seven hikes), forested valleys and tackle dramatic mountain peaks and journey to historic monasteries and fortresses. When you're done, you'll have better understanding for why Bhutan is considered the happiest place on earth.

Best City Break

9. new york city, new york.

• Where to stay: The Moore Hotel (from $265/night), The James New York - NoMad (from $329/night), Walker Hotel Tribeca (from $395/night)

The Big Apple is always a convincing choice for best friends keen to experience all the excitement of the greatest city on earth (not that we’re biased or anything). Score tickets to a Broadway show. See fascinating exhibitions at world-class museums. Hungry? You’ve come to the right place. Snag a table at some of the hottest new restaurants or return to long-time classics. Go for a stroll through Central Park or meander along the Hudson River Waterfront Greenway. For a stylish stay in the middle of everything, check into The James New York - NoMad . Grab a drink at the speakeasy cocktail lounge and pick up some sleep-promoting products from the “insomnia cart.”

Best Desert Oasis

10. joshua tree national park, california.

• Where to Stay: Rock Box (from $338/night), AutoCamp Joshua Tree (from $245/night), Ocotillo Bush (from $331/night), The Cactus Nest (from $403/night)

Searching for a trip that’s guaranteed to reinvigorate your soul and strength those bestie bonds even further? The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation surrounded by the jaw-dropping beauty of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park feels like its own world. There are so many ways to experience the otherworldly landscape. Duos can hit the trails (just don’t forget hiking boots and water), do a rugged 4x4 off-road tour or even join a half-day group rock climbing expedition. It’s also an unparalleled destination for stargazing. Roll out a blanket and peer up at the wonder of the cosmos above.

15 Bucket-List Mother-Daughter Trips That Will Make You Two Even Closer

Freelance PureWow Editor

The 9 best destinations to make your group trip a reality

Apr 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Take a day trip to Florence while exploring Tuscany with your crew © Gabi Bucataru / Stocksy United

Organizing a group trip can be a daunting task. Deciding where to go, what to do and where you'll stay with a group of people  — who all have their own opinions  — can be challenging enough to nearly convince you not to go.

But certain destinations are decidedly worth the hassle. Whether you are traveling with friends or with family, here are nine places that are perfect for your next group adventure. 

Great Barrington, The Berkshires, USA

The Berkshires in Massachusetts is a popular escape for many East Coast city dwellers due to the region's fall foliage and charming towns. Basing yourself in Great Barrington offers a wholesome oasis for any type of big group. Rent a house, preferably on a lake, and sit back and enjoy the long weekend. Great Barrington's quaint main street is worth an afternoon excursion. Flip through vinyl at Rob's Records , find your next favorite side table at The Berkshire Galleries of Great Barrington and round the day off with dinner at Prarie Whale . 

For literature fans, The Berkshires were once home to many writers, including Edith Wharton. Take a day trip to visit her estate,  The Mount , for history, culture and stunning architecture. And when all that relaxing starts to feel dull, break a sweat with a hike to the largest waterfall in Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls .

Is your group looking for an unforgettable adventure?  Tanzania  offers a wealth of group-centered activities, primarily in the bush. If it's always been your dream to catch a glimpse of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), pack your friends or family into a Land Rover and head to the Serengeti . Spend your days cruising through the  Ngorongoro Crater , enjoying cocktails under the stars, and getting a front-row seat to some of Earth's most fascinating creatures. 

Want to leave the planning to a local expert? Check out Elsewhere's Tanzania trips

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

At its very core, Las Vegas is an adult playground. Whether you come for a bachelor party, girls’ trip or family adventure, there is no shortage of fun. Here, you can catch a water-inspired  Cirque du Soleil  show at the  Bellagio , enjoy a sunset meal in the exclusive seats of the  Eiffel Tower Restaurant , hit  Encore Beach Club  for a rowdy pool party or try your luck at one of the countless poker tables. 

Later, stop by the  Mob Museum  for a look at the nitty-gritty side of the USA. And if you get the urge, tie the knot at the kitschy yet playful  Viva Las Vegas Chapel  – everyone knows the best marriages start with an Elvis serenade. 

Miami, Florida, USA

Playful and glamorous, Miami is a certified group trip destination. Everything about Miami screams, “Grab your friends and have some fun.” Head to  South Beach  if you crave the classic Miami experience, but you don't necessarily have to focus on beaches and nightlife. Leave the golden sand behind for a day and explore Little Havana, eat traditional, mouthwatering Cuban food at  Versailles , and spend an afternoon in the  Art District  of the neighborhood, which features a handful of stellar galleries. 

Head to  Wynwood , where art has taken over the street with mesmerizing murals around every corner. Afterward, catch some live music at  Lagniappe , a sultry club that brings a New Orleans flair to Miami. With art, good food, and seemingly endless nightlife, there are plenty of things to do. 

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

What could go wrong with a group of friends in wine country? Nothing when it's in Tuscany . Head to  Chianti , the birthplace of one of Italy's most beloved wines, for stunning landscapes and endless tastings. Many vineyards in Tuscany offer exceptional lodging, such as  Castello di Ama , where everything is accessible, the tastings are just a stroll away, and romance is in the air.

And when you have nursed too many hangovers, truffling hunting, pasta making and olive oil tasting are there to step in. If you prefer a less structured environment, rent a villa, relax by the pool, ride bicycles through the vineyards and cook lavish dinners to enjoy in the garden. When the countryside begins to feel a bit slow, head to  Florence  or  Venice  for a little city action before you head home.

Mallorca, Spain

Sometimes the best thing you can do is escape to an island. Mallorca is a destination for all ages, and whether you are craving a trip with friends or looking for a winter getaway with your kids, there's no better place to relax, recover and enjoy a beachy retreat. 

Let the crystal-clear water and soothing ocean breeze wash over you at  Platja des Coll Baix , one of the island's most beloved beaches. Take a steep hike to  Santuari de la Mare de Déu des Puig,  a 14th-century nunnery that sits atop a towering hill, or spend the afternoon exploring some of the island's most mesmerizing caves at  Coves del Drac . With no lack of beaches, sun, and activities, expect to leave rested and glowing.

Whistler, Canada

Is your group ready to hit the slopes? Whistler is an amazing destination that will offer something even for those who prefer to hang out in the chalet. Not only are the courses varied and the hills steep, but the area is beautiful too. The picturesque village, with its alpine-style architecture and towering mountains in the background, is worth marveling at. There's even the chance for a bit of culture while you're here with Whistler's developing art scene. 

Ride the  Peak 2 Peak Gondola , which offers magical views and a quick journey between Whistler and Blackcomb. If you have had enough time in the cold, stop in at  Whistler Brewing Company  for a pint or a tour and tasting at one of BC's oldest microbreweries. Wrap up the trip with a visit to the  Audain Art Museum  for Indigenous and British Columbian artwork.

With its greenery, historic temples and seriously good food, it's no wonder Thailand  makes a fabulous group-trip option for those looking for some adventure. 

Begin your exploration of Thailand by diving head-first into the cuisine. Branch out beyond  pad thai  with a steaming bowl of  khao soi  before eating your way through the rest of Thailand's  delicious dishes . Take a refreshing dip at  Erawan National Park , but beware of the monkeys; they are known to sometimes snatch items from visitors. Take home handmade souvenirs with a visit to  Cicada Market . This night-time shopping experience will give you a taste of the local way of life. Before you depart, take the opportunity to marvel at Thailand's ornate architecture by visiting  Wat Phra Kaew  and  Wat Traimit .

Prague, Czech Republic

Does your group prefer a little more history alongside your adventure? Prague is the answer. Relatively affordable compared to many of its European neighbors, Prague is an excellent option for larger groups looking to keep expenses on the lower end and families wanting to switch it up for their annual vacation.

The architecture of the city is unforgettable. Watch the  Astronomical Clock  hit the hour and enjoy its short but beautiful show before wandering the narrow, lively streets. Cross the iconic  Charles Bridge  and see the city stretch out before you. Head to  St Vitus Cathedral  for its Gothic, eye-catching exterior and the centuries-old treasures that lie inside. Relax within the peaceful  Wallenstein Garden , once fit for a duke. There is simply so much to uncover in this complex city.

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14 places to travel with your best friend

Updated On 27th May, 2021

Friends that travel together, stay together! Your bestie is the one person you can always rely on. The one that’s there to help you forget about all the hard days at work, the  difficult breakups  and to just generally embrace the good vibes with! They are also the perfect person to build a best friend bucket list with and tick off as many places to travel with your best friend as possible .

Jobs, colleagues, flings, hard times… they all come and go. But your best friend(s) will stick with you through it all. When you’ve got yourself a BFF, cherish them, appreciate them, and make the most of every second with them!  Life is short .

Get your pen and paper out and start your best friend bucket list for 2021.

Your best friend is the  perfect  adventure buddy. They know you inside out, perhaps even better than you know yourself. Creating a best friend travel bucket list together is such a fun task to do and  then there’s going out and ticking the adventures off!  Check out my guide to planning your next adventure here.

The memories you make as you work your way through your best friend bucket list are priceless. There are so many places to travel with your best friend that the adventures will last a lifetime. They are the memories you’ll be laughing about for years and years to come, especially if you  turn them into a scrapbook . Travelling and sharing memories is one of the best ways to  show your BFF that you love them .

If you’re looking for places to travel with your best friend, places to visit with your best friend or ideas for your best friend travel bucket list, this is the blog post for you. Go on, share this with your best friend, get your notepads out and get planning!

Check out my best friend bucket list here.

14 places to travel with your best friend...

1. australia.

Travelling or backpacking through Australia is high up on many people’s best friends bucket lists !  It’s not hard to see why Australia is one of the best places to travel with your best friend.

Maybe it’s the tropical climates, the wildlife, the laid-back beachy lifestyle, the epic road trips or the backpacker goals lifestyle that has you dreaming of a trip down under, or maybe it’s a combination of them all?

Whether you want to try a city break in Sydney , backpacking down the East Coast , a trip to the outback , or a laid back weekend in Byron Bay, there are so many best things to do in Australia that it can be hard to choose what to do first! Not to mention the bucket list trips to the Whitsundays , Fraser Island or the Great Barrier Reef! Wherever in Australia you decide to visit with your best friend, you’re sure to have an awesome time. 

Check out the best things to do in Australia here. 

2. Portugal

Portugal is somewhere I recently spent a fair amount of time in, exploring with my van and my girlfriends, and we absolutely loved it!  Portugal is 100% a stop off you should make on your European road trip or adventure. 

Portugal is a great place to travel with your best friend because there  are  many   awesome things to do in Portugal. W hether it’s for surfing in Nazare or Lagos , exploring the stunning city of Lisbon or relaxing on the Algarve, Portugal is definitely somewhere to add to your best friend bucket list. 

Whether you’re an avid surfer, walker, camper or beach bummer – Portugal is going to cater for you and your best friend… and some.

Check out the best things to do in Portugal here.

Travellers tend to give England a hard time for its rainfall but where there’s rain, there are lush greens. If you are your BFF love hiking, then a staycation in England is a great place for your best friend bucket list. The beautiful English countryside, such as that in Yorkshire ,  the Lake District ,  Devon  and the  South Downs  will be, without a doubt, one of the highlights of your English adventure and trust me, you’ll be missing the cosy English pub scene within days of departure. The most beautiful places in England are going to blow your mind.

From the bustling cities such as  London  and  Leeds , beachside towns in  Cornwall  and  Dorset , to the many Areas of Outstanding Beauty and  national parks , England really holds its own when it comes to choosing places to travel with your best friend. 

• 15 UK National Parks: which one should I visit?
• The best places to visit in England
• My favourite things to do in England
• Unique things to do in England

From taking on one of the incredible  French via ferratas , wine tasting in one of the French wine regions and hiking in the  French Alps  all the way to  Skiing in Val D’Isere , a  city break in Paris  and a  Christmas Market road trip , you aren’t short of things to do in France that you can add to your best friend bucket list.

I’ve done many road trips with my best friend through France over the years and your trip to France can include so many incredible types of adventure. You can also try surfing down in Hossegor / Biarritz, climbing in Chamonix and visiting the champagne region ! Gosh, France is amazing!

If you’re based in the UK, getting the ferry over to France is such an easy option, make France one of many great places to travel with your best friend. The crossing takes around an hour and it means you don’t have to worry about going to the airport / hiring a car when you get there. See my experience and tips for the ferry crossing here.

See all the best things to do in France here. 

5. Indonesia

A country that I’ve fallen in love with time and time again, Indonesia really is a great place to travel with your best friend. I’d say it’s one of the cheapest places to travel in Asia, or even in the world, making it perfect for anyone who is travelling on a budget. From exploring the famous island of Bali (for example the surf break in Uluwatu , or the monkey forest in Ubud ) to swimming with manta rays on Nusa Lembongan , and discovering the smaller, less travel islands that are equally as beautiful, Indonesia provides plenty of opportunity for adventures for your best friend bucket list.

Check out all the best things to do in Bali here. 

Beautiful Italy is one of the best places to travel with your best friend. Seeing the colosseum in Rome should be on everyone’s best friend bucket list, as well as taking a gondola in Venice, seeing the Duomo in Milan, eating all the pasta in Puglia, visitng Pompeii, going on a Calabrian road trip and exploring some of the best things to do in Sicily , such as exploring the multicultural capital of Palermo . Hop on a plane with your BFF for a well-deserved dose of sunshine, gelato and good wine!

See all the best things to do in Sicily here. 

There are million reasons to visit Greece, and it’s one of the best places to travel with your best friend. From swimming in the turquoise waters to exploring underground lakes, exploring the history in Athens or Crete, sailing around the Ionian Islands or going on a road trip across the Greek mainland, it’s one of the best places to put on your best friend bucket list. 

Check out the best things to do in Greece here. 

8. Thailand

Thailand is such a popular destination for first time backpackers due to its low cost of living, and high delivery of adventure and freedom (partying) – the best of both worlds and ideal for an adventure with your best friend. From buy one get one free buckets and partying with international backpackers in some of the most gorgeous locations in the world such as Bangkok, to volunteering in elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, PADI diving certificates and island hopping – it’s not hard to see why it’s popular. Why not add Thailand to your best friend bucket list and share all the fun with your BFF?

• Check out my top tips for travelling in Thailand in this post. 
• See all my tips for travelling in Southeast Asia in this post. 

With 50 provinces, 17 regions, and at least 5 languages, Spain is a super diverse country, so it’s one of the best places to travel with your best friend if you’re looking for some variety in your adventure! From hiking and skiing in the Pyreenes to surfing on the coast, spending a party weekend in Marbella to going on a road trip in Mallorca and catching some of the most beautiful sunsets in Formentor , or enjoing the winter sun in Gran Canaria or a city break in Barcelona , Spain has something to offer every set of BFFs! Don’t forget the amazing cuisine, stunning architecture and the fact that Spain hosts some of the best music festivals in the world – add Spain to your best friend bucket list now! 

10. Costa Rica

Get yourselves ready to be immersed  in the abundant, rich quality of nature that is on offer in   Costa Rica . From what I’ve seen, Costa Rica is truly a playground of nature, consisting of 27 National Parks dotted across the country. Can you imagine? It’s an awesome place to travel with your best friend!

If you’re not kicking back and relaxing on the Caribbean Coast in Santa Teresa , you could be trying your hand at riding the waves along the Pacific Coast. And then after that, you’ll most likely be spending a few nights in the treetops at one of the eco-resorts before diving into the jungle or climbing  Costa Rica’ s highest mountain. You get the picture… it’s adventure central, great for your best friend bucket list!

Check out all the best things to do in Costa Rica in this blog post. 

11. New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most popular places to visit in the world, especially for backpackers, and who wouldn’t want to go backpacking with their best friend?!

There are so many awesome things to do in New Zealand, that even though I’ve been twice now, I can’t wait to get on a plane and explore some more. Maybe it’s the breathtaking scenery, the friendly local people, the entralling history and culture, the epic road trips, the amazing food and wine, or the backpacker lifestyle that has you dreaming of a trip to New Zealand, or maybe it’s a combination of them all?

There are so many cool things to do in New Zealand, making it a great destination for your best friend bucket list. There’s skydiving in Taupo , bungy jumping in Queenstown , taking on the Tongariro crossing , seeing the dolphins , exploring Auckland , and more! 

See all the best things to do in New Zealand here. 

12. Croatia

From  sunset kayaking around Dubrovnik castle  to hiring a boat and  travelling around some of the islands , all the way to dancing the night away during the  Yacht Week  or Underground Market in the cellar of  Diocletian Palace in Split , you aren’t short of things to do in Croatia – it’s definitely one for your best friend bucket list.

I’ve been to Croatia a few times over the years, including with the  Yacht Week  and with the  Global Travellers family , and Croatia really is full of adventure. Whether you want a city break in  Split  or  Dubrovnik , to go  Croatia island hopping  along the Dalmatian Coast, to go hiking in the Plitvice Lakes National Park or go swimming under the  Krka waterfall,  Croatia really has adventure to offer everyone, making in the perfect place to travel with your best friend.

Check out all the best things to do in Croatia here. 

A luxury safari in Kenya . Talk about once in a lifetime opportunities… definitely one for your best friend bucket list! 

How does an adventure to uncover the big five sound? In the wild? In Africa? In your own private jeep? What dreams are truly made of, right? What’s more, after you’ve seen all the animals on safari you can head to Watamu for some beach time and fully chill out on the coast… pure bliss!

• See my guide to planning your Kenya safari here
• See my guide to Watamu on the Kenyan coastline here

14. The Philippines

The Philippines is a destination that  changed my approach to travel , and I can’t wait to return there one day. From the stunning beaches to the deep blue lagoons, you can really have a ‘luxury’ holiday on a backpacker budget in the Philippines! The Philippines is also one of the best places to do adrenaline-rushing activities such as canyoneering, skydiving, paragliding, and swimming with whale sharks – adventures that are perfect for your best friend travel bucket list! Check out my experience of canyoneering here.

Have you travelled with your best friend?

Where are your favourite places to travel with your best friend? Anything you’d add to this best friend bucket list?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Passionate about adventure and creativity. Currently enjoying the sunshine while teaching English in southern Italy.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Best Friend Bucket List: 100 Fun Things to Do With Your BFF

We’ve already got bucket lists for seasons, for life and for travel, but how’s your bucket list of things to do with your best friend shaping up? Creating one might be something that’s never even crossed your mind, but it’s something you should do for many reasons. Most importantly, conquering goals, doing fun activities, and having new experiences with your BFF will create a lifetime of memories.

From watching your favorite TV shows to traveling the world, these are my recommendations for the ultimate adventures to have with your bestie. So grab a pen and paper and get started on your very own best friend bucket list!

The Ultimate Best Friend Bucket List: Ideas, Goals & Fun Things to Do With Your BFF

1. binge watch a tv series.

How about getting together with some snacks, comfortable jammies, maybe mani-pedis and face masks, and spending chill time together binge watching a fun TV series? This is an easy way to spend time together – just put on Netflix or Amazon Prime and stream the show together!

Maybe there’s a TV show you’ve both loved and are eager to watch again while commenting on all the points you’d forgotten about? Or maybe you’d like to try out a new one together?

The Office, Friends and Grey’s Anatomy are pretty popular series, but if you and your BFF are struggling to find a show, then my 100 best TV shows to binge-watch list will help you out.

2. Volunteer

Like the old adage says, it’s better to give than to receive. There are plenty of causes, from animal shelters to soup kitchens, which would appreciate our earnest help. Get together with your best friend to choose a cause you want to volunteer for, then go ahead and do it! Not only will it be meaningful, but it’ll be plenty of fun. You can even make this goal a monthly thing!

Don’t know where to start? Visit  VolunteerMatch  who has opportunities in many major cities or check the  United Way website.

3. Explore a New City Together

One of the most fun things I’ve done with my BFF has been to explore a new city together. Trying to figure out where you’re on the map, taking a billion photos of yourselves in front of iconic spots, testing new funky restaurants and getting swept up in adventures… What’s not to love?!

4. Go on a Shopping Spree

Going shopping together with your best friend has been a popular bonding activity since at least the creation of shopping malls! Having your BFF there to support and encourage you with buying new outfits adds an extra spark on the already fun activity that shopping in general is.

Your good friend is best for telling you what absolutely does not fit you and what you totally should bring home with you.

5. Be Roommates

Becoming roommates with your BFF can be the best (or worst) thing you do! If you’re a good fit to live together, you get to hang out all the time! Plus, so many more amazing and crappy moments get shared between the two of you, possibly bonding you for life. Becoming roommates can also be a great test of your friendship, hopefully one you’ll find insightful and valuable.

6. Go to a Paint (& Wine) Night

You might have heard about these creative events where you can learn to paint a masterpiece while sipping on wine, but now it’s time to try it out for yourself! Ring up your BFF, choose the event to try and go have an absolute blast painting while drinking wine. Open up Google right now to find your local areas paint & wine night – there’s probably one arranged closer to you than you’d imagine.

If you don’t want to leave the house, then opt for an evening doing an adult paint by number kit !

7. Get Mani-Pedis

Especially if there is a special occasion coming up, getting your nails done together is a great way to bond, all the while letting a professional create some gorgeous nail art on you.

To show the world just how close you are with your BFF, how about matching mani-pedis? Choose a color or design you’ll both love to wear and pop a photo on Instagram once you’re done to show off your cool mani-pedis!

8. Get Matching Tattoos

Ready to make your friendship truly eternal? Head over to a tattoo shop and get matching tattoos! Even better if it’s something with special meaning to you two, like an inside joke or a memory.

Need cute best friend tattoo ideas? Oprah Daily has 23 great matching tattoo  ideas! If you’re not committed to a forever tattoo, then check out  Etsy’s temporary tattoos (I personally LOVE the Pinky Swear Tattoo ).

9. Do Each Other’s Makeup

Before you head out the door for a girls’ night out, why not make the night extra special and do each other’s makeup in preparation? It’ll be a fun way to get ready and to include some additional giggles in your evening, before you’ve even left the house!

10. Go on a Girls-Only Trip

Going on a trip with your BFF or a small group of female friends is one of the most incredible ways to bond. You’ll get to create special memories together, share new experiences with one another, and have a great time in each other’s company as you travel and explore.

11. Bake Cupcakes

Let’s face it. It’s enjoyable to eat just the frosting. But try to refrain, and set up shop on the kitchen counter for some serious baking. Find a yummy recipe online or get inspired by the signature cocktail and try creating your own recipe.

There doesn’t even need to be a special event coming up, you can just bake cupcakes to treat yourselves on any random Tuesday.

It doesn’t matter the flavor of cupcakes, but If your creative juices aren’t flowing, these  36 cupcake recipes will help (and so will this top rated cupcake pan ).

12. Set Each Other Up on Blind Dates

Nobody knows your taste in partners better than your best friend! So if one of you is ever single and ready to mingle, why not set your BFF up for a blind date? Even if nothing long lasting comes out of it, it might make for a fun story to recount over some wine.

13. Take a Cooking Class

There’s so many benefits to attending a cooking class whether it’s solo or for your best friend bucket list . But, with the two off you together you’ll get to have a blast laughing as you try – and maybe fail – in creating something delicious; and then you’ll get to eat your successful creations!

14. Find Your Favorite Brunch Spot

You may have to do A LOT of research for this best friend bucket list goal— bummer ! Has one of you already discovered an unbeatable spot for having brunch or have you heard of some place delicious that you’ve been meaning to try? If yes, then it’s time to get to eating. Keep trying different spots until you find the one that both of you love.

15. Drink Rose All Day

Get together with your BFF on a day off (especially if the day after will be free as well!), pop open a bottle of delicious rose, and enjoy a chill day of girl talk and maybe some movies. There’s never a time when this isn’t just what you need!

16. Take BFF Selfies

A fun way to immortalize your friendship is by taking selfies together! You can easily snap fun ones on the go. Or you could put on a whole photoshoot with a theme and outfits thought out in advance; either going for a super silly look or your own fashion photoshoot! Once you have a load of BFF selfies to choose from, print a few of them and form a lovely collage on your bedroom wall.

If you need a hand to getting the best photo, try using the ATUMTEK 51″ Selfie Stick Tripod (it’s the one I use all the time!). It’s got a bluetooth remote shutter, so you two can snap pictures for hours until you get the perfect one.

17. Have a Spa Day

Sometimes life gets stressful and there’s nothing better than taking an entire day to relax with your BFF. Decide you two need some pampering and go book that spa day, either at a local spa or make it an overnight trip over the weekend to a great spa in a different region.

18. Go on a Camping Trip

As far as things to do with your best friend go, a camping trip is something truly rejuvenating. Spending some time in nature away from technology and stress of daily life, roasting hot dogs and eating s’mores, and maybe finding a lake to chill by, is some of the best time you’ll spend together!

While your out in the wilderness, why not check some things off our bucket of fun camping activities !

19. Have a Girls Night In

Get into your cutest PJs, order some pizza, pop open a bottle of wine, and have a blast with a night in! You definitely don’t need to leave the house for a great time with your BFF, and sometimes staying in for the night is more fun than going out.

20. Ride a Scary Roller Coaster

When you have your best friend by your side, even that scary roller coaster will look just a little bit less so. And even if it happens to be terrifying, sharing that experience will make it worth it and exceptionally fun.

21. Write Each Other Letters to Be Opened in the Future

Writing a letter to your future self is already popular to do, but what if you wrote a letter to the future version of your BFF? Inside the letter you can share why they are important to you and your hopes for your friendship in the future. This is such a meaningful and unique bucket list idea to have and cross off for your friendship!

22. Create a BFF Hashtag

These days we’re all obsessed with visualizing our lives on Instagram. Which means it’s time to take your friendship further and make yourselves IG official! Create a hashtag for you and your bff to use whenever you post photos that relate to your friendship.

23. Have a Beach Day

Whenever summer rolls around and the weather gets amazing, you better not miss out on taking your BFF out for a beach day! An awesome, chill day at the beach should really be a general bucket list item, on every kind of bucket list you create.

24. Throw a Dinner Party

Another fun way to spend an evening without going out is by throwing a dinner party! Whether you’ll arrange one just for you and your best friend or if you co-host one with all your friends invited is up to you. Or, you could even do both!

25. Pull an All Nighter

It doesn’t have to be just because you are both cramming for a test, it can also be for something fun. For example, you may want to have an overnight horror movie marathon or you’ll want to stay up to see the first sunrise of the year.

26. Stalk All Your Exes on Social Media

In case you ran out of things to talk about as you drink that rosé mentioned above, or just feel like you’re in the mood for it, sometimes a little bit of stalking your exes on social media does no harm!

27. Go to Disneyland

Put on one of those cute headbands you can get at Disneyland – matching, if possible – and make good use of that BFF Hashtag as you conquer Disneyland and its rides. Before heading out, you could even make a Disneyland Bucket List of all the things to do together while there!

28. Go to a Bonfire

Especially on the summer and fall evenings, attending a bonfire is a lovely way to finish off a day. You can even do it the same day you’re checking off have a beach day from your bucket list. Having your best friend there with you to experience it only makes it all the more special.

29. Go Wine Tasting

If you both like to drink wine, then sometimes you might want to change from an afternoon of rosé to go out for wine tasting instead. There are plenty of restaurants offering such an experience, but look into possible wineries near your area, as well.

30. Go on a Double Date

Are you really BFFs if you don’t do this at least once?! If both of you are taken, then arrange for a night out with all four of you joining the fun. Or even better, if you both are single, how about a double blind date of sorts?

31. Be Each Other’s Maid of Honor

Perhaps the ultimate bucket list goal on your best friend bucket list is this: being each other’s maid of honor! There’s hardly a better indication of how close of a bond the two of you have than having this amazing honor.

And is there anything more meaningful that you two could do for each other than help plan for each other’s weddings?

32. Help Each Other With a Bedroom Makeover

If one of you is moving homes or in general wants to change up their bedroom décor, a fun way to decorate the bedroom is by doing so together. Maybe one of you has a great idea that you’ll execute together, or perhaps you’ll even plan it from scratch together!

33. Play Mini-Golf

Although I’m rubbish at it, one of my favorite activities with a friend is to play mini-golf together. It can be really hard to hit that tiny ball into a clowns moving mouth, but the worse you are at it, the more fun (or at least funnier) it can actually be!

34. Buy Matching Best Friend Jewelry

Though typically likened as something girls in middle or high school might do, it can be charming to do with each other even as adults. Either buy actual best friend bracelets, or simply go for matching set of jewelry. Head over to Etsy for some of the cutest best friend jewelry!

35. See a Psychic

Surely the idea of seeing a psychic or getting tarot cards read for you has tempted you in one point of life! If you’ve found yourself nervous or skeptical of such activity, perhaps going with your best friend could make it more enjoyable?

36. Have a Board Game Night

This is something I’ve found myself eager of doing with my best friends for some time now! Stay in for the evening, get cozy in your jammies and have a game night marathon with your closest friends. There are different games for everyone, but Scrabble is a favorite for almost everyone.

My favorite adult game night involves a few fierce rounds of  Cards Against Humanity , but  Smart Ass  and  Drink-A-Palooza will also make it a lively night. Still unsure of which games to play? Check out this list:  Board Games Bucket List: 50 of the All Time Best Ones to Play

37. Join a Book Club

If you’re looking for a new hobby to take on together, perhaps joining a book club is just what you need? Reading a good book is always incredible, but being able to share your thoughts on it with someone who has also read it makes it that much better.

38. Take Pictures in a Photo Booth

Taking pictures in a photo booth is something that’s been around for ages and won’t go out of fashion anytime soon! Not only will you get to be super silly in a small space, you’ll get a small tangible memory to keep in your wallet or on your wall.

39. Make a Photo Memory Scrapbook

You will not believe how fast this time flies. Before you know it, you will be off to college or married with children and living in different states, and you will start making new memories. Creating a scrapbook is a great way to be able to look back and reminisce about all the adventures and good times you have had together.

You can preserve all your experiences in the form of pictures, ticket stubs, pressed flowers or just about anything else. And by doing this project together, it will be something you cherish for a lifetime. PS: Here are some super cute layout ideas !

40. Create Your Signature BFF Cocktail (or Mocktail)

This is another best friend bucket list idea that’s going to require lots of research! Become your own mixologist by concocting the perfect cocktail. The best part about this bucket list goal  is that you will have to do a lot of sampling before coming up with your own perfect harmony of flavors. Practice makes perfect!

If you’re not the best at creating drinkable concoctions, you can check these  10 tips on how to make a great cocktail . Or base your drink after one of the 100 Classic Cocktails .

41. Sing a Karaoke Duet

When it comes to karaoke it doesn’t matter how good your voice is, it is all about having fun! So muster up the courage to take the stage and belt out a duet together. There’s plenty of great songs to choose from, but for some help see these epic 31 karaoke songs for you and your girl squad .

42. Have a Pajama Day

It’s a luxury to be able to spend all day in your PJs and you’ve already got plenty of great ideas listed here to make your pajama day complete! Put on your most comfy pair and opt to have a home spa night, watch movies, play games or just eat lots of yummy food.

Don’t have a comfy and cute pair of PJ’s? Try Pretty Garden’s cheetah print pajama se t or  the dreamy cloud set that can be monogrammed.

43. Go Bowling

Let’s face it, bowling is a fun thing to do at almost every age, even when you only get gutter balls! This could also be the perfect thing to do on a double date, you could even get a little competitive by splitting up into teams and having a full blown tournament.

44. Try Something New – Face Your Fear

Does either one or both of you have an adventure in mind that you’d love to do but you’re scared to? Let your best friend—or be that BFF—encourage you and join you in facing your fears and go on that adventure or do that adventurous activity together!

Life is too short to hold yourself back from experiencing new things just because of fear or anxiety. One of the best ways to get over your fear is to have someone special by your side to encourage and support you while you are facing it head on. So, hike up that mountain peak, go on that roller coaster or swim in the ocean.

If you need a little push read my 8 tips to facing your fears in this article about  overcoming anxiety to live your dream .

45. Have an Arts & Craft Day

Above I mentioned going to a Paint & Wine event, but you might want to alternate between that and having an arts & craft day at home. So, clear off the kitchen table and spend the day getting crafty.

Arts & Crafts can range from simple seashell bracelets to intricate dreamcatchers to deliciously smelling soap. Make of plan to take your creations and put them to use, whether it be using it, wearing it or putting it on display in the home.

Need some crafty ideas? Try one of these 19 cute crafts for adults or these 50 fun projects that can even be used for gifts.

46. Go to a Drive-in Movie

If you are looking for a unique and cheap night out, how about going to a drive-in movie? They may be more difficult to find these days, but they are a whole lot of fun when you do. Look at the  Drive-In Movie Website  to locate the nearest one.

47. Go on a Picnic

A super chill and delicious activity to do together with your best friend is to go on a picnic, in a park, by the rocks or on the beach – or wherever else your imagination takes you! Remember to bring along your favorite snacks and some simple games. And don’t forget to include a music playlist for the day, which you can play from your phone.

You can even pack a traditional wicker basket with your favorite picnic foods and enjoy the feast. Real Simple magazine can help you out with their Picnic Packing Checklist . If you want to set up an Instagrammable picnic, here’s a  cute red checkered picnic basket .

48. Make Vision Boards of all Your Dreams & Goals

Break out old magazines, a pair of scissors and some glue to make a collage of all the things you want to do in the future. It can be related to anything from vacations you want to take to foods to cook or new activities to try.

49. Go on an Epic Road Trip

This might take some planning to work out the perfect route, or just pack up your bags, take time off work and hit the road with choosing your destinations on the fly. Either way, your BFF road trip will be epic.

It doesn’t even have to be a long trip, it could just be for a day or two, but make sure you have plenty of entertainment along the way.

Try these 16 road trip games that will surely keep you occupied for the duration of the trip. Or buy our Printable Road Trip Bingo Cards .

50. Run a 5k Race

Another exhilarating activity that you and your BFF will remember forever! You can run a regular one that’s set up for a good cause or you might want to try a quirkier one like color run, where you’ll come out all soaked in different colors and not necessarily running the whole way through.

Check Active’s 5k Race Finder for runs near you and use this guide to start preparing: How to Train, Run & Finish Your First 5k Race

51. Go Somewhere You Have Never Been

Accomplishing this bucket list goal doesn’t mean that you have to travel to the ultimate dream location, just go somewhere you both have never been. It could be something as simple as visiting a new park in your city or taking a day trip to a nearby town that you have been meaning to explore. If you need some inspiration, check out this list of the  best travel destinations .

52. Attend a Music Festival

In the United States, 40 to 50 million people attend outdoor concerts each year—it’s popular and a top thing to do with your best friend! Attending a music festival together will truly be what’ll make it so memorable to you.

Listening to bands you’re crazy about and ones you’ve never heard of, getting all dressed up with that festival look, maybe even staying in a tent overnight. Find the perfect venue in your area, bring a lawn chair and spend a bucket list worthy evening listening to tunes.

Unsure of where to see your show? Check out the 10 Outdoor Concert Venues Worth a Summer Road Trip

53. Go Backpacking

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced wilderness and gone backpacking. Grab your adventurous friend and take on Mother Nature. You can do something as simple as visit the local park or the neighboring county or plan a multiple day trek.

54. Be Her Wingwoman

Being a good wingwoman means putting your friend’s needs first when it comes to helping her snag a date. Your job is to help your tongue-tied BFF keep the conversation flowing and brag about her to the cutie she’s eyeing.

55. Cook a Fancy Dinner

The first step to cooking a fancy dinner for your BFF is choosing a menu. Will you go for an elegant three-course meal or just cook them their favorite dish? Once you’ve settled on a plan, it’s time to hit the grocery store and get to cooking! If you’re feeling a bit nervous, remember that practice makes perfect. So don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen until you get the results you’re looking for.

56. Create Special Playlists for Each Other

To start creating a playlist for your buddy, think about the songs that make them happy, the songs that make them sad, the songs that remind them of some of the good memories you’ve shared.

57. Eat an Entire Tub of Ice Cream

Best friends are great for many things: venting about your day, going on adventures together, and of course, eating an entire tub of ice cream. Whether you’re a chocolate mint chip fan or cookies & cream lover, finish the whole thing!

58. Go Gambling at a Casino

Test your luck at the roulette table or on some slots at a casino. Who knows you might just get lucky and win some big money! Just remember to set a budget before you sit down, sometimes when you’re having fun you can quickly lose track of how much your

59. Go on a Booze Cruise

Booze cruises are quite popular in warm weather destinations, like Mexico and the Bahamas . Though most are technically not called “booze cruises”, it’s more like a catamaran trip that serves alcohol onboard. Sipping a fruity cocktail while basking in the sun makes for the perfect afternoon with your bestie.

60. Have a Disney Movie Marathon

Make some popcorn, grab some blankets, and get ready for some major Disney nostalgia. From classics like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to newer favorites like “Frozen,” you’re sure to find a favorite.

61. Make up a Dance Routine

Dance is a great way to let loose and get some exercise too. And what could be more fun than the two of you making up your own dance routine?  Find the best song that fits and creative a cool routine, then invite some friends over and show them what you’ve got!

62. Prank Call Friends

Another fun thing to do with your BFF is make prank phone calls to some of your other friends. You can either come up with your own material (like pretending to be a telemarketer) or use one of the many great prank call websites out there for ideas (like Ponly’s 20 Prank Call Ideas ). Just be sure to keep it all in good fun and don’t actually cause any harm.

63. See Your Favorite Musician in Concert

There’s nothing quite like being at the same venue as your favorite artist, feeling the music pulse through you as you sing along to all your favorite songs. And it’s even better sharing it with someone who loves the same musician too!

64. Travel Abroad

Paris, Barcelona or Rome—what’s on your travel bucket list? Seeing new places and experiencing different cultures is something that everyone should do at least once in their lives, and there’s no one better to do it with than your best friend. Traveling abroad is the perfect opportunity to bond with your bestie in a whole new way. You’ll get to share new experiences, discover new things about each other, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t know where to go or what to do? Our Travel Bucket List will help—it has 100 of the best ideas!

65. Try an Extreme Sport

Have you ever wanted to try an extreme sport but were too chicken? Well, having your bestie with you will help to ease those nerves. So go bungee jumping, paragliding, or sky diving and get the adrenaline rush of your life. For more ideas, see our Adventure Bucket List .

66. Wear Matching Outfits

You don’t need to be twins in order to get some seriously cute Instagram photos of you two twinning in matching outfits.

67. Learn a New Language Together

Apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone have made it easier than ever to start your journey towards learning a new language. But, having someone to study with will make it that much easier (and more fun!). Any language will do, you can choose one that is part of your heritage or one from a country that you plan on visiting together.

68. Read The Same Book At The Same Time

Have you ever read a book and wanted to be able to discuss it with somebody? When you are reading it together you will have someone to talk about it with everyday!

If you love the classics then check out the Classic Books Bucket List: 25 of the Best Must-Read Novels . You can easily download many classics to your Kindle for free. Find a ton of free classics on Amazon .

69. Stay Up All Night In Vegas

Whether you’re hitting up the clubs, walking the strip or taking in a show, you’re sure to have a night to remember in Las Vegas.

70. Learn a New Skill Together

Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but felt like you didn’t have the time or motivation to do it alone? Well, the Best Friend Bucket List is giving you the opportunity to enlist your bestie to do it with you. It could be anything from taking up baking to learning how to rock climb or pick something from our Hobbies Bucket List . And who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a hidden talent!

71. Experience a Wellness Retreat Together

Whether you’re looking to detoxify your body, de-stress your mind, or both, a wellness retreat can be the perfect solution. From yoga and meditation classes to healthy eating workshops, you and your bestie will find plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore beautiful surroundings and bond with each other in a truly unique way.

72. Take a Dance Class Together

Prepare your Jazz hands or dust off the old tap shoes and take a class to either learn something new or brush up on an old skill. Even if you embarrass yourself, you’ll have somebody to laugh with.

73. Sleep Under The Stars Together

You can go camping or just set up a sleeping bag in the backyard to check off this best friend bucket list goal. It’s a chance to build a stronger friendship with no distractions and no interrupted conversations—just the two of you and the night sky.

74. Try a New Recipe

Recipe for fun: take one close friend, mix in a new recipe, add a dash of good conversation, and enjoy!

75. Watch Sunrise/Sunset in a Cool Location

There’s nothing quite like waking up at the crack of dawn, grabbing a warm cup of coffee and watching as the sun rises.

76. Sign Up To a Fitness Challenge Together

If you and your bestie are athletic or want to be, sign up for a fitness challenge. It could be something as simple as running a 5k or as difficult as doing a triathlon. Either way, it’ll be a fun way to motivate each other to stay active.

77. Make and Bury a Time Capsule

One of the best things about having a best friend is all the amazing memories you make together. From your first sleepover to your first road trip, these are the moments that you’ll look back on and cherish for a lifetime. However, it’s not always easy to keep track of all the things you’ve done together. That’s why burying a time capsule is such a fun way to commemorate your friendship.

Simply grab a capsule of some sort (like this anti-corrsion capsule  by Baiyun) or jar and fill it with items that represent some of your favorite memories. You could include things like ticket stubs, photos, postcards, and other mementos. Once you’ve filled up your time capsule, bury it in a spot that’s special to you both. Then, agree on a date when you’ll dig it up and reminisce about all the amazing adventures you’ve shared.

78. Laugh Until You Cry

It’s always been said that laughter is the best medicine, and there’s a lot of truth to that. Of course, sometimes it’s not always easy to find things to laugh about. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with good friends who can make you chuckle at the drop of a hat.

79. Play Video Games

Whether you’re both avid gamers or just looking for something new to try, playing video games can be a blast. There are so many different genres and styles of games out there, it’s easy to find one that you’ll both enjoy. And, if you’re really competitive, you can even keep track of who wins the most games.

80. Arrange a Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of random items your bestie needs to find either around the house, neighborhood or even the entire city. Start them off with the first item and a clue on how to find it. Once they do, give them a clue to find the next item and so on. You can make the items random or There’s endless themes for a scavenger hunt—here are 8 good ones .

81. Have a Barbeque

There’s just something about cooking outdoors on a grill that just makes food taste better. Right? One of you take the job of flipping the burgers and the other can get the condiments ready. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to invite some other friends and family over to partake.

82. Play a Game of Truth Or Dare

After all this time you definitely know your BFF well, but how about getting to know them better with a game of Truth or Dare. Truth questions can be anything that you’ve ever wanted to know about them and dares can be things like singing song lyrics out loud in the grocery store or doing a silly dance in a public park.

If you looking for more ideas, see our article: Truth or Dare Questions .

83. Start a Youtube Channel Together

Are you two pseudo comedians or do you both have a special skill you could teach others? Then start brainstorming some ideas for your very own YouTube channel. Who knows, maybe your channel will take off and you’ll become internet celebrities!

84. Start an Instagram Account Together

By starting an Instagram account together, you can give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at how fun your friendship really is. Plus, it’s a great way to document all of the amazing things you do together.

85. Film a “Just for Fun” Music Video

Either pick a song you both can sing or one that you can at least lip sync your way through. Dress up in costumes, use props, and choreograph a fun (or funny) music video.

86. Start a Business Together

Have you ever wanted to start your own business but didn’t know where to begin? Having a partner could make all the steps a lot easier. You could open an online shop selling the cute jewelry you both love to handmake or make your famous jam to sell at the farmer’s markets. The possibilities are endless!

87. Go Sailing

There’s nothing like being out on the open water, feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. And there’s no better way to bond with your bestie than by embarking on a new adventure together, like sailing.

88. Make a Secret Handshake

A fist pump, two shakes and a nod—create your own secret handshake that only the two of you know.

89. Ring in the New Years Together

There are a ton of ways to ring in the new year, from glitzy galas and black-tie balls to raucous parties and rooftop bars. Or just spend the evening making your New Years resolutions . No matter what your budget or taste, you’re sure to find something that is good for the both of you.

90. Try a New Restaurant Each Month

Start your culinary journey by trying a new restaurant each month. It is a great way to find hidden gems, explore different cuisines and get out of your comfort zone. And, it’s a fun way to spend time with your best friend!

91. Learn To Make Charcuterie Boards

Serving finger foods on wooden boards is all the rage right now, and the great thing about them is that they can be customized to suit any taste. Love cheese and crackers? Then load up your board with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and fruit. Prefer something sweet? Then fill your board with cookies, cake pops, and marshmallows. No matter what your preference, there’s a board for every occasion.

92. Grow Old Together

You have traveled the world together, gotten married, had kids and created so many memories. If you’re lucky enough to have a best friend in your life, cherish them, and never let them go. Because growing old together is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer.

93. Make a Quilt Together

Quilting is the perfect activity for best friends because it combines both chatting and being productive at the same time. You can catch up on all the latest gossip while working on something that will last for years to come. Plus, once you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful piece of art to display in your home— a constant reminder of your friendship.

94. Donate Blood

You can be a hero to someone without being there in person. One of the things you can do is by donating some of your blood. Some of the benefits of donating blood include reduced stress and improved overall well-being. It can give you some insight into your overall health.

If you plan to donate blood regularly, you need to keep yourself fit and healthy. This can also be a great way for you and your best friend to bond.

For a little inspiration you can read about my experience of   Giving Blood  and also get more information for teen donors on the  Red Cross website .

95. Jump Into a Pool Fully Clothed

I know some of you might think this is total nuts. Still, fun is fun. Plus, a little bit of craziness won’t hurt. Whether it is a dare or just your adrenaline kicking in, jumping into a swimming pool fully clothed with your best buddy sounds like something worth adding to your things to do.

You can also make this crazier if you jump into a swimming pool while wearing formal attire! Just don’t forget to bring extra clothes with you and you’re good to go.

96. Crash a Party

Generally, you are going to spend time with your best friend and go to similar events together. But, sometimes there might be one party that you didn’t get an invite to but really want to go to. You may want to consider crashing that, attending it without the invite. It can be quite thrilling and fun because it allows you to hang out with a new bunch of strangers.

97. Fly First Class

Flying first class with your best friend is a unique way to start the experience in style, especially if it’s a long flight. Some perks include less stress and hassle from checking in and boarding, comfortable seats/bed, free drinks and food, even amenities like Wi-Fi and TV.

While it is by no means cheap, the luxury and comfort it offers will ensure that you are well-rested and looking forward to the journey ahead once you arrive at your destination!

98. Get Drinks at a Trendy Rooftop Bar

Rooftop bars are enticing places to linger since they give additional ambiance. The city lights from above, the light chatter in the background, and on rare occasions, stars in the sky, drinking on a rooftop bar with your best friend is a a great experience you should try at least once.

99. Tailgate

Event tailgating is almost as fun as the event themselves! Tailgating is typically done in a parking lot of a stadium or other big event. Snacks are served and socializing is done from the back of a parked car.

100. Stay in a Cabin in the Woods

Whether you’re both the adventurous type or simply looking for a cozy and quiet getaway, staying at a cabin surrounded by nature is the perfect place to be. From going on a river adventure to relaxing by the fire to enjoying the scenic views, you’ll never run out of things to do with your best friend!

With all these great ideas and activities, you will have plenty of things to do with your best friend for many years to come. Let me know in the comments which ones you’ve added to your best friend bucket list and which ones you’ve already done with your BFF. Cheers to you and your bestie!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure .

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28 thoughts on “Best Friend Bucket List: 100 Fun Things to Do With Your BFF”

very nice article thank you

I live these suggestions they are really creative I just don’t live some so I made a list of stuff to do and i gape to do them all bye next year

this is so considering! how kind darling!

Very good quality articles from the content to the images, I appreciate it and will definitely share it with my friends, continue to produce more good articles like that, thank you and respect you very much.

Thank you this is for me and my bestie! thank u so muxh

You’re welcome. How many have you completed so far?

I made this for my bestie and me too!

these all seem great! This is my first time having a sleepover with my friend since covid started and I wanted it to be fun and I think this will help so thank you! :)

I’m glad that I gave you some ideas on what to do. Hope you guys will have a blast!

thanks for the ideas! will use in future

Valuable Article.

amazing idea’s. I am a teenager and have been looking at all those ones. All great and already over the last month tried out many. Such as the sleepover. Gr8 fun. Thanx a bunch dear 🥰

Glad that the list helps you enjoy

can you make a list for kids under 13 please

Sure, I will take note of that

Tysm we have so many ideas for summer now <3

thx so much this helped me and bey bestie

My friend and I are in vc and we are just having our time of a lifetime reading this out loud and il def do one of these, but perhaps since I am busy ju—ust perhaps

We are in V.C. and just having the time of our lives reading this out loud. I will definitely do one of these, but since I am so busy, maybe I will do one of these.

I am sending this to my best friend, thanks! I really appreciate your kind words

Really good article! Made a bucket list using these ideas for me and my Bestie to do over the summer! So excited!

HI I JUST WANTED TO SAY HI

Insightful list of things to do with your best friend. Great read..

An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little homework on this. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this matter here on your web page.

Thanks very much for your good article

I love the ideas but some are hard to do for an idea right now😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

This tips are very informative.Thank you so much for explaining this.

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26 Perfect Places to Go With Friends

Traveling is an experience best shared with friends. Together, you can explore new places, indulge in adventure sports, relax on a beach, and enjoy the nightlife.

From cultural experiences to culinary delights, there’s so much more to discover when you travel with friends. In this blog, we have curated a list of 20 perfect places to go with friends that will inspire you to plan your next trip.

We have covered various destinations that cater to different interests – from exploring the charm of cities and adventure sports to discovering rich history and savoring culinary delights. So pack your bags and get ready for a fun-filled trip with your buddies!

Exploring the Charm of Cities with Friends

Exploring the charm of cities with friends creates lasting memories and offers diverse cultural experiences. Group trips to cities allow for exciting new adventures, bonding, and fostering lasting friendships.

It’s the best way to immerse yourself in a city’s unique atmosphere, from Times Square in New York City to the historical appeal of Boston, Massachusetts. Without further ado, start planning your next trip to uncover the vibrancy of urban life.

Table of Contents

1. The Vibrancy of New York City, NY

New York City boasts an array of globally famous attractions, making it an ideal destination for group adventures. The city’s vibrant atmosphere sets the stage for exciting experiences with friends.

Exploring the Big Apple guarantees an amazing time, filled with diverse food scenes where friends can bond over culinary delights. Additionally, NYC’s live music and entertainment options cater perfectly to group enjoyment, offering a variety of experiences for friend groups.

2. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s historic charm is perfect for an enriching group trip with friends. Exploring the city offers a unique blend of fun and learning, providing a backdrop for unforgettable group photos at local historic sites.

Dining at Boston’s local restaurants creates the ideal opportunity for friends to bond over delicious cuisine. The city’s rich history and captivating ambiance make it the ideal destination for a friend group seeking an immersive and enjoyable experience.

3. Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas , as the live music capital, guarantees a fun trip with friends. The city’s historic sites offer a great time for exploration and bonding. The vibrant energy of Austin creates the perfect atmosphere for group fun, as outdoor activities provide opportunities for bonding.

Exploring local places ensures a memorable trip, providing unique experiences for the friend group. Austin truly encapsulates the spirit of a lively and memorable getaway.

Adventure Awaits in these Locations

Embarking on adventurous trips with friends creates unforgettable memories and a strong bond. Exploring natural wonders together is the perfect recipe for an exciting and fulfilling trip.

The thrill of new experiences guarantees lots of fun and excitement, making adventure locations the best vacation spots for friend groups.

Whether it’s a day trip to the Mississippi River, a road trip to Lake George, or hiking boots at the ready for the next trip, adventure awaits!

4. Natural Wonders of Iceland

Iceland offers an array of natural wonders for a delightful trip with friends. The hot springs create a soothing experience, while scuba diving in Iceland promises thrills and adventure.

Exploring the national parks provides an opportunity for an adventurous journey, and road-tripping through the scenic landscapes offers the perfect way to bond with friends. Witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland creates memories for a lifetime.

5. Enthralling Trails of New Zealand

Embark on exhilarating hikes along New Zealand’s scenic trails, offering the perfect opportunity to bond with friends amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Navigate the country’s stunning landscapes with thrilling kayaking adventures and capture timeless group photos in picture-perfect surroundings.

Delight in the amusement parks for a fun-filled time and create unforgettable memories through group scuba diving expeditions, making New Zealand an ideal destination for an adventure-packed trip with friends.

Travel to Stunning Beaches with Friends

Eager to unwind on white sand beaches, young adults flock to beach destinations like the United Kingdom and the Mississippi River for the best vacation with friends.

Whether it’s a day trip or a spring breakers’ escapade, beach activities like scavenger hunts and laser tag provide an unforgettable and fun group experience. Exploring beaches with friends guarantees the best time and creates lasting memories, making it the right place for much fun and bonding.

6. Bali, Indonesia

Amidst Bali’s stunning beaches, group fun and relaxation abound. Exploring beach clubs is a guaranteed good time with friends. Opt for a spa day to indulge in group relaxation. Fresh seafood dining offers the perfect setting for a group dinner party. The beach bonfires in Bali ensure a memorable and fun group experience.

7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Nestled along Punta Cana’s coastline, beachfront resorts offer the ideal getaway for a friend group seeking adventure and relaxation. From thrilling water sports to beachfront dinner parties, every moment is tailored to create unforgettable memories.

Local excursions and beachfront amusement parks promise an adventurous and exciting group trip. With white sand beaches and a range of activities, Punta Cana is the perfect place for a much-anticipated escape with friends.

8. Hawaii, USA

Amidst Hawaii’s scenic splendor lie stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, offering the perfect escape for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

Visitors can explore volcanic terrains, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life, soaking up the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality that make it a memorable trip.

The picturesque sunsets and tranquil atmosphere provide a rejuvenating experience, making Hawaii an ideal destination for a group of friends seeking the best vacation.

Experience the Cultural Diversity in These Cities

Immerse yourself in Barcelona, Spain’s artistic vibe, boasting architectural wonders and lively street scenes.

Prague, Czech Republic, offers a captivating blend of historic sites, music, and theater, while Kyoto, Japan, provides a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture through its temples, gardens, and tea ceremonies.

Each city presents a unique cultural experience, from flamenco shows to geisha districts and historic landmarks, allowing for a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.

9. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s modernist architecture, exemplified by Gaudí’s masterpieces, offers a captivating visual experience. The city’s vibrant art scene, museums, and street performances provide ample opportunities for cultural indulgence.

Barcelona’s rich history, culinary delights, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination . Visitors can enjoy live music, bustling markets, and a vibrant nightlife at the heart of the city. The scenic beaches, parks, and cultural events offer a perfect blend of leisure and artistry in Barcelona.

10. Prague, Czech Republic

Discover the captivating architectural splendor of Prague’s UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque masterpieces. Wander through enchanting castles, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic bridges.

Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant art, music, and theater scene, complemented by traditional beer gardens, local cuisines, and cultural festivals. Prague’s historic charm, diverse cultural experiences, and dynamic appeal ensure an unforgettable exploration for every traveler.

11. Kyoto, Japan

Nestled in Kyoto are historical temples, traditional teahouses, and serene gardens, offering a time-honored experience. Visitors can participate in authentic tea ceremonies, geisha performances, and craft workshops. The city’s seasonal festivals, local markets, and traditional arts reflect its rich cultural heritage.

Kyoto’s historic districts, bamboo groves, and scenic landscapes provide a serene getaway. The city’s iconic cherry blossoms, historic shrines, and traditional rituals captivate visitors.

Discover the Rich History in These Destinations

Egypt’s ancient wonders, including the pyramids and temples, offer a glimpse into a fascinating civilization. London, UK, boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, royal palaces, and world-class museums. Florence, Italy, renowned for its Renaissance art, architecture, and historic sites, captivates art enthusiasts.

Each destination provides a deep dive into the past, offering insights into ancient civilizations and cultural legacies. Exploring the historical sites, artifacts, and local traditions creates a profound historical journey.

12. Ancient Wonders of Egypt

Egypt’s ancient wonders, such as the pyramids, Sphinx, and temples, showcase the grandeur of the Pharaonic era. Along the Nile, visitors can explore historic treasures like Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings.

The country’s rich history, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and mummies provide a captivating archaeological experience. Egypt’s desert landscapes, river cruises, and vibrant bazaars offer a blend of adventure and culture, while its cultural tapestry and local cuisine offer a timeless voyage through history.

13. London, UK

Immerse in London’s regal history through iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, reflecting medieval to Victorian charm. Explore world-renowned museums, royal parks, and historic theaters for a cultural immersion.

Roam diverse neighborhoods, historic pubs, and local markets for a quintessentially British experience. Embark on river cruises, visit historic sites, and indulge in traditional afternoon teas for a memorable historical journey.

14. Florence, Italy

Nestled in Florence are Renaissance masterpieces, such as the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo, showcasing unparalleled artistic brilliance.

Visitors can wander historic squares, medieval streets, and opulent palaces intertwined with the city’s artistic legacy, local markets, and Tuscan cuisine, creating a sensory historical experience.

The scenic vistas, historic vineyards, and cultural festivities offer a vibrant historical escape, while the timeless art, architecture, and romantic ambiance make it a cherished historical destination.

Enjoy the Nightlife in These Party Capitals

Las Vegas, USA , exudes a vibrant nightlife boasting world-class entertainment, casinos, and live music. Meanwhile, New Orleans, USA, offers a lively atmosphere perfect for jazz, blues, and unforgettable dining experiences.

Napa Valley, USA, provides a sophisticated nightlife with renowned wineries, fine dining, and live music events. Each party capital guarantees a unique nightlife experience, from glitzy shows to historic jazz clubs and wine tasting, creating a memorable party-filled escape.

15. Las Vegas, Nevada

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas , Nevada, with its world-class entertainment and lively casinos. The electrifying atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip promises non-stop excitement and fun for a trip of a lifetime.

Known for live music, exciting shows, and a lively ambiance, Las Vegas offers the ultimate destination to indulge in with your friend group. It’s the right place for young adults seeking the best vacation and fun things to do on their next trip.

16. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, renowned as the country music capital, hosts a vibrant music scene, offering live performances and excellent dining options. The city is rich in historic sites and is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

It’s an ideal destination for a bachelorette party or a fun trip with friends, providing an array of local attractions and upholding its status as the live music capital of the world.

Savor the Culinary Delights in These Foodie Paradises

Embark on a culinary journey in San Francisco, California, renowned for its delectable seafood and sourdough bread. Indulge in the vibrant flavors of New Orleans, Louisiana, known for its rich Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Experience a food lover’s paradise in Portland, Oregon, with its farm-to-table dining. Delight in Tokyo, Japan, home to the world’s best sushi and ramen. Explore Barcelona, Spain, famous for its tapas and paella. Immerse yourself in Rome, Italy, where authentic Italian pizza and pasta await.

17. Paris, France

Indulge in the world-renowned, diverse French cuisine during your visit to Paris . From traditional bistros to Michelin-starred establishments, the city offers a wide range of dining experiences.

Explore the unique cultural experience of food markets and don’t miss the must-try wine-tasting tours in the surrounding regions. With its rich history in culinary arts, Paris is an essential destination for every foodie’s bucket list.

18. Bangkok, Thailand

Embark on a culinary journey in Bangkok, Thailand , known for its vibrant street food culture featuring pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. Immerse yourself in the unique dining experience of floating markets offering fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Indulge in high-end dining with international cuisine and rooftop city views. Explore the night markets for diverse food, drinks, live music, and entertainment, or take a cooking class to recreate Thai dishes at home.

Relax and Unwind in These Serene Places

Unwind on white sand beaches or hike scenic mountains. Explore national parks or indulge in spa treatments at resorts. Enjoy the vibrant energy of cities or have a wine-tasting day trip at vineyards.

Whether it’s a day trip to the beach, a road trip to the mountains, or a fun escape room in the city, these serene places offer the perfect setting for relaxation and fun with your friend group.

19. Napa Valley, California

Nestled in California , Napa Valley’s allure lies in its vineyards, a haven for wine enthusiasts. The region’s panoramic charm encompasses lush rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and captivating vistas. Beyond wine tasting, Napa Valley offers outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, and golf.

Culinary aficionados can savor farm-to-table dining experiences at top restaurants. Delve into the region’s cultural tapestry through art galleries and museums, adding depth to the serene ambiance.

20. Beaches of Maldives

The white sand beaches of the Maldives offer the perfect escape for a friend group. With crystal-clear waters and picturesque views, it’s the right place for relaxation. Whether it’s a day trip or a fun vacation, the beaches provide the best way to unwind.

From snorkeling to simply enjoying the tranquility, the Maldives promises a much fun time with friends, making it an ideal destination for the next trip.

Get Inspired by Nature in these Destinations

Embark on a day trip to the Mississippi River for some hiking and breathtaking views, or plan a road trip to the White Sand Beaches for a little bit of relaxation. Explore the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom, or experience the stunning beauty of the Sagrada Familia.

Whether it’s a fun scavenger hunt or a visit to the Eiffel Tower, there are endless possibilities for the best vacation with your friend group. Don’t miss out on the best way to have a good time!

21. Queenstown, New Zealand

Nestled in the Southern Alps, Queenstown offers a picturesque day trip with its stunning landscapes. From adventurous hiking trails to serene boat rides, it’s a fun place for nature enthusiasts.

The crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu is a must-see, and the surrounding mountains are an escape room for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re a fan of winter sports or summertime adventures, Queenstown has something for everyone.

22. Wildlife of Serengeti, Tanzania

Nestled in Serengeti, witness the remarkable sight of the largest terrestrial mammal migration. Encounter the iconic “big five” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Opt for hot air balloon safaris for a unique perspective of the national park’s wildlife.

Experience the natural wonder of the wildebeest migration, all amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Serengeti plains and its diverse ecosystem.

Embrace the Thrill of Adventure Sports in these Locations

Embark on thrilling adventures in Interlaken, Switzerland, a mecca for adrenaline junkies with skydiving and bungee jumping. Gold Coast, Australia, offers world-class surfing beaches and vibrant beach culture for the perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty.

Experience white-water rafting, zip-lining, and paragliding in these breathtaking settings, ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking unforgettable thrills amid stunning surroundings.

23. Interlaken, Switzerland

Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken offers an exhilarating range of activities amidst the picturesque Swiss Alps. Thrill-seekers can partake in canyoning, paragliding, and skydiving, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery create the ultimate adventure playground. With diverse terrain catering to all skill levels, Interlaken is a haven for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

24. Gold Coast, Australia

Nestled along 70 kilometers of coastline, Gold Coast is a surfer’s paradise with world-class surf breaks like Snapper Rocks and Kirra. The vibrant beach culture and perfect wave conditions cater to surfers of all levels, making it an ideal escape for young adults and friend groups.

This surfing haven offers an exhilarating experience amidst stunning beaches, making it the right place for an unforgettable surfing adventure.

Experience Unique Cultural Experiences in These Places

Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivals of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including the world-famous Carnival, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. These destinations offer traditional dances, local cuisine, samba dancing, capoeira performances, and more.

Explore the diverse cultural offerings and embrace the unique cultural tapestries of these places, each offering a distinct and enriching experience.

25. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Experience the vibrant and lively festivals of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , drawing visitors from across the globe. The renowned Carnival is a world-famous spectacle, featuring extravagant parades, music, and joyous celebrations.

Immerse yourself in the energy of samba music, colorful attire, and the rhythmic beats of Rio’s street parties, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and the exuberant spirit of its people. Engage in the festivities filled with music, dance, and the jubilation of celebration.

26. Vero Beach, Florida, USA

What More Can You Discover When Traveling with Friends?

Discover the countless treasures that await when you embark on a journey with friends. From shared laughter and meaningful experiences to spontaneous adventures, traveling with friends creates unforgettable memories. Uncover the camaraderie and bonding that comes with exploring new destinations together, and embrace the joy of discovering more when traveling with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some factors to consider when choosing a destination to go with friends?

Factors to consider when selecting a destination for a trip with friends include budget and affordability, catering to everyone’s interests, offering a variety of activities, and having good transportation options.

Are there any destinations that offer activities suitable for different interests and preferences?

Discover destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Costa Rica that cater to diverse interests. From adventure activities to cultural experiences and beach relaxation, these places have something for everyone. Research beforehand to ensure the destination aligns with your group’s preferences.

How can I plan a trip with friends while staying within my budget?

To plan a budget-friendly trip with friends, start by setting a budget and sharing it with your group. Look for affordable accommodation options like hostels or vacation rentals. Opt for free or low-cost activities such as hiking or exploring local attractions. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons for cheaper flights and accommodations.

In conclusion, traveling with friends allows you to create unforgettable memories and experience new adventures together. Whether you explore the vibrant cities, embark on thrilling adventures, relax on stunning beaches, immerse yourself in different cultures, or indulge in culinary delights, there are endless possibilities when traveling with friends.

The bond and camaraderie shared during these trips make them even more special. So gather your friends, pack your bags, and start exploring the world together. There’s so much more to discover and experience when you have your best friends by your side.

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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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By David Szmidt June 10, 2022

By David Szmidt | June 10, 2022

Last update: July 25, 2022

What’s more fun than a trip with your best friend? Here are our top ideas for vacations and trips for you and your bestie: crazy journeys, cheap getaways, fun-filled adventures, and travel ideas to the best places around the world

Travel can be a test of friendship, but it can also be the best thing you’ll ever do. We’ve selected ten trips — some single destinations, some longer itineraries , some countries, and some no more than ideas — to inspire you and your best friend to take the ultimate summer vacation . 

Beach trip to Mykonos, Greece

Greece is the word, at least when it comes to an unforgettable combo of beaches , parties, and fun in the sun, and Mykonos is one of the best places to do the lot.

It’s also a place where you can spend as much or as little as you like, with low-cost hotels and hostels going shoulder to shoulder with luxury villas costing upwards of 1,200 euros per night. That’s probably not for you though, so spend your money on little luxuries: a beautiful brunch by the shore in Little Venice, a short bus ride to relax on the wide expanse of Elia Beach, dance until morning at the island’s largest nightclub on Paradise Beach, or bring home a souvenir you’ve bought on Matoyianni Street in the heart of Mykonos Town.

Whatever you decide to do, it’ll be a trip you and your friend will remember for the rest of your lives.

Off-grid hiking in Sweden

The opposite type of trip now, at the opposite end of Europe . Sweden is fast becoming somewhere people are visiting simply to disappear for a while — not in a Scandinavian detective drama way, of course — so if you’d like to get back to nature and just spend time hanging out together, this might be for you.

Erected in forests, on mountainsides, or on the shores of one of the country’s many lakes , eco-cabins are a newer type of holiday. No internet, no TV, and in some cases no electricity at all, these beautiful cabins made of natural materials blend into the landscape and offer tranquil views, and a pace of life that almost doesn’t exist anymore.

Spend your days swimming, hiking , canoeing or cycling, and in the evening, prepare a fire in the stove to cook, or sit outside under the stars. Some of the cabins might even offer the true Swedish experience of a sauna , followed by a bracing dash into the lake. It’s an amazing way to recharge your batteries while giving the electronic ones a rest.

Backpacking along the Mekong River

There are some stunning destinations across Asia that make great trips for backpacking buddies, but perhaps one of the most spectacular is taking a Mekong river cruise.

The mighty Mekong is 2,700 miles long, and up and down its length there are cruise vessels taking people on cruises of up to two weeks. There are luxury cruises for up to a frankly staggering $12,220, but do a bit of research and there are rooms available on mid-sized, traditional boats (around eight passengers) for as little as $155 per person for a three-day trip with meals, or $115 for a two-day trip on a small, private boat with a local captain.

Beginning and ending at various points in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, it’ll be about what you want to see and where. Feel like starting in the madness of Ho Chi Minh City and exploring the Mekong Delta and its surroundings? How about the architectural splendor of Phnom Penh? What about Siem Reap and the famous towers and temples of Angkor Wat? Or maybe you’d just like to drift for a few days, spotting wildlife and stopping each evening for delicious food cooked on the banks of the river? 

Up the spine of Italy by train

Italy ’s a useful shape for a trip. North to south or vice versa, there are clear routes up and down the peninsula. Pick a start, pick an end, choose some places in between. Simple.

Let’s take an example. Let’s start in Bari, in the southeast. A maze of 11th-century streets, ancient churches, and narrow, cobbled lanes lead down to the seafront in this beautifully unexplored and laid-back part of Italy. Catch an overnight train across the country to Naples, for the flip side — noise, chaos and fun — before heading up the coast to Rome . Let’s call this the mid-point of your trip.

Spend a couple of days recharging, surrounded by the glory of one of Europe’s most storied cities, then head for Siena and Florence. Florence can be packed with tourists in summer, but the museums are outstanding and the cathedral is magnificent. Siena is a nice alternative: smaller, calmer, but with the same architectural style and a reserved grandeur to it. Now you can choose: northeast or northwest? Northeast takes you via Bologna to Venice , while the northwest route heads to the fashion and industry capitals of Milan and Turin, and all this doesn’t even touch on the wonderful coastal resorts, or the island life of Sicily. But hey, it’s your trip, so do your thing!

Canadian road trip

Road trip! Woohoo! But the US? It’s been done . Canada ’s calling.

It’s a vast country of course, but there are a number of routes that can take anything from as little as four hours, to the 4,645 miles of the Trans-Canada Highway that goes exactly where it says it does. Indeed, the country is so blessed with spectacular scenery that there’s one route — Alberta’s Icefields Parkway — which exists seemingly solely to give you amazing views and convenient stops for short hikes in the mountains.

Try the Calgary to Vancouver portion of the Trans-Canada, 560 miles through four national parks before descending into Vancouver and the Pacific coast. On the opposite side of the country, the Georgian Bay Coastal Route sets out from Toronto, loops around the bay and through some of Ontario’s most beautiful scenery for 840 miles: that’s two weeks of exploration and adventure.

However, if you’re feeling even more rugged (and if your vehicle is up to it), try the Dempster Highway, a 435-mile trek through the Yukon and into the Arctic Circle , featuring only one service station between the start and Tuktoyaktuk, a tiny settlement of fewer than 1,000 people on the Arctic Ocean. That’s a test of friendship right there!

City break in Copenhagen, Denmark

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For a friendly city break in a place that takes the idea to a cultural level, consider Copenhagen. After all, the Danish concept of hygge , a sort of conviviality and contentment, has been rather a thing in the wider world for a few years now.

It’s not hard to see why the citizens of Copenhagen can consider themselves content: the center of the city is compact, laid-back and welcoming, with much of it given over to pedestrians and cyclists . It’s clean and eco-conscious , with a thriving cafe culture and some excellent museums and attractions. When the sun goes down, the district of Nørrebro is packed with pubs, dive bars and late-night eateries, while south-east in Kødbyen, arty bars and clubs have moved into the warehouses and factories of the city’s meatpacking district.

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Eating and drinking can be pricey, but if you know what to look for you’ll be fine. Hot dog stands and bakeries are good options; buy a selection of breads, meats, cheeses and fruit and go for a picnic, perhaps? Or for something genuinely local, the city has a long-running scheme called Meet the Danes , in which locals invite visitors into their home to chat for a few hours over a home-cooked meal. An evening with a Danish family or couple includes a three-course meal with wine or beer , and a friendly chat, all for around $85 per person. Now that’s how you get your hygge !

Beach holiday in Essaouira, Morocco

Take a beach holiday with a North African vibe by heading to the coast of Morocco to see what you can see.

And what can you see? Well, Essaouira is smaller than many other Moroccan cities, but still has enough to see and do for when you’re not on the beach . Its imposing Portuguese castle and 18th-century ramparts jut out over the ocean and protect the medina, the old town. The medina itself is as lively as you’d expect, but without a lot of the petty crime and tourist traps that can sometimes occur in the bigger cities.

The weather’s nice too: milder than inland, with a fresh sea breeze to keep you from baking, and the mix of seafood and traditional Moroccan cuisine means you’ll always have something delicious to try.

Beach life consists of the usual sunbathing and swimming, but there are also opportunities for kitesurfing, off-road vehicle rides through the dunes further from the sea, or horseback riding along the coast. To dive into the history of the place, the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum shows archaeological finds from Roman, Carthiginian and Middle Age visitors. All in all, it’s a wonderful combination of culture, activities, and relaxation . Perfect.

City escape to Dublin, Ireland

For a trip that virtually guarantees a great time, head on over to Dublin . Great pubs, friendly locals, live music , and that mysterious Irish entity known as “the craic”.

Take some time to learn about the history and culture of Ireland at the National Museum, explore the 13th-century castle, indulge in a bit of retail therapy on Grafton Street, visit the world-famous Guinness brewery, or sun yourself in one of the city’s beautiful parks.

Of course, you’re never guaranteed perfect weather in the Emerald Isle, but even if it does look like rain, there’ll always be a friendly watering hole to duck into for a beer or two. Temple Bar is the city’s famous riverside neighborhood comprising pubs, bars, restaurants, boutique shops and craft stores, and you’ll always find a welcome. There’s Asian, American, and southern European cuisine on offer, so even if you don’t fancy yet another Guinness, there’ll be something to take your fancy. Sláinte!

Have some fun in Cartagena, Colombia

Low prices, a Caribbean coastline, beautiful architecture and buzzing nightlife make Cartagena de Indias a popular destination for travelers wanting to kick back and have some fun.

One of South America ’s best-preserved historic cities, it’s somewhere where just existing is sightseeing. All you have to do is wander around the old city center and along its miles of fortified walls, stopping to refresh against the heat now and again. Everything is colorful , everything is lively, and everything eventually leads to the beach .

The local beaches around Bocagrande, an easy walk from the city, are lovely, but there are islands to visit as well. The perfect white sand of Playa Blanca (creative, eh?) is on Isla Barú, around 40 minutes by boat from Cartagena, while the Rosario Islands, a national park, are a reef-encircled paradise. With flights from the southern states of the US and all the way up the east coast direct to Cartagena, there’s never been a better time to go.

Enjoy the nature in New Zealand

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If there’s one country where you and your friend can do a bit of absolutely everything, New Zealand is it. Like city life ? Well, there’s that in abundance. Auckland is a vibing, multicultural place that’s the country’s capital of arts and culture. Christchurch is a green and pleasant city that was rebuilt after an earthquake in 2011. Wellington is the laid-back capital that prides itself on local businesses making superb ice cream, craft beer and coffee.

To get a bit wilder, criss-cross the country by train or motorhome, stopping to swim in the lakes or sleep on the beach. Give yourself a few days to go on one of the many loop hikes that Kiwis love to do, or indulge in a bottle or two of local wine while touring the nation’s thriving vineyards . Sound interesting? Read much more about New Zealand in our destination guide .

Do you want more travel articles? Visit  Kiwi.com Stories .

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David Szmidt

David is a lead writer for Kiwi.com, as well as a football-watcher, music-listener and beer-appreciater. @UtterBlether

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Friends Forever: The Best Destinations For BFFs

There's nothing better than traveling with a friend, and these destinations are great for exploring with a group.

Best friends can pretty much go anywhere together and be contented by the simple fact that the other one is there—ready to listen, ready to laugh, and ready to have a good time. They share their secrets, fears, and hopes for tomorrow, never afraid of sounding ridiculous because even if they do, they know judgment is the last thing they'd ever get from their closest confidant.

What better way to celebrate friendship than by jet setting, road-tripping, and exploring the world together? These 'friend-cation' destinations will have dynamic duos packing their bags, ready to create memories to look back on fondly when they're old and gray.

10 Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is jam-packed with all the activities best friends love to do together. There's both casual and high-class cuisine, laid-back and over-the-top shopping. There's live entertainment, dancing, art, and best of all—primo people-watching. If the crowds become too much, the surrounding desert is saturated with nature worth getting lost in . Though a trip to Sin City might leave friends feeling more exhausted than recharged, the unforgettable memories born from the trip will be well worth it.

9 Tulum, Mexico

Those fulfilling, deep conversations with a friend satisfy no matter where they occur, but what could be better than gabbing in paradise? Tulum is a little slice of heaven off the coast of the Caribbean Sea, brimming with pristine beaches, lush jungle, and superb nightlife. From lazy days of soaking in pools of sacred water to nights filled with food so delicious you wish licking the plate was socially acceptable, wanderers will likely question why they'd ever want to leave.

8 London, United Kingdom

London is understandably a bucket list destination for international travelers. There's something worth exploring around every corner—beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, hidden bars, stunning street art, and the list goes on and on. The diversity of attractions means everyone leaves happy, though it remains to be seen if friends will be able to keep calm with all that London magic surrounding them.

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7 Music Festival, Anywhere

So this one is highly customizable. Spending a long weekend outside absorbing the regenerative vibrations of live music is something best friends should do at least one time in their lives. Part of the fun is figuring which line-up sounds the most exciting, and there are so many music festivals to choose from that friends can make an entire night out of planning their adventure.

6 Hawaii, USA

Hawaii may be a top honeymoon destination, but the beautiful islands are enjoyable in an entirely different way in the company of friends. Heavy cleansing rains give way to rainbows that look vibrant enough to slide down. The sun beats on pillowy white sand beaches, and epic sunsets paint the skies in magic. Volcanic mountains blanketed in green, deliciously fresh food, and aquatic adventure are only a few of the things travelers have to look forward to.

5 Rome, Italy

Friends who eat together, stay together, and one of the most fantastic places in the world to eat through is Rome . In between bites good enough to thank god for, visitors can travel back in time by exploring the abundance of historical attractions. Stunning architecture and artistic masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum will only inspire friends to see more of the world together.

4 Amsterdam, Netherlands

The capital of the Netherlands is an ideal destination for friends who love art, rich history, and an unforgettable good time. The laid-back metropolis is home to the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, exhibiting the largest collection of work by the titular artist. More masterpieces await in the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. With a cup of delicious coffee in hand and notable attractions on every street, exploring with a friend never sounded so sweet.

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3 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chaing Mai is the place to go for anyone who wants to maximize adventure without breaking the bank. Thailand is a rather budget-friendly international destination, and Chiang Mai, despite its beauty and affordability, receives less tourism than places like Bang Kok and Phuket.

Friends might find themselves experiencing a spiritual awakening, as the city boasts over 500 temples, many of which are simply too beautiful to describe. Travelers also have the opportunity to ethically interact with Asian elephants at the Elephant Nature Center, a rescue sanctuary funded in part by tourism.

2 Fredericksburg, Texas

A weekend getaway filled with delicious wine sounds like just what every group of BFFs needs. The town of Fredericksburg boasts an impressive number of top-tier vineyards and wineries , each offering a different vibe to lean into. Its location in Texas Hill Country also means no shortage of scenery to enjoy, including the charmingly hued pink granite mountain at Enchanted Rock State Park.

1 Barcelona, Spain

Friends might find themselves staying out all night like the good old days when they encounter the glorious nightlife in Barcelona, Spain. It might even be in their best interest to do just that, as the sunrises over the water in the coastal city are out of this world. During the day, travelers can explore an endless array of historical attractions and feel the buzz of Spain's modern, vibrant culture pulsing through the streets.

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10 Great Destinations for US Travel Buddies

Where to explore next with your best friends.

These great destinations for US travel buddies include some of the coolest places where the sights and experiences are simply best shared with friends. Whether you’re traveling as a pair with your bestie or as a group out on a road trip together, the thrills of exploration always get a boost with some sort of added camaraderie.

Traveling with friends has other obvious benefits. Besides sharing the bragging rights and bearing actual witness to the new places you’ve been, you can also usually cut down on the budget by evenly sharing certain expenses such as a taxi ride. It can be a lot safer at times too. And it’s simply more fun! Here’s a list of top destinations for your next shared adventures.

A picturesque Caribbean island for a fun shared escape

Friends traveling to Aruba are treated to a wonderful island getaway with its dazzling white beaches, colorful architecture, and vibrant art and social scenes. After frolicking in the sun, flyboarding over the blue Caribbean, or going under the surface to discover shipwrecks with your dive buddy, try your luck and share the winning thrills at any of Aruba’s glitzy casinos.

Those inclined towards adventure and discovery can find plenty of historical spots, such as the seaside Alto Visa Chapel. Simply strolling through the port city of Oranjestad treats you to Dutch colonial architecture and souvenirs galore at the Local Market. Aruba has many adults-only hotels and resorts, which are ideal for friends on a trip together. Read more…

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Beach parties and cool history.

Fort Lauderdale and the stretch of white sand that borders the blue waves of the North Atlantic is home to among Florida’s most famous party beaches. That’s one good reason for travel buddies to put it up on their list for a fun shared getaway. Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife scene is also more affordable compared to other famous Floridian hot spots like Miami Beach.

Explore The Strip, The Entertainment District, Riverwalk Arts, and many nightclubs in the city for enduring memories. If you share an inclination towards arts and history, cool spots to check out include the History Fort Lauderdale museum that’s also Boward County’s oldest hotel, together with the 1901 trading post known as the Historic Stranahan House Museum. Read more…

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San diego, california, a fun-filled californian city.

San Diego is a top pick for friends looking for a place to escape together. For one, it has pleasant year-round weather. Then, there are gorgeous beaches along its 70-mile-long coastline, together with a great collection of cool and fun attractions.

Once you’ve ticked snorkeling or spending time at the cove of La Jolla off your shared list, a popular attraction to hit is the famous LEGOLAND California. Here, you can relive your childhood playtime memories, admire the painstakingly built structures, and even go on Lego-themed thrill rides. You can also explore slightly beyond town with a scenic hour-long road trip to pine-forested Mount Laguna. Read more…

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Get your friends together for a trip to the great smoky mountains.

Gatlinburg, a mountain town serving as the ‘gateway to the Smokies’, has plenty to offer for travel buddies sharing an adventure. Getting there is part of creating your memories as you hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive through eastern Tennessee and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

In town, get breathtaking views from up high at the top of the 407-ft Space Needle observation tower or ride the 2.1-mile Sky Lift cable car to fun-filled Ober Gatlinburg. Downtown is filled with so many things for travel buddies to see and do – share screams at Ripley’s haunted adventures, take wefies with ‘celebrities’ at the Hollywood Wax Museum, hit top game scores at the awesome arcades, and hunt for one-off keepsakes at Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Read more…

New York, New York

One of the most fun-filled, icon-filled cities in the us.

New York with its amazing skyline is one of the most fun-filled cities for traveling friends. To tick off the list are wefies against the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the Empire State Building. Also must-dos are watching a Broadway show and exploring the vast urban expanse of Central Park where you can go on guided bike tours or set up the tripod and timer before Belvedere Castle.

Watching a game together at the NYC Yankee Stadium is sure to provide an unforgettable baseball experience. On the novel side, fans of NBC’s hit TV show Friends can check out the real Central Perk at 199 Lafayette St. It features a coffee shop and a museum of show props and souvenirs. Read more…

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Witness wonders of nature in the country’s first national park.

Yellowstone National Park continues to invite awe with its breathtaking landscapes and with jewels such as the Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. Traveling to the park with a buddy or as a group ensures you have reliable witnesses and fun friends to tag on that enviable Instagram post with these natural wonders (do take selfies or wefies from a safe distance). For some history, discover the wonderfully preserved landmarks in Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District.

You can plan a camping adventure in the neighboring communities and forests outside the park. Sharing the trip helps you save on your travel budget, and you can also opt for a stay in any of the closest towns near the East Entrance of Yellowstone, such as Cody. Read more…

Chicago, Illinois

Fun times in the windy city.

Chicago offers wonderful choices of attractions for friends sharing a trip, ranging from renowned places for art and history to dedicated fun spots on Lake Michigan. Hours and hours of fun await at Navy Pier with its thrill rides. The same can be said for Millenium Park, where you can watch theater shows, skate at an ice rink, and take your group shots at the mirror-surfaced Cloud Gate landmark.

Chicago is also great if you and your friends are looking for some wondrous walks and outdoor adventures. Join an architecture tour to see more of the city’s modern marvels or go on a lakeside bike ride. You can even hike through several state parks with forests, wetlands, and waterfalls – all have well-marked trails and lookout posts. Read more…

Napa, California

Share a fun trip through wine country.

A trip to Napa is more fun with friends. You can opt for a road trip together and drive through the heart of Wine Country with stops at various vineyards for wine tours and tastings. Alternatively, hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train together in vintage Pullman cars.

In the charming downtown area, stop by the Oxbow Public Market to buy and sample local cheeses and other fresh produce. The streets are graced by old architecture hailing from the late-1800s and early-1900s. There’s a riverfront promenade for fun shopping and dining. When the sun comes down, enjoy the arts scene at the Napa Valley Opera House. Read more…

Nashville, Tennessee

Honky-tonks are best served with your closest buddies.

Nashville is home to legendary country music and what better to sing along to well-known Johnny Cash hits than with a band of close friends? It’s one of the best places to go for a touch of Southern charm and some good old-fashioned vibes. Lovely bars all over town feature live country music. You can wear your cowboy hat and explore downtown together in a vintage convertible and make your own lip-synced country music video.

Pay tribute to local greats at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, historic Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum. For travel buddies with a penchant for the great outdoors, be rewarded with the gorgeous scenery of Nashville after a hike around Radnor Lake. Read more…

New Orleans, Louisiana

From rich jazz history to extravagant celebrations.

New Orleans is the place to visit with your besties, especially if you share a love for jazz. The birthplace of the genre has countless jazz clubs around town. But the city has more to offer circles of friends than music scenes. You can celebrate together during the extravagant, 2 week-long Mardi Gras.

Rich in history, the city streets are graced by numerous 18th-century buildings to admire. You can even learn about voodoo and go on a guided, hair-raising tour of some of the world’s most haunted buildings and cemeteries! Alternatively, spend your evening gaming and sharing a date with lady luck at New Orleans’ 4 cool casinos. Read more…

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Explore > Destinations > Atlanta > Best Places to Travel with Friends in the US

Best Places to Travel with Friends in the US

If you’re wondering where to travel with friends, the US is filled with exciting places to explore with your best buds on a girls weekend, bachelor party, or birthday getaway . Are you looking for somewhere to get in touch with nature, party all night, or just get out of town while staying in budget? Traveling with friends is a great way have adventure, deepen bonds, and explore awesome places across the United States. So, gather up your travel buddies and get going!

1. Las Vegas – For friends who like to stay up late

Whether you’re planning a birthday getaway or a bachelorette party, Las Vegas is one of the best places to travel with friends in the US. Get the party started on the High Roller Observation Wheel to see the city while sipping on cocktails in the Happy Half Hour cabin. Take your friends to check out the Strip’s legendary clubbing scene or see who has the best luck at a casino. Of course, no trip to Vegas with friends would be complete without catching a concert, comedy act, or Cirque du Soleil show .

2. Atlanta – For a friends vacation on a budget

As a travel hub for major airlines, it’s easy to find cheap flights to Atlanta when traveling with friends on a budget. From enjoying southern food to walking in the footsteps of civil rights leaders, it’s easy to fill a week or long weekend in Atlanta without breaking the bank. If you and your friends like to binge watch shows together, why not enter the post-apocalyptic landscape of The Walking Dead with a private set tour ?

3. Hawaii – For a friends trip to the beach

The US has so many great beaches, such as Myrtle Beach in South Carolina and Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida. However, thanks to its sheer number of beautiful beaches, Hawaii wins out as the best place to travel with friends who love the beach. In fact, the Islands of Hawaii consistently rank in the top 10 of the best beaches in the United States due to their pristine shorelines, safety, and plentiful wildlife. Plus, you’ll find some of the world’s best snorkeling in Hawaii . Whether you want to lounge on the sand or learn to surf , gather up your best buds, pack your bathing suit, and head to Hawaii .

4. San Francisco – For foodie friends

The sheer cultural diversity of cuisine and an emphasis on fresh and local (looking at you Napa Valley wine!) makes San Francisc o a great vacation destination when traveling with foodie friends. Chow down on dumplings in Chinatown, score some scrumptious fish tacos in the Mission District, or enjoy a drink (or two) at any number of awesome bars. Then, escape the city for the vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma with plenty of wine tasting for the perfect friends getaway.

5. Boulder, Colorado – For a trip with outdoorsy friends

Rugged wilderness and great breweries make Boulder the go-to outdoor adventure and post-hike beer destination when traveling with friends in the US. Lace up your hiking boots to explore the vast landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park  (and keep an eye out for elk, big horn sheep, and black bears). Or relax with some fly fishing. Then, choose from over 300 local breweries to grab a beer with your pals and relive the day’s adventure. You can even feel like true mountain men or women by learning how to throw axes on your friends trip in nearby Denver.

6. New York City – For friends who want to do it all

Between iconic sights, bountiful shopping, and the best theater district in the US, New York City is the place to travel with friends when you want to do it all. Maximize your time (and skip all the lines) with a guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art , and early morning access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island . At night, catch a show on Broadway , snap a group selfie in Times Square, and then ascend the Empire State Building to see the glittering city spread out around you.

Scope out your top travel picks with virtual tours you can take from home . Or browse our weekend getaway deals for the perfect city break. Where do you most want to travel with friends in the US?

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If you’ve ever traveled with your best friends, you already know that these are some of the most memorable, eventful and laughter-filled trips you’ll ever take. You might find yourselves skinny-dipping in a big Austin swimming hole or drinking mezcal with the locals in Tulum. Whatever your travel style with your pals, we’ve got you covered with some of the best trips you could take together right now. Want to know the best city to stock up on handmade artisan goods from South Africa? Or where to get an East Coast lobster roll that’s absurdly delicious? Prefer to post up at a palace in India for a while? Come along for the ride with us and we'll share all our secrets. Reporter: Alyssa Brown

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The Serengeti: For the Luxury Safari Going Group Serengeti,  Singida Region ,  Tanzania

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Amsterdam: For the Art & Architecture Aficionado Group Netherlands

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Best Places to Travel With Friends | 3 Terrific Trip Ideas

Wondering about the best places to travel with friends? You’re in the right place! Travel expert Tyla Oliver brings us this fun guest post with the top three destinations for traveling with friends, along with tips and tricks for ensuring it goes smoothly!

From early morning hikes to late-night partying overseas and paddleboarding in the Canadian Rockies , trips with friends are adventures like no other.

With your passport, carefully selected travel gear , and a close-knit friend group at your side, you’ll be able to craft lifelong memories with some of your closest compadres.

While exploring some of the best places to travel with friends might seem like a daunting experience, you’ll be well-equipped for your trip with some destination inspiration and travel hacks.

From an adrenaline-infused Emerald Cave kayaking tour to simply sleeping the day away with a hangover, a best friends’ trip is a kaleidoscope of different adventures.

Unsure how to unearth the hidden gems of the ultimate places to travel with friends? Take a look at the best places to go with your friends to ensure you have an unforgettable trip!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission — at no cost to you — if you click or make a purchase through any of them. For more information, read my  disclosure statement . I appreciate you!

Jump ahead to:

Amsterdam – The All-Rounder Choice

Las vegas – the party & adventure choice, sri lanka – the tropical & chill choice, tips & tricks for travel with friends, final thoughts on places to travel with friends, best vacation for friends | cities & countries to visit.

Whether you’re craving a quaint setting or a vibrant city filled with life and color, you’ll have a blast discovering the nooks and crannies of urban spaces with your friends.

Take a look at a few exceptional destination options to get the ball rolling for the perfect pal-cation trips for best friends.

Photo credit: Liene Ratniece on Pexels

The taste of delicious street food, charming waters of the canals, and sweet smells from a flower market — Amsterdam is a tapestry of sensations waiting to be explored.

From the iconic cultural museums to the ever-famous cannabis-infused sweet treats at coffee shops , the capital of the Netherlands is a fantastic find like no other.

While accommodation is quite expensive in this magical city, you and your friends will find plenty of traveler hostel stays to enjoy a budget-friendly trip . 

What could be better than having a nostalgic sleepover experience (many times, even equipped with bunk beds!) to swap travel war stories after a long day of traveling?

Plus, there are many awesome FREE things to do in Amsterdam !

Top Group Excursion: A pillar of the hop-filled history of an uber-famous brewery , the Heineken Experience is sure to be a crowd favorite with your travel crew. From a sneak peek into the beer brewing process to a frothy taster at the end of the tour, this excursion is a treat to experience.

Local tip (pun intended!): Tipping in Amsterdam is somewhat different from what you may be accustomed to. For example, you generally don’t tip for every drink or round ordered at a bar. Instead, you tip a few euros at the end of the evening.  

As they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except for the memories, of course! With a nickname like Sin City, you’ll be able to experience a vast tapestry of interesting and exciting activities with your travel buddies.

Whether it’s the loud jingles of a winning slot machine or a killer tune from a famous singer at a Las Vegas show, you’ll soon be transfixed by the melodies of this city.

If you’re looking for a hot deal (in terms of both very warm weather and low hotel prices), June to August is a great time to pack your bags and head for the Mojave Desert.

And if you’re specifically looking for one of the best places to travel with friends on a budget, here it is! Not only can you do Sin City cheap, but you can get there without spending much, either, especially if your group takes a bus to Las Vegas .

As a bonus, Vegas is less than three hours from Zion National Park , the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree! Closer to town, you also have the option of touring Hoover Dam or heading out to Valley of Fire State Park. 

Top Group Excursion: A breath of fresh air from neon and late nights, Red Rock Canyon near Vegas is a trip worth taking. This excursion is a fun trip to take with friends, with hikes filled with sandstone rock formations and hidden waterfalls . Remember, bring lots of water, even in winter!

Photo credit: olga-filo on Pixabay

Are you looking for the lush tropics of Hawaii and Thailand without the sea of tourists and soaring accommodation prices ? Sri Lanka is a beach paradise destination sure to be high on any best place to travel with friends list.

This dazzling Asian country is known for producing an abundance of different sights and activities to tickle any traveler’s fancy. From the fragrant aromas of Ceylon tea plantations to the gentle giants of elephant sanctuaries, Sri Lanka provides a layered trip filled with treasured experiences.

Make your way to the hippie haven of Hikkaduwa on the West Coast to experience the life of sea, sand, and sunshine. From November to April, surfers rejoice due to the epic surf breaks found during this time.

Top Group Excursion: A must-visit destination rather than an excursion, a few days in the town of Tangalle in the South is the ultimate stay for the beach bum lifestyle .

With stunning secluded beaches and quaint restaurants, this town is perfect for a lazy vacation with best friends— but there are also tons of fun things to do in Tangalle .

Photo credit: zwaan6 on Pixabay

While it might be tempting to set sail with your friends overseas, a vacation with your close clan sometimes makes or breaks a holiday — and a friendship. To ensure you keep the peace between pals, take a look at a few essential pre-planning guidelines.

• Plan in advance – While planning travel isn’t always easy, the stakes are much higher when you add friends to the mix. By crafting a group vacation plan in advance, you’ll ensure many key travel components are handled, such as the destination and accommodation.
• Use an app to help – These days, we have endless tools and resources to help plan travel. Especially when it comes to friend trips, group travel planning apps like Tab or TripSplitter can be a tremendous help. 
• Determine your budget – Whether you’re looking to swim in the lap of luxury travel or ballin’ on a budget, you need to be on the same page with your fellow travelers. From there, decide if you’ll pool finances or pay separately. This is another way travel apps can help!
• Travel with the right people – A breezy break can quickly turn into a storm of awkward tension if you’re not traveling with close friends. While this definitely isn’t always the case, you’re more likely to know what’s in store if you’ve known your travel group for a long time. Have an open communication policy throughout your trip to ensure no underlying negativity.

Photo credit: esudroff on Pixabay

From bustling beaches to sanctuaries of solitude, the best places to travel with friends are beautiful opportunities to explore exotic locations and solidify friendships.

Whether you choose boozy Las Vegas or the tranquil tides of Sri Lanka, the destination won’t matter, but rather the people you embark on new journeys with.

So there you have it, three of the best places to travel with friends. Do you have any recommendations we missed? Comment below or connect with us on social media to let us know!

Sharing is caring!

Taryn is happiest when she's outside and always up for an adventure — especially if it involves a hike, sunset, road trip, or limited cell service.

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10 Fun Places to Go With Friends: Exciting Travel Ideas!

There are no better travel companions than your besties. Exploring a new part of the world might just be the best bonding experience. But what are fun places to go with friends? Here’s a list of 10 spots your travel buddies will love!

There’s no better travel companion than your best friend or a group of your closest pals. You usually enjoy doing the same things, so putting together an itinerary can be easy and fun! It’s also an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together and strengthen your bond.

Choosing the right destination makes all the difference! You need a spot with suitable accommodation for small groups, plenty of activities that you’ll all enjoy, and sometimes a place that is budget friendly so that everyone can enjoy traveling together without any money awkwardness.

With that in mind, these are my top 10 recommendations for the best fun places to go with friends on vacation in 2023. There are options for beach lovers, culture buffs, and party animals.

New to planning trips with friends? Read  tips and tricks on how to plan a vacation trip with friends .

10 Fun Places to travel to with Friends

Here are the top 10 fun places to go with friends. From the USA to Australia, there are some brilliant destinations all over the globe, and what better way to discover this planet than with your friends?

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is unforgettable during Mardi Gras in February and Halloween in October. But it’s also a fantastic place to visit with friends all year round if you enjoy music and partying. You can find affordable shared accommodation near the French Quarter, where most bars stay open late, and scores of excellent Creole and Cajun restaurants exist.

During the day, stroll through the beautiful garden district and several fascinating cemeteries. Get some culture at the  National WWII Museum , or hit up the amusement rides at  City Park . In the early evening, take a  Voodoo tour  or get your fortune read. Next, hit up some Jazz and Blues venues before taking to Bourbon Street until dawn.

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

If you and your friends prefer to explore the world’s natural wonders and disconnect from life’s stresses, head to Reykjavik in Iceland. 

Reykjavik is an excellent base for exploring some of Iceland’s best sites via the Golden Circle. This ring road lets you take in some of the country’s best waterfalls, national parks, lava fields, and glacial lagoons.

Plan many inspiring hikes together, including a trip to one of the country’s famous hot springs to relax and rejuvenate. A boat trip to encounter whales and puffins and an evening watching the aurora borealis, the northern lights, is an unmissable experience. This guide on  things to do in Iceland  is sure to inspire you.

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Suppose you’re looking for an affordable Mediterranean destination for a trip with friends. In that case, Lisbon should be at the top of your list. 

Lisbon perfectly combines old European culture, Mediterranean weather and cuisine, art and culture, beaches, and lively nightlife. There’s something for every taste, and it won’t break the bank.

During the day, wander the Alfama district for old Portuguese charm and visit some of the city’s incredible museums. The  Museu Coleção Berardo  is a contemporary art gallery displaying works from the twentieth century. Or visit the  Museum of the Orient  for a cultural explosion of beauty and ancient history. 

You can catch the train to Cascais to find beautiful sandy beaches or spend the day shopping at Feira da Ladra, a top flea market since the 13th century. There’s so much to see! This guide on  things to do in Lisbon  will help you narrow the options!

In the early evening, you’re spoiled for choice with excellent Mediterranean food and places to taste local wine and rich sweet port. The club scene is one of the best in the country, but don’t expect  Lisbon nightlife  to get started before midnight.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Suppose you and your friends enjoy catching up over a drink and making new friends with travelers worldwide. In that case, Prague is an ideal destination. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in Europe, so you can travel on a budget that suits everyone.

Prague is famous for its beer and has more bars per capita than anywhere else. Line your stomach with heavy Eastern European cuisine, including sauerkraut, goulash, bread dumplings, and fried cheese. At every bar and restaurant, you’ll encounter other travelers looking to share stories and make new memories. 

This is all done against a Medieval backdrop, with layers of architecture dating from around the 10th century onwards. Go to Old Town, see the Astronomical Clock and Church of Our Lady, explore the fascinating 15th-century Jewish cemetery, and hike up to Prague Castle.

Prague is undoubtedly one of the most fun places to go with friends and caters to every type of traveler and budget. This guide on  where to stay in Prague  will help you and your besties find the perfect pad.

6. Bogota, Colombia

Colombia is the most biodiverse country in the world, bordered by the Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, and the Caribbean Sea. The country is safer than its reputation suggests, but it will still be more fun to explore within a team’s safety. Taking on this destination is a bonding experience for besties.

The capital, Bogota, is a great place to stay to find a mix of historic charm and modern urban culture. Take a bike tour of the city when you arrive to get the lay of the land, and then stay in the La Candelaria or Callejon Embudo districts for the best restaurants, bars, and shops. 

Expect great coffee and fruity cocktails. The city is home to some surprisingly good museums, including the  Gold Museum  and the Botero Art Museum.

Bogota is a city that boasts a wide variety of  things to do . Make time for some day trips out of town to discover some unique natural wonders within just a few hours of Bogota. Visit the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a glowing underground place of worship, Lake Guatavita, or the fantastic waterfalls of La Chorrera Falls and Tequendama Falls. 

5. Bali, Indonesia

If you’re looking for fun places to go with friends, Bali has to find its way onto your travel bucket list. What could be better than renting a private beach villa with your friends or staying together in a luxury resort? You’ll find pristine beaches and affordable accommodations in Bali. 

While it’s one of the most expensive places in Indonesia, it’s cheap when compared to the United States or Europe. These tips on  the best time to go to Bali  will help your group settle on a date that suits everyone.

Stay close to the beach for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing—the waves are excellent. There are also plenty of beach parties almost 24 hours a day if you know where to go. If you prefer a more relaxed day, take a car or a boat to one of the country’s more remote beaches.

If you feel like getting active, there are plenty of beautiful hikes, many of them to gorgeous temples. There are more than 10,000 temples in the area. Recuperate in the afternoon with a massage, and then get dressed with your besties to head out to a high-end restaurant or club.

4. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is another excellent Southeast Asian destination if you’re looking for fantastic beaches and affordable resorts for a group trip. There are also plenty of beach parties and delicious Thai food to eat. There are so many fun places to go with friends when you’re visiting Phuket. 

Bangtao Beach is an eight-kilometer stretch of white sands and crystal clear waters, and you must eat at one of the floating restaurants at Laem Hin Pier. As well as beaches, parties, and clubs, you can visit the  Green Elephant Sanctuary Park , the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, Bang Pae Waterfall, see the Big Buddha, and experience the ladyboy show at Simon Cabaret. 

If you’re a little overwhelmed by all the choices, here’s a helpful guide on  things to do in Phuket for first-timers .

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and tends to have the most options, but there are plenty more islands to explore. You can also check out Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha Ngan. Why not take a  boat tour around the Phi Phi islands  surrounding Phuket - talk about fun places to go with friends!

3. Hanoi, Vietnam

Suppose you’re looking for an affordable but exotic destination where you and your friends can eat, drink, and be entertained without breaking the bank. In that case, Hanoi in Vietnam should be on your list of fun places to go with friends.

Hanoi is a beautiful city with a rich history. While it’s a city of modern skyscrapers, it’s also spotted with ancient temples, Chinese-style pagodas, and French colonial mansions. But the city doesn’t feel like a concrete jungle thanks to the more than two dozen lakes. Plenty of sites like the Temple of Literature and the  Museum of Ethnology exist.

As you explore, enjoy some of the world’s cheapest beer and best street food, including unusual delicacies such as ostrich meat and traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Pho and Banh Xeo meat-stuffed crepes.

2. Napa Valley, California

This is for a more luxurious getaway with the besties, especially if you all love wine! If you’re looking for one of those fun places to go with friends that’s just peaceful and easy, head to Napa Valley in California. 

As well as finding a luxurious villa for the group, you must book a  wine tour  and visit some of the 400 wineries in the area. Try French-inspired bubblies, artisanal Pinots, and award-winning Sauvignon Blancs and Cabernets.

You can also spend days boutique shopping in downtown Napa or at one of the many spas in the area. Sign up for a group yoga session or take a bike tour across the valley. If you don’t want to party in your accommodation, then there’s the lively but sophisticated nightlife in Napa.

1. Gold Coast, Australia

If you want to experience the best of what Australia offers on a trip with friends, head to the Gold Coast for fantastic beaches, dramatic national parks, and lively nightlife. You’ll also find some of the country’s largest shopping centers if you do some shared retail therapy too! 

The Gold Coast is one of the most fun places to go with friends if you’re heading to Australia.

Find an apartment close to the main beach area with a veranda overlooking the ocean or an Airbnb on a suburban street. Work on your tan during the day, or take a surf lesson at one of the many surf schools in Surfers Paradise. 

You might also catch an international surf competition if you’re lucky with your dates. 

If you’ve got transport, there’s plenty to do within a short drive. You’ll find hikes, scenic views, and waterfalls up Tamborine Mountain if you love nature. If you’re looking for something to raise your adrenaline levels, head to one of the many nearby theme parks, including:

• Movie World

Make sure everyone is happy with what you’ve planned by reading another helpful  guide to trip planning with friends .

Plan Your Trip Collaborative with Pilot!

The logistics of planning a collaborative trip can be challenging. Coordinating schedules and budgets and ensuring everyone gets their top priorities on the to-do list can be a logistical challenge. But that’s where Pilot can save the day!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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We're halfway to Halloween — celebrate with a free stay at Lizzie Borden House. Here's how.

FALL RIVER — Who says it's too early to get in the spirit?

Spooky season may still be six months away, but you don't have to wait until fall to get in on some Halloween fun.

Spirit Halloween and US Ghost Adventures , which operates the Lizzie Borden House , are teaming up on an ax-citing collaboration.

The nation's largest Halloween retailer, with pop-up locations across the SouthCoast, has announced it's getting a head start on spooky season with "Halfway to Halloween" events that include some frightening fun in Fall River.

Lizzie Borden's legend: Here's why Fall River's most infamous story will never die

What is 'Halfway to Halloween'?

Part of their "Halfway to Halloween" weeklong celebration brings true crime enthusiasts and horror fans to the Spindle City to explore its infamous landmark — the Lizzie Borden House.

On Aug. 4, 1892, Lizzie Borden's father Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden, were slain inside the 230 Second St. house as a result of multiple hatchet blows to the head what is still an unsolved case.

For years, the property has served as a bed and breakfast and museum, and in recent years under new ownership has also held guided ghost tours.

Now, one lucky winner will get a free trip and overnight stay at the historic home by entering their Lizzie Borden House giveaway.

"We are delighted to work with Spirit Halloween to roll out the red carpet and offer the public a chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, which also includes additional haunted experiences and merchandise," said Lance Zaal, president and founder of US Ghost Adventures, in a press release from Spirit Halloween.

What will winners get?

Winners will have the Second Street site of the grisly Borden murders all to themselves during their eerie overnight stay.

This haunted holiday includes a guided house tour, a late-night ghost tour during which participants are equipped with "professional ghost-hunting gear," a private breakfast in the Borden family dining room, a ghost hunting starter kit and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course, and a Lizzie Borden gift shop package.

Lizzie in pop culture: 11 ways that TV, movies and books took a whack at the legend of Fall River's Lizzie Borden

And the spooky fun doesn't end in Fall River. Winners also get their choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston.

Can I bring friends?

According to Spirit Halloween, the lucky winner will get to take up to 12 members of their "coven" along for the "horror-filled" ride.  

Haunted hotels list: The Lizzie Borden House was named one of the world's best. How scary is it?

What is the deadline and how do I enter?

Interested in throwing your hatchet in the ring for the Borden giveaway? There are only a few days left, so don't miss out.

To enter, you must follow Spirit Halloween ( @spirithalloween ) and US Ghost Adventures ( @USGhostAdv ) on Instagram, like Spirit Halloween's Instagram post about the contest , and leave a comment on the post tagging the friends you’d bring with you if you win.

The deadline to do so is Sunday, April 28. The contest is open to those 18 years and older.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3xSKjEy .

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Apple Arcade

Apple arcade guide: what’s new and everything available [u].

Apple Arcade  launched with close to 100 titles and the service is seeing new games added almost every week with over 200 games now in the library. Follow along with our guide on all the available Apple Arcade games plus the latest releases.

You can learn more about and download all the latest games by heading to the Arcade tab in the App Store, then swipe down to the very bottom and tap “See All Games.” Also, the newest games are usually listed at the top.

If you haven’t signed up yet, Apple Arcade is available free for the first month, then $7/month for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and Apple TV (and included in Apple One bundles).

PS5 and Xbox wireless controllers are also compatible with Apple devices and select titles.

Available Apple Arcade games by release date

4/26/24 new releases:

• 🌈 3D Game World: Play the game in a completely new dynamic 3D environment! 
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Inclusive Multiplayer: Designed for cooperative platforming chaos across all your favourite Apple devices! 
• ⭐️ Intuitive Play: Simple and intuitive controls for a relaxing couch-gaming experience! 
• Easter Eggs: Delightful details only available on the Vision Pro!
• Solitaire Stories (new for Vision Pro)

And coming 5/2/24:

You can set these upcoming releases to automatically download on May 2 by clicking the links below and choosing “Get”.

• Summer Pop!
• Dicey Dungeons+
• A Slight Chance of Sawblades+

4/4/24 new releases:

• Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop
• Sago Mini Trips+
• Super Monsters Ate My Condo+

3/7/24 new releases:

• Bloons TD Battles 2+
• The Battle of Polytopia+
• Crayola Adventures

2/4/24: BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team is a new 3v3 “cosmic shooter” while Words in Progress is a new “word crafting puzzle” game.

BEAST: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team

Immerse yourself in the cosmic adventure of BEAST! A unique 3V3 online shooter designed for all ages. BEAST combines charm and excitement with intuitive controls. – Unleash your inner champion with our accessible and rewarding shooting mechanics, guaranteeing endless fun and excitement. – Navigate a captivating sci-fi universe as an iconic animal hero. Pilot powerful mechanized armors known as BEASTs, and fight for the honor of your home planet. – Experience dynamic gameplay with the unique ability to switch between your agile PET and mighty BEAST forms, each loaded with their own unique abilities and weapons. – Meet our charismatic roster of heroes: Clyde the crafty cat, Nyx the sharpshooting owl, Rusty the fierce warthog, and GG Nova the eccentric unicorn. Even more diverse characters are waiting for you to discover. – Engage in a variety of exciting game modes such as Payload, Crystal Rush, and Free For All. Each mode promises to add a unique twist, depth, and exhilaration to your battles. – Team up with friends and family in a gaming environment that’s as fun as it is friendly. Victory is all the sweeter when it’s shared. – Compete for ultimate glory, climbing the ranks and dominating the leaderboards against players worldwide. Unleash your inner BEAST, embrace the thrill of victory, and become a true legend in the exhilarating arena of BEAST! Install the game now and prepare for the ultimate battle!

Words in Progress

Word crafting puzzle joy that never wears off! Combine letters to create words. Survive as long as you can in Endless mode, or play against others in Multiplayer! Words in Progress offers: – A unique new word game – Single player endless mode – Multiplayer asynchronous mode – Long and steady learning curve – Clean, cozy and crisp design – Fun for all ages – Multi language support

1/4/24: Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom

From the most beloved virtual friends franchise of all time comes a new and wonderful journey for all the adventurers out there. Welcome to Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom! Join our adorable hero Mametchi as he travels far and wide across the world to solve problems, make friends, and use the power of happiness to restore the kingdom. Build and decorate your wilderness camp and invite your most loyal Tamagotchi companions to have fun together.

Cornsweeper

Cornsweeper is a chill & whimsical, reimagining of a beloved classic. A meditative mind-sweep-em-up; pop delicious popcorn, avoid explosions. Lofi&popcorn.

Blackjack by MobilityWare+

Blackjack by MobilityWare+ is now on Apple Arcade! Experience the thrill of 21 – a popular card game for all players!

12/5/23: Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition

Play Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition on Apple Arcade, which includes full access to the base game and the Expansion Pass Disney Dreamlight Valley: A Rift In Time. Experience this life-sim and adventure game rich with quests, exploration, and engaging activities featuring Disney and Pixar friends, both old and new.

Sonic Dream Team

Join Sonic and friends as they dive deep into a bizarre world of dreams! Unravel an original and captivating storyline while taking command of six dynamic playable characters. With their unique abilities, dash, climb and fly your way to victory against infamous Eggman! Get ready to race through mind-bending dream worlds that include wall-running, gravity changes, and more! Your mission: fight to rescue your friends and battle Eggman for control of an ancient artifact that can make dreams come true.

Puzzle & Dragons Story

The definitive Puzzle RPG! Embark on an epic fantasy adventure driven by match-3 puzzle play! Recruit allies, improve your teams, and conquer dungeons! Downloaded over 90 million times worldwide, PUZZLE & DRAGONS is the definitive Puzzle RPG.

Turmoil+ offers players a visually charming, tongue-in-cheek take on the simulation genre inspired by the 19th century oil rush in North America. Get a taste of the rush and rivalry of the time as you earn your way to become a successful oil entrepreneur. As you make money digging up and selling oil, the town will grow along with you.

11/24/23: Delicious – Miracle of Life+ is the latest release.

Experience a time management story game with Delicious – Miracle of Life+! This fan-favorite game from the Delicious series is now available on Arcade, bringing you exciting time management levels, a heartwarming story and interesting characters in one game. Join Emily on her journey as she starts her cooking video blog with delicious family recipes and receives the heartwarming news that she’s expecting a baby with her husband, Patrick. As they prepare for the new addition to their family and manage their busy lives, they could use a helping hand, and that’s where you come in!

11/17/23: Downwell+ has arrived on Apple Arcade. It’s a retro-style action game “about a person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots for protection.”

The Amazing Gunboots – The fashionable and lethal Gunboots allow players to unleash a torrent of firepower on the nasty creatures dwelling in the well and slow your decent with each shot. Unique Weapons & Items – Get different weapons, shop for peculiar items and obtain powerful upgrades that all stack and affect the way you play! A New Adventure Every Time – Each level in Downwell is procedurally generated, so no two trips down the well are ever the same providing a fresh new adventure each time!

11/6/23: Football Manager 2024 Touch has arrived with “new features and gameplay upgrades.”

The world’s greatest soccer management simulation returns to Apple Arcade for a new season with Football Manager 2024 Touch. Chase instant glory as the boss of one of the world’s best clubs or import your existing career from Football Manager 2023 Touch to continue your progress – the choice is yours. New features and gameplay upgrades empower you to elevate your team’s performances this season, shape a title-winning culture and inspire your players on the biggest stages.

11/3/23: Knotwords+ by Zach Gage “is a minimal and elegant logic puzzle – with words.”

The rules are simple: arrange the letters in each section so every word is valid, across and down. Each puzzle may seem difficult at first — but like all my favorite newspaper puzzles, it gets easier as you progress. Each step guides you naturally towards the solution. This is the kind of game I’ve been trying to make my whole career — I’m amazed Jack and I discovered this design. We hope you like it.

10/24/23: NBA2K24 Arcade Edition has landed on Apple Arcade as a major new release:

Enjoy new ways to play at home and on the go with the latest installment of the world-renowned NBA 2K franchise, exclusively available on Apple Arcade! Step into the shoes of your very own NBA Superstar with MyCAREER, play games to earn fans and unlock endorsements with iconic brands such as Nike, Jordan, or Adidas. Unlock NBA Legends to join your streetball squad and take on the AI and earn VCs that you can use to unlock new shoes, accessories, outfits, and tattoos for the first time on Apple Arcade. Challenge new GOATs in the Greatest mode and unlock a whole new lineup of NBA Superstars and Legends. Build the team of your wildest dreams and take on other GOAT squads in the ultimate showdown with the greatest fantasy team challenge. Think you’ve got what it takes to call the shots? Put your head coach skills to the test in Association mode with SimCast Live. Oversee your team’s strategy and lead your NBA franchise to victory! Sit courtside with Spectator mode, or play games matching the NBA season with NBA Today. And here’s the kicker – it’s not just about the game; it’s also about your style! You can now customize your indoor MyCOURT, hone your skills, and then invite your friends via Game Center to witness your greatness!

10/20/23: Crossword Jam+ “is a word search game like no other. With fresh daily word challenges that make you think hard, you won’t be able to stop! Simply swipe and connect the letters to find the words and boost your vocabulary!”

10/13/23: The popular physics-based puzzle franchise Cut the Rope is back with its third release exclusively on Apple Arcade. Here’s what to expect with Cut the Rope 3 :

This newest chapter in the global Cut the Rope franchise whisks you away into a vibrant and immersive world. The key to travelling is in the stars, but how to collect them? The restless Nibble Nom is ready to help – if you think of a way to guide him through the stars. Work it out! Start on this exhilarating journey today!

10/6/23: Jeopardy! World Tour+ has landed Apple Arcade this week.

Bring America’s Favorite Quiz Show® straight to your fingertips, delivering an authentic Jeopardy! game show trivia experience like never before. Play the official Jeopardy! World Tour+ mobile game, now available on Apple Arcade! Prepare to train your brain, enhance your IQ, and rise to stardom as the ultimate game show quiz champion!

9/29/23: Cypher 007 arrives as a top-down action-adventure set in the world of James Bond as he tries to break free from a mental prison:

Cypher 007 – Experience the world of Agent 007 like never before. A top-down action adventure game inspired by 60 years of Spycraft, Cypher 007 will put players in the shoes of James Bond as you revisit some of his most iconic moments. The criminal mastermind Blofeld and head of Spectre has once again hatched a plan to sabotage his archenemy James Bond. This time he has utilized brainwashing techniques known as ‘The Mind Trap,’ holding Bond captive in a mental prison in an attempt to turn him into the ultimate double agent. Play as Agent 007 on his most challenging mission yet – escape the Mind Trap, defeat Blofeld, and put an end to the CYPHER program.

9/22/23: Junkworld TD (tower defense) has arrived on Apple Arcade and brings “daring adventures, perilous terrain, and dubious companions.”

Command the resourceful Scavenger clan as they survive the mayhem of epic post-apocalyptic battles. Deploy your strategy by using towers, special units and gadgets, as you train amazing crazy-looking heroes. Place your towers wherever you want, the whole map is your tactical playground!

9/15/23: Japanese Rural Life Adventure gives you the experience of “slow living in the Japanese countryside.”

Fix up an old house, make the yard nice, grow your own crops, and become self-sufficient. View the cherry blossoms in the spring; attend the festival in the summer; eat roasted sweet potatoes in the fall; hear the temple bell ring in winter, and then it’s time for the first shrine visit of the New Year.

9/8/23: My Talking Angela 2+ is a popular virtual pet game from the makers of the popular My Talking Tom franchise.

My Talking Angela 2+ is the virtual pet game that makes every day more stylish and fun. Players help this fashionable cat stay busy in her big-city home. Awesome hair, makeup and fashion choices Epic activities, like dancing, baking, and martial arts Delicious food and snacks Jet-setting travel options Mini-games and puzzles test skills and reflexes All-new sticker collections

8/29/23: Samba de Amigo is a rhythm game that first launched in arcades back in 1999 before arriving on Dreamcast in 2000. Now Sega has brought back the popular franchise with the new Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go on Apple Arcade.

It’s time to shake it on center stage in this vibrant rhythm action game. Join Amigo and his friends in an all-new Samba de Amigo that takes the party wherever you go! Shake it with your maracas and groove to 40 hit songs from the world’s most popular genres, with even more on the way! Shake and groove to exclusive songs: “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga “DADDY” by PSY “The Walker” by Fitz and the Tantrums Embark on a quest with Amigo to return lost music to the world! Explore Amigo’s hometown and complete challenges Meet new characters

8/25/23: finity. is a handcrafted matching game with limited moves.

A few rules lead to endless strategy, flow, and exciting close calls. Tiles wrap around. Slide rows or columns to match 3. Moves are limited, so think carefully! Climb the leaderboards as you level up your skills to unlock challenging special tiles, power ups, and new themes to suit your mood in Classic Mode. Or swipe over to Tempo Mode and get lost in music while you make swift matches and find your flow.

8/18/23: Kingdoms: Merge & Build is a soothing merge-2 experience blended with kingdom-building gameplay in this story-rich adventure exclusive to Apple Arcade!

The kingdom needs your help! During the king’s absence, a mysterious magical power destroyed the kingdom. Now it’s up to Prince Edward, Desmond, Megan, and other friends to rebuild the land and restore it to its former glory. Embark on this magical adventure and unfold its mystery.

8/10/23: Neograms+ is an “adorable cat puzzle game.”

7/28/23: Hello Kitty Island Adventure is an all-new game from the popular franchise that lets players “restore an abandoned island to its former glory.”

Welcome to Big Adventures Park, where friendships are key and adventure is just around the corner! Join your supercute new friends in a gorgeous world teeming with adorable creatures, delicious food, and many mysteries to explore.

7/21/23: Stardew Valley+ the award-winning farming role-playing/simulator has arrived on Apple Arcade.

Move to the countryside, and cultivate a new life in this award-winning open-ended farming RPG! With over 50+ hours of gameplay content and new Mobile-specific features, such as auto-save and multiple controls options.

7/14/23: Ridiculous Fishing EX   is an updated version of the popular original that’s launched on Apple Arcade.

Follow Billy as he tries to find redemption from his uncertain past. Chase your destiny on the high seas and embark on a heroic quest for gills and glory. An all-new 3D Ridiculous Fishing built from the ground up by the original award-winning team, with new features…

7/7/23: LEGO DUPLO WORLD+ and Slay the Spire+   have launched on Apple Arcade.

First up, the popular kids’ app LEGO DUPLO WORLD+ brings lots of value by unlocking what’s normally up to $40 of in-app purchases.

Now on Arcade, LEGO® DUPLO® WORLD+ is packed with open-ended play experiences featuring animals, buildings, exciting vehicles, and trains to inspire your child’s imagination and creativity through learning.

Meanwhile, Slay the Spire+ is a “Deckbuilding Dungeon Crawl” that earned the accolade of “Best Strategy Game” in 2019 from IGN.

6/30/23: Millionaire Trivia: TV Game+   brings the hit “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” to Apple Arcade with no ads or in-app purchases.

6/23/23: Retro Bowl+   has landed as the newest title on Apple Arcade title.

Get your hands on everything that made RETRO BOWL a #1 App Store hit – the glorious retro style and the simple roster management, including press duties and the handling of fragile egos, while on the field you get to call the shots. Can you pass the grade and take your team all the way to the ultimate prize? Can you win the Retro Bowl?

6/16/23: Jet Dragon   lets players “Step through space and time into the world of Venerusa, where dragon racers soar the skies.”

Developer GREZZO says Jet Dragon features “intuitive races, formidable rivals, challenging courses,” and more.

6/9/23: Bold Moves+   is a word puzzle game that integrates “serene scenes, challenging levels, daily/weekly events, and inspirational quote puzzles.”

Also, Kimono Cats has received an update with a new level, minigame, achievements, items, and more.

5/4/23:  Apple debuted the second-biggest expansion in a single day with 20 new games landing on the platform. Here’s everything new:

• TMNT Splintered Fate
• WHAT THE CAR?
• Cityscapes: Sim Builder
• Disney SpellStruck
• Temple Run+
• Chess Universe+
• Disney Coloring World+
• Disney Getaway Blast+
• Farming Simulator 20+
• Getting Over It+
• Hill Climb Racing+
• Iron Marines+
• Kingdom Two Crowns+
• My Town Home – Family Games+
• Octodad: Dadliest Catch+
• TIME LOCKER+
• Very Little Nightmares+

4/28/23: Grand Mountain Adventure+   is this week’s release on Apple Arcade.

Get ready to explore vast open-world mountains and ski resorts in this skiing and snowboarding adventure. With complete freedom to go wherever you want, you can land the biggest cliff drop, freeride down a steep chute, clip the gates in a narrow slalom track, stomp the perfect park run, or simply enjoy the feeling of fresh pow.

4/21/23: Summon Quest   is a new “Shoot and loot” strategy game with 60 levels.

A rift has broken in our world, now crawling with monsters. It’s up to you to heal this rift and save the planet. Shoot, stack up skills, and fight your way through different regions each with unique enemies, challenges, bosses, and themes.

4/7/23: Doctor Who: An Unlikely Heist  – an official Doctor Who game – brings a “thrilling new story and challenging puzzle gameplay into an epic adventure across time and space.”

3/31/23: Human: Fall Flat+   is a funny and “light-hearted” physics puzzle platformer with both solo and multiplayer play.

3/24/23: Clue: The Classic Mystery Game+ is now available to download on Apple Arcade. This is the original Hasbro Board game that’s adapted for iPhone and iPad.

3/17/23: Osmos+ is a mesmerizing and immersive physics-based “cosmic game of survival.” The game has won a long list of accolades including Apple’s Design Award and iPad Game of the Year plus similar top awards from IGN, Pocket Gamer, and more.

If you’ve played before this is a fun time to revisit it, if you haven’t tried it, you’ve gotta give it a shot 😁.

Enter the Darwinian world of a galactic mote. Grow by absorbing smaller motes—but beware of being absorbed yourself. “Osmos+ features unique physics-based play, stellar graphics, and a hypnotic ambient soundtrack. Navigate through floating playgrounds, competitive petri dishes, deep solar systems, and more. The key is to balance mass and movement: to propel yourself you must eject matter behind you, causing you to shrink. Use it wisely. Whether you’re a child at heart who likes mucking about with single-cell organisms, or a strategist with a physics degree, this game is for you.

3/3/23: Kimono Cats   features “charming fun” set at a Japanese “matsuri” festival.

2/24/23: Lifeline+   is a unique and immersive narrative experience about survival and perseverance:

“Lifeline pioneered a new narrative experience enabled by modern devices. This story plays out in real time as Taylor works to stay alive, notifications deliver new messages throughout your day. Keep up as they come in, or catch up later when you’re free.

Or, dive in and jump back to earlier points in the story, and see what happens when you make a different choice. Simple actions can have a profound effect. Complete any single path to restart the story and unlock this mode.

Lifeline is a deep, immersive story of survival and perseverance, with many possible outcomes. Taylor is relying on YOU.”

2/17/23: Farmside has arrived on Apple Arcade to let you “build your dream farm!”

2/10/23: Riptide GP: Renegade+   hydrojet racing is now available on Apple Arcade:

“Experience the future of illicit hydrojet racing, where armored riders kick out death-defying stunts over massive waterfalls, dodge cops through public waterways, and boost at breakneck speeds across surging waves.”

2/3/23:  Blast your way through 3D physics puzzler   Castle Crumble   with “powerful explosives and mystical spells.”

1/27/23: Squiggle Drop   makes players use “creativity and imagination to solve charming physics puzzles by drawing a single shape and watching what unfolds!”

1/20/23: Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! has landed on Apple Arcade this week with its unique take on Solitaire.

1/13/23:  Illustrated arrives as the new game on Apple Arcade this week with an immersive puzzle experience to play on your own or with up to three others.

1/6/23:  Role-playing title Episode XOXO aims to let “you live your stories with love, romance, adventure, and drama.”

12/16/22:  GameLoft has launched a new adventure title featuring mini-games with My Little Pony: Mane Merge .

“RESTORE EQUESTRIA Now that magic has returned to Equestria, darkness has fallen across the world. Explore, unlock, and uncover magical locations. Clear the darkness, defend magic, and rescue ponies and critters alike.

MERGE MAGIC Fulfill everyponies’ wishes by merging and making items. Complete Wishes to restore the lands of Equestria to glory. Let your sparkle burn bright and do your part, hoof to heart!

CRYSTAL BRIGHTHOUSE This is the new home of the Mane 5 and their mare-velous mini-games. The former lighthouse of Maretime Bay has been rebuilt, renovated, and re-energized.

COLLECT-A-THON Complete challenges and achievements to collect stickers and fill out your Sticker Book. There are over 120+ stickers to collect, so trot to it!

WEEKLY CHALLENGES Try your hoof at the weekly challenges; feed the hungry critter in Feeding Frenzy or look for Sparky Sparkeroni in Find Sparky.”

12/9/22:  After the first JellyCar launched in 2008, the original developer worked with Disney to create JellyCar 2 and 3. However, those were discontinued in 2014.

Now eight years later, creator Walaber has returned with JellyCar Worlds .

“Jelly Car? The JELLY-EST Car! The classic driving/platforming game is back! After over 10 years, finally a new modern JellyCar game is here!

Tactile Soft-Body Physics Gameplay Your car is made of Jelly. So is the world! Utilize this and your various abilities (Grow, Balloon, Sticky Tires, Rocket, and more) to navigate the levels and find the exit!

Imaginative and Playful Design Journey through multiple worlds, each with its own theme and gameplay mechanics.

A Living Flipbook The sounds and visuals combine to give the experience of a flipbook animation come to life.

Customization Aplenty Cap it off by designing your own car designs, and even recording your own sound effects! Unlock more designs, brushes and stencils as you play.

I Remember This Game From My Childhood! Yay! The original creator (Walaber) is back and developing this all-new, modern rendition of the classic JellyCar gameplay.”

12/2/22:  Side-scroller action title Dead Cells+ has arrived on Apple Arcade.

“Play as a failed alchemic experiment and explore the sprawling, ever-changing castle to find out what happened on this gloomy island…! That is, assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers.

Dead Cells+ is a roguevania action platformer that will require you to master frantic 2D combat with a wide variety of weapons and skills against merciless minions and boss.”

11/25/22:  SpongeBob SolitairePants is the latest exclusive release for Apple Arcade that brings a twist to the classic card game.

“SpongeBob has discovered solitaire and he can’t wait to share it with you and every citizen of Bikini Bottom! SolitairePants is played across a square play area. It is easy to learn but you will need to play strategically to clear every card.”

The game includes Quest, Multiplayer, and Classic modes with the ability to collect a variety of decks and have fun with daily competitions.

11/18/22: The Skate City   update brings a new level with 21 fresh challenges and 30 new goals.

“Welcome to the streets of Venice beach! Soak up the sun as you skate along the shores of this legendary spot. Drop into world famous skate parks, bomb hills through the suburbs or flex your way through muscle beach.

Venice brings over 21 fresh challenges to complete along with our smooth new tutorial in Skate Academy for Newcomers. Head over to Free Skate for unlimited sessions and complete all 30 new goals for even more Skate Cred!”

Old Man’s Journey+   is the newest release on Apple Arcade.

“A soul-searching adventure about life’s precious moments, broken dreams, and changed plans.

Entrenched in a beautifully sunkissed and handcrafted world, embark on a heartfelt journey interwoven with lighthearted and pressure-free puzzle solving.”

11/11/22:  Sega’s  Football Manager 2023 Touch is the newest title on Apple Arcade:

“The world’s favourite sports management game debuts on Apple Arcade. Feel the thrill of being a soccer manager, developing elite talent and winning soccer’s top prizes.

Bringing our 3D Match Engine to iPhone for the first time, Football Manager 2023 Touch delivers the most authentic football management experience in handheld gaming.

It’s time for you to join the managerial elite. With more than 120 leagues from the world’s biggest footballing nations at your fingertips, where will you find your perfect club?”

11/4/22: App Store Editors’ Choice-winner  Battleheart Legacy+ RPG has arrived on Apple Arcade.

10/28/22:  “Simple rules, challenging solutions” is the tagline for the embroidered puzzle game  Stitch.

10/14/22: “Control time in surreal worlds” in the adventure title The Gardens Between+ .

10/7/22:  Spider Solitaire: Card Game+ and Gin Rummy Classic+  from developer MobilityWare are the newest releases on Apple Arcade.

9/30/22: GRIS+ – Serene and evocative adventure

“Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality. As the story unfolds, Gris will grow emotionally and see her world in a different way, revealing new paths to explore using her new abilities.

GRIS+ is a serene and evocative experience, free of danger, frustration or death. Players will explore a meticulously designed world brought to life with delicate art, detailed animation, and an elegant original score. Through the game light puzzles, platforming sequences, and optional skill-based challenges will reveal themselves as more of Gris’s world becomes accessible.”

9/23/22: Shovel Knight Dig – Action-packed adventure

“When Drill Knight and his dastardly digging crew blast apart Shovel Knight’s peaceful campsite and steal his loot, he grabs his trusty Shovel Blade and starts tunneling after them! Meet new friends and foes, visit strange lands, and outfit yourself in your quest to keep the entire land from collapsing underfoot! Jump, slash, and dig your way down an ever-changing chasm of mystery in Shovel Knight Dig, an all-new Shovel Knight adventure!”

9/16/22:  Garden Tails: Match and Grow  – A relaxing puzzle game

9/9/22: Horizon Chase 2

“FEEL THE ARCADE RACING SPIRIT Horizon Chase 2 is the evolution of the award-winning racing franchise. Born under the arcade sign, this game will fulfill your senses through immersive and high-speed gameplay. This is the golden era of arcade racing brought back over a modern and completely evolved experience.

TRULY CLASSIC GAMEPLAY The classic 90’s signature gameplay stands out to keep your fingers in tight control of the cars. Forget complex setups: you are a few steps from overtakes, forks, and nitrous. Dodge your rivals without a wink. Easy to pick up and play, but hard to master, this game demands sharp racing skills and quick reflexes to beat your opponents and cross the finish line.

ALL-IN MULTIPLAYER Bring your crew to the race! You can play every game mode in online chases with your friends. Assemble a crew with other players to progress together or compete head-to-head with players around the world. Wherever you are, it’s always time to have endless fun in a new era of arcade racing.

THE ART OF TOURING Race around an entirely 3D world, touring a unique art style. From the vibrant colors of each landscape to the immersive conditions of different weathers, all enhanced by a thrilling soundtrack made by Barry Leitch, this game evolves the arcade experience to a state of art. New horizons will steer you to the beauty of a stunning and inviting visual trip with no return.

PLAY THE GARAGE GAME Red or blue? Stars or flames? When visiting the Garage Shop you can customize your car to make it as yours as possible. Collect new cosmetic items, and upgrade your stats throughout the World Tour. Race in different Game Modes and keep on the cycle of getting new visual rewards. Winning was never so worth it.

PLAY IT. REPLAY IT. Horizon Chase 2 was born to be live. Dynamic evergreen events will let you hone your skills and show off your rides. Major Updates will bring up new rewards. Different Game Modes will take you to the next level of challenge. Every day is an excellent reason to come back and race.”

9/2/22: Hanx101 Trivia

“Become a trivia master with Hanx101 Trivia! Test your knowledge across multiple categories from history to math, geography to food – the questions keep coming! Beat your own high score or challenge others in head-to-head trivia stand-offs or team play. Available exclusively on Apple Arcade.

• Journey through the Hanx101 mode and face 101 trivia questions to prove you are a trivia master. Right answers in a row multiply your score!
• Play head-to-head, or team up for competitive trivia showdowns
• Earn wildcards to power up your trivia game and overcome your opponents while battling through tens of thousands of trivia questions
• Learn a new fun fact every time you play

Tom Hanks is challenging you to Hanx101 Trivia! Play, learn, compete, and become a trivia master!”

8/26/22: Love You to Bits+

“Love You to Bits+ is a charmingly cute, purely visual, puzzle-filled, point-and-click, sci-fi adventure spanning all around the universe. Players follow the journey of Kosmo, a clumsy, rookie space explorer in search of Nova, his robot girlfriend. After a fatal accident, Nova’s pieces are scattered across outer space, so now it’s up to Kosmo to retrieve all of Nova’s bits, rebuild her, and get back together. Explore the strangest worlds and planets, full of fantastic aliens, space-time puzzles, and hidden objects to collect. As they complete levels, players will discover Kosmo and Nova’s heartbreaking love story.”

8/19/22:  Popular endless side-scroller Jetpack Joyride is back in an all-new “frantic adventure.” Jetpack Joyride 2 is available now on Apple Arcade!

“Barry returns in a frantic adventure!

In this case, he will have new equipment and weapons to fight new enemies and make his way through the laboratory to stop the scientists’ experiments before it is too late.

The evolved adventure of Jetpack Joyride with new HD graphics, new animations, new mechanics and a new way of playing.”

8/12/22:  Talking Tom+ has arrived on Apple Arcade which means all the fun and no ads or in-app purchases for the hit simulator.

“It’s Talking Tom, the virtual pet cat who loves to chat.

Talking Tom is the cat making every day a fun adventure.

Players adopt this virtual pet, keep him happy and help him explore his world.”

• Talking Tom can really talk
• Fashion and furniture items to collect
• Mini games add action, adventure and fun
• Travel destinations are waiting to be explored
• Photo albums to be filled with memories

8/5/22:  Amazing Bomberman is an all-new title in the popular action franchise. The new Apple Arcade release features 1-4 multiplayer fun with “excellent music and visual effects.”

“‘Bomberman’ the icon of competitive action games is now available on Apple Arcade! Amazing Bomberman is a new Bomberman game with excellent music and visual effects. Enjoy thrilling battles on the stages that change to the rhythm of the music.”

• Easy to play, enjoy online battles anytime, anywhere!
• Fusion of Bomberman with music!? Play through the stages that change to the rhythm of the music.
• Many of the songs were written especially for Amazing Bomberman!!
• Practice mode for solo player.
• Exciting battles between friends in “FRIEND BATTLE” mode!
• Join battles and collect items for customization

7/29/22: Kingdom Rush Vengeance TD+ is the latest title on Apple Arcade available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

“Get ready to jump into action and show the Kingdom who’s the real boss in the best tower defense game!

Face empires of mighty enemies. Clash against supreme bosses, unlocking and switching to new towers. Train legendary heroes and get all the achievements using your strategy in this amazing TD game.

Kingdom Rush Vengeance will give you hours and hours of gameplay in the best tower defense game available!”

7/22/22:  HEROish is the newest game to land on Apple Arcade and it’s another exclusive to the service. Here’s how developer Sunblink describes it:

“Play as one of six epic heroes, summon troops, sling spells, and destroy enemy towers to achieve victory in this exciting head-to-head castle defense game. Players can enjoy single-player adventures with three campaigns filled with campy storytelling, sweeping musical scores, and hand-crafted environments. Or they can dive into fast-paced battles with friends and family in competitive 1v1 or 2v2 matches. Players can build custom decks and upgrade cards to create monstrous combinations of troops and spells as they aim to defeat their opponents, destroy the Soul Gem that gives them power, and move to the top of the leaderboards.”

7/15/22:  Coming as an Apple Arcade exclusive, the new Subway Surfers Tag is now available . Here’s how developer Sybo Games describes the new installment in the popular franchise:

“Challenge Guard in off-limit areas including the Railyard, Park, Docks, and Underground

SURF INTO THE YARD AND ALWAYS KEEP MOVING

Join the Crew across multiple off-limit, interactive city locations. Skate over the retired trains in the railyard, play in the park after dark, pick up some power-ups at the cargo docks or investigate the mysterious underground. But watch out! Guard is not about to put up with these shenanigans and is hot on your heels – and this time, he’s brought reinforcements!

SKATE, GRIND, TAG, AND ESCAPE

Chase your high score! Free skate across the arena, grinding rails, landing jumps, tagging objectives and blasting the clean up crew bots to gain sweet combo point action. Avoid Guard and his clean-up-crew as they chase you down to put an end to this foolishness.”

7/8/22: Samorost 3+ – Peculiar cosmic journey

7/1/22: My Bowling 3D+  – Realistic bowling

6/24/22:   Air Twister – Swipe Shooting

6/17/22 : Cooking Mama: Cuisine!  – Master the Kitchen

6/10/22:  Disney Jigsaw Puzzle by MobilityWare+ is the latest arrival on Apple’s gaming service. It features more than 25,000 puzzles with your favorite Disney and Hasbro characters, and much more.

Jigsaw Puzzle by MobilityWare+ features the largest, most beautiful collection of jigsaw puzzles ranging from iconic brands like Disney, Hasbro, and many more. With numerous categories and genres to choose from, “Jigsaw Puzzle” features over 25,000 puzzles with players sorting and moving the pieces around on the board, and filling in the edges, just like the real thing. Only now, players can take the puzzle with them anywhere they go.

6/3/22:  Frogger is on a new adventure with a 3D puzzle-solving challenge, Frogger and the Rumbling Ruins .

Make your way through puzzle-ridden ruins and unravel the mysteries of the Ancient Salientians. Guide Frogger through the ruins by manipulating the terrain! Simple and intuitive three-dimensional puzzles. More than 100 stages with all sorts of traps and enemies! And in the deepest parts of the ruins, will a ferocious boss battle await? A fun and friendly story with a group of unique friends. Add all treasures found in the ruins to your collection!

5/27/22:  After bringing Pro Snooker & Pool 2022+ to Apple Arcade, iWare Designs has launched its popular Pro Darts 2022+ on the platform today.

Meanwhile, the fun and educational Crayola Create and Play+ for kids has received its biggest update (this happens to be one of my five-year-old’s favorite games along with Pok Pok ).

Pro Darts 2022+

With fully textured 3D game environments, specialist custom boards for standard and more obscure game types, and millions of possible dart component combinations, Pro Darts 2022 is the complete package for both casual and serious gamers. The simple ‘swipe to throw’ interface combined with an innovative adjustable ‘player assist’ system allows everyone from novices to pros to pick up and play the game instantly at their own skill level.

Crayola Create and Play+

It’s a brand new day in Crayola Create & Play! Explore an all-new creative world, where everything is interactive! Let your imagination run wild as you decorate, build, and play in your own unique world. All of your favorite creative activities are here — plus some exciting new ones! Stroll down Main Street, hike through the woods, roam into a colorful jungle, down into sparkling caves, or fly up into the clouds. And just for fun, bring your pets along for a ride aboard the Imagination Express, it’ll take you anywhere you want to go! For the first time, players can also craft one-of-a-kind rocketships and kites in the new Craftables activity! Looking for even more inspiration? Go on a special QUEST to find all of the limited-time Spring items!

5/20/22:  Warped Kart Racers is an exclusive new Apple Arcade game in the style of Mario Kart.

Race and battle – solo or multiplayer – with the stars from American Dad!, Family Guy, King of the Hill and Solar Opposites! Get warped into the ultimate kart racing game – by yourself, or multiplayer – featuring the stars of 20th Television’s hit animated shows: American Dad!, Family Guy, King of the Hill and Solar Opposites! Experience iconic locations and even some surprise ones in your quest for karting glory! TAKE CONTROL of one of 20 playable characters and beat your friends in riotous races and brutal battles Master RACING AND BATTLING across 16 maps drawn from fan-favorite episodes Play an extensive SINGLE PLAYER campaign, or compete in 8-player MULTIPLAYER matches Complete DAILY CHALLENGES to unlock new CHARACTERS, SKINS, KARTS and CUSTOMIZATIONS

 5/13/22:  Whether it’s been a while since you’ve picked it up or have never played, the wildly popular, random, and hilarious  Goat Simulator+  is now available on Apple Arcade.

Goat Simulator is the latest in goat simulation technology, bringing next-gen goat simulation to YOU. You no longer have to fantasize about being a goat, your mobile dreams have finally come true! Gameplay-wise, Goat Simulator is all about causing as much destruction as you possibly can as a goat. It has been compared to an old-school skating game, except instead of being a skater, you’re a goat, and instead of doing tricks, you wreck stuff. more! When it comes to goats, not even the sky is the limit, as you can probably just bug through it and crash the game. DISCLAIMER Goat Simulator is a completely stupid game and, to be honest, you should probably spend your money on something else, such as a hula hoop, a pile of bricks, or maybe pool your money together with your friends and buy a real goat. KEY FEATURES * You can be a goat * Get points for wrecking stuff – brag to your friends that you’re the alpha goat * MILLIONS OF BUGS! We’re only eliminating the crash-bugs, everything else is hilarious and we’re keeping it * In-game physics that bug out all the time * Seriously look at that goat’s neck * You can be a goat

5/6/22:  Badland Party  has launched on Apple Arcade with both single and multiplayer action.

Discover the next game in the multi-award-winning hit series that follows Apple’s Game of the Year and Design Award winning BADLAND and BADLAND 2, enjoyed by over 150 million players around the world. Badland Party continues its creators quest to perfect atmospheric side-scrolling adventures with stunning graphics and innovative physics-based gameplay. Witness the award-winning series take the visual allure another step forward, introduce dozens of new characters to play with and allow friends to play together in both local and online multiplayer modes. Or enjoy a single player adventure together with an AI companion. Survive through multiple new worlds, take down giant machines in epic boss-fights, co-operate to solve multiplayer puzzles, roll, fly, swim and dive through the beautiful lush world of Badland and help save the Clones from the heinous contraptions of the machine kind. Whether you play solo or with friends & family, Badland Party’s elegant controls and frequent checkpoints make it easy to pick up and enjoy. Yet, the wealth of missions, achievements and weekly challenges will impress even the most hardcore players.

4/29/22:  Prune has received high praise over the years for delivering a creative and unique experience that’s both addictive and soothing. Now it’s available on Apple Arcade.

Prune is a love letter to trees. A game about the beauty and joy of cultivation. With a swipe of a finger, grow and shape your tree into the sunlight while avoiding the dangers of a hostile world. Bring life to a forgotten landscape and uncover a story hidden deep beneath the soil. A unique digital plant for your pocket Beautiful, minimalist art and a super clean interface—it’s just you and the trees Meditative music and sound design for you to zen out to No IAP, no monetization strategy, no currencies Share screenshots of your unique tree creations with friends Synchronize progress across all your devices

4/22/22:  Moonshot – A Journey Home is a new physics-based slingshot space adventure on Apple Arcade. It features 126 different levels across 7 worlds with weekly challenges and over 35 different skins and 50 achievements to unlock.

Moonshot is a physics-based puzzle game where you play as Moon Pi, a young moon separated from Mother Earth. Using slingshot mechanics and navigational puzzles, help Moon Pi trek across the mysterious universe to finally get back home.

4/15/22:  Two more popular iOS games have been added to Apple Arcade. Pro Snooker & Pool 2022 and Construction Simulator 2 are now available.

Following the worldwide success of its sports games iWare Designs brings you Pro Snooker & Pool 2022, probably one of the most realistic and playable snooker and pool games available on mobile devices. Boasting fully textured game environments and full 3D rigid body physics this game is the complete package for both casual and serious gamers.

In Construction Simulator 2, you build your own construction company and take the wheel of 40+ original, licensed construction vehicles from Caterpillar, Liebherr, Palfinger, Bell, STILL, ATLAS, Mack Trucks, Meiller Kipper, and Kenworth.

4/8/22:  First shown off at Apple’s March event, Gear.Club Stradale is now available on Apple Arcade. The new racing game lets you experience the world’s best supercars along with cooperative play and worldwide competitions. It also features daily, weekly, and monthly exclusive content.

Meanwhile, along with the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 film landing in theaters, Sonic Dash+  – the fun endless runner – has arrived on Apple Arcade.

Welcome to Italy, birthplace of supercars! Gear.Club Stradale is a dream come true: taking a long vacation in a gorgeous villa with all the time in the world to drive the most beautiful supercars. Gather your friends and start your own club in the breathtaking region of Tuscany, Italy. Cooperate with your friends in daily, weekly, and monthly exclusive content to build your dream car collection! Build and improve your Club’s workshops to enhance your car’s performance and customize your vehicles. Defend your Club in worldwide competitions and reach the highest rankings Unlock new content through your progression and achievements. Experience the best car-handling on mobile devices thanks to intelligent, real-like driving assistances that guarantee high accessibility. This is a trip you’ll never want to end…

4/1/22:  Pocket Build  offers the ability to build instantly with hundreds of items in a massive open world.

Have you ever wanted to make your own little fantasy world? A farm, some kind of castle, or just an epic fantasy city? Pocket Build is an open world game where you can build with no limitations or restrictions. Build whatever you like, whenever you like, however you like. The possibilities are endless!

3/25/22: Alto’s Adventure: The Spirit of the Mountain  is an exciting Apple Arcade-exclusive from award-winning developer Snowman.

Read more in our full launch coverage here .

3/11/22:  From award-winning developer ustwo games, Monument Valley 2 is now available on Apple Arcade.

Guide a mother and her child as they embark on a journey through magical architecture, discovering illusionary pathways and delightful puzzles as you learn the secrets of the Sacred Geometry. Sequel to the Apple Game of the Year 2014, Monument Valley 2 presents a brand new adventure set in a beautiful and impossible world. Help Ro as she teaches her child about the mysteries of the valley, exploring stunning environments and manipulating architecture to guide them on their way.

3/4/22:  Veteran iOS action platformer Shadow Blade has arrived on Apple Arcade.

Kuro is a young man on his quest to become the Shadow Blade. He must seek the teachings of the last remaining ninja master. You will guide him through challenging levels, around countless traps, sneaking past enemies or right over their dead bodies. You have to be fast, be stealthy, be aware of your environment. You have to be a ninja. It features intuitive touch controls and an array of weapons and challenging levels. Becoming a ninja is at your fingertips!

2/25/22:  Coming from the two-time Apple Design Award-winning developer Broken Rules , the free-flowing Gibbon: Beyond the Trees has landed on Apple Arcade.

Experience free-flowing dynamic movement based on brachiation, the way real gibbons swing through the trees Master acrobatic moves, including launching from another gibbon’s hands in mid air A touching adventure of a family of gibbons trying to survive amid an encroaching human threat. Play through an hourlong adventure in story mode, or race to freedom through a procedurally generated jungle in liberation mode. Stunning 2D hand painted visuals that breathe life into a rapidly vanishing world. Explore varied environments, from the wild jungles of Southeast Asia to the hectic human world beyond. Gibbon: Beyond the Trees deals with challenging but acute environmental topics, including deforestation, poaching and climate change.

2/18/22:  Long-running iOS magical sim Wylde Flowers has made its debut on Apple Arcade.

Wylde Flowers is a cozy life and farming sim with a witchy twist! Escape to a cute world of diverse folks, and magical spells, as you and the coven unravel a mystery! Play as Tara, as she arrives at a cozy rural island to help out her grandma and the family farm. Explore a wholesome world of magical realms, beautiful beaches, secretive forests and the friendly town of Fairhaven.

2/11/22:  Veteran tower defense favorite Bloons TD 6 is now available on Apple Arcade with fun co-op action with up to four players.

Craft your perfect defense from a combination of awesome Monkey Towers, upgrades, Heroes, and activated abilities, then pop every last invading Bloon! Start enjoying the massive and ever-expanding features that deliver endless hours of the best strategy gaming available.

2/4/22:  The number one bridge building game on the App Store, Bridge Constructor has now arrived on Apple Arcade.

In Bridge Constructor+ you have to prove yourself as an accomplished master bridge builder. Play 40 different levels, and build bridges over deep valleys, canals, and rivers. Stress tests reveal whether the bridge you build can withstand the daily stress of continual use from cars, trucks and, more recently, super-heavy tank trucks.

1/28/22:  The popular Where’s Waldo-style Hidden Folks has arrived on Apple Arcade (2017 App Store Game of the Year). Hidden Folks is all hand-drawn with over 300+ obejects to find in the interactive landscapes.

Search for hidden folks in hand-drawn, interactive, miniature landscapes. Unfurl tent flaps, cut through bushes, slam doors, and poke some crocodiles! Rooooaaaarrrr!!!!! A strip of targets shows you what to look for. Tap a target for a hint, and find enough to unlock the next area.

1/21/22:  A quirky take on tennis is now on Apple Arcade with Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis .

Join your favorite iconic characters from Nickelodeon shows past and present as they compete in the most Extreme Tennis Matches EVER! All your favorite retro Nicktoons come together for the ultimate tennis showdown: SpongeBob, Angelica, Rocko, Garfield, and more!

1/14/22:  Described as a “story-driven crafting ARPG,” Crashlands has become an iOS favorite over the last decade, even winning TouchArcade’s Game of the Year award in 2016.

Craft, battle, and quest your way through Crashlands, an outlandish, story-driven Crafting RPG overflowing with sass! Become Flux Dabes, a galactic trucker whose latest shipment gets derailed by a chin-strapped alien menace named Hewgodooko, leaving you stranded on an alien planet. As you hustle to retrieve your packages you’ll become enmeshed in a nefarious plot of world domination, which will require all of your wits and both of your glutes to overcome. Learn recipes from the local sentient life, make new friends, uncover ancient secrets and deadly bosses, tame everything and build yourself a home-away-from-home as you learn to thrive on planet Woanope.

1/7/22:  Popular card game developer MobilityWare has brought its Hearts as well as Spades classics to Apple Arcade.

Spades: Card Game+ Spades has a fresh new look on the Apple Arcade, featuring brand new goals for you to reach! We’ve also included clear tutorials to help you learn the game of spades at your own pace! Relax and train your brain as you compete in the game of Spades! Spades adds a new element of strategy & puzzles to the classic card game space. Plan and strategize each move as you compete with a partner to try and out-bid and out-play your opponents. Win the most books and be the first to 250 points to win! Be careful though, spades can’t be played until they are broken! Precision, strategy and quick thinking are needed to master the game! Hearts: Card Game+ Hearts on Apple Arcade is a classic competitive card game, and MobilityWare’s artificial intelligence ensures YOUR play has the competitive edge, Hearts card master! This free Hearts game will teach you how to play with our intuitive AI. Our artificial intelligence adapts to your Hearts card game play style. Play feels fair, even though your opponents are some smart bots. But while playing them can feel like a challenge, MobilityWare’s Hearts hints AI feature is at your disposal and the smartest of them all! AI bot opponents offer another major benefit – you can play them offline, so no wifi is required to play Hearts!

12/17/21:  Get ready to battle in 5-minute, 3v3 matches as your favorite characters with Disney Melee Mania :

Cue the lights! Hear the fans roar! Disney Melee Mania calls all worthy competitors to step into the spotlight! In this dazzling Arcade battle arena, your holo-team of rumble-ready Disney and Pixar champions competes in fast-paced 3v3 multiplayer battles. From Wreck-It Ralph, Elsa and Mickey to Frozone, Moana, Buzz Lightyear (and beyond!), choose from multiple holographic Disney and Pixar champs and rack up points with their unique skills. Embrace the chaos of dodging obstacles while brawling in fun and frenzied close-combat competition. – 5-Minute Melees – Quick-fire games for fighting on the fly. Battle smart to make each moment count! – 12 Champions – Pick and progress your party of 3 from a holo-roster of Disney & Pixar champs! – Multiple Game Modes – New challenges to test your skills and upgrades! – Customize Your Clashes – Gear up in character costumes and equip eye-catching trails! – Regular Events – Ace matches daily for one-off prizes! Score the win, but don’t get cocky – there’s always a new challenger waiting to knock you from the spotlight. Play to unlock new champions and upgrade their powers to achieve a victory that is anything but virtual!

12/10/21:  In 2017, Splitter Critters won both iPhone Game of Year and an Apple Design Award. The hit puzzle adventure is now available on Apple Arcade.

Split the world with a swipe of your finger and then rearrange it to guide critters back to their spaceship. Explore colorful planets full of danger, challenging puzzles, and innovative mechanics that will make you think in new ways. The immersive soundscapes of each world, best experienced with headphones, set the tone for your journey.

12/3/21:  The 2018 Apple Design Award Winner action title Oddmar plus the adventure metroidvania side-scroller Dandara: Trials of Fear are now available on Apple Arcade.

Oddmar struggles with life in his village and is not worthy of a place in Valhalla. He is shunned by his fellow Vikings and must redeem himself of his squandered potential. One day he is offered an opportunity to prove himself, but at a price… IMMERSE yourself in an epic Viking story animated as a motion comic. JOURNEY through 24 beautifully hand-crafted levels of physics-based puzzles and platforming challenges. DISCOVER your true power with magically imbued weapons and shields. ENCOUNTER new friends and foes on your journey through magical forests, snowy mountains, and treacherous mines.

11/19/21:  The exciting LEGO Star Wars: Castaways release for Apple Arcade is officially here.

Explore a mysterious new planet and meet new friends along the way in LEGO® Star Wars™: Castaways. By customizing their character, fans can live out their Star Wars fantasies in the first social, action-adventure LEGO Star Wars game, available only on Apple Arcade. Build your own in-game LEGO minifigure from hundreds of LEGO pieces in a new Star Wars game on Apple Arcade. Discover a secret world, now home to fellow Castaways, and build a life in this new home! Explore a new island, meet new characters, race Microfighters and even throw a dance party on the island! Team up or play solo and immerse yourself in simulations, recorded by the technology of an ancient civilization, spanning moments across the Star Wars universe. Battle foes, solve puzzles, build your skills in battle arenas and learn to pilot your way through flight simulations! Unearth mysteries and discover a growing threat to life on the planet. Join the ranks of Castaways and write your Star Wars destiny in a new, never-before-seen LEGO Star Wars adventure!

11/12/21:  One of the most popular shooters of all time, Galaga Wars , is available on Apple Arcade.

Your All-time favorite shoot’em up arcade game is now available on iPhone and iPad. Take control of the most iconic spaceships and free the galaxy from the invaders! The galaxy is at stake. Fire up the engines and destroy endless waves of aliens in a shower of laser blasts and smoking missiles! Galaga Wars+ is Bandai Namco’s classic arcade shooter game brought to Apple Arcade. With stunning graphics and simple touchscreen controls, Galaga Wars+ is an exhilarating trip down memory lane for all Nostalgic gamers and an instant blast for everyone to enjoy.

11/5/21:  A new PvP game has landed on Apple Arcade with Transformers Tactical Arena .

Assemble a team of all your favorite Transformers! Battle your way through the ranks of competitive Arenas in this real-time PvP strategy game! Unlock new cards, master their unique abilities, and evolve your strategy to gain a competitive advantage. With dozens of familiar characters, powerful structures, and an arsenal of tactical support units at your disposal, no two battles are alike.

10/29/21:  Crayola Create and Play aimed at kiddos 4+ is available now on Apple Arcade.

Spark creativity with Crayola Create and Play+! Crayola Create and Play+ is the official Crayola creativity app, with frequent new activities to help you imagine, experiment, and grow with every month! Explore dozens of creative, confidence-building games and enjoy endless hours of productive play. Crayola Create & Play+ encourages curiosity, artistic independence, and a safe place to develop self-expression. It’s so much more than drawing and coloring pages! Each of the activities helps develop imagination and a creative point of view…we’re all kids at heart, and everyone can be creative! Our regular content updates add new features, activities, and learning games. There’s always something new to explore and master!

10/19/21:  NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition  has launched on Apple Arcade and features MyCAREER, MyCOURT, Quick Match Modes, The Association Mode, Online Multiplayer Mode, and more.

NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition is the latest title in the world-renowned, best-selling NBA 2K series exclusively on Apple Arcade. Live your NBA dreams on the hardwood and run with today’s top stars like Luka Doncic, Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, Karl-Anthony Towns and more – in an authentic NBA 2K experience.

10/15/21:  Apple Arcade subscribers will be excited to hear that iPhone game of the year winner, Tiny Wings is the latest hit to make the jump to the gaming service.

You have always dreamed of flying – but your wings are tiny. Luckily the world is full of beautiful hills. Use the hills as jumps – slide down, flap your wings and fly! At least for a moment – until this annoying gravity brings you back down to earth. But the next hill is waiting for you already. Watch out for the night and fly as fast as you can. Otherwise flying will only be a dream once again. Tiny Wings was chosen as the iPhone Game of the Year in App Store Rewind 2011 in Europe and many other countries.
Thank you Apple and a big thank you to all Tiny Wings fans!

10/8/21:  The hit Frogger-style reimagined for the iOS-era, Crossy Road is now available on Apple Arcade.

Hop back into the adventure with Crossy Road® re-imagined for Apple Arcade. Join Crossy Chicken to collect all the characters & discover CROSSY ROAD park.

10/1/21:  The high-intensity, award-winning rhythm game Thumper: Pocket Edition has landed on Apple Arcade.

Thumper is rhythm violence: classic action, blistering speed, and brutal physicality. You are a space beetle. Brave the void and confront a maniacal giant head. With this special pocket edition, you can play all nine epic levels with one hand. Hurtle forward, master new moves, and survive terrifying boss battles. Propelled by a pounding original soundtrack, you’ll feel every crushing impact. To reach synesthetic bliss, you must conquer rhythm hell.

9/24/21:  LEGO Star Wars Battles has arrived on Apple Arcade this week.

Lead your favorite LEGO® Star Wars™ characters into real-time, multiplayer PvP battles in arenas inspired by iconic locations from throughout the galaxy! What happens when an Ewok takes on a Tusken Raider? Can a flock of porgs tackle a stormtrooper in a standoff? Could Chewbacca go toe-to-toe with Boba Fett? Who would win in a showdown between Yoda and Darth Vader? Collect and upgrade LEGO Star Wars characters, troops, and vehicles and craft formidable light and dark side armies. Build LEGO towers on the battlefield and develop a strategy to attack, defend, and capture territory as you push towards the enemy base to claim victory! Download this exciting LEGO game that brings together every era of Star Wars™ storytelling in a tower defense style.

9/17/21:  New this week are the side-scrolling action game  Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls  and Temple Run: Puzzle Adventure .

An All-New Castlevania Game! The beloved gothic fantasy series returns with an original game exclusive to Apple Arcade with “Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls”!

Play TEMPLE RUN as never before! Beat match 3 puzzles to uncover the mysteries of the ancient temple realm. Create powerful combos and use special pieces to become a Temple Champion! Assist the great adventurer, archeologist and Temple Runner Scarlett Fox as you solve puzzles to overcome the mysterious obstacles along your path.

9/10/21:  The latest to make the jump from iOS to Apple Arcade is the puzzle/sim mashup Zookeeper World .

Zookeeper, the definitive action-puzzle game played by more than 30 million people, is now available as a Apple Arcade exclusive! Solve simple match-3 puzzles to create your own zoo. Make it the only one of its kind in the world! Get through a variety of puzzles and collect Coins to fill your zoo with cute animals, plants and more! They’ll increase your zoo’s Charm and attract all sorts of visitors!

9/3/21:  Three new games have landed today on Apple Arcade with the popular iOS classic Layton’s Mystery Journey , MasterChef: Let’s Cook! , and Zen Pinball Party .

8/27/21:  Two more iOS classics have arrived on Apple Arcade. The popular Asphalt 8: Airborne and Zelda-inspired Baldo are now available.

8/20/21:  Tetris Beat  has arrived on Apple Arcade.

Tetris® Beat – The world famous Tetris® puzzle game is blocking to a new beat, fusing its hit gameplay with exclusive music and innovative rhythm mechanics. The game features a diverse and eclectic lineup of incredible musicians including Alison Wonderland, GARZA, Hannah Diamond, Octo Octa, Dauwd, CINTHIE and many more, with new exclusive songs added every month from today’s hottest and up-and-coming talent.

8/13/21:  The Pokémon-style RPG Monster Hunter Stories  from Capcom has arrived on Apple Arcade.

The Apple Arcade version of this game contains the same content as the Monster Hunter Stories app available elsewhere. Please read the “Important Notes” section before playing. • Game Features – Recruit countless Monsties! Monsties, and the bonds you form with them, are the backbone of your adventure. Explore vast environments and dungeons to find monster dens, and bring back the eggs you find to hatch new Monsties! – Fight with your Monsties in Network Battles! Take your hero and the Monsties you’ve raised into battles with other Riders! Build a team of your favorites to challenge other players. – New features for the smartphone version! New improvements include beautiful high-resolution graphics, improved user interface, and a new auto-save feature! • Story The story begins in a forest near the village of Riders. Three young friends—the hero, Lilia, and Cheval—stumble upon a shining egg.

8/6/21:  Another highly popular iOS title has arrived on Apple Arcade, Super Stickman Golf 3 . All premium content is unlocked with this version and of course no ads or in-app purchases.

Super Stickman Golf 3 is a 2D golf game packed full of amazing courses, crazy power ups, fun collectable cards, wild game modes and of course, tons of multiplayer madness. Master dozens of courses and square off against friends in turn-based head to head matches or up to 8 players in real-time races to the cup!

7/23/21:  Jetpack Joyride is the latest iOS hit to land on Apple Arcade. Whether you’re picking it up for the first time or excited to rediscover it, the classic endless runner flyer is available now .

Skate City has also launched a big Tokyo expansion to celebrate skateboarding being included in the Olympics for the first time.

7/16/21:  After Apple teased the releases last month, the new  Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City along with the remastered Angry Birds Reloaded and Doodle God Universe are all available on Apple Arcade.

Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City  comes with an all-new biome along with fresh challenges and content.  Angry Birds Reloaded comes with new characters, and Doodle God Universe has been totally redrawn.

7/2/21:  Solitaire Stories is the latest popular iOS title to make the jump to Apple Arcade.

Behold! The world’s greatest card game, Solitaire… now with progressive difficulty storylines, gorgeous deck designs, daily challenges, global leaderboards, and a weird sense of humor. If you like classic Klondike Solitaire and have a wild imagination, you’re going to love Solitaire Stories.

6/25/21:  The new Apple Arcade games today are both iOS classics and also happen to both be Apple Design Award Winners. Leo’s Fortune and INKS are available now on the platform.

Leo’s Fortune is a platform adventure game where you hunt down the cunning and mysterious thief that stole your gold. Beautifully hand-crafted levels bring the story of Leo to life in this epic adventure.

and here’s the description for INKS that takes a different approach to pinball:

INKS updates pinball for a new generation. It combines the joy of pinball with skilful tactical challenges, and allows you to create wondrous works of art as the ball smashes around the canvas. Blocks of color burst like beautiful fireworks across the surface, building up in vivid layers and recording a visual history of your game as you perfect your score.

6/17/21:  Two new titles have landed on Apple Arcade. Frenzic: Overtime is a remake of the original popular puzzler from the Iconfactory that first launched on Mac OS X in 2007. Meanwhile, the simulation title Game Dev Story has arrived on Apple Arcade too.

Frenzic: Overtime combines fast-paced engaging game play, stunning visuals and sound in an arcade style puzzle game that players can easily pick up and play. Life on the factory floor at Frenzic Industries can be a bit chaotic as players assemble Power Cores for the new ZAPBOTs. As players meet their shift goals in a timely manner, they’ll be promoted to more rewarding positions on the assembly line. Players will face over 45 levels, multiple gameplay modes and hundreds of mini-goals as they uncover the secrets of Frenzic Industries, and ultimately, save the world. Easy to learn, challenging to master — it’s fun for the entire family! This blast from the past steps into the future!

And here’s the description for Game Dev Story:

Manage your own game company and try to create a million-selling game in this unique simulation. Features the ability to develop your company’s own game console, plus a system for changing your staff members’ professions. Hire talented people and train them to develop their skills. As your staff gets more experience, you will unlock a wider array of game genres and content to develop. Try to find the most popular combinations and develop for the latest platform! Your staff members can have a variety of game-related professions, from programmer to sound engineer. Work hard and you may reach the top of the video game industry!

6/11/21:  A new medieval fantasy RPG has landed on Apple Arcade with Legends of Kingdom Rush :

Embark on an epic journey through the medieval fantasy world of Kingdom Rush in this amazing RPG game with roguelike elements! LEAD THE MOST POWERFUL KINGDOM RUSH CHARACTERS An extraplanar menace of unprecedented proportions is attacking the realm! Lead a party of heroes to stop this foe in a highly engaging combat system that is easy to learn but hard to master. 5 Legendary Heroes, like the mighty paladin Gerald Lightseeker or the cunning shadow assassin Asra Daggerfall, will be awaiting your command. 11 Companion Heroes, with different skills and powers, like the resourceful forest ranger, the volatile dwarven bombardier, or the menacing dark knight will follow your Legends to victory! Unlock all of these fantastic heroes as you push through more and more dangerous lands. STRATEGIC GRID-BASED COMBAT Strategically move your heroes on a hex-based grid to best fit their skills to your combat tactics. Switch and match your heroes and companions until you find your ideal team for each battle! EXPERIENCE THE KINGDOM RUSH NARRATIVE LIKE NEVER BEFORE Learn more about the Kingdom Rush universe with over 100 narrative events while you fight your way through lush forests, rugged mountains, and devastated wastelands.

5/27/21:  After almost two months since we’ve seen fresh Apple Arcade games, a new “crazy puzzle adventure” has launched –  All of You .

From the creators of Love You to Bits and Bring You Home, Alike Studio presents All of You. All of You is a cute, purely visual, accessible, family-friendly puzzle adventure with unique gameplay. Play and pause time in every part of the level to unveil the right path for the main character. You will follow the journey of a clumsy chicken traversing all kinds of places in search of her lost chicks. Explore strange places filled with fun characters, exciting surprises, and many treacherous dangers – all to find every one of your chicks.

4/23/21:  Skate City from Snowman has received a nice update today on Apple Arcade with a new endless mode:

Get ready to make your mark in Pro Skate. Set your highest score in an endless run through Los Angeles with all new generated skate features that make no two runs the same! See how far you can travel through the city while linking combos and perfect tricks together to set new records. Watch out for security guards and new obstacles because as soon as you crash your run is over! Compete for the top spot in our leaderboards, and complete all 60 new objectives included in this mode. Only available in L.A. for now.

4/2/21:  Apple Arcade has gotten a huge update today with 30+ new games ranging from big titles to iOS and traditional hits.

• Apple Arcade gets massive expansion with 30 new games, including hit iOS classics and more

To check out all the new games, you can head to the App Store > Arcade tab > swipe down to the bottom > tap “See All Games.”

3/26/21:  Two new games have arrived on Apple Arcade today, Farm It! and Hitchhiker .

Welcome to Farm It! Take your time to play amazing mini games in order to get resources to build your farm world. Embark on an adventurous journey: by playing fun mini games, obtain resources and decorate different areas of your farm and enjoy the company of fun and amazing in-game characters and cute animals. What are you waiting for? Indulge yourself in some farming and build the most amazing farm world. Build your dream farm!

And Hitchhiker is a road-trip mystery:

Hitchhiker is a mystery game set along lost highways, where your goal is to solve the puzzle of your own backstory. As a hitchhiker with no memory or destination, you catch a series of rides across a strange and beautiful landscape, tracking the mysterious disappearance of a person close to you. Your drivers range from stoic farmers to off-duty waitresses, and each one has a story to tell. Clues appear, alliances emerge, and nothing is quite what it seems. As your journey continues, you must decode the events of your past while confronting the dangers that lie ahead. Hitchhiker is a road-trip odyssey about exploring the unknown in order to find yourself.

3/19/21:  Apple Arcade has gained the new sim game  Cozy Grove . It’s a spookified look at the genre that takes place on a “haunted, ever-changing island.”

Welcome to Cozy Grove, a life-sim game about camping on a haunted, ever-changing island. As a Spirit Scout, you’ll wander the island’s forest each day, finding new hidden secrets and helping soothe the local ghosts. With a little time and a lot of crafting, you’ll bring color and joy back to Cozy Grove!

3/5/21:   SP!NG is the newest Apple Arcade title. It’s a physics action-puzzler and feels like a mashup between Cut the Rope and Sonic the Hedgehog.

SP!NG is like a stress ball for your brain Experience the zen and skillful world that is SP!NG. With only one touch, flow through hundreds of hand-crafted levels. Unlock new themes that change the look and feel of your experience. Earn new characters and perfect levels to unlock new challenging modes.

2/19/21 : The latest to land on Apple Arcade is the zombie action title  Survival Z.

After the event, humanity lies on the brink while zombies dominate the landscape! You are a survivor. Armed with your wits and bravado, you are determined to save all who remain. Your goal is clear: find survivors and seek out a way to exterminate the undead menace. Choose your way along randomly generated routes to build and battle your way through environments crawling with zombies. Features: Blast your way through a wide range of zombie types. Place traps and obstacles to increase your chances of survival. Collect and upgrade equipment to power up your character. Ever-changing routes create endless replayability. No two runs are the same! Bring other survivors into the fold and fight alongside them. Unique story events that with extra rewards…for those who can survive them. Over 15 playable characters, 50 unique levels, and infinite possibilities for fun!

2/5/21:  New toady for Apple Arcade is lumen. –  a puzzler with light, mirrors, and lenses.

lumen. is a puzzle game with unique mechanics, where you have to solve levels using lights, lenses and mirrors. You will find yourself in the old attic and discover the mysterious antique box of Ms. Olivia McLumen, who lived in Scotland over a hundred years ago and was a great inventor of her time, she saved her inventions in cinematic frames for you to restore.

1/29/21:   Populous Run for Apple Arcade is a fun and quirky “unconventional running game where you control a crown of people.

• Dodge giant fast food
• Slide down pipes like at a waterpark
• Battle rapper bosses, including Macaron, Donut, and Burger
• Test yourself in Hardcore mode
• Collect all the secret characters who are hidden in the levels
• Show your respect for the upbeat original soundtrack with its choral singing

1/22/21:  Apple Arcade gets two new titles for today:  Spire Blast –  a physics-based match puzzler and  NUTS – a surveillance mystery involving squirrels.

Spire Blast

Take a step into the colorful world of Spire Blast. With your ever hungry dragon companion collapse numerous mysterious towers of all shapes and sizes that have risen all over the kingdom. Test your wits and skills, use all the tools at your disposal and you will emerge victorious!

Gear up your caravan, boot up your GPS, spread out your map and head for the depths of Melmoth Forest. As a rookie field researcher, you’ll place cameras during the day, and watch the footage at night, tracking the movements of a scurry of squirrels. Where do they hide their nuts? What puzzling routes do they take? And why do they behave so strangely?

1/8/21:  The first launch on Apple Arcade for 2021 is  Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon .  Check out the launch trailer here and read more below:

A long time has passed since the White City was washed from the face of Gaia – and the once magnificent Kingdom of Arcadia was shattered into hundreds of islands of the Uncharted Sea. Four adventurers have set on a journey to restore the world to its former glory. Following rumors and prophecies, they have found a way into a mythical underground complex, Chronos Dungeon. Deep down, hidden somewhere, lies the Paradigm Hourglass, an object powerful enough to alter history. Will you find the route to the bottom floor, and what challenges await you inside Chronos Dungeon? A DUNGEON CRAWLER FOR ALL AGES Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon is a dungeon crawler featuring four players couch co-op, inspired by 16-bit arcade classics. Fight side by side with your friends, or control all four heroes by yourself – will you make it to the bottom of Chronos Dungeon? If this is your first game in the genre, don’t worry – Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon is easy to pick up even for newcomers and will keep you and your companions entertained for hours! A NEW DUNGEON EVERY TIME Randomized modifiers make each level unique, and each run unexpected. Heroes start every game with different stats, depending on the zodiac sign they’re bound to, and each of the four adventurers, Knight, Huntress, Grandmaster, and Mage, feels and plays differently. If less than four local players are available, the idle adventurers can be selected on the fly by any player. A NEW CHAPTER IN THE OCEANHORN UNIVERSE Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon is a new chapter in the Oceanhorn universe, set 200 years after Oceanhorn 2. Find out if our heroes can defeat Chronos, and change the course of history!

12/11/20:  An exciting release today on Apple Arcade comes from ustwo games, the award-winning developer behind the hit game Monument Valley . The new release is  Alba: A Wildlife Adventure .

Join Alba as she visits her grandparents on a Mediterranean island. She is ready for a peaceful summer of wildlife exploration with her friend Ines, but when she sees an animal in danger, she realises she needs to do something about it! This is truly a Mediterranean paradise if you ignore all the litter! From the idyllic beaches to the ancient castle overlooking the town a whole island is ready to be explored. With Ines and your grandfather – who is a total bird nerd – by your side, you can start the movement to save the island. Maybe even the world after that. Handcrafted visuals. Every little corner of the island has been looked after with great detail. Trust me, it took us a while to make it Join Alba and Ines to found the AIWRL (really rolls off the tongue doesn’t it?), an organisation that can save the island You will need to gather a bunch of volunteers and the town is full of good people. Help them out and convince them to join you There are animals everywhere, can you find all the species?

12/4/20: Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes   is now on Apple Arcade bringing an interesting mashup of pinball and tower defense.

Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes fuses Classic Pinball and Tower Defense in an exciting sequel to the award winning Zombie Rollerz franchise crafted especially for Apple Arcade! KEY FEATURES -Roguelike gameplay ensures hours upon hours of exciting, replayable content -Fight adorkable zombies in a cartoon world -A next-gen pinball experience combined with tower defense -Discover and unlock hundreds of combinations of heroes and powers -Unique Zombie Bosses change up the challenge

11/27/20 : Apple Arcade’s new game for Black Friday is  Warp Drive – Teleport Racing!  and as the name suggests, it comes with a fun twist.

WARP DRIVE is a fast-paced, arcade style racing game with a brand new way to drive: instantly TELEPORT around the track to find shortcuts and hidden routes! Take control of your QUAD ROTOR RACER, equip a Warp Module, and enter a series of high-speed tournaments to test your skills and creative driving abilities. Drive on the ceiling, jump huge canyons and race up waterfalls in an epic inverted racing battle! Compete in a series of dynamically generated tournaments, with random options providing a different experience every time you play! UPGRADE your car between races, gradually adding more capabilities to DRIFT, BOOST, or WARP your way to victory. Follow the advice of your outspoken manager, Lenny, or just ignore whatever he says… what do aliens know about racing, anyway?!

11/12/20 :  The Pathless comes to Apple Arcade as the latest adventure title:

From the creators of ABZÛ, The Pathless is the mythic adventure of an archer and an eagle in a vast forest.

11/6/20:  Apple Arcade has gained both the new “crazy puzzle adventure”  All of You as well as the intergalactic rock band-based  Reigns: Beyond .

10/30/20:  The latest to arrive on Apple Arcade is  South of the Circle a narrative adventure game about love, memory, and survival.

Antarctica, 1964. A crashed aircraft, tail to the sky. Cambridge academic Peter stumbles from the wreckage in search of help, fighting the cold. As his attempts to escape the ice grow more desperate, the lines between his past and present begin to blur. A love story between colleagues Peter and Clara, set against the backdrop of the Cold War, South of the Circle is a narrative adventure game about memory, survival, and the consequences of not dealing with the past.

Coming Soon to Apple Arcade: Reigns: Beyond Take on intergalactic stardom while recruiting alien band members and navigating your way through a space tour! ⏰ Click to get a reminder when it's available: https://t.co/mPA6E4rGqR pic.twitter.com/7VBM605ViT — Apple Arcade (@AppleArcade) October 14, 2020

10/9/20:  New to Apple Arcade today is  The Survivalists , a multiplayer island adventure from the developers behind Worms and The Escapists .

A World of Adventure and Possibilities Awaits! The island is alive! Your newfound home will change with day/night cycles as you explore and uncover its secrets.

Hunt (or be hunted by!) animals for food and an array of mythical enemies, who aren’t necessarily pleased to see you. Get quests from a Mysterious Stranger or find them washed up on the shore. Prepare to trek into a procedurally generated wilderness, with a variety of biomes, for an adventure that’s unique to every player.

10/2/20:  Slash Quest!  has arrived on Apple Arcade. It’s a unique adventure game based on wielding a growing sword.

The Queen’s evergrowing talking sword is lost in a faraway land. Luckily you showed up to wield it back to the castle. You do know how to swing a sword, right? Right?! Forget your power fantasy. Slash Quest’s simple yet unfamiliar controls will put you in the shoes of an unlikely knight with a big heart, an even bigger weapon, and absolutely zero skills. But worry not! Just like Shep and Swordie’s friendship, before you know it everything will feel right and everyone will be counting on you to save the Queendom.

9/18/20: New on Apple Arcade today includes: Samurai Jack and Marble Knights. The first is an action RPG title, while the latter takes you into battle with a marble-mania adventure. It looks like both were previously released and these are the latest updates.

• Samurai Jack
• Marble Knights

9/10/20: The latest title added to Apple Arcade is a puzzle game called  A Monster’s Expedition .

From some of the best puzzle designers in the world comes A Monster’s Expedition, an adorable and relaxing open world puzzle adventure for monsters who love to learn about humans. By pushing trees over to create pathways, you’ll explore hundreds of islands near and far to learn about the history of “humanity”. Immerse yourself in human culture with all-new exhibits from the “Human Englandland” dig site, each accompanied with expert insights*! *Insights is not a legally binding term and may or may not include idle speculation, rumour and hearsay. – Adorable open world puzzle game from the creators of A Good Snowman is Hard to Build and Cosmic Express – Simple but deep mechanics packed with possibilities to discover – Hundreds of islands to visit – some right in front of you, others well off the beaten track for true puzzle lovers – Learn about the mythical humans from the perspective of curious monsters

9/4/20:  World’s End Club   has landed on Apple Arcade. Here’s what to expect with the new action-adventure game:

Twelve 12-year old kids go on a 1,200 km journey. A new type of action-adventure game that fuses a thrilling story with 2D side-scrolling action. A “dream team” adventure game with scenario written by Zero Escape series creator, Kotaro Uchikoshi, and Danganronpa’s Kazutaka Kodaka as creative director. ・Game features – Simple controls – A fusion of 2D scrolling puzzle-action game and story-adventure game – Key player choices alter the course of the adventure throughout the branching story – 12 unique and interesting characters! – Famous locations all over Japan – The story unfolds in… unexpected ways

8/27/20:  The Last Campfire joins Apple Arcade as the newest adventure game on the service.

DISCOVER A PURPOSE The Last Campfire is an adventure, a story of a lost ember trapped in a puzzling place, searching for meaning and a way home. ON A JOURNEY Travel deeper into the lands beyond the dark forest and overcome the adversities before you. UNCOVER A WORLD Discover beautiful wilderness filled with lost folk, strange creatures and mysterious ruins. LIGHT THE LAST CAMPFIRE Find hope and carry it with you on your Journey to light The Last Campfire. FROM A SMALL STUDIO A unique tale from Hello Games and the creative minds behind LostWinds.

8/21/20:  Adult Swim’s Samurai Jack is the newest game to hit Apple Arcade:

He’s back! Become Samurai Jack, the greatest warrior to ever brandish a katana! Journey through time and finally stop Aku’s evil reign in this new adventure from the creators of Samurai Jack. Voiced by the original voice-actors, Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is an action RPG game that spans across time and space, where your actions will determine a new legend! Encounter your favorite characters from the show including The Scotsman, Scaramouche, Sir Rothchild and more! BECOME THE SAMURAI AND DEFEAT AKU FOREVER! Immerse yourself in an untold adventure that ties into the epic series finale. Team up with trusted allies from the show to face off against familiar enemies. Defeat ninja foes! EXPLORE WORLDS FROM THE AWARD-WINNING SERIES Visit classic worlds and moments from your favorite episodes. Travel to a dark future to free mankind. Dive into the past to face off against diabolical monsters. Seek your fate as you travel across space and time. CREATE YOUR OWN LEGEND! Equip and master over a dozen different weapons in combat. Increase your power even more by training and unlocking new skills to support your playstyle. Your time has come. Become Samurai Jack, the greatest warrior of the past, present and future. Enjoy one of the most unique and iconic gaming experiences available on Apple Arcade today!

8/14/20: Next Stop Nowhere  lets players take an outer space road trip with some neat game elements.

• An intelligent conversation system with branching dialogue that changes your relationships and the story based on every decision
• A spaceship that comes fully equipped with his own personality
• A completely unique version of space (the outer reaches of a dilapidated galaxy) filled with colorful skies, treacherous asteroids and a several orbits to explore
• A thrilling and thoughtful narrative brought to life by a vibrant cast of voice actors
• Cross-device play through Apple Arcade

8/7/20: Apple Arcade gains  Game of Thrones: Tale of Crows   as the newest title taking players back 8,000 before Jon Snow.

In the shadow of the Wall, your watch begins. Eight thousand years before Jon Snow took the Black, the Night’s Watch was formed to secure the Wall and defend the border of Westeros against the perils of the North, and all that lies beyond. Into these untamed wilds, sworn brothers and their allies set out on rangings to face the dangers that would threaten the realm. But the Wall is a blade that cuts both ways. Guide the decisions of Lord Commanders through the seasons and mount expeditions beyond the Wall. As ravens travel to and from your expeditions in real time, their messages are delivered to you throughout your day. Respond with your command right away, or whenever you see fit. Long is the history of the Night’s Watch, and many are its stories forgotten. It’s time the realm remembers them.

7/24/20:  Landing on Apple Arcade today is  The Lullaby of Life , an adventure game with a focus on music, relaxation, and agility.

In The Lullaby of Life you are the catalyst for change in a universe currently inert but filled with potential. Explore this amazing world that combines relaxation, dexterity and agility, and help it reach its maximum splendor using the power of music to make life bloom. This adventure has no textual elements, and wearing headphones is highly recommended. Let’s write together a new story about the origin of life!

7/17/20:   Necrobarista   is the newest addition to Apple Arcade. Here’s the description of the new dark adventure title:

In a back-alley Melbourne cafe, the dead are granted one last night to mingle with the living. For Maddy Xiao—barista, amateur necromancer, and new owner of the Terminal—things couldn’t be better, as long as you’re not reminding her of the fact that she’s got an enforcer from the notoriously uncompromising Council of Death breathing down her neck.

7/10/20:  New to Apple Arcade today is a dark and eerie adventure puzzler called Creaks .

The ground starts shaking, light bulbs are breaking – and something rather unusual is happening right behind the walls of your very room. Equipped with nothing but wit and courage, you slowly descend into a world inhabited by avian folk and seemingly deadly furniture monsters. From the creators of indie classics Machinarium and Samorost comes Creaks, a new puzzle adventure game that delights the senses with its hand-painted visuals, precise animation, eerie sounds, and an eclectic original score from Hidden Orchestra. Proceed at your own pace at figuring out the solutions to dozens of carefully designed puzzles, explore the mansion for hidden paintings, and uncover the great secret.

6/25/20: A big release today on Apple Arcade is the futuristic adventure thriller and sequel to the popular  Beneath a Steel Sky,   Beyond a Steel Sky .

From Charles Cecil, creator of the Broken Sword series, with art direction by Dave Gibbons, legendary comic book artist behind ‘Watchmen’, comes ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’, the long awaited sequel to the cult classic ‘Beneath a Steel Sky’. You are Robert Foster. A child has been abducted in a brutal attack. You have vowed to bring him home. But the trail has led you from your community of desert wasteland dwellers, to Union City, one of the last remaining mega-cities in a world ravaged by shattering wars, and political meltdown. Fortified and impenetrable, it is a utopia in which people live happily under the surveillance and control of a benign AI. But all is far from what it seems… ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’ is a dramatic, humorous, cyberpunk thriller in which engaging puzzles drive a fast-paced narrative set in a dynamic gameworld that responds to – and is subverted by – the player’s actions. • An adventure set within a dynamic world, populated by willful characters driven by motivations that the player can subvert. In combination with a unique hacking tool, multiple solutions to puzzles emerge from player choices. • Unravel dark conspiracies, defeat a terrifying antagonist in this dramatic, humorous, cyberpunk thriller, which explores contemporary themes: social control, AI, and total surveillance. • Intelligent puzzles are interwoven with an intriguing dramatic narrative to deliver a compelling gameplay experience. • A beautifully detailed, comic-book styled world, from the mind of legendary comic artist Dave Gibbons.

Thanks, Sigmund!

6/12/20:  A new side-scrolling adventure game has arrived today on Apple Arcade called  Little Orpheus .

The year is 1962 and NASA are trying to put a man on the moon. In a remote corner of Siberia, a Soviet cosmonaut is heading in the other direction. Comrade Ivan Ivanovich is dropped into an extinct volcano in his exploration capsule, Little Orpheus, to explore the center of the earth. He promptly vanishes. Three years later he emerges claiming to have saved the world. He has also lost the atomic bomb powering the Little Orpheus. He is taken to a top secret bunker deep below the Ural mountains to be debriefed by the fearsome General Yurkovoi, a man so frightening even Stalin won’t buy him a drink. The General rolls up his sleeves, fixes Ivan with a steely glare and say “So… where have you been comrade? And where is my bomb?” And Ivan looks him right back in the eye and says “Well General, you might not believe what happened to me, but I’ll do my best. Because it happened like this…” Join our bold yet hapless hero as he explores lost civilizations, undersea kingdoms, prehistoric jungles and lands beyond imagination. Gasp as he battles the subhuman tribe of the Menkv and escapes the clutches of dreadful monsters! Cheer as he triumphs over impossible odds and brings socialism to the subterranean worlds! Little Orpheus is a technicolor side-scrolling adventure game inspired by classic movies like Flash Gordon, Sinbad and The Land that Time Forgot. Delivered in eight bite-size, commute-friendly episodes, Little Orpheus is simple enough for casual players but rich enough for seasoned adventure fans. If you’re a fan of old school family blockbusters, want a rollercoaster story that’ll take you to the Earth’s core and beyond, or are just in some need of ideologically correct entertainment, join the most unlikely hero to hit Apple Arcade on an adventure beyond belief. With stunning visuals, brilliant acting and a world-class score, Little Orpheus is a pocket-epic you’ll never forget. Comrades, to the center!

6/4/20:  It doesn’t look like we’re getting a new Apple Arcade title this week but there is a major update for the popular RPG  Oceanhorn 2 with the Golden Edition today (via CNET ). The expansion marks a great time to replay the game or jump in for the first time.

Introducing the Golden Edition! The Shield of Chronos expansion, which adds a new main item and a brand new dungeon to explore The Criminal Hunt expansion, a unique series of side quests that will take you all around Gaia chasing down bandits such as Sir Stingalot and Baron Slimethorn An expanded ending, with never-before-seen scenes that will shed light on our heroes’ destiny A new, optional, 60fps mode supported by all high-end devices Most powerful Power Shards can now be discovered Added realism with a stunning new Physically Based Water Simulation Polished user experience, including overhauled menus and improved gameplay communication A lot of new spoken dialogue and new songs New dangers to overcome for the courageous among you! There’s never been a better time to start your RPG adventure – or to jump back in! The Golden Edition update is packed with new, exciting content, and it’s the best version of the game to date!

5/28/20: Apple Arcade has added a new game from Nickelodeon called SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit . Here’s how it’s described:

Trouble has come to Bikini Bottom! The evil “mastermind” Sheldon J. Plankton has once again hatched a plan to steal the secret Krabby Patty formula. This time he has enlisted his army of cousins to capture all of SpongeBob’s friends! Play as SpongeBob on his epic, most side-scrolly quest through Bikini Bottom ever! Explore, collect coins and spatulas, and crush obstacles as SpongeBob races to rescue his friends, defeat Plankton’s minions and take back the formula. Keep an eye out for your favorite Bikini Bottom residents…you never know who you might run into!

5/22/20:  Apple Arcade sees the arrival of a new dungeon crawler RPG,  Towers of Everland .

Let’s go on a dungeon crawl as Towers of Everland seamlessly brings together exploration, combat and RPG elements to take the player on an amazing adventure within the world of Everland. On your epic journey, test your skills in battle against the hordes of fiendish monsters you encounter, conquer all the towers you can and amass weapons and armor from hundreds of unique pieces.

5/14/20:  Launched today on Apple Arcade is a fun new puzzle journey called  Winding Worlds .

You’re far from home. You’re not sure how you got here. But you do know one thing: it’s your calling to help your new friends, however you can. But not all of them are being cooperative… From the award-winning studio that brought you GNOG comes Winding Worlds, a finger-wiggling puzzle-adventure about a girl, a Wurm, and how to say goodbye. Willow just wants to mind her own business. But after she finds a broken magical necklace, she is transported on a spellbinding journey to a network of strange planets, each with a different inhabitant. Hired and guided by a mysterious cosmic Wurm, Willow’s task is to find out how to help her new friends heal and move on. In Winding Worlds, join a cast of characters, big and small, in a heartwarming tale of grief, love, truth, and acceptance.

5/8/20:  Apple Arcade has gained  The_Otherside , a new turn-based RPG.

Otherside is a turn based RPG and strategy board game where you will control four survivors who hope to push back the shadowy threat. Make your way through each level solving puzzles, fighting monsters, and destroying the spirit anchors that threaten our dimension. Do you have what it takes to restore the town back to normal and save the day?

5/1/20:  The latest addition to Apple Arcade is the adventure title  Neversong .

Upon waking from a coma, Peet’s girlfriend is nowhere to be found. Investigate the screams coming from the heart of Neverwood, the increasingly bizarre behavior of the zombie grownups, and the strange truth about Peet’s past in this hauntingly dreamlike fable.

—From Red Wind Field to the haunting halls of Blackfork Asylum, explore six moody, illustrative levels.

—Take on bosses, monsters, and zombie grownups with your trusty baseball bat.

—Immerse yourself in a breathtaking piano-centric soundtrack.

—Join your quirky childhood pals and trusty pet bird on an adventure to discover the truth about your recent coma.

4/17/20:  Apple Arcade has gained two new titles today with Beyond Blue and A Fold Apart . The former is a deep-sea diving adventure game and the latter is a “love story in a paper world” puzzler.

Beyond Blue takes you into the near future, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of our ocean through the eyes of Mirai, a deep sea explorer and scientist. You and your newly-formed research team will use groundbreaking technologies to see, hear, and interact with the ocean in a more meaningful way than has ever been attempted. The game features an evocative narrative, exploration of an untouched world, and adventure that challenges the player to make high-stakes decisions during the crew’s expedition.

And here’s the description of  A Fold Apart .

After career choices force them along separate paths, a Teacher and Architect vow to make their long-distance relationship work at any cost. Experience both sides of their story as the couple navigates the complexities of (mis)communication and the emotional ups and downs that separation brings. By flipping, folding, and unfolding the paper puzzles in their handcrafted worlds, you can help the couple overcome the emotional barriers of their relationship — but will love endure…?

4/10/20:  The new side-scroller  Scrappers is now available on Apple Arcade.

In Scrappers, up to 4 players can team up to clean up the streets of a futuristic city teeming with garbage — and trash anyone who gets in their way! You take on the role of the Scrappers, a squad of robot garbage collectors working to clean up a grimy city of the not-so-distant future. Time is money in Junktown, and team tactics like stacking trash and passing it to teammates — much like in basketball — can boost your efficiency for bigger rewards! But garbage collection is only part of the job. Rival teams will attack and interfere, and it’s up to you to dispose of them while staying on schedule! Teamwork is key to maximizing efficiency and achieving high scores, which in turn unlocks new characters and customization options!

4/3/20:   Legend of the Sky Fish 2 , a new RPG has landed on Apple Arcade.

A hundred years have passed since the hero known as Little Red Hook ended the reign of terror of Skyfish, the Lord of the Deep Seas… and now the peace that civilization struggled so much to build is in danger again. As the last Red Hook guardians, you and your master must use the atypical tool of your clan – the Combat Fishing Pole – as both a weapon and a grappling hook to face the rising threat. Unveil an exciting story as you journey in a world full of intriguing characters and devious traps. Explore gorgeous landscapes and mysterious dungeons while defeating mutant abyssal creatures.

3/20/20 : Spyder is out as the latest Apple Arcade title:

Save the world with Agent 8 in this Spy-on-The-Wall adventure. Set in a retro universe, British Spy Agency ‘EP-8’ has created Agent 8, the most sophisticated miniature robot spider on earth! Built using experimental technology, this itsy-bitsy superspy is equipped with all the gadgets and gizmos you’ll need; cut through panels, overload terminals, flip switches, and open valves as you scurry about sabotaging the heinous plans of evil doers.

3/13/20 : New today is the “bouncy dungeon crawler”  Roundguard .

Roundguard is a bouncy dungeon crawler with pinball physics, lots of loot, and a randomized castle full of oddballs. Press your luck against hordes of dangerously cute monsters and challenging roguelike elements in this all-round bouncy adventure! If you love roguelikes & Peggle, then Roundguard is for you.

2/27/20:  The makers of the highly popular Crossy Road are back with Crossy Road Castle  as an Apple Arcade exclusive.

Bring your friends and see how far you can get in this endless spinning tower of arcade fun! Keep climbing as high as you can. Every run is different. Play Together: Designed for cooperative arcade platforming chaos. You can also play solo, but everything’s more fun with friends, right? Connect Easily: Connect all players on a single device with game controllers, or connect together across multiple devices (or any mix that suits you). Collect Everything: Unlock Crossy Chicken and friends. Dress up in silly hats. Find New Stuff: With procedurally generated levels and variations, your tower run will be different every time! Defeat an Oversized Angry Eagle: Why is it so angry?! Play Offline: No internet? No worries. Fully enjoyable offline.

2/14/20:  Apple Arcade gets a new strategy game this week, Loud House: Outta Control from Nickelodeon.

2/7/20 : This week’s new title is  Charrua Soccer . It features retro 3D gameplay and features three modes: Friendly Match, Competitions, and Penalty Match.

You can choose player vs computer or player vs player.  Charrua Soccer  features simple controls with fun and challenging gameplay.

1/31/20: Secret Oops!   has arrived, a multiplayer AR party game.

Secret Oops! is an innovative cooperative local multiplayer Augmented Reality game where players try to make sure that the world’s dumbest spy isn’t detected.

1/24/20: The newest title for Apple Arcade is Butter Royale , a “Buttery food fight, battle royale style!”

Have the food fight of your life in Butter Royale, a multiplayer battle royale game, and be the last one standing on Butter Island. Play against 31 other players in fast–paced food battles (under 5 minutes) with the help of sauce-shooting, baguette-blasting kichen tools!

1/17:  Kings of the Castle   has launched today on Apple Arcade.

Speed to the rescue in this fun, multiplayer fairy tale. Save the prince before anyone else using your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. But watch out for their spells. … Playing as the princess, you must use your speed, courage, and savvy sense of direction to save the prince. Avoid traps, battle enemies, jump over obstacles, and collect gems along your journey to pay a ransom for the prince’s safe return. But do it fast. The dragon is hungry!

Kings of the Castle can be played solo or with others in multiplayer mode.

1/10/20: Apple Arcade’s latest title is  No Way Home .

Stranded in a strange galaxy, you must fight for survival using only your wits, your ship, and your party planning robot companion. Explore the universe, befriend bizarre aliens, and blast through hordes of monsters as you endaevor to find a way home.

No Way Home  features hand-drawn artwork, 50+ weapons, 60 unique enemies, an immersive mission system, daily challenges, and more.

1/3/20: New today is Doomsday Vault :

Earth’s climate has collapsed and your mission is to collect the precious remaining plant life and return it to the safety of the Doomsday Vault.

12/20 /19 : LEGO Builder’s Journey has arrived on Apple Arcade. Here’s a description of the new LEGO title:

LEGO Builder’s Journey is an artistic, nonverbal puzzle adventure with meditative music where players build to solve challenges, while moving through stunning brick built universes, which showcase the endless possibilities of the creative play material and deliver a poetic narrative highlighting the importance of play in our lives.

12/12 /19 :  Apple Arcade has gained the crossover action hockey game  Ultimate Rivals: The Rink .

“We are ripping up the sports video game rule book and re-writing it for a new generation. We’re starting with the gamer first and empowering their imagination to create the ultimate team of athletes across sports, in a way only they can envision,” said Ben Freidlin, CEO and founder of Bit Fry Game Studios, Inc. and the creator of “Ultimate Rivals.”

12/3 /19 :  Apple has featured Towaga: Among Shadows on its YouTube channel. The title previously launched on in October.

Here’s the game’s description:

In Towaga: Among Shadows you will learn to master the light in order to exorcise hordes of enraged creatures firmly set upon tearing you to shreds. Your skill and perseverence will be sorely tested while fighting on foot in the jungle or soaring through the skies above the peaks of the highest temples.

11/27/19:  The newest title is an RPG from Cartoon Network based on the series Steven Universe.

• Unleash the Light  — “Join the Crystal Gems for the ultimate mobile RPG. It’s time to Unleash the Light!”

11/26/19:  Apple shared a new video on its YouTube channel highlighting recent releases…

11/15/19:  Fresh titles include:

• Rosie’s Reality  — “A unique and atmospheric puzzle adventure for families & friends. Play onscreen or discover Augmented Reality and experience how virtual objects come alive.”
• More coming today?

11/8/19 : New games this week bring Apple Arcade to the 100 title milestone :

• Socialable Soccer  (reboot of the ’90s hit)
• UFO on Tape: First Contact
• Takeshi & Hiroshi
• Marble It Up: Mayhem

11/1/19:  This week’s releases are:

• Star Fetched
• Super Mega Mini Party

Top comment by urname

Wish they would get some heavier games, like an RTS (a la Starcraft) and great storyline FPS's (like Halo) into Arcade. Their hardware can definitely handle it, it would be amazing to really stretch their legs on games like these.

10/25/19:  Five new titles today include:

• Fallen Knight
• Lifelike: Chapter One
• Tales of Memo
• Yaga The Roleplaying Folktale

10/18/19:  Four new games have launched on Apple Arcade:

• Ballistic Baseball
• Manifold Garden
• PAC-MAN Party Royale
• Things That Go Bump

10/11/19: Apple announced new games for its subscription service today:

• Decoherence
• Mind Symphony

Here’s a short summary of each title:

Decoherence : Build robots from a wide variety of components. Plan a strategy to carry you to victory. Fight as a pilot alonsdie your bots in exciting PvP matches or test your mettle in the single player Entropy Tribunals experience! INMOST : An atmospheric, story-driven puzzle platformer, following three playable characters within one dark, interconnecting story. In an old abandoned castle, you’ll need to explore every nook and cranny, avoid detection, slice your way through enemies and spring deadly traps in order to escape the evil that lurks within… Mind Symphony : Experience Music and Gameplay that emotionally and mentally impacts you. Mind Symphony sets unique gameplay to mes with musical tracks to creat an experience that makes you feel better. ShockRods : ShockRods is about shooting and avoiding being shot by jumping and dodging. ShockRods features solo and team games that take place in natural surroundings and future sports arenas. Your goal is ShockRods is to score points – by shooting your opponents and achieving objectives; scoring golas, stealing the other team’s flag, or dealing the most descruction… As you drive your ShockRod to VICTORY! Stela : Stela is a cinematic, atmospheric platformer about a young woman witnessing the final days of a mysterious ancient world

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