best friend trips near me

10 Bucket-List Trips for Best Friends of Any Age

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

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

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• 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.

popular event types

Popular destinations.

• Wedding Ceremony
• Wedding Reception
• Birthday Venues
• Corporate Venues
• Baby Shower Venues
• Hotels / Resorts
• Restaurants
• Camping / Glamping
• Boutique Hotel
• Castle / Château / Manor
• Estate / Mansion / Villa
• Historic Building
• Penthouse / Rooftop
• Winery / Vineyard
• Loft / Warehouse Building

Magazine Highlights

• TVR Exclusives
• Food & Drinks
• wedding inspiration
• holiday parties
• corporate events

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

Tongabezi: For the Privacy Seeking Group

Tulum: For the Free Spirited Group Quintana Roo, Mexico

Cape Town: For the Beach Town Loving Group South Africa

Bali: For the Idyllic Paradise Seeking Group Indonesia

Kyoto: For the Culture Curious Group Japan

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

Udaipur: For the Meant-to-be-Royal Group

Manchester: For the Urban Dwelling Group England, United Kingdom

Wadi Rum: For the Super Adventurous Group Jordan

• We Found Paradise & It's in Bali’s Uluwatu: Here's What You Need to Know
• 5 Super Affordable Places That You Should Travel To (Right Now)!
• 12 Bucket List Island Experiences You Won't Want to Miss

Amsterdam: For the Art & Architecture Aficionado Group Netherlands

Palawan: For the Remote Island Seeking Group El Nido ,  MIMAROPA ,  Philippines

Austin: For the Concert Going Group Austin ,  Texas

Seattle: For the Libation Loving Group Washington

Stockholm: For the Design Obsessed Group Sweden

Charleston: For the Hopeless Romantic Group South Carolina

Melbourne: For the Road-tripping-to-the-Countryside Group Merricks North ,  Victoria ,  Australia

Mendoza: For the Wine Loving Group Tunuyán ,  Mendoza ,  Argentina

NEXT ROUNDUP

We will keep your favorites safe & sound here. Happy favoriting!

Get a Coco Link

Bonus: Get $5 cashback for every guest that books a reservation from your link between now and August 4th. Learn more

Here's Your Coco Link

Simply text, email and share your Coco Link with your guests to pass along exclusive hotel deals and make $5 off every reservation through August 4th.

We're The Venue Report and we are SERVING up the latest breaking reports to your email inbox WEEKLY.

Find out where to host dinner parties, birthday bashes, weddings, social events; you name it.

We report on the coolest venues across the land, inside tips, exclusive deals in your city & brand new venues so you can be the first to host a party there.

this is gonna be fun

this is going to be so epic

• be at least 8 characters
• contain one uppercase letter
• contain one lowercase letter
• not contain spaces

What is your email address?

it’s coming for ya

It’s hard to keep track of all the passwords in the world. Here’s your chance to refresh your memory

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.

Stay In The Know

Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

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.

By Iris Goldsztajn Published 11 April 24

Their feud appears ongoing.

It’s pampering time.

By Michelle Stansbury Published 11 May 23

The most stylish things to see and do in the creative hub of Paris, the 6th arrondissement.

By Sara Holzman Published 2 May 23

Explore one of the happiest cities in the world.

By Emma Childs Published 25 April 23

Where to stay and what to do in the City of Lights.

By Sara Holzman Published 8 December 22

BRB, setting my "out of office" message.

By Emma Childs Published 18 November 22

In case you needed another reason to be pumped about your trip.

By Julia Marzovilla Last updated 25 September 23

Wine, oysters, and more wine please.

By Sara Holzman Last updated 18 August 22

Find love in all the right places.

By Sara Holzman Last updated 13 February 23

• Contact Future's experts
• Advertise Online
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

Marie Claire is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

THE 10 BEST Moscow City Tours

City tours in moscow.

• Private Tours
• Walking Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moscow Private Tours

2. Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer

3. Moscow Free Tour

4. Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours

5. Bridge to Moscow

6. Go Russia Travel Company

7. Privilege Tour

8. Moscow Navigator

9. Put-in Tours

10. Walks With Folks

11. Moskovskiye Gulyaki

12. Moscow Bike Tours

13. Happy Moscow Tours

14. Tour of Moscow - Day Tours

15. Kremlin Tour

16. IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow

17. Tsar Visit

18. VikiTours

19. Moscow Greeter

20. MoscowMe

21. Excursions in Russia

22. Tour Gratis Moscu

23. Tour-Moscow

24. Gulyayem po Moskve

25. Gorodskoi Voyazh

26. Rusiatourmoscu

27. Moscow 360

28. Express to Russia

29. Russia With Love

30. Angel Taxi - Day Tour

What travelers are saying

• Put-in Tours
• Spanish Guide Moscow - Day Tours
• Walks With Folks
• Happy Moscow Tours
• IdeaGuide - Your Personal Guide in Moscow
• Moscow Private Tours
• Tour Gratis Moscu
• Moscow Free Tour
• YourLocalGuide Moscow
• Moscow Bike Tours
• Moscow Navigator
• Moscow through the Eyes of an Engineer
• Angel Taxi - Day Tour
• Your Moscow Guide & Driver
• Excursions in Russia
• Vadim Pavlov Guide and Driver in Moscow

No products in the basket.

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.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

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!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

Catching the ferry from London to France and Les Eurockéennes festival

Part 1: A 6-day Vorarlberg road trip in Austria ft. Grosses Walsertal and Bregenzerwald

A quick cajun chickpea and tomato dish recipe

My first Via Ferrata in Nax, Switzerland and a night at Hotel D’Angleterre in Geneva

BBC INTRODUCING radio interview & exclusive spin – How to tune in! ♡

How to plan a road trip in Scotland ft. the best routes

STORYTIME… Staring death right in the face, on my own, in the desert.

Exploring Vancouver during summer: A complete guide

What do ‘bloggers’ actually do? (Travel focused)

Privacy overview.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

Moscow enjoyed the status of capital for most of Russia’s history, except for a relatively brief period (about two hundred years), when the Tsar and the government relocated to St Petersburg . But the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918, and today it’s an extremely diverse city. It can easily take a couple of weeks to see all of its sights, but if you've only got a weekend to explore, here's how to have two perfect days in Moscow.

Start your weekend in Moscow by acquainting yourself with top-notch Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago . Located on the first floor of the historical hotel National and overlooking the Kremlin, it’s definitely one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Try millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail or traditional cottage cheese with raisins and candied fruit.

Set aside at least half a day for Russian capital’s major attractions: the Red Square and the Kremlin . To reach the Kremlin, cross the street from Dr Zhivago and walk through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower . Check out all the cathedrals, including Archangel cathedral with all the tsars’ tombs and Uspensky cathedral with medieval icons. Pause to look at the famous Tsar Bell and climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to enjoy some great views.

Exit and walk to the Red Square through the Alexander Garden, where, if lucky, you can see the change of guard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the food court at Okhotny Ryad shopping complex to pick up a snack.

The Red square is dominated by four buildings of equal historical importance: the Kremlin's most famous Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower , with a clock and fourteen bells that chime national anthem four times a day (6am, noon, 6pm, midnight), St Basil's Cathedral , Moscow's best-known symbol with its multi-colored domes, Lenin’s Mausoleum , the resting place of the leader of the 1917 October revolution, and GUM , Moscow's oldest department store, topped with a glass roof, designed by one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. 

A guide to shopping in Moscow

Right behind the St Basil’s it is the relatively new Zaryadye Park , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, famous for its work on the High Line in New York City. Zaryadye showcases flora from all the climate zones of Russia, which is the largest country in the world. The floating bridge at the edge of the park is one of the biggest selfie magnets in Moscow, providing spectacular views of the river and the city skyline as the background. 

Another Zaryadye attraction is a glass pavilion that hosts restaurant Voskhod  (Sunrise) – a perfect spot for your lunch or early dinner. Voskhod focuses on dishes from all fifteen former Soviet Union republics and its inside looks like a Soviet-made spaceship with great views of the Moscow river. Try Azeri home-made pasta or trout from Lake Sevan in Armenia.

After all that walking and exploring you need some quality downtime and what better way to spend it than relaxing for a couple of hours at the famous Sanduny  traditional Russian hot bath. Make sure to get a massage with birch sticks!

You might still have time to go to Winzavod Center – a creative cluster with galleries housed at a former wine factory. Galleries like XL , pop/off/art and Ovcharenko always have something on, most likely a cutting-edge Russian contemporary art exhibition. Finish the evening hanging out at one of the best Moscow bars – try socialites’ paradise Noor Electro , co-joined with one of Moscow’s avant-garde theatres or Powerhouse Moscow , located in a 19th-century mansion, which is famous for live indie and jazz band performances. Both serve great food, too. 

Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow’s trendiest coffee/breakfast spots,   Nude . Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

After checking out the Patriarch's Ponds, which features prominently in Mikhail Bulgakov’s perennial novel The Master and Margarita , devote the rest of the morning and early afternoon to exploring Moscow’s best museums. Depending on your tastes, pick one of the following: Tretyakov Gallery for traditional Russian art, from medieval icons to the early 20th century;  New Tretyakov for 20th century and contemporary art as well as great temporary exhibitions;  Pushkin Museum for one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world; and the Garage Museum for some eye-opening modern-art exhibitions. 

Whichever museum or gallery you choose, be sure to go to LavkaLavka for lunch, certainly one of the best places to try new Russian cuisine, which is a contemporary reading of centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the few places to try polugar , which is, allegedly, what Russians called vodka in the 19th century. 

When you talk about Russian culture, literary giants usually pop into mind: the likes of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. There are plenty of literary museums in Moscow, but if you had to pick one, visit Tolstoy Estate Museum , located just opposite the headquarters of Yandex, the Russian equivalent of Google. Every little detail has been restored just the way it looked when Tolstoy lived here in the 1880s–90s. 

Leave some time for exploring the Moscow Metro : every station is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Our favorites include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of dozens of Moscow’s craft beer places . Try  Jawsspot , named after one of the leading breweries in Russia, Jaws from the Urals region, which also serves decent pizza and salads.  

You might also like:

Why food markets in Moscow are having a moment    Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts    Russia's best drinks and where to try them   

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Jul 18, 2023 • 5 min read

How one writer followed the Silk Road from Khiva to Bukhara to Samarkand in Uzbekistan – all by train.

Jul 3, 2023 • 3 min read

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 24, 2021 • 4 min read

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Mar 16, 2021 • 9 min read

Mar 1, 2021 • 9 min read

Oct 12, 2020 • 6 min read

Jun 18, 2020 • 5 min read

Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

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.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. If you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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.

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Plan your ROMANTIC getaway with our eBook, available in our TRAVEL PRINTABLES store Dismiss

Sign up now to receive your fillable PDF templates for building your travel bucket list and planning those epic trips! Plus, monthly inspiration and tips to make those "wow" trips happen.

Unsubscribe at any time. But we don't think you'll want to.

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…

X-Scream in Las Vegas

10 Best Theaters in San Francisco

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego

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.

Start planning your trip

Related stories.

Downtown Las Vegas

5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Long Beach

California Science Center in Los Angeles

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville

Keep exploring.

• United States of America
• Albuquerque
• Amelia Island
• Anna Maria Island
• Atlantic City
• Big Bear Lake
• Cannon Beach
• Cape Canaveral
• Catalina Island
• Chattanooga
• Colorado Springs
• Corpus Christi
• Daytona Beach
• Door County
• Florida Keys
• Fort Lauderdale
• Fort Walton Beach
• Gulf Shores
• Hawaii Island
• Hilton Head Island
• Indianapolis
• Jacksonville
• Jekyll Island
• Jersey Shore
• Kansas City
• Laguna Beach
• Lake Charles
• Lake Geneva
• Lake George
• Lake Placid
• Lincoln City
• Long Beach Island
• Los Angeles
• Mackinac Island
• Mackinaw City
• Mammoth Lakes
• Martha's Vineyard
• Minneapolis
• Myrtle Beach
• New Orleans
• New Shoreham
• Oklahoma City
• Orange County
• Outer Banks
• Palm Springs
• Panama City
• Panama City Beach
• Philadelphia
• Pigeon Forge
• Pismo Beach
• Pocono Mountains
• Port Aransas
• Rehoboth Beach
• Salt Lake City
• San Antonio
• San Francisco
• San Luis Obispo
• Sanibel Captiva Island
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Monica
• South Lake Tahoe
• South Padre Island
• St. Augustine
• St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg - Clearwater (and vicinity)
• Traverse City
• Tybee Island
• Virginia Beach
• Williamsburg
• Wisconsin Dells
• Yellowstone National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Zion National Park
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

North America

Australia - new zealand and the south pacific, mexico and central america, middle east, south america, top destinations.

• Hotels in Las Vegas
• Hotels in New York
• Hotels in Chicago
• Hotels in Orlando
• Hotels in New Orleans
• Hotels in San Diego
• Hotels in Nashville
• Hotels in San Francisco
• Hotels in Los Angeles
• Hotels in Miami
• Hotels in Paris
• Hotels in Denver
• Hotels in Washington
• Hotels in Austin
• Hotels in Atlanta
• Hotels in San Antonio
• Hotels in Boston
• Hotels in Atlantic City
• Hotels in Key West
• Hotels in London
• Hotels in Virginia Beach
• Hotels in Seattle
• Hotels in Anaheim
• Hotels in Dallas

Top Countries & Regions

• Hotels in Aruba
• Hotels in Turks and Caicos
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Bermuda
• Hotels in Malta
• Hotels in Jersey Shore
• Hotels in Maui
• Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
• Hotels in Kauai
• Hotels in Oahu
• Hotels in Cape Cod

Support & FAQs

Website feedback.

• Review a property

For Suppliers, Affiliates, and the Media

• Affiliate with us
• Expedia Partner Solutions
• Promote with us
• Travel agents

User terms & Privacy

• Terms & Conditions
• Do not sell my personal information
• About our ads
• Legal Information

List your property

• Hotels near me
• Travel Guides
• Vacation Rentals

* Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. Details on site.

© 2024 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved.

Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

living after midnite

Lifestyle , Travel · April 4, 2023

35 Best Places to Travel with Friends

As a 30-something year old girl who spent a majority of her adult life single, I think I’m the PERFECT person to advise you on the best places to travel with friends! Over the past 18 years I’ve taken a LOT of trips with friends to some amazing places (and some not so amazing). So today I’m sharing 30+ of the best places to go on a friends trip!

And I know I mentioned that I did a lot of traveling with friends (and family). I didn’t have a significant other to travel with for a period of time. However, even if you’re in a relationship (or have children) I think it’s still really important to take the time to travel and have new experiences with your friends! The moments and memories you share while traveling are great foundations to an even closer friendship!

There are a TON of places in both the United States and abroad that are perfect for friends’ vacations.So, I hope after reading this round up of travel destinations you give your friends a call and start planning your next trip!

Whether you’re looking for a world class resort for a truly relaxing experience, beautiful beaches in a tropical locale, a bustling city with great nightlife or something in between be prepared to start a friend travel bucket list after checking out this list!

San Diego, California, USA

San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California just north of the Mexico-United States border! It’s known for it’s extensive beaches, laid back attitude and near perfect year-round weather. I can put it on the top of my best places to travel with friends list.

There are so many unique neighborhoods in the city of San Diego and cities in San Diego County to explore that there’s no chance you’ll run out of things to do no matter how long your trip is! From Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to Coronado Island to the seals and sea lions in La Jolla to the amazing restaurant scene in Little Italy to the massive local craft brewing industry and everything in between San Diego has so much to offer!

I recommend spending 4 days in San Diego to truly get a taste of everything this SoCal city has to offer. However, you could easily spend more than that especially during the warmer months so you can take advantage of the beaches in Coronado, La Jolla, Mission Beach or Pacific Beach!

San Diego is truly the perfect place to visit no matter what time of year! Read my entire 4 Day San Diego Itinerary to help plan your trip!

Vero Beach, Florida, USA

Vero Beach is my favorite sleepy beach town in Florida. Actually it’s probably my favorite beach town in Florida PERIOD. This hidden gem is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few days with friends.

It’s located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast just about 60 miles north of Palm Beach. Vero is definitely one of the lesser commercialized places in Florida, but no doubt one of the most beautiful. If a laid back trip spent on uncrowded, beautiful beaches is what you’re looking for this is the place for you.

I suggest staying at one of the resorts on the water like Costa d’Este Beach Resort or Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel . I recommend this for the best trip because you won’t need to rent a car. Everything you need for great trip is walking distance from your hotel! Check out my Best Things to Do in Vero Beach guide to help you plan your trip.

4 days is the optimal amount of time to spend here. However, if you’re flying directly into Vero Beach Airport then you can get away with a long weekend. Breeze Airways is now flying there from many destinations around the US including Westchester Airport.

Savannah, Georgia, USA

Savannah, GA is a charming, coastal Southern city. It is known for its manicured parks, cobblestone squares and parks. Savannah, GA is a Spanish moss-covered trees and antebellum architecture! It’s one of the top ranked travel destinations in the country. Also, definitely deserves a top spot on my list of best places to travel with friends.

You’re most likely to spend a majority of your trip walking around the historic district because the best way to see all that Savannah has to offer is definitely on foot! Also Savannah has an Open Container Policy so you can grab a drink at one of it’s many bars or rooftops and get lost in the streets of this charming, historic city!

3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Savannah, but you could easily spend a few days in the city and then hop over to Hilton Head Island or Tybee Island to extend your trip!

The best time of year to visit would definitely be Fall, Winter or Spring because it tends to get VERY hot and humid there in the Summer and I don’t think you’d fully be able to take advantage of it during that of year! I visited the last weekend of February and the temperature was perfect for walking around with a light jacket on.

Read my 3 Day Savannah Itinerary to help you plan your trip! It includes the best hotels, places to eat and things to do!

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Charleston is the one city that I could visit over and over again. i never get sick of it. Also, when anyone asks me for a recommendation for where to take a vacation whether it be with friends, family or a significant other the first place I always suggest is Charleston!

It has colorful homes, the amazing food, the people, and the rich history. Also, so much more make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and I don’t see that changing anytime soon! There are SO many activities and attractions that the Holy City has to offer. It includes historic walking tours, the iconic Rainbow Row and Pineapple Fountain, and shopping on King Street. Also, don’t even get me started on all the amazing restaurants and bars!

I’ve taken a 3 day trip to Charleston. You can absolutely see a lot during that time, but I just love this city so much that I suggest 4+ days to visit!

Like Savannah I suggest visiting in the Fall, Winter or Spring. It’s like most Southeast cities, Charleston tends to get VERY hot, humid and buggy in the Summer which makes it difficult to walk around! I’ve been there in March, September and October and had a great time during all 3 months! I’ve heard that Charleston during the holidays is magical because of how all the historic homes decorate so I’ve added visiting during that time of year to my travel bucket list!

Check out my 10 Things You Must Do in Charleston & First Timer’s Guide to Charleston to help plan your trip!

Salem, Massachusetts, USA

Salem is a historic city on the coast of Massachusetts just above Boston made famous for it’s 1692 witch trials where over 200 people were accused of being witches, 19 of which were executed.

If your group of friends are into spooky stuff and all things Halloween like mine are, then definitely add Salem to your bucketlist of best places to travel with friends! While you’re there make sure to stop by the House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, the Witch House, Salem Witch Trials Memorial and more! Stay at the Hawthorne Hotel , it’s rumored to be haunted, for the ultimate Salem experience.

If you’re a Hocus Pocus fan you can visit all the iconic filming locations around town like Salem Common, the Ropes Mansion (Alison’s house in the movie), Pioneer Village, Max and Dani’s house and Old Town Hall.

Salem is a great place to visit during anytime of the year, but obviously the best time to go is the Fall – September through November! There is no better time to visit New England than in the Fall when the leaves are changing because it’s truly magical! And obviously the Witch City really comes to life specifically in October and the Halloween season with a packed calendar of events like Salem Haunted Happenings.

You can easily cover all of Salem in a weekend and don’t really need to spend more time than that there. Also worth noting, if you want to visit during October make sure to book your hotel well in advance (I’m talking months) because things book up quickly. My friends and I visited at the end of September to avoid the craziness of Halloween month there and we still had the best time!

Check out my 2 Days in Salem Itinerary to help plan your trip!

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that even though I’m a ride or die New Yorker, Boston may be my favorite Northeast city and absolutely deserves a spot on my best places to travel with friends list.

Just in case you’re not familiar Boston is located in Massachusetts and is the largest city in the New England region of the country. It’s just south of Salem like I mentioned above and if your group of friends is up for a multi-stop trip Boston & Salem are 2 great cities to pair together!

There are SO many things to do in this historic city that you could easily spend a week there, but you can also explore a fair amount in a weekend or long weekend! What I like most about Boston is that the city itself isn’t overwhelmingly large so you can cover a lot of ground and see a tons of neighborhoods is a day or two if that’s all you have to explore.

Boston is known for it’s rich American history, beautiful neighborhoods, fresh seafood and much more which makes it’s the perfect place for a friends’ trip! Check out my 2 Days in Boston Travel Guide to see just how much you can actually fit into just 48 hours there!

North Fork, Long Island, New York, USA

I’ve lived in New York my entire life and I’m ashamed to admit that it took me until I was in my 30s to visit the North Fork of Long Island for the first time and after doing so I’ll never go back to the Hamptons/Montauk again! I was never really a Hamptons girl, I think it’s so overrated, overpacked and overall just not enjoyable, so when I visited the North Fork and saw how relaxed and amazing it is there I immediately fell in love.

If you’re not familiar with the area, the North Fork is a 30-mile long peninsula in the northeast part of Long Island, New York about 75 miles east of Manhattan! It’s known for it’s vineyards, family farms and quant towns like Greenport, Orient, Peconic and more!

48 hours is a great amount of time to spend there, but I think 3 days may be even better! The best time of year to plan a trip to the North Fork is definitely the Summer or Fall so you can take advantage of outdoor wine tastings at some of the many vineyards, the calm beaches and pick your own flower and fruit farms.

Check out my North Fork Guide to help plan your trip!

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Chicago is a city in Illinois located on Lake Michigan and the third most populated city in the United States after New York City and Los Angeles!

A friend of mine lives in Chicago so I recently took a girls trip there and we had so much fun it quickly got added to my list of best places to travel with friends! We went to the top of the Skydeck at Willis Tower, visited Millennium Park and “the Bean”, ate deep dish pizza and Chicago Dogs, took an Architecture Tour on the Chicago River, visited Wrigley Field and took a dip in Lake Michigan plus much more! And we did all of that in just 3 days!

I highly recommend visiting Chicago during the warmer months to be able to take advantage of everything the city has to offer, but even in the Summer I suggest packing layers just in case it gets chilly!! They tend to get a LOT of snow there in the Winter and the temperatures are low from November to May so keep that in mind when planning your trip!

Check out my First Time in Chicago post to plan your trip!

The Sagamore Resort, Lake George, New York, USA

The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY on Lake George is quite possibly one of my favorite places to visit in the entire country! It’s a resort I spend many summers visiting with my family and a few years ago I got to visit there with friends and I can confirm it’s the perfect place to escape for a girls trip!

The Sagamore is on the pricier side so keep that in mind when booking, but if you live in the Northeast and want a true resort experience where you don’t have to leave the property and can truly relax this is the place for you! There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, salon, tennis courts, multiple restaurants…even an 18 hole golf course, there is something for everyone!

I don’t think many people realize how beautiful Lake George truly is and the private island the historic hotel is located on is stunning! Check out my full blog post on The Sagamore Resort for even more reasons why I love it there!

Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Newport, RI is the perfect place for a quick getaway if you live in the Northeast and definitely one of the best places to travel with friends for a weekend!

The entire city is walkable and 2 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the entire coastal community! If you need help planning your trip check out my 48 Hours in Newport Itinerary!

Don’t miss Thames Street, Bowen’s Wharf, The Red Parrot Restaurant, The Mooring (one of my favorite restaurants of all time!), the Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive and much more! Make sure to leave time for a Mansion Tour! I suggest The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s opulent “Summer cottage” from the Gilded Age!

Newport is great to visit in the Spring, Summer or Fall! If you’re there when it’s warm you can add a beach day, Newport Vineyards tour and sunset on the lawn of Castle Hill Inn to your trip! It is a coastal town so while Winter is beautiful there, if you’re planning a cold weather getaway there make sure to bundle up!

Stowe, Vermont, USA

The optimal time in my opinion to visit Stowe (or really any part of Vermont) is during peak fall foliage (usually end of September/beginning of October, but it changes every year so make sure to check that year’s fall foliage map), BUT if you’re a skier than you may want to plan your trip in the Winter!

Plan to spend a majority of your trip outside other then when you’re eating so pack accordingly! Add the Stowe Recreation Path, Waterbury Center State Park, Thompson Park to your itinerary and obviously you MUST go to Stowe Mountain Resort and take the Gondola Skyride up the mountain if it’s open!

I highly recommend eating and drinking at Edison Hill Restaurant, Butlers Pantry, Idletyme Brewing, Hen of the Wood, Cork, Doc Ponds to name just a few. And of course make time to tour the Ben & Jerry’s factory!

For more Vermont recommendations check out my travel guide (it also includes recommendations for Burlington and Woodstock, VT).

Florida Keys, Florida, USA

If you and your friends are into road trips then I can’t recommend taking a road trip through the Florida Keys enough!!! Spend 5 days traveling through Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and finally Key West! These tropical islands as known for fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and of course partying!

I suggest flying into Miami and renting a car then driving south to Key Largo and staying there for a couple days. Hit up Florida Keys Brewing, Marker 88, Key Largo Conch House and John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park.

Then head down to Islamorada and go to Robbie’s to eat at Hungry Tarpon and sign up for a tarpon feeding! On your drive to Key West make sure to stop by Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, and if you have time spend a night there!

Then once you get to Key West, the southernmost city of the Keys and southernmost point in the continental US, make sure to check out all the bars on Duval Street, Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration and Ernest Hemingway’s Home!

You can take advantage of the Florida Keys any time of year, just make sure to be careful during Hurricane season! Check out my Ultimate Road Trip – 5 Days in the Florida Keys Guide to plan your trip!

Baha Mar Resort, Nassau, Bahamas

If you’re looking for luxe, look no further than Baha Mar Resort in the Bahamas for your next friends trip! It’s located on Cable Beach in Nassau and was truly the nicest Caribbean resort I’ve ever been to!

There are 3 hotels on the property – the Rosewood, SLS and the Grand Hyatt (where I stayed), along with a casino, stores, lounges, bars, restaurants, a spa, gold course, racquet club, nature sanctuary, white sand beach, 10 pools…the list goes on and on! If that didn’t convince you THIS definitely will!

Baha Mar is one of the best places to travel with friends – especially groups of any size because of the vast amount of bars and restaurants on the property so you won’t have trouble getting reservations for a group. There are also SO many pools and a large beach so finding multiple lounge chairs together was fairly easy!

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans is a city on the Mississippi River known for its round the clock nightlife, vibrant jazz music scene and melting pot cuisine!

There are countless types of tours available in NOLA including bike tours, cemetery tours, ghost tours, food tours, plantation tours, riverboat tours and everything in between, so no matter what interests your friends have you’ll find the perfect activity for your group!

New Orleans is know for it’s food so don’t miss out on NOLA delicacies like fried alligator, po boys, shrimp creole, bananas foster, muffuletta sandwiches and of course BEIGNETS! For all my recommendations on exactly where to eat and what to do check out my 48 hours in New Orleans post!

New Orleans can get EXTREMELY hot in the Summer so be prepared if that’s when you’re visiting (I went in July and it was steamy!), so I recommend planning a trip in the Fall, Winter or Spring! Obviously if I go again I would go for their annual Mardi Gras celebration!

Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and in my opinion the most laid back and chill of the Hawaiian Islands! It’s called the Garden Isle thanks to the tropical rainforest covering a majority of it and is known for its natural beauty including gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and much more!

You definitely need to rent a car (I suggest a Jeep Wrangler obviously) to get around the island of Kauai so I suggest traveling here with a max of 5 people. For a full list of recommendations check out my Kauai Travel Guide !

Traveling to Hawaii can be expensive so I suggest visiting during off-peak months (September to December and April and June are great times to go) to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices!

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Maui is the second largest Hawaiian Island and home to Haleakala, a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the island. Also, Maui is my pick of Hawaiian islands to visit if you’re looking for a luxe Hawaiian adventure! It’s one of the most sought after destinations on the planet for a reason and it’s a trip I will talk about and recommend for the rest of my life!

I highly suggest treating yourselves and staying in a resort in Wailea (you won’t regret it), driving the Road to Hana, visiting the waterfalls of O’he’o Gulch, exploring the town of Paia and much more!

Check out my Maui blog post with 5 reasons to visit Maui, which includes the best restaurants, Road to Hana tips and more! Then check out my pick for the best hotel in Maui !

Orlando, Florida, USA

Orlando is a city in central Florida and is the theme park capital of the world. It’s home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Seaworld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort currently and there are new projects to come!

You may consider Orlando a place for families or kids (and it can be), but don’t dismiss it if you’re traveling with friends especially if you’re looking for a fun filled trip! This goes without saying, but a trip to Orlando will obviously be an exhausting one, but it’s definitely one you’ll never forget! Check out my How to do Universal and Disney in Three Days post to help plan your trip!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Disneyworld and Universal Studios is SO much more fun as an adult!

Seville, Spain, Europe

Seville is the capital and largest city of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia and my absolute favorite place I’ve ever visited in Europe ! Its a smaller city, but is filled with so much history and has so many things to do!

From stunning palatial houses and Roman ruins to Royal Palaces and breathtaking cathedrals and churches, if you want to experience authentic Spain, Seville is the place to visit! It is one of the most beautiful cities to see in Europe and the perfect place if you’re looking to immerse yourself on Spanish culture on a slower paced trip!

Google says that the best time to visit Seville is April, May, June, September and October, BUT I went in February and we had PERFECT weather in the high 70s and 80s! Worth noting – I felt extremely safe everywhere in Seville during the day and night!

Barcelona, Spain, Europe

Barcelona is a city on the coast of northeast Spain in the autonomous community of Catalonia. It is a major tourist destination thanks in part to it being home to the architectural works of Gaudi such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo!

Also, Barcelona is home to one of the best beaches in the world and it’s mild and warm climate make it easy for locals and tourists alike to take advantage of it!

Barcelona’s neighborhoods are compact and easy to walk around and it’s public transportation is simple to understand! My friends and I took the Metro a few times when we visited and we had no problem buying tickets and getting to and from where we needed to go!

Madrid, Spain, Europe

Madrid is the capital and most populated city in Spain! It’s best known for it’s historic buildings, food markets, museums, bustling nightlife and more!

Madrid is a huge city, but still very walkable! Make sure to add all these attractions to your itinerary if you’re visiting: Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, El Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcala.

On my trip to Spain a few years ago, my friends and I visited Madrid, Seville and Barcelona over 10 days and I can confirm that doing all cities in one trip is doable!

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and most known for the legendary country music venues it’s home to! Between the Grand Old Opry House, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum and more, it’s no surprise Nashville is dubbed “Music City”.

Broadway in Downtown Nashville is filled with multi story lounges, bars and restaurants with live music on every floor! You don’t need to venture far off to find live music you like. Other fun neighborhoods in Nashville to explore include East Nashville, The Gulch, Music Row and 12 South.

Nashville is also home to 16 colleges and universities including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University and Tennessee State University!

Austin, Texas, USA

From one music loving city to the next, Austin, TX, is considered the live music capital of the world and has no shortage of amazing activities to do with friends which makes it the perfect addition for my best places to travel with friends post!

Austin is known for its eclectic live music scene, but also it’s many parks and lakes! Whether your friends are looking to stand up paddle board, listen to live music, try eclectic restaurants, go vintage shopping or do a little bit of everything Austin is the place for you!

Fall and Spring are the best seasons to visit Austin to experience the best weather! It’s also when most of the festivals that Austin hosts take place! It’s best to avoid the long hot summers unless you plan on spending your entire trip on the water!

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

I couldn’t make a best places to travel with friends list and not include Sin City!! Las Vegas is an internationally renowned resort city know for gambling, fine dining, entertainment and nightlife!

You can usually get inexpensive flights to and hotels in Vegas, especially if you bundle them together in a package so for this reason alone I’ve been a handful of times with friends!

Even if you’re not a huge partier or gambler, neither of which I am, I still have an awesome time exploring all the hotels on the Strip, eating at the best restaurants, seeing shows and just walking around (with a drink in hand of course!)

If you’re looking for things to do just outside of Vegas I highly suggest taking a trip to the Grand Canyon! The National Park is located just 130 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and day trips there are very popular. I suggest doing it on a organized tour that includes bus transportation, a guide and stops like the Hoover Dam along the way.

Orange County, California, USA

Orange County is a region in Southern California halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego! It’s home to Laguna Beach, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Irvine, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Huntington Beach and many other iconic California destinations.

You can easily spend a week in “The OC” with friends driving up and down the coast exploring and seeing what each of it’s distinct cities has to offer! I actually took this trip with friends and did just that a few years ago and I can’t recommend it enough and am dying to go back so basically by putting it on my best places to travel with friends list I’m manifesting another trip!

I highly recommend visiting Dana Point, Treasure Island and Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Lido Marina Village and Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and much more! And if you love amusement parks don’t miss Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Napa Valley, California, USA

Just north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is home to HUNDREDS of vineyards and the perfect place for the ultimate girls trip!

Look into the Napa Valley Wine Train! It’s a vintage locomotive and traveling restaurant that runs through the Napa Valley wine region. It takes you on a 36 mile round trip adventure stopping at celebrated wineries along the way while you enjoy a four course meal onboard with the most beautiful landscape outside your window!

I’m going to assume if Napa is on your radar then you want to visit to go wine tasting, but there are many other things to do in the area like hot air balloon rides, hiking, shopping, bike tours and more!

London, England, United Kingdom

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom and a great place to visit on your first time to Europe if you’re visiting from America because there isn’t a language barrier!

The best time to visit London without it being too expensive is from March through May, but Summer is a great season to visit just expect it to be a little more expensive and more crowded! I actually visited over New Years one year and it was an awesome time so don’t let Winter in London scare you!

London is huge, with so many places to see and things to do so you could easily spend more than a week there, but you can still have a great trip if you only have a few days to spend there! I highly recommend visiting Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey (highly suggest doing an audio tour here it was one of my favorite parts of London) and the London Eye especially if it’s your first time, but there’s LOADS of other things to see and do depending on what type of trips you and your friends are looking for!

Paris, France, Europe

France’s capital, Paris, may be the “city of love”, but it’s also the ultimate city for a girls’ trip and easily nabbed a spot on my best places to travel with friends list! Grab your girlfriends and be prepared to indulge in baguettes, cheese, croissants, macarons and champagne and truly live your best life!

In between eating and drinking make sure to carve time in your Parisian itinerary to see the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve, Arc de Tiomphe, Notre-Dame and Sacre-Coeur de Montmarte just to name a few! And bring some extra money to go shopping!

If you have more than a few days in Paris I highly recommend taking the train to the Palace of Versailles!

Folly Beach, South Carolina, USA

Looking for the most laid back vacation spot? Then Folly Beach is for you! It’s a city on Folly Island in South Carolina just south of Charleston, but could not be more different than it’s neighbor to the north! It’s home to a beautiful beach, surf and souvenir shops and some great restaurants!

I highly recommend staying in an vacation rental within a few blocks of the beach and Center St. and spend a few days at the beach, eating and drinking at the local restaurants and bars and just enjoying each other’s company! Don’t miss Taco Boy, Snapper Jacks, Chico Feo, The Pineapple Hut, Lowlife Bar and Lost Dog Cafe!

You will truly come back from this vacation relaxed and recharged!

Costa Rica is a country in Central America know for its beaches, volcanoes, mountains, rainforests and jungle! If adventure is what you’re looking for Costa Rica is definitely the place to go!

If you’re headed to Costa Rica with friends make sure you add zip lining to your itinerary! Its the best way to see the country’s rainforest, wildlife, mountains and waterbodies in one adventure! Zip lining is offered throughout the country and depending on where you are you will get a completely different experience so don’t be afraid to do it in more than one area!

The best time to visit Costa Rica is from December to April because it’s when the weather is the driest!

Palm Springs, California, USA

Palm Springs is a city in the desert of southern California and known for it’s sunny climate, hot springs, stylish hotels and more! It’s shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive is home to vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants.

It’s no surprise that Palm Springs is always on the list of best destinations to have a bachelorette party (which made it a shoe in for my best places to travel with friends list)! Between the perfect weather, fun shops and restaurants and outdoor activities there’s always something to do there with friends!

Palm Springs is truly a year round destination, but the best time to visit Palm Springs with friends is definitely from February, March, April October and November! During those months the average temperature during the day hovers in the 70s and 80s! The temperature during the summer months can reach over 100 degrees, but if your plan is to spend a majority of your trip in the pool then go for it!

Seattle, Washington, USA

Seattle is a city on the Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest! Thanks to it’s ecological diversity and access to mountains, ocean, evergreen forests, city and islands it easily made it’s way on my list of best places to visit with friends!

Seattle is known for being the coffee capital. Also, the origin of grunge music and is home to famous landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Seattle is also known for its rain! The rainy season in Seattle extends from October to March. So,, the best time to visit is definitely from mid-May to early October. However, if you want the true Seattle experience plan your trip during the Winter or Spring and don’t forget to pack your raincoat!

Bermuda is a British island territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for it’s pink sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, rich cultural history, gorgeous reefs and more! Despite being only 21 square miles large, Bermuda is the perfect vacation spot. This is the case especially you live on the East Coast. it’s only an hour and a half flight from New York)!

While you’re there make sure to visit the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, St. David’s Lighthouse, Jobson’s Cove, Elbow Beach, Royal Naval Dockyard and more!

Many people assume Bermuda is in the Caribbean, but that’s actually not true! It’s actually location in the middle of the Atlantic (in line with Charleston, South Carolina to put it in perspective) and because of it’s location the best months to visit Bermuda are from May to October!

New York City, New York, USA

Being a lifetime New York resident I was actually hesitant on including NYC on this list. However, in the end I have to remember that not everyone is lucky enough to have grown up just a few miles outside the “greatest city in the world.” So, I had to include it on this list of best places to travel with friends!

New York City is the largest city in New York State (by far) and among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers! It’s home many of America’s most famous landmark. It includes the Empire State Building, World Trade Center, Central Park, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and many, many more! It’s the city that never sleeps. There is no doubt that you and your friends would have the best time when you’re visiting no matter what your interests are!

Ogunquit, Maine, USA

I stopped in Ogunquit. It is a town on Maine’s southern coast during a New England road trip a few summers ago and loved it and vowed to go back! Ogunquit is a four square mile town defined by it’s sandy beaches, cliff walk with coastal views. It also has a lighthouse, vibrant art and theater scene and more!

If you’re looking for a place for a relaxing Summer vacation with friends Ogunquit is it! It’s easily one of the best vacation spots on the Maine Coast. Also, it is absolutely one of the best places with travel with friends.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal, Canada is one city I’ve never been to. However, it’s been on my list of places to visit for a long time. So, naturally it made it on my best places to travel with friends list! It’s the second most populated city in Canada (behind Toronto) and the largest city in Quebec. Montreal is culturally different than other cities in Canada. It’s sole official language is French and actually the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris!

Montreal is a great place to visit with friends because it’s easy to get around on foot so you can really explore! While you’re there make sure to visit Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Mont Royal and more.

PIN my Best Places to Travel with Friends post for LATER:

Follow me on Instagram for more updates.

join the club

You’ll also love.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Apartment Balcony Reveal + More Affordable Outdoor Inspiration

Trending now.

Follow @ jackiegiardina

Work With Me

• Work with Me

Shop My Favorites

• Shop my Instagram
• Shop my Apartment
• Weekly Favorites

Copyright © 2024 living after midnite · Theme by 17th Avenue

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.

Related:  Skip Big Ben, Here's Everything Else Worth Seeing In London

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.

Related:  Only Have 48 Hours In Amsterdam? Here's How To Spend Those Two Days

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.

Next:  Dos & Don'ts For Having A Perfect Puptastic Road Trip In 2022

Home | Travel guides | Vacation ideas | Top spots for best friend vacations and more

Top spots for best friend vacations and more

Whether you’re looking to scale glaciers in Iceland, explore Ireland’s rolling hills, or head to the beaches and cultural sights in Italy and Greece, great vacations abound everywhere you look—even right here in your own backyard. And with vacation home rentals ranging from snug to extravagant, you’ll be sure to find the right headquarters for whatever kind of trip you have in mind. Score a modern loft in the heart of Reykjavik, get cozy in a cottage on the Dingle Peninsula, or book a beachfront bungalow on the USA’s West Coast—whatever you’re after, these great vacation spots have it all.

Vacation trips on the West Coast

All up and down the western coast of the USA, craveworthy locales for great vacations abound. In the Pacific Northwest, you can book cottage rentals and getaway cabins amid the verdant foliage of the Olympic Peninsula, or snag apartments in bustling city centers like Seattle and Portland. In California, meanwhile, you’ll find plenty of great summer rentals in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara that offer easy access to the sandy beaches hugging the Pacific Ocean. Just a short drive inland, you’ll find the rolling fields of the Central Valley and a wealth of winter sports destinations like Bear Mountain, Lake Tahoe, and Mount Shasta.

Great vacations on the East Coast all year round

On the other side of the country, the East Coast has plenty to recommend it, too. Whether you’re checking off the bucket-list sights in NYC, hiking the hills of the Appalachian Mountains, or taking in the tropical vibe of the Florida Keys, you’ll find plenty of great vacation options. If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll find plenty of vacation home rentals near the ski resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York. Meanwhile, during the sunny summer months, beachfront cottage rentals in places like Myrtle Beach, Rehoboth, and the Outer Banks are all popular spots with sun worshippers of all sorts.

Vacation trips for spectacular scenery in Ireland

With its rolling hillsides, bustling cities, and miles of rugged coastline, Ireland’s a stunning vacation destination. Book a cozy cottage rental on the scenic  Dingle Peninsula  for easy access to whale-watching and kayaking on Dingle Bay, as well as Atlantic Ocean views from the peak of Mount Brandon. Meanwhile, vacation home rentals in Dublin offer access to plenty of dining, museums, and entertainment, as well as major sights like the medieval Dublin Castle and the landmark Guinness Storehouse. On the west coast, the harbor city of Galway features an 18th-century square lined with pubs where you can hear traditional Irish folk music; it’s also home to an aquarium and a local history museum.

Top vacations for culture, coastline, and cuisine in Italy

From medieval cathedrals and grand palaces to world-class ski resorts and sandy Mediterranean beaches, Italy offers a wealth of different vacations for visitors of all stripes. Culture vultures can see the museums and grand architecture in cities like Venice,  Florence , and Rome, while winter sports enthusiasts can book a chalet-style lodge near the Gruppo del Sella, a massif in northern Italy’s Dolomite mountains. If it’s beaches you’re after, the Italian Riviera is tough to beat—snag a villa rental in Albegna or Riomaggiore for fun in the sun. Or head further east to the broad shoreline of Viareggio, a coastal Tuscan city where you can explore the Villa Puccini Museum, a lakeside villa once owned by the famous opera composer.

Breathtaking beach vacations in Greece

If you’re in the mood for an unbeatable beachfront retreat, vacations in Greece are just what the doctor ordered. In historic cities like  Athens  and Thessaloniki, you can explore ancient ruins before enjoying mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine and plenty of local wine. Vacation rentals in urban centers offer easy access to museums, nightlife, and entertainment destinations, and many have terraces or balconies with city views. Greece also boasts more than a thousand islands, where lodgings in traditional villages are often close to tranquil, sandy beaches along the Aegean Sea. Santorini is a popular destination, as is Mykonos—known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Naxos is a family-friendly island dotted with tranquil beaches, ancient ruins, and charming mountain villages.

The hottest spots for chill, worry-free vacations in Iceland

With its breathtaking natural beauty, active geothermal sites, and plenty of arts and cultural institutions, Iceland draws visitors from the world over.  Reykjavik , the country’s capital, is a bustling hub with art and culture museums ranging from the grand to the quirky, as well as bars and restaurants serving local specialties like puffin and smoked fish. Sleek, modern vacation rentals here typically offer full kitchens and living rooms, and some have outdoor spaces or ocean views. Outside the city, crank the outdoor adventure up to 11—venture up a glacier or hike along the southern coast’s black-sand beaches. The Golden Circle—a 190-mile loop of geysers, waterfalls, and other natural sites—is always a hit, and if worry-free vacations are your thing, many outfitters provide package tours.

Related Articles

Vacation ideas

Forget the Eurotrip and check out these US towns named after European cities

Haunted inns, 8 magnificent murder mystery weekends, 5 fantastic rentals for wedding day bliss, 6 timeless trips for your travel vision board, best mountain rental destinations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Journey to Moscow

   Welcome to Moscow - the capital of Russia, its political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of the Russian state developed.

• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow

• #Russian History
• #Special Interest
• #Suburbs of Moscow

Moscow offers tourists many great sights to see, but if you ask locals, they will tell you that Moscow is not all there is to Russia, so it’s worth getting away sometimes. Without exploring further, you miss something of the Russian unique character. If you wonder what to visit near Moscow, we recommend you 10 places where a tourist can go for a refreshing recreation, new impressions, and acquaintance with Russian history and culture.

01 Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is one of the most beautiful towns located around Moscow. It’s not only famous for its monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, but also for the fact that it’s the only town in the Moscow Region that is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities. Its cities and towns influenced the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. But the main thing which one should visit Sergiyev Posad is the Lavra for sure. You may spend there all day, walking around and enjoying the sense of its power and strength. You absolutely have to buy some honey cakes as souvenirs for friends and feed Lavra’s pigeons when entering the monastery. Besides, you may visit Sergiyev Posad State History and Art Museum-Reserve, which has quite an impressive collection, take a look at the displays in the National Museum of Toys, and taste truly Russian food in local cafes and restaurants.

You can reach Sergiyev Posad by suburban electric train, by bus, or by car. The electric train departs from the Yaroslavsky rain terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts for an hour and a half. You may take a bus near the ‘VDNKh’ metro station, and you’ll be in Sergiyev Posad in an hour and a half at least and in two hours at most. Your car will take you there in an hour and a half at most, too. You should drive the Yaroslavskoye highway. 

If you want to look at a city that combines hi-tech and historical past, you should absolutely visit Kolomna. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in Russia, a beautiful port on the Oka River. Kolomna has its own Kremlin, which is made of red brick, like the Moscow Kremlin. Inside it, you may find many monasteries and churches, including the one in which Dmitry of the Don, Prince of Moscow, and Grand Prince of Vladimir, had his wedding to the Grand Duchess of Muscovy Eudoxia of Moscow. There is still a reserved residential area which is called Posad, right in the Kremlin territory. The buildings date back to merchants’ times. There are some interesting churches, too. In 2006, the Kolomna Speed Skating Center, known as the Kometa Ice Rink, was opened. Its futuristic look contrast the picturesque views of the ancient Kolomna Kremlin and its beautiful churches.

The best way to reach Kolomna is an electric train that departs from the Kazansky rail terminal. The trip lasts for two and a half, or one hour and forty minutes by the Ryazansky express. You can also choose a bus from the Vykhino metro station (1.4 to 4 hrs due to traffic jams) or a car.

03 Shakhmatovo

Shakhmatovo was a manor of the well-known Russian lyrical poet Alexander Blok. His grandfather Andrey Nikolaevich Beketov bought it, and young Blok used to spend it there every summer. Later, he moved there with his wife Lyubov Mendeleeva, who was the daughter of the famous chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. Blok’s grandfather decided to buy Shakhmatovo because of its picturesque views. They are really very nice, and the better time to visit this place is spring and summer. According to his own project, Blok’s mansion is a wooden house built by the poet but burnt by peasants in 1921. It was rebuilt in 2001, and since that time, it often holds big events and excursions. There is also a stable in Shakhmatovo territory, and everyone interested may ride a horse, or rent a bicycle in the summertime, or ski in wintertime.

Shakhmatovo can be reached by car because other options combine train departs from the Leningradsky rail terminal, then changes to bus till the Tarakanovo manor, then goes by foot, or bus from the Vodny stadion metro station, and then also by foot. Travel time is 1.4 hrs.

04 Zakharovo

It is a manor located in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, where everybody interested may learn more about the greatest Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. In 1804, Zakharova was bought by his grandmother Mariya Alexeevna Gannibal, and young Pushkin was brought here every summer from 1805 through to 1810. He recalled Zakharovo in his poems as well. Now, the house which Pushkin visited as a child doesn’t exist anymore, but it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century on the former basis. Now it is a quiet and nice place with a museum dedicated to the famous poet's childhood, where one may spend a day enjoying the spirit of the time when young Pushkin ran across manor’s paths. From that time, linden park, approach alleys, and pond were saved. Not very far away from Zakharovo, another place connected to Pushkin’s name is located. It’s called Bolshiye Vyazyomy, and there the young Pushkin’s brother Nikolenka was buried after his death at the age of six.

The best way to go there is by train, which departs from the Belorussky rail terminal and goes to Zvenigorod. You should leave at the Zakharovo station. Travel time is an hour and a half.

05 Borodino

Borodino is truly a sacred place for all those who honor the great Russian past. The Borodino Battlefield held the most important fighting during the Patriotic War of 1812. This place was made a museum area in 1839, just after 27 years after the battle. More than two thousand memorable things are stored in the museum, including some monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, and fortification facilities. Besides, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the famous novel ‘War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, who visited Borodino in person and described this battle in his book. Every year, reconstruction events occur in Borodino, which is considered the best for visiting. But if you want to feel the spirit of the battle past, it’s better to visit it in more quiet time.

To go there, you should take a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, leave in Mozhaysk, and then change to the bus. The whole travel time is about 2 hrs.

06 Melikhovo

Melikhovo is considered one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, one of the brightest Russian writers and playwrights. Chekhov had been living in Melikhovo from March 1892 until August 1899 with his parents and close relatives. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “Uncle Vanya” and “The Seagull.” He sold this manor before going to the Crimea, and it became vague after the revolution. But in 1939, it was decided to establish a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew initiated the process, and the museum opened its doors in 1941. Now Melikhovo shows the path of Chekhov not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. Some paintings of famous artists such as Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends, are being stored. It’s a nice place to visit to learn more about Chekov’s life and work.

The best way to reach Melikhovo is by bus, which departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station, and goes to Protvino, Obolensk, or Serpukhov, or by the direct 365 bus. Also, you may choose an electric train from the Kursky rail terminal. Travel time is 1,5 hrs.

07 Abramtsevo

This is another manor connected to the lives of important Russian people — not only writers but also artists. Abramtsevo, located close to Sergiev Posad, was a property of Sergey Aksakov, a writer and a Slavophiles, and later of Savva Mamontov, a well-known patron of the arts. Abramtsevo used to be visited by writers Ivan Turgenev and Nikolay Gogol, poet Fyodor Tyutchev, and such artists as Isaac Levitan, Vasily Polenov, and Mikhail Vrubel, and by the great Russian singer Fyodor Shalyapin as well. The exhibition in the museum is dedicated to famous Abramtsevo owners and guests. It was made a museum in 1917, and its first curator was Alexandra Mamontova, Savva Mamontov’s daughter. The main sightseeing view is a wooden building made in the 18th century and saved in Savva Mamontov's form in the 19th century. There are also some bright buildings such as hut pavilion or hut bath-house. You have to remember that the main manor house may be visited only with an excursion group on the weekend.

Electric train to Abramtsevo departs from the Yaroslavsky rail terminal and goes to Sergiyev Posad or Aleksandrov. You may reach Abramtsevo by bus as well. Travel time is an hour and a half.

08 Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana is known as a place of residence of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. He was born there, wrote his novels ‘War and Peace’ and ‘Anna Karenina,’ died and is buried. He’d been living in this manor for fifty years. Yasnaya Polyana is located in the Tula Region, 200 km from Moscow to the south. This manor consists of many interesting and significant objects. For example, the interior of the main house where Tolstoy lived is being kept like it was in 1910 — it was the last year for the writer. All things in the house are considered to be personal belongings of Tolstoy and his family. Besides the main house, the Yasnaya Polyana ensemble includes the so-called Volkonsky house — the house of Tolstoy’s grandfather, the Kuzminskiye wing, which is a part of the oldest house where Tolstoy was born, now non-existent, the birch alley made by Sofya Andreevna, Leo Tolstoy’s wife, stable, ponds, and favorite Tolstoy’s bench. Leo Tolstoy’s tomb is located close to the ravine's edge — it’s where he wanted to be buried.

The whole travel time to Yasnaya Polyana is about 4 hrs as long as it’s located near Tula. It can be reached by train, or by car. First, you should go to Tula by train from the Kursky rail terminal or by bus from the Tsaritsyno, Domodedovskaya, Prazhskaya, or Ulitsa Akademika Yangelya metro stations, and then change to bus, or by trolley bus for Yasnaya Polyana.

09 Polotnyany Zavod

This place which title can be translated into Russian as ‘linen factory,’ is known for its connection to the Goncharov family, from which Natalia Goncharova, Alexander Pushkin’s wife, originated. The real linen factory was built on the bank of the Sukhodrev River in the Kaluga Region in 1718 by Peter the Great order. Goncharov, Natalia’s great grandfather, was one of the companions who participated in the factory’s development. Every companion built his own manor close to the factory’s building, and even for those times, it was quite an uncommon situation. Polotnyany Zavod was visited by the empress Catherine the Great, the Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, and Nikolay Vasilievich Gogol. In 1999, when everybody celebrated the bicentennial of Alexander Pushkin, Polotnyany Zavod was made a museum, and now it welcomes many guests who come to see dramatized excursions and to learn more about Pushkin times. The poet himself visited this place two times, in 1830 and 1834. Polotnyany Zavod has the most picturesque panoramic view in the Kaluga Region.

To go to Polotnyany Zavod, you should take a bus from the bus station near the Tyoply Stan metro station, and go to Kondorovo. It takes a little more than three hours.

Tarus is just another little town in Kaluga Region, which is considered to be typical Russian. It’s located on the left bank of the Oka River and has really magnificent views. It feels like time stands still there. Tarusa managed to preserve the best from the past, and even now, it consists mostly of one-storeyed houses made of wood or stone. They say it’s because Tarusa residents declined railroad construction. This town became popular among Russian intellectuals at the beginning of the 20th century when famous artist Vasily Polenov discovered it and told about Tarusa to anyone in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tarusa is known to be a hometown for Russian writer Marina Tsvetaeva, whose family spent summertime there. Tsvetaeva museum is a museum every guest of Tarusa should visit for sure. Besides, Konstantin Paustovsky, another famous Russian writer, lived there till his death and was buried in Tarusa. The absolutely must-do in Tarusa is to walk along the embankment of the Oka River.

The best way to reach Tarusa is by direct bus which departs from the bus station near the ‘Tyoply Stan’ metro station. Travel time is about two hours.

• Baikal Lake read
• 25 Reasons to Visit Russian Regions read
• Top places to watch the Northern Lights in Russia read
• Kamchatka peninsula read
• 7 Top Things to Do in Karelia Region read
• The Altai Mountains read
• Siberia read
• Mountain Elbrus read
• 1. Sergiyev Posad
• 3. Shakhmatovo
• 4. Zakharovo
• 5. Borodino
• 6. Melikhovo
• 7. Abramtsevo
• 8. Yasnaya Polyana
• 9. Polotnyany Zavod

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, tailor content, and measure advertising. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our Privacy Policy .

Your request has been sent successfully! Our travel expert will contact you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Take a free tour of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Ready to experience the magic of the Sanctuary? Let us be your guide. Enjoy a free tour and fall in love with this lifesaving haven that’s a home-between-homes for hundreds of animals on any given day.

Please note: Tours are by reservation only. We cannot accommodate RV's or trailers over 21 feet on tours.

Book a tour online

Questions? Call 435-677-6486. Some tours are accessible by wheelchair. Please let us know if you need wheelchair accessibility when you call.

Currently, all tours are outside and take place weather permitting. Closed-toe shoes and masks are required. We also recommend that you bring water, bug spray, and a hat or sunscreen. Durations and distances are approximate.

Cat World Walking tour Sunday, Monday, Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. (duration: 1.5 hours | distance: 1 mile) Join us on a walking tour through Cat World and take in some of the cute furry faces while we show you how we are helping cats to heal and thrive.

Pig and Goat Walking Tour (long) Sunday at 10:30 a.m. | Saturday at 1:00 p.m. (duration: 1 hour | distance: 1 mile) Discover the affectionate personalities of potbellied pigs and the endearing goofiness of goats.

Pig and Goat Walking Tour (short) Monday, Wednesday at 9:00 am (duration: 30 minutes | distance: .5 mile) Discover the affectionate personalities of potbellied pigs and the endearing goofiness of goats.

Angels Rest Walking Tour Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. (duration: 30 minutes | distance: .25 miles) Join us on a guided tour of Angels Rest, one of the most peaceful spots at the Sanctuary. Don’t know where to go? Stop by the Welcome Center for a map by 8:45 a.m.

Angels Overlook Memorial Park Tour (duration: 30 minutes | distance: .25 miles) 1st and 2nd Tuesdays of the month at 10:00 a.m.  Join us on a guided tour of Angels Overlook Memorial Park. Please check in to the Welcome Center at the Sanctuary at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tour where we will give you a map to drive yourself to Angels Overlook. 

Parrot Garden Tour Daily at 11:00 a.m. (duration: 45 minutes) Join us at the Parrot Garden for a special tour and talk to some of the colorful birds. They may even talk back!

Wild Friends Walking Tour Daily at 10:15 a.m. (duration: 45 minutes | distance: 1 mile) Best Friends’ Wild Friends is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. Join us and discover how we help orphaned and injured wild animals get back on their feet.

Bunny House Tour Daily at 2:00 p.m. (duration: 30 minutes) Visit with our cute, fuzzy bunnies and a few adorable guinea pigs. We'll share some stories about them, and you'll learn some basic bunny care.

Horse Haven Walking Tour Tuesday, Friday at 10:00 a.m. (duration: 30 minutes | distance: .5 mile) Horse Haven is one of the most beautiful and majestic places at the Sanctuary. On this tour, you’ll meet some of our amazing horses and other barnyard pals.

The Grand Sanctuary Driving Tour Daily 9:00 a.m. | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday 3:00 p.m. (duration: 1.5 hours) The Grand Sanctuary Driving Tour lasts 1.5 hours and begins at the Best Friends Welcome Center. You’ll follow our tour van in your own vehicle past Dogtown, Cat World, and Horse Haven. You'll also see beautiful views of Angel Canyon and our most famous scenic landmarks like Angels Rest Memorial Park and Angels Landing. Due to current conditions, we do not stop or go inside any buildings at this time.

Behind the Scenes in Dogtown Walking Tour Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 1:30 p.m. (duration: 1.5 hours | distance: 1 mile) Join us for this in-depth tour and find out how Dogtown started. You must be 16 or older to take this tour.

Best Friends Scavenger Hunt Daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stop by the Best Friends Welcome Center to pick up a driving map and start exploring the Sanctuary.

Please note : Currently, all tours are outside and weather permitting. Closed-toed shoes and masks are required. We also recommend you bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray.

Tours may be canceled due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control. Registering in advance enables us to contact you if a tour is canceled. Tours are not available on Christmas day. If you are looking for time with the animals, we encourage you to  volunteer in an animal care area .

World's Oldest Conjoined Twins Lori and George Schappell Dead at 62

Rock Into The Weekend With These Celeb Selfies With The Coachella Ferris Wheel!

'Golden Bachelor' Star Theresa Nist's Job Was Factor in Divorce from Gerry Turner

Trendy Coachella Celebs Rockin' Braided Hair, Don't Care!

Kris Jenner Sister Karen Houghton's Cause of Death Revealed

O.j. simpson's remaining close friends visited before death, said goodbye, o.j. simpson friends knew end was near ... flew in to say goodbye.

O.J. Simpson 's death might have shocked the world ... but, it didn't come as a surprise to his close friends -- who TMZ has learned came to Las Vegas to say their final farewells.

Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... those who remained in O.J.'s inner circle flew into Vegas over the last week to see him before he passed. Unclear exactly how many friends, or who showed up, but we're told a handful of people came to Sin City and got to see O.J.

We're told Simpson was communicating just fine and was able to talk with his pals ... but, our sources say they all knew the end was coming, and that this would be their last chance to get some face time.

As we reported ... Simpson's family announced his death via his Twitter, saying he was surrounded by family and asking for privacy at this time.

On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family — O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024 @TheRealOJ32

News of O.J.'s cancer diagnosis broke in February ... though Simpson himself didn't address the cancer report head-on at the time -- instead saying he wasn't yet in hospice and ignoring questions about the disease itself.

While we don't know who showed up to say goodbye to O.J. -- frankly, a lot of his former famous friends had abandoned him post-murder trial acquittal -- we do know he was still close with his former Bills teammate Al Cowlings (A.C.) who drove in the Bronco.

No word on whether O.J. and A.C. remained close in these later years ... but A.C. had his back through and in the immediate aftermath of the mid-'90s legal saga.

It goes without saying, Simpson was incredibly controversial ... ending his NFL career as one of the greatest running backs of all time and going on to a popular movie career -- before his arrest and trial in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman .

Even after the jury acquitted him, questions about his guilt still lingered ... and, many of his former colleagues quickly distanced themselves from Simpson.

That said, some of O.J.'s friends, we're told, stuck around ... and, they got the chance to reminiscence with him on his deathbed.

O.J. was 76.

• Share on Facebook

related articles

Sharon Stone Says Cops Came To Protect Her During O.J. Simpson Chase

O.J. Simpson Prosecutor Chris Darden Endorsed by Goldmans for Judgeship

Old news is old news be first.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 12 Day Trips From Moscow To Explore The Beautiful Capital City Of Russia!

23 Mar 2023

Moscow is a beautiful city and is the capital of Russia and is also considered the cosmopolitan capital. The people of Moscow are vibrant, lively and live their life to the fullest. The city is a perfect mixture of ancient and modern traditions and hold an approximate population of 10 million. You can visit some of the most beautiful destinations if you are a tourist here. From natural beauties to man-made beauties, the city has everything to attract a tourist.

No matter in which season you are travelling to Moscow, the city will give you thrills and chills in all the seasons. Not only in the city, there are some amazing places to visit nearby. You can easily plan a one-day trip to those places and return back to the city in the same day. So, get packed, take this guide for day trips from Moscow along and have an enticing trip!

Top 10 Day Trips From Moscow

Confused about which places to visit on your next day trip from Moscow. Here is the list of the best day trips from Moscow you can take with your friends or family and have an amazing trip!

• Rostov Veliky
• Sergiev Posad
• Kubinka Tank Museum
• Arkhangelskoye Estate

1. Yaroslavl

Image Source

If you are planning a full one-day trip from Moscow and return, Yaroslavl is the perfect place for you. A long day trip with amazing sight scenes that will allure everybody and rest assured, the journey will be as fascinating as the destination. It is one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. The place holds a significant place in the Moscow’s history as well. The museums and monasteries at Yaroslavl are worth visiting and you will enjoy every bit of it.

Location: 250 kms northeast of Moscow.

Must Read: 15 Interesting Things To Do In Moscow: Trekking, Opera, And More

Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now

Magnificent Switzerland Holiday 6D/5N Package @ Rs 69,999

Plan your trip today!

Magnificent Europe Tour 7D/6N Package @ Rs 70,975

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

France & Switzerland Tour Package 8D/7N @ Rs 90,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Scintillating Spain & Portugal Tour 11D/10N @ Rs 101,150

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

6 Country Europe Tour Package 12D/11N @ Rs 118,650

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Rostov Veliky

A historical place that teaches you a lot of things about the great history of Russia which is a must visit, if you are on a tour to Moscow. You can easily start the trip in the morning and come back to your place before the dawn itself. It is a wonderful place to visit with your friends and family. Lake Nero is a place in Rostov that you must not miss as it is a beautiful and expansive lake near the town.

Location: Rostov Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia

Must Read: Summer In Moscow: Soak In The Landscapes Of This Stunning City

It is located just an hour away from the Moscow city centre. This was one of the most important industrial areas at the time of Soviet era. During the Second World War the anti-gun tank was produced here in the factory in order to fight with Soviet Union. Once the Germany was defeated they started focusing on space research. Later on the city becomes the space city when people come across the Union and settled down here to launch the space programme. This is one of the most affluent areas in the country and nice place to visit.

Location: Moscow Oblast, Russia

Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels In Moscow That Redefine Luxury Like None Other!

4. Borodino

It is located in the west at the two hour of drive from the west of the Moscow in the battlefield of the Borodino. History says that French won the battle of Borodino and went to capture the Moscow. This place which shows the real history of Moscow and has its own unique identity. Just outside the field of Borodino is a green and grassy field where the battle was fought. Similarly on the top of the hill you will find the lasting monuments of the important events.

Location: Rusakovskaya Ulitsa, 13, Moskva, Russia, 107140

It is located in the south east of Moscow in the city of Kolumna and in comparison to the capital of Russia it is a small town escape. This is one of the oldest Russian city in the region and you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Mainly it is a site for important weapon factories it was opened in 1994 and even now it is not popular among the tourist. It is the great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the walls of medieval age and the city which belongs back to 18th century.

Location: In the south East of Moscow.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Moscow: 14 Top Places That Will Make You Believe The City Is As Classy & Chic As Milan!

6. Zvenigorod

It is an hour away from the Moscow city centre and is the good place to visit as it will give the small break from the life of capital city. It is an old and historic place which gives you ancient view of almost thousand years back. You can explore some beautiful monasteries and museum of Russian desserts where you can see and experience the local culinary culture. It is a true reflection of the ancient history of Russia and surely a must visit place with your friends and family.

7. Sergiev Posad

It is one of the well-known tourist destinations in the surrounding regions of Moscow. This is one of the most suggestive place to visit for the one day trip as many tour company includes it in their travel menu. It is a huge Russian monastery which is here since last hundreds of years and is looked by the monk who looked after the revered tomb of St. Sergius who has its graveyard to rest. Christians consider it as an important pilgrimage for orthodox Christians and an important place for tourist.

Location: Located to the north of the capital, Moscow Oblast, Russia

Suggested Read: Russia Circle Trip: 20 Places To Visit In Moscow And St. Petersburg

9. Arkhangelskoye Estate

This estate is built in outskirts of Moscow dated back in 18th century it was constructed by Russian aristocratic family. It is known for the hub of nobility. This estate was opened by the communist to the public for entertainment and changed into a museum for public. After the fall of Soviet Union the restoration of this place was done after that this looks very attractive and beautiful. You can plan and enjoy wonderful trip at this place if you are in search of one day trip.

Location: Arkhangelskoye, Moscow Oblast, Russia, 143420

Suggested Read: Villas In Moscow: 7 Places That Offer Unparalleled Luxury In The Heart Of Russia

10. Melikova

If you are planning a short trip from Moscow and return, this place is perfect for you and your family. Even if you are leaving for Melikova later in the day, you will be home before the night. A trip to the Moscow suburbs brings you to this famous estate which is a house of renowned Russian writer Anton Chekhov. The museum of Melikova will take you to the life of Anton Chekhov from the beginning till end. A perfect place for a short trip where not only adults will enjoy, the children with you too will have a great time.

11. Vladimir

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is one of the best places for Moscow day tours . This Russian city dates back to the 12th century and has a splendid history. If a few medieval buildings and rich culture entices you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your loved ones.

Location: East of Moscow, Russia

Offering one of the best day trips from Moscow, Russia the small town of Suzdal makes for a great pit stop. It is located only a few kilometers north of Vladimir and houses a top UNESCO World Heritage Site. An abundance of historical stories and culturally rich sites is what awaits you here.

Location: Northeast of Moscow, Russia

Further Read: With The Red Square Turning White, Snowfall In Moscow Hits A 100-Year High!

No matter if you are looking for a short trip or a long trip, if you are looking for day tours from Moscow, the list of above places will act as a perfect destination for you with family and friends. The list includes even the day trips from Moscow by train. Make sure to visit one and all places if possible if you are on an international trip with TravelTriangle .

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

Recent Posts

8 Small Towns In Russia One Must Never Forget To Explore

Saint Petersburg In June 2023: A Comprehensive Guide To The Venice Of The North

If You Are Wondering Why Moscow In April Is A Good Time To Visit, Here’s Why It Is

The Motherland Calls: A Perfect Epitome Of Cultural & Structural Excellence

Summer In Russia: For Soaking In The Country’s Most Splendid Vibes On Your Next Trip!

Best Villas In Russia For A Rejuvenating Holiday In The Land That Has It All!

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Destinations » Russia »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

I went on my first long-distance van trip. These were the 6 best and 7 worst parts of the 10-day adventure.

Posted: April 22, 2023 | Last updated: June 21, 2023

• I tried out van life for the first time during a 10-day road trip in a Mercedes Sprinter van. 
• Traveling by van allowed my friend and I to save money on hotels and make stops along the route.
• However, the vehicle felt cluttered, and being in such close quarters tested our relationship.

My friend and I spent 10 days traveling along the Oregon Coast in a Mercedes Sprinter van.

As an avid solo traveler, I'm always open to having new experiences.

When a friend asked me to take their parents' 2022 Mercedes-Benz Beast MODE 4x4 Sprinter van on its maiden voyage from San Francisco to Portland and back down the Oregon Coast, I was ecstatic and accepted the offer.

We drove over 10 hours from San Francisco to Portland in a little more than a day, making pit stops at Mount Shasta and Crater Lake National Park. We spent most of our time in Portland and eventually drove down the Oregon Coast, visiting Humboldt County in California before completing our loop.

Here were the major highs and lows of my first van trip, and why I'll try out this type of travel alone next time. 

The van belonged to my friend's parents, so we didn't have to shell out money on a rental.

I'm grateful that my travel partner's parents allowed us to borrow their Sprinter van. 

The Mercedes-Benz Beast MODE 4x4 retails at about $200,000 , and renting it would've cost at least $200 per night . Having free access to this vehicle made the trip possible.

We were also lucky to be able to park at loved ones' homes along the route, which helped cut down on nightly fees at RV parks and other campsites.

I was able to work remotely and even attended a professional event on the road.

Though I was worried about my ability to work on the road, I had a productive workflow. 

While my travel partner drove, I used a hot spot to work on writing assignments. It was convenient, and I wouldn't have been able to get as much done if I was traveling alone and had to drive the entire time.

When we were planning our trip, my travel partner suggested that I do in-person tarot readings along the way. I connected with a few shop owners to inquire about hosting pop-up events and accepted an opportunity to be a tarot reader at a psychic fair in Vancouver, Washington.

We chose Portland as our destination so I could take the job, which brought me valuable networking opportunities and profits. It made me feel secure after taking off work to go on the trip and showed me that I could find business on the road.

Living out of the van granted us the freedom to stop in various places.

Our trip took us to Mount Shasta, Crater Lake National Park, Vancouver, Portland, Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, and various cities in Humboldt County.

We stayed in RV parks and on loved ones' properties, but the van itself was our home base. On some mornings, we woke up in the city, and on others, we started the day on the beach  or in the forest. 

The experience was very in line with my travel style.

The food we made in the van was delicious, and cooking saved us a lot of money.

Bringing groceries and cooking in the van helped us save money on food . The meals I enjoyed most were all homemade, and we prepared them using a portable battery and a hot plate.

We also went out to eat at various restaurants along our route. One of my favorite dishes was a crab mac and cheese that I indulged in while admiring the harbor in Newport, Oregon.

Traveling with a dog wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.

My friend's dog had never traveled in a van for an extended period of time before, so we weren't sure how she'd behave.

Our canine companion certainly didn't enjoy being in the van, but she was very quiet while we were on the road.

Whenever we stopped, she was eager to get out and play but refused to get back in the vehicle unless we carried her inside. We made sure to stop at a few dog parks, which gave us a little break from driving, too.

We had pleasant experiences at the RV parks where we stayed.

Even though we called the RV parks to make reservations at the last minute, we found it easy to book spaces.

We also landed on some exceptional spots, such as Seal Rocks RV Cove , which is within walking distance of a beach. 

We spent about $40 per night at each RV site, which was affordable considering they also gave us access to toilets, showers, and electric and water hookups.

When it comes to the trip's downsides, I didn't love having to make so many compromises.

My friend and I needed to work out a lot of logistics before we could make this trip happen.

For example, the proposed travel dates were during one of my busy work periods. Going meant I'd miss out on a lot of opportunities to do in-person tarot readings.

However, I agreed to take the trip as long as we tracked our spending and had access to Wi-Fi so I could work remotely. 

I also made a compromise with my travel partner and declined a couple of work opportunities so we could see Crater Lake and go to Sonoma, as they wanted to fit in both stops. Unfortunately, neither visit ended up panning out.

The van had some complications, and we couldn't use the shower or sink.

A few days before our trip, the van had an electrical issue, and we weren't sure if we'd be able to take it out at all. Thankfully, we worked around it and moved forward as planned.

But before hitting the road, my travel partner asked me to read the user guide to understand the van's intricate systems . She said we needed to be cautious when using the outlets, microwave, and hot plate to ensure we didn't accidentally short-circuit the vehicle.

It didn't end up being a problem. We brought a portable battery to power the kitchen appliances and charge our phones and laptops.

We also thought we'd need to park in places with electric and water hookups to recharge the van and refill the water tanks.

As it turns out, the van charged while we drove. We also didn't worry about a water hookup, as the van's sink and built-in shower needed maintenance and weren't usable during our trip.

Instead, we relied on the facilities at campsites and friends' homes.

Keeping the van clean was a challenge, and I spent a lot of time organizing our things.

The morning of our departure was hectic, and we strewed our bags in the back of the van. I spent a lot of the first day (and the next nine) putting things away, securing drawers and cabinets, and keeping our belongings organized .

The small space accumulated clutter quickly , so it constantly had to be maintained. I didn't mind cleaning the van, but I would've preferred to only pick up after myself, which is one of the reasons I typically travel alone.

My clothing wasn't weather-appropriate, but I made do with what I had.

This adventure was a vastly different experience than my last road trip , during which I packed my car with outfits and gear for every season.

On this journey, I didn't have space in my luggage for bulky items, like a heavy coat or hiking boots, even though they would've been useful during our time in the mountains .

My travel partner offered to let me borrow some of her things but, at the end of the trip, I was proud to have only used my own clothing. 

It also helped that I snagged a pair of hiking shoes from a box of free items I found in Portland.

My friend and I never figured out the sleeping arrangements.

Throughout the trip, I tried every sleeping arrangement possible. 

On the first night, I slept in the reclined passenger seat because my travel partner fell asleep in the main bed before we set up the convertible sofa bed. I didn't want to wake them or scoot them over to make room.

The next night, we figured out how to set up the sofa bed, where I slept. The van's heating system kept my back warm during the night, and I enjoyed the regulated temperature.

On the third night, we swapped places and I slept in the main bed while my travel partner slept on the sofa bed with her dog. She liked the main bed and I preferred the sofa bed, so we agreed to swap back for the rest of the trip.

She got too warm at night and requested that we stop using the heater and open more windows. I tried to adjust by slipping into sleeping bags and covering myself with blankets but always ended up either freezing or sweating .

I kept thinking about how I could've kept the cabin at whatever temperature I wanted if I was traveling alone.

Gas prices were astronomically high, but fuel was an unavoidable expense.

The van took diesel, and we easily spent $100 every time we stopped to fill our tank halfway.

I saved a bit of money thanks to an agreement with my partner that I'd give her tarot readings if she chipped in a bit more for gas.

Though fuel was expensive, the overall cost was ultimately cheaper than it would've been to pay for more traditional accommodations, like hotels or Airbnbs.

Being in such close proximity for 10 days put our friendship to the test.

Traveling with another person can be challenging.

Seemingly minuscule differences — like enjoying different activities, operating on different schedules, having different ideas of cleanliness, and sleeping in different temperatures — can turn into bigger conflicts. 

For the most part, my travel partner and I were able to compromise, but we were both transmuting feelings of resentment, which we addressed halfway through the trip.

It's also inherently difficult being in close quarters with someone else for a long period of time, and trips like this one put friendships and relationships to the test .

My first van-life experience had its low points, but I enjoyed it and would love to travel this way alone in the future.

Since returning from my trip, I've become increasingly interested in procuring a camper van so I can embark on a solo adventure.

My preference has always been to travel alone, as it allows me to cater each experience to my needs and desires. The journey becomes easier when I don't need to compromise, and I enjoy my own company. 

I have yet to decide if I'll rent a vehicle for a short trip or buy a van to live in for a longer period of time. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see how these ideas take form.

More for You

This Is How Long You Can Leave Butter On the Counter, According to Land O'Lakes

Guest-list style at the White House State Dinner

30 trans celebrities who broke barriers

Park Boram, K-Pop Singer and ‘Superstar K2' Competitor, Dies at 30

Peanuts by Charles Schulz

13 Menu Items McDonald's Employees Refuse To Order

The Dumbest Things You Can Do With Your Money

Parents who raise successful, resilient kids never do these 5 things, experts say

Tech trick: How to tell who’s calling when you don’t recognize the phone number

The best recipe for a tasty sandwich on National Grilled Cheese Day starts with great bread

Tech Giant With 30,000 Employees Has No Return-to-Office Policy

Why this prototype combat rig could help Army soldiers fight a possible war with China

Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL draft picks: Full list by round

4-Year-Old Living With One of the Rarest Disorders in the World

Dr. Phil shuts down DEI guest advocating 'equality of outcome:' 'Been tried, didn't work, called Marxism'

Gold prices hit a record high. What's behind the surge?

Burger King's menu adds a new twist on a British classic

27 Lazy Day Slow Cooker Recipes

Are There Any B-36 Bombers Still Flying?

Barehanded Backflip Catch in Banana Ball by D.R. Meadows

• HVAC Tips & Tricks
• Indoor Air Quality
• About Trane
• Energy Savings
• Home Improvement
• Maintenance
• Press Releases
• Troubleshooting

How to Find the Best HVAC Near Me

Whether you’re new to the area, you’re a first-time homeowner, or you’ve never had a problem with your HVAC system before, there comes a time when you need to find the best HVAC service near you. If you’re in the Houston metro area or Miami, you might have a dozen HVAC companies to choose from within a 5-mile radius.

But if you’re in the middle of farm country, “HVAC near me” takes on a whole new meaning. Wherever you’re located, we’ve put together some pro tips to help you find an HVAC company you can trust.

Like finding a trusted mechanic, finding the right HVAC company is like finding a hidden gem. You want someone with experience, expertise, trustworthiness, good availability, expert customer service, and fair pricing.

We promise. These HVAC company unicorns exist. It just involves a little homework to find one. 

Finding HVAC Services Near You

The most common HVAC services include:

• Air conditioner repair 
• Air conditioning replacement
• Furnace repair
• Furnace installation
• Heat pump repair
• Heat pump installation

There are two main ways to find reputable HVAC services near you - Googling the service you need, and asking for recommendations. 

Google is Your Friend

You can Google any of those phrases in the bullet points above and the words “near me” and a list of companies will pop up, along with a map showing you where they are located. Before visiting websites, read through some of their reviews. 

You want a company with lots and lots of 4 and 5-star reviews. Read through the reviews to see what clients have to say about the company. 

Pay attention to any negative reviews as well. How did the company respond to try and make things right? You want an HVAC company that is well-respected and strives to achieve customer satisfaction.

Read through the company websites. Do they sound knowledgeable? Do they provide the exact service you need? If you need HVAC repairs, do they provide emergency service?

Get Recommendations

Another way to find trusted HVAC services near you is to ask friends, family, and neighbors who they use, and if they know of a company to avoid. NextDoor can also be a good site - but watch out for members who are promoting their own business without revealing that fact.

You can get recommendations before you start Googling, or you can get recommendations after you’ve looked through the HVAC companies near you. If you need AC repairs, your timeline for finding the right company likely won’t be as long as your timeline for a full HVAC system replacement. 

However much time you have, do this preliminary research. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC Company

When you’re evaluating an HVAC company, you need to consider a lot of factors. Some things to do while you’re deciding who to choose include:

• Make sure they are licensed.
• Ensure they are certified to work with and properly dispose of refrigerants.
• Look for NATE certification as an indicator of HVAC training and expertise
• Look for a company that’s been in business for at least 5 years and has experienced HVAC technicians.
• Read through customer reviews and testimonials, the good and the bad.
• Ask which HVAC systems they install if they don’t specify it on their website.
• Check out the labor warranties and equipment warranties.
• Compare quotes.

For that last item on comparing quotes - know that it is standard for HVAC companies to charge a repair service call fee just for driving to your house and walking in the door. For HVAC repair, many companies won’t give an estimate over the phone unless they have been able to remotely diagnose the problem through something like the Trane Home App . So you may opt to go with the company that can do the repairs first.

For HVAC installation services such as furnace replacement or heat pump installation where you are proactively seeking quotes, take your time. Interview multiple companies and compare quotes. If one quote is a lot lower than the others, ask why. The company may have left something out. 

Interact with the HVAC Technician or Company Representative

When an HVAC technician arrives at your home for air conditioning repair or furnace repair, be fully present. Make mental notes - did they arrive on time? Were they friendly? Were they polite?

Show them the HVAC system and feel free to hang around and ask questions. A good technician will explain to you what they are doing and why. When they discover the root of the problem, they may recommend more than one solution.

Ask any technical questions you have so that you fully understand the issues involved. Do they explain things simply in a way that’s easy to understand? If you’re satisfied with the work they do, consider leaving a review to help the next person choose the right HVAC company near them.

When Getting a Quote for a New System

When you’re getting a quote for a new system, make the same mental notes. In many cases, you may be speaking with the owner or co-owner of the company if it’s a small outfit. Or you may be speaking with a sales representative.

Are they knowledgeable? Do they go over more than one system (AC + furnace vs heat pump system)? Do they go over all of the tax credits, rebates, and financing options available? 

How a technician or other company representative interacts with you may seal the deal for your future business.

Develop a Relationship

Once you find an HVAC service near you that you’re happy with, develop a relationship with the company. Many heating and air companies have seasonal maintenance plans available for a relatively small cost. By signing up for HVAC maintenance, you help ensure your heating and cooling system will operate at peak performance. Plans generally include a spring AC tune-up and a fall furnace tune-up .

As a bonus, many HVAC contractors give existing customers top priority in emergencies such as heat waves and cold snaps. You might also be the first to hear about new money-saving offers.

Contact Your Local Comfort Specialist

Finding the best HVAC service near you doesn’t have to be hard. If you need HVAC repair or you’re looking to upgrade to a heat pump system, look no further than your local Trane Comfort Specialist™ to schedule repairs or a free consultation. Visit the link, enter your zip code, and get a list of some of the best HVAC companies near you.

Comfort Specialists have received Trane’s stamp of approval. These are independent HVAC contractors who are experts in servicing and maintaining Trane systems. They are also experts in new system sizing and helping you select the best products for your home and budget.

With a nationwide network, you’re sure to find the best HVAC service near you.

Related articles

Boost your HVAC knowledge

By pressing “submit,” I understand that I am providing express consent for Trane Residential  to contact me about this request or similar topics. I can unsubscribe and opt-out from future communications at any time. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Getting Started Guide

Learn helpful HVAC tips and tricks before you purchase your system.

Warranty & Registration

A healthy HVAC system can last longer and save money. Maintain your system with these tips.

Watch CBS News

Video of deadly fight that led to Apple River stabbing shown during opening arguments of Nicolae Miu trial

By Stephen Swanson , Jonah Kaplan , Riley Moser

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:15 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

UPDATE (11:15 a.m. on April 11)  — Nicolae Miu has been found guilty of multiple criminal charges, including homicide, in the 2022 Apple River stabbings in Wisconsin.  Read the updated story here.

HUDSON, Wis. — Investigators say video from July 2022 shows  Nicolae Miu  being pushed and hit by a group of tubers on the river before he stabbed five people, killing 17-year-old  Isaac Schuman . The victims ranged in age from 17 to 24 and were from Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The trial for a 54-year-old Prior Lake man accused of killing a teen and stabbing four others on the Apple River in Wisconsin nearly two years ago began on Monday. 

Witnesses said Miu was initially in the river with goggles and a snorkel. A group of tubers accused of him of looking at young girls underwater, but Miu told investigators he was looking for a friend's missing cellphone.

RELATED:  Man charged with stabbing tubers in Wisconsin says he's hired one of Kyle Rittenhouse's attorneys

The prosecution argues that Miu was the aggressor by stabbing five people. A knife, believed to belong to Miu, was later recovered by officers on the river bank.

Miu's defense attorneys, though, see it much differently, saying the teens taunted him, then surrounded him, and Miu was fighting for his life. 

He is charged with first-degree intentional homicide in Schuman's death, and attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the stabbings of Ryhley Mattison, A.J. Martin, Dante Carlson and Tony Carlson. He pleaded not guilty to all charges in September 2022.

If convicted, Miu could be sentenced to life in prison.

Opening statements

The prosecution

The trial began with the opening statement from state prosecutor Karl Anderson, who called the deadly attack "senseless and horrific."

"All Nicolae had to do was walk away," Anderson said. "He eventually did walk away, but not after stabbing five people."

Anderson showed several screenshots from two videos taken by one of the members of Schuman's group, identified as Jawahn C.

Anderson said a member of Miu's group named Ariel dropped his cellphone in the river. Ariel said it wasn't that big of a deal because he had insurance, but Miu insisted on trying to retrieve it.

Miu approached Schuman's group. In the first video, approximately nine seconds in length, Jawahn C. is heard yelling "(Miu) says he's looking for little girls!"  

In the second video, Miu is shown running towards Schuman's group.

A group of adult tubers, identified as the Carlson group, then came over to intervene. The Schuman group is heard cheering when they arrive.

While showing several screenshots from the second video, which is almost 3 minutes and 30 seconds long, Anderson underlined that audio in the video indicates Miu was asked more than 20 times by the Schuman and Carlson groups to go away.

In the several screenshots, Anderson noted that before the physical confrontations begin, Miu appeared to be "smirking" while holding his knife low by his side. Anderson also stated that at no point did Miu speak or tell anyone to get back, and he didn't step back or walk away from the groups.  

Anderson said the first time the confrontation turned physical was when Miu punched a member of the Carlson group named Madison. Another member of the group, Dante Carlson, then punched Miu, causing him to fall into the shallow river.

Anderson said in a 25-second span, Miu then stabbed four members of the Carlson group: A.J. Martin, Ryhley Mattison, Dante Carlson and Tony Carlson. Miu also fatally stabbed Schuman, who suffered wounds to his torso, chest and heart.

"You don't see anyone besides Nicolai with a weapon. You don't see the boys touch Nicolai until after stabbings start," Anderson said.

Anderson said no one in either group was initially aware that Miu was stabbing people until they saw Martin in the water, who had been disemboweled. Anderson also pointed out that Miu had his knife's blade pointed upwards in the attacks.  

Afterward, Anderson said Miu walked back to his tubing group and told them "they took his knife." Several members of Miu's group called 911 to say several people were hurt, but they said they didn't know what happened. His group stayed at a sandbar until law enforcement arrived. One member of his group also helped some of the victims before speaking with police.

Anderson said Jawahn C. took a screenshot of Miu from the video and gave it to law enforcement, who quickly disseminated it. Employees then spotted Miu and alerted deputies, who then took Miu — who was then clothed and wearing a hat and sunglasses — into custody. Anderson said members of Miu's group protested his arrest, saying they "had the wrong guy."

Anderson said when Miu was in the back of a squad car at the scene, he allegedly said to the sheriff, "What's going on? I hear somebody got stabbed and I fit the description." Miu was then told he was under arrest for homicide and attempted murder.  

When he was interviewed later by law enforcement, Anderson said Miu was surprised to find there was video of the attacks. He told investigators he didn't have a knife, but members of Schuman's group were armed with knives. Miu allegedly said they knocked off his goggles and snorkel and threw them in the water and they tried to pull his pants down.

"I just grabbed the kid's knife. I didn't even know if I was holding it right. I just grabbed it from him because he tried to poke me with it, so, I feared for my life," Miu said, according to a transcript shown in a slide by Anderson.  

Anderson said Miu went on to tell investigators that he didn't know where the knife was that he used to defend himself with, but later a member from Miu's group told investigators they saw him "throw something onto shore before walking back to their group."

Anderson said when investigators told him four people were hurt and one died, Miu allegedly said, "Was that because they fought each other?"

Investigators later recovered Miu's knife on a river bank, and it tested positive for DNA from some of the victims.  

The defense

Defense attorney Aaron Nelson's opening statement repeatedly hammered home that Miu stabbed the other tubers in self-defense because he feared for his life.

Nelson began his statements with biographical details on Miu, who grew up in Romania and immigrated to the U.S. as a teen. He said Miu speaks several languages and described him as an "intelligent" and "peaceful" man.

He also emphasized that Miu was an "unfit 260-pound man" who had undergone a quadruple bypass surgery two years before the deadly encounter.  

Nelson said Miu only brought his knife at the request of a friend so they could use it to cut the twine needed to connect the group's tubes before they coasted down the river. He said Miu likes to snorkel and brought his equipment, eventually using it to find his friend's phone.

Nelson described Schuman's group as "drunk teens" who were "smoking stuff." He also said Schuman's autopsy results revealed he had a blood alcohol level of .219, and his friends later told investigators Schuman was the most sober one in their group that day.

Nelson said the group began to "heckle" and "humiliate" Miu based on his appearance and loudly accused him of being a "raper" who was "looking for little girls." Nelson also pointed out that there were no "little girls" near the groups during the altercation.  

He said Miu began to run towards Schuman's group because he saw one of them hold up what he believed to be the cellphone he was searching for, and dropped his goggles and snorkel into the river in the process.

Nelson accused Schuman's group of then threatening Miu with physical harm.

"'You got 10 seconds,' that's what that group of drunk teenagers says to that old man," Nelson said.

He said Miu then began to walk towards the Carlson group to appeal to them, but the group was immediately hostile. Nelson said an older member of the Carlson group, Quentin Carlson, later told investigators that he sent his sons Tony and Dante over to Miu and the Schuman group because he worried "the old guy" was going to get hurt.  

Nelson said Carlson's group was swayed by the Schuman group's claims that Miu was a "predator" looking for "little girls," and Miu was then soon surrounded.

"They got a crowd. They told lies to make the crowd angry," Nelson said. "Nick Miu standing in the river with 13 strangers. Thirteen drunk, angry strangers. Thirteen against one. They yelled and they screamed in order to attract a crowd."

Nelson said there were inconsistencies between the parties involved in their respective interviews over whether Miu punched, slapped or pushed a member of Carlson's party named Madison, which led to Miu being knocked into the river by Dante Carlson.  

"When he tries to get up out of the water, they attack him in the front, smack him across the front of the face while somebody comes from behind and starts pushing him down. And that moment he feared for his life and he responded with self-defense," Nelson said.

He said Miu then began to make "quick, short jab motions" with his knife towards the mob.

"When people attacked Miu, he responded," Nelson said.

Nelson then showed three images of what appeared to be Schuman strangling Miu, which he said caused Miu to fall backward and fatally stab Schuman by accident.

"I'm sure (Schuman) was a wonderful man, wonderful human being. We're going to hear a lot about him, but in this moment, on this day, on that river, when he was drunk, he tried to strangle Nick Miu," Nelson said.

Nelson said after the stabbings, Miu tossed the knife because he was "suffering from shock and trauma."

The first witness

Ryan Nelson was the first witness called by the prosecution.

Nelson said he was positive that Miu started the fight when he hit Madison.

"It looked like he struck her definitively with his right hand," Nelson said.

During an intense cross-examination, defense attorneys challenged Nelson's memory of events. 

The trial continues on Tuesday at St. Croix County Courthouse in Hudson, Wisconsin.

• Deadly Stabbing

Stephen Swanson is a web producer at WCCO. A 20-year station veteran, Stephen was a floor director for a decade before moving to the newsroom, where he focuses on general assignment reporting.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

Verdict possible Thursday in Nicolae Miu's Apple River stabbing trial

Day 8 of Nicolae Miu's Apple River stabbing trial features closing arguments; case handed to jury

Nicolae Miu found guilty of 6 charges in Apple River stabbing trial

Sisters of LeeAnna Warner, Chisholm girl who vanished 21 years ago, hope new photo will yield answers