6 Hidden Gems for Group Travel: Explore the World With Friends

Group travel is a fantastic way to create unforgettable memories, share costs, and explore the world with your closest friends. Whether you're backpacking, interrailing, or planning an adventurous getaway, travelling in a group offers unique experiences without breaking the bank. To spark your curiosity, we’ve rounded up group adventure destinations, including hidden gems you may not have considered.

1. Albania – The Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Gem

Albania offers stunning beaches, mountains, and charming towns at a fraction of Mediterranean prices. This hidden gem is perfect for travellers looking to experience the beauty of the Adriatic without the crowds or high prices of destinations like Greece, Italy or Croatia.

Highlights: Relax on the white-sand beaches of Ksamil, often referred to as the "Ionian Pearl,". Explore the natural beauty of the Blue Eye Spring, a natural phenomenon or wander through the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Gjirokastër.

Why it’s great for groups: Affordable accommodation options, inexpensive transport, and scenic road trips make it ideal for sharing costs and adventures with friends.

2. Georgia – Adventure in the Caucasus

Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia offers breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. Combining ancient history with modern vibrancy, offering something for every traveller.

Highlights: Wander the streets of Tbilisi and experience its architecture as well as bustling cafes and great nightlife. Head to Kazbegi for dramatic mountain views and hiking opportunities or visit Kakheti, Georgia’s wine region, where you can enjoy tastings and spectacular sunsets.

Why it’s great for groups: Guesthouses are an affordable option and with a range of activities available, Georgia ensures a memorable and budget-friendly group trip.

3. Peru – Beyond Machu Picchu

While Machu Picchu steals the spotlight, Peru offers so much more. Located in South America, Peru is an adventurer’s dream, boasting stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. From the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, Peru blends ancient history and natural beauty for every traveller.

Highlights: Journey to the colourful Rainbow Mountain, a breathtaking natural wonder. Thrill-seekers will love the desert oasis of Huacachina, where sandboarding and dune buggy rides are group favourites. In Arequipa, nicknamed the "White City" for its stunning sillar stone buildings, explore the nearby Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world

Why it’s great for groups: With its combination of natural beauty, rich history, and affordable options, Peru promises an unforgettable experience for group travellers, with something for everyone to enjoy.

4. Vietnam – South East Asia’s Backpacker Heaven

Vietnam is a favourite among backpackers, offering diverse landscapes, deep history, and unbeatable affordability. From Hanoi in the north to the laid-back south, Vietnam blends urban energy with peaceful escapes.

Highlights: Sail through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay on a group cruise, marvelling at the towering limestone karsts. In Hội An, stroll through lantern-lit streets, whilst shopping for tailored clothing, or enjoy cooking classes that teach you to recreate Vietnamese delicacies.

Why it’s great for groups: Vietnam’s affordability is unmatched, with inexpensive street food, budget-friendly accommodations, and group discounts on tours and transport. It’s a destination where groups can experience luxury without the price tag.

5. Guatemala – The Heart of Central America's Adventures

For groups seeking adventure and culture, Guatemala delivers with its captivating landscapes and Mayan heritage. This hidden gem is ideal for groups exploring ruins, volcanoes, and vibrant culture at lower prices.

Highlights: Explore the ancient ruins of Tikal, where towering temples rise above the jungle canopy, offering a glimpse into the past. Take a boat ride across the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanic peaks and charming villages perfect for group exploration. Thrill-seekers can climb active volcanoes like Pacaya or Acatenango, where the views are worth every step.

Why it’s great for groups: Budget-friendly hostels and inexpensive street food make Guatemala an attractive option for group travel.

6. Morocco – Exotic and Accessible

Morocco’s culture and affordability make it a fantastic group destination. From Marrakech to the Sahara, Morocco blends history, nature, and adventure at lower cost.

Highlights: Shop in Marrakech’s bustling souks which provide endless excitement, or embark on a shared camel trek into the Sahara Desert, camping under the stars in traditional Berber tents. For surfers and beach lovers, Essaouira is a laid-back coastal town with plenty of charm. Don’t forget Moroccan cuisine, which is best enjoyed in groups, with tagines, meats, couscous, and mint tea perfect for sharing.

Why it’s great for groups: With its affordable accommodations, group-friendly activities, and warm hospitality, Morocco is an unmissable destination for group travellers.

Tips for Group Travel Success

Share Costs: Use apps like Splitwise and Monzo to manage group expenses and keep costs fair throughout the trip.

Stay Flexible: Plan together so everyone’s voice is heard. Also leave room for spontaneity and unexpected adventures that make the trip memorable.

Get Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential for group trips. For peace of mind against disruptions, you can receive cover for disruptions, medical emergencies, and lost belongings. So everyone can relax and enjoy the experience.

Record Your Adventures: Create shared photo albums to document your journey together, capturing memories you can all look back on and relive with fondness long after the trip ends.

Group travel is about creating shared memories with your closest friends and enjoying the world without straining your wallet. These destinations offer incredible experiences at budget-friendly prices, ensuring everyone in your group gets the most out of the adventure. Don’t forget to prioritise travel insurance for peace of mind, so you can focus on the journey and not the what-ifs. Get a quote with Alpha Travel Insurance here.