Our Most Popular Destinations for Group Travel in 2017 and Beyond

It’s time to start planning your group travel for 2017, 2018, and even 2019! Our top “hot” destinations will certainly not disappoint the group traveller wanting a good mix of culture, history, fascinating natural landscapes, culinary delights, and of course, unique activities to satisfy everyone’s interests. From cuddling pandas to standing in awe on the site of ancient archeological wonders, the world awaits the “Globetrotting Groupie.” Let our GroupsOnly division help you discover your perfect group travel.

New Zealand

The land of the “Long White Cloud” is truly a group traveller’s dream destination. What’s not to like in New Zealand?

Cruise Auckland harbor – one of the most beautiful in the world
Stroll along fern-laden trails in a multitude of national parks
Watch in delight the playful antics of dolphins in stunning Milford Sound
Sip wine at a welcoming cellar door
Listen to the stories of the Maoris with bubbling mud and spouting geysers as your backdrop in Rotorua

The best part…when the snow is falling in North America, the heat is on in New Zealand!

Sample Group Itinerary:
The Way the World Should Be – New Zealand Rediscovered

Pride-of-Auckland-Sailing, New Zealand — Auckland skyline

China

The mysterious Middle Kingdom is on the radar of every group traveller. In fact, the World Tourism Organization projects that China will become the world’s most visited country by 2020. The iconic landmarks of Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, and Hong Kong are stalwarts of the group itinerary but there is so much more to see and experience in this vast and varied land:

Endearing pandas of Chengdu
Mystical landscapes of Guilin and the Li River
The ancient network of remote towns along the famed Silk Road
Finding your inner Buddha in Luoyang
Getting lost in the quaint historical city of Lijiang
Delving into the mysteries of Shangri La

Sample Group Itinerary:
Discover China Ethnic Minority History and Culture Tour

Group visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Xian

Ecuador

As the fastest growing group destination in South America, Ecuador has so much to offer as a “stand-alone” destination:

A well-known bucket list destination, Galapagos Islands, is a must-see inclusion on any group itinerary. The islands are blessed with a temperate climate and offer a multitude of unique experiences from expedition cruising, snorkelling, diving, and immersion into the fascinating natural history of the region.
Ecuador’s Amazon region beckons with its jungle lodges and cloud forests
the Andes stand tall, demanding innovative transportation such as the mountain switchback track of the Devils Nose Railway which will amaze even the most seasoned group traveller
Colonial towns of Cuenca and Quito, Ecuador’s capital, are charming places to visit
If the coast is a draw for your group, then be sure to include the modern, bustling town of Guayaquil, located on the Pacific Coast.

Sample Group Itinerary:
Ecuador in Depth

Quito Panorama, Ecuador — Quito panorama, Ecuador

Iceland

Increased accessibility from North America, combined with its remote location and relatively “untouched” culture and landscapes, has put Iceland on our list of fastest growing group travel destinations. Having film locations for the wildly popular Game of Thrones tv series has not hurt, neither has the recent attention of Iceland’s national soccer team who qualified for the first time to play in this year’s UEFA Euro 2016 – beating out England and making it all the way to the quarterfinals! No doubt, you will work with a group that will want to explore this tiny island country and all it has to offer:

The tiny capital of Reykjavik is Iceland’s largest city and gateway to a land filled with rugged, snow-capped mountain ranges, glistening glaciers, dramatic volcanic peaks, and a multitude of geothermal springs.
The summer season is the most popular time to visit, with milder temperatures and a sun that barely sets – perfect for any special group event!
Enjoy a group experience in the winter season, when the Northern Lights are spectacular, the Brennivin is flowing, and the thermal spas Iceland is famous for are ready for warming you up.

Sample Group Itinerary:
Nature of Iceland

Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland — The Northern Lights in Reykjavik

Ireland

The days of excruciating long hours spent travelling on a coach to “see” as much as possible in the shortest period of time are rapidly disappearing in this age of well-informed, active travellers wanting to immerse themselves into the cultural vibe of the country. There is no better place to embrace this desire than in the ”Emerald Isle.” With so many layers of history and “Irish-Only” cultural identities, Ireland offers a bountiful feast of activities and experiences for the immersive traveller:

For history buffs, relive a span of history from Medieval times through the Georgian and Victorian periods right up to the “troubles” of more recent times
Delve into the traditional folklore of fairies, fables, ghosts and ghouls
Discover the fascinating monastic settlements and churches of times past
Walk or cycle the “green” trails or stand in awe on a wild coastal cliff
Discover all the hearty, flavourful foods and warm spirits that are iconic to this special place.

Sample Group Itinerary:
Ireland – A Cultural Immersion

Shannon River Scenery in Limerick City, Ireland

South Africa

South Africa is made for groups. The country offers a kaleidoscope of experiences both cultural/historical and nature-based. From the battlefields of the Boer War to the struggle for freedom of apartheid; from the traditions of the native South Africans to the unique traditions of the Cape Malay, Indians and Afrikaners; from the stunning coastal regions to the high mountains to the famous game parks and wildlife, South Africa’s stunning array of experiences will not disappoint any traveller in a group: