All photos: KoolShooters
Planning a big group holiday can be challenging, with different opinions about the best destinations and activities to keep everyone busy once you arrive. The good news is that there are plenty of options that the whole group will enjoy, regardless of interests or budgets.
For 2025 group holiday inspiration, check out our ideas on vacations, villas, and guided tours below.
Staycations & UK-Based Group Retreats
Domestic trips have surged in popularity in recent years as Brits have flocked to Cornwall, Norfolk, and Yorkshire's rugged coastlines and quaint market towns. These regions boast a range of large holiday homes, including converted barns, country manors, and even private castles, making them ideal for big groups.
At these self-catered properties, your group can enjoy games rooms and relax in jacuzzis during warm summer nights. Some offer outdoor swimming pools to avoid the chilly UK waters without the cost of going abroad. For a seaside adventure, consider a UK-based yacht charter along the Solent or the Cornwall coast for accommodation on the water.
- Large Villas & Villas with Activities in Europe
On the continent, there are dozens of towns and cities with large villa rentals that are suited for group holidays. In France, the Dordogne and Provence offer elegant stone villas with pools and on-site wine tastings. Spain's Andalusia and Costa Brava regions are renowned for their rustic fincas and modern villas, often featuring outdoor kitchens and terraces.
Tuscany and Umbria in Italy are go-to spots for those looking for an escape to the countryside. Your group can take cooking classes to master the local cuisine or go on bike tours along the rolling hills.
- Emerging International Destinations with Group-Friendly Flights
If you don't mind a longer flight, emerging international destinations are opening up to group travel thanks to direct routes. Several airlines are expanding long-haul options from UK airports, with destinations like Kenya now served directly from Gatwick.
Direct flights make it more affordable and more straightforward to plan safaris in the Maasai Mara or relax at Indian Ocean Resorts. Montenegro is an increasingly sought-after destination closer to home if you're after sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
- Active & Guided Group Tours: Coach, Rail & Adventure
Coach tours, escorted rail journeys, and guided adventure holidays are perfect for groups who prefer a structured trip. Companies like Leger Holidays offer multi-day coach tours across the UK and Europe for hassle-free travel and built-in itineraries.
For slow travel enthusiasts, Ffestiniog Travel specialises in scenic rail-based experiences. To explore the Highlands, you can opt for Wilderness Scotland's curated hiking, kayaking, or wildlife spotting guides.
How to Create a Shared Fund?
Setting up a "kitty" or a shared fund can be a game-changer for big group holidays, smoothing out countless small transactions and preventing awkward "who owes what?" moments. Instead of endlessly splitting restaurant bills, tracking individual snack purchases, or haggling over taxi fares, everyone contributes a set amount upfront into a communal pot. This fund then covers shared expenses like groceries for group meals, communal activities, shared transportation, or even a round of drinks for the whole crew. It simplifies budgeting, fosters a sense of collective ownership over expenses, and frees everyone up to simply enjoy the trip without the constant mental arithmetic of splitting bills.
Summary...
Don't let the logistics overshadow the excitement; embrace the challenge, delegate wisely, and get ready to embark on a shared journey that everyone will talk about for years to come. Happy travels, and here's to many more group adventures!
