17 Great Getaways for Groups on a Budget

by Christina Garofalo

17 Great Getaways for Groups on a Budget

by Christina Garofalo

Group vacations make memories that last a lifetime, but choosing the right destination is key. These 17 places offer group-friendly activities and accommodations, while remaining easy to navigate and — most importantly — easy on the wallet. Here are the best trips for groups on a budget.

Group vacations make memories that last a lifetime, but choosing the right destination is key. These 17 places offer group-friendly activities and accommodations, while remaining easy to navigate and — most importantly — easy on the wallet. Here are the best trips for groups on a budget.

17
Lake Tahoe / iStock / eddiehernandezphotography
Oahu, HI
1 of 17
Oahu, HI

Hawaii’s most populous island offers exotic landscapes without the challenges or costs of traveling abroad. Travelers of all ages and interests will find something they like — whether it’s snorkeling, surfing, hiking, or hula. Plus, all beaches are free to the public. Even better? We found Airbnbs from under $100 per night.

Read more: 7 Cool Cultural Experiences You Can Try on Oahu

Hawaii’s most populous island offers exotic landscapes without the challenges or costs of traveling abroad. Travelers of all ages and interests will find something they like — whether it’s snorkeling, surfing, hiking, or hula. Plus, all beaches are free to the public. Even better? We found Airbnbs from under $100 per night.

Read more: 7 Cool Cultural Experiences You Can Try on Oahu

Asheville, NC
2 of 17
Asheville, NC

Spacious Airbnb rentals with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop make a cozy setting for a group gathering. Make a good playlist as you drive through the winding country roads. Corral the group for hiking or rafting, or — those who prefer a more relaxed retreat — book a hot air balloon ride and indulge in the area’s excellent bars and restaurants.

Read more: Asheville, NC Is The Coolest Town You've Not Visited

Spacious Airbnb rentals with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop make a cozy setting for a group gathering. Make a good playlist as you drive through the winding country roads. Corral the group for hiking or rafting, or — those who prefer a more relaxed retreat — book a hot air balloon ride and indulge in the area’s excellent bars and restaurants.

 

Read more: Asheville, NC Is The Coolest Town You've Not Visited

Newport, RI
3 of 17
Newport, RI

Just three and a half hours by car from NYC, this quaint seaside city is largely walkable — making it easy to navigate without coordinating the use of a car. It’s within minutes of lovely free beaches and the mansion-lined Cliff Walk, as well as whale-watching and deep-sea fishing. Casual seafood eateries and a lively bar scene are well-suited to groups, as are affordable vacation rentals (read: under $200 per night in shoulder season!). 

Read more: What to See, Do, and Eat in Newport, RI

Just three and a half hours by car from NYC, this quaint seaside city is largely walkable — making it easy to navigate without coordinating the use of a car. It’s within minutes of lovely free beaches and the mansion-lined Cliff Walk, as well as whale-watching and deep-sea fishing. Casual seafood eateries and a lively bar scene are well-suited to groups, as are affordable vacation rentals (read: under $200 per night in shoulder season!). 

Read more: What to See, Do, and Eat in Newport, RI

Montreal, Quebec, Canada
4 of 17
Montreal, QC

A group trip to Europe is hard to plan (let alone schedule). Fortunately, nearby Montreal delights Francophiles with decadent restaurants, charming wine bars, European-style markets, and, of course, the chance to parle français. The shopping and dining scene — plus attractions like the Montreal Botanical Gardens — are great for groups. Airbnbs are available for under $100 per night, too.

Read more: A Design Lover's Guide to Montreal

A group trip to Europe is hard to plan (let alone schedule). Fortunately, nearby Montreal delights Francophiles with decadent restaurants, charming wine bars, European-style markets, and, of course, the chance to parle français. The shopping and dining scene — plus attractions like the Montreal Botanical Gardens — are great for groups. Airbnbs are available for under $100 per night, too.

Read more: A Design Lover's Guide to Montreal

Nashville, TN
5 of 17
Nashville, TN

In recent years, Music City has become a full-blown cultural hub. Here, Airbnb rentals can be found as low as $60 per night (depending on the season). From the Country Music Hall of Fame and honky-tonks on Broadway to the trendy eateries and cocktail bars of Germantown and East Nashville, there’s something for everyone.

Read more: What to See and Do In Nashville, Tennessee

In recent years, Music City has become a full-blown cultural hub. Here, Airbnb rentals can be found as low as $60 per night (depending on the season). From the Country Music Hall of Fame and honky-tonks on Broadway to the trendy eateries and cocktail bars of Germantown and East Nashville, there’s something for everyone.

Read more: What to See and Do In Nashville, Tennessee

6 of 17
Iceland

If you want to go international, Iceland can be easy and affordable for groups — especially in the winter, when flights and home rentals are extremely affordable (under-$100 Airbnbs, anyone?). And, with a couple of cars, groups can see epic waterfalls, healing hot springs, and colossal glaciers. 

Read more: 10 Icelandic Natural Wonders You Can See for Free

If you want to go international, Iceland can be easy and affordable for groups — especially in the winter, when flights and home rentals are extremely affordable (under-$100 Airbnbs, anyone?). And, with a couple of cars, groups can see epic waterfalls, healing hot springs, and colossal glaciers. 

Read more: 10 Icelandic Natural Wonders You Can See for Free

Costa Rica
7 of 17
Costa Rica

Although it’s a Spanish-speaking country, Costa Rica is easy to navigate. Large, luxurious home rentals — with upscale amenities like pools and hot tubs overlooking the water — are available from $100 per night or less, depending on the season. Additionally, from surfing and fishing to zip-lining and horseback riding, and endless pristine beaches — it's nearly impossible to be bored here.

Read more: What to See and Do in Costa Rica

Although it’s a Spanish-speaking country, Costa Rica is easy to navigate. Large, luxurious home rentals — with upscale amenities like pools and hot tubs overlooking the water — are available from $100 per night or less, depending on the season. Additionally, from surfing and fishing to zip-lining and horseback riding, and endless pristine beaches — it's nearly impossible to be bored here.

Read more: What to See and Do in Costa Rica

Hamptons, NY
8 of 17
The Hamptons, NY

Though the Hamptons are often associated with the elite, the mansions here are primed for large group getaways. The shops, bars, and restaurants in town offer a nice escape. Plus, it's possible that you and up to 20 of your closest family members or friends can score a centrally located house for around $1,000 per night in the off-season. Meanwhile, smaller groups can find comfortable accommodations for around $200 per night. 

Read more: 6 Ways to Get to the Hamptons (And What It'll Cost You)

Though the Hamptons are often associated with the elite, the mansions here are primed for large group getaways. The shops, bars, and restaurants in town offer a nice escape. Plus, it's possible that you and up to 20 of your closest family members or friends can score a centrally located house for around $1,000 per night in the off-season. Meanwhile, smaller groups can find comfortable accommodations for around $200 per night. 

 

Read more: 6 Ways to Get to the Hamptons (And What It'll Cost You)

Carnival Cruises, Saint Lucia
9 of 17
A Caribbean Cruise

Groups can enjoy the perks of an all-inclusive resort with the added bonus of experiencing several destinations and incredible excursions No need to coordinate transportation to/from activities or worry about splitting a check. If you know when to book and where to look, you can score a short, three-night cruise for under $400 per person. 

Read more: 3 Ways to Spend a 3-Night Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas

Groups can enjoy the perks of an all-inclusive resort with the added bonus of experiencing several destinations and incredible excursions No need to coordinate transportation to/from activities or worry about splitting a check. If you know when to book and where to look, you can score a short, three-night cruise for under $400 per person. 

 

Read more: 3 Ways to Spend a 3-Night Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas

Philadelphia, PA
10 of 17
Philadelphia, PA

The City of Brotherly Love may be compact, but it's certainly dense with culture and history. Popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, are easily accessible via public transit. The city also boasts excellent restaurants (some of which are BYOB!) and several art museums. Meanwhile, centrally located, high-end hotels can be found for around $200 per night (or less!).

Read more: How to Spend an Art-Filled Weekend in Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love may be compact, but it's certainly dense with culture and history. Popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, are easily accessible via public transit. The city also boasts excellent restaurants (some of which are BYOB!) and several art museums. Meanwhile, centrally located, high-end hotels can be found for around $200 per night (or less!).

 

Read more: How to Spend an Art-Filled Weekend in Philadelphia

Park City
11 of 17
Park City, UT

Ski trips make an epic group getaway, and there's no better place to go than Park City. Here, there's a perfect run for every skill level — plus enough shopping, bars, and restaurants to entertain the non-skiers in your group. In shoulder season, you'll find Airbnbs fit for large numbers from a few hundred dollars per night, and accommodations for smaller groups are available for even less.

Read more: How to Splurge and How to Save in Park City, Utah

Ski trips make an epic group getaway, and there's no better place to go than Park City. Here, there's a perfect run for every skill level — plus enough shopping, bars, and restaurants to entertain the non-skiers in your group. In shoulder season, you'll find Airbnbs fit for large numbers from a few hundred dollars per night, and accommodations for smaller groups are available for even less.

Read more: How to Splurge and How to Save in Park City, Utah

Sedona, AZ
12 of 17
Sedona, AZ

For a restorative retreat, Sedona offers everything from salt caves to vortexes, to yoga, hiking, and spas — plus a heap of affordable homes (from under $200 per night) with hot tubs, pools, and stunning views of the surrounding red rocks.

Read more: A One-Week Arizona Road Trip with Something for Everyone

For a restorative retreat, Sedona offers everything from salt caves to vortexes, to yoga, hiking, and spas — plus a heap of affordable homes (from under $200 per night) with hot tubs, pools, and stunning views of the surrounding red rocks.

Read more: A One-Week Arizona Road Trip with Something for Everyone

 

Playa del Carmen, Mexico
13 of 17
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Just an hour's drive from Cancun, Playa del Carmen offers the same group-friendly activities — swimming, snorkeling, excursions (including to Chichén Itzá) — sans the rowdy college crowds. The beaches are public, so you can skip the resort for a relaxing (and affordable!) oceanview rental, some of which clock in at under $100 per night.

Read more: Playa Del Carmen Two Ways, Budget and Luxury

Just an hour's drive from Cancun, Playa del Carmen offers the same group-friendly activities — swimming, snorkeling, excursions (including to Chichén Itzá) — sans the rowdy college crowds. The beaches are public, so you can skip the resort for a relaxing (and affordable!) oceanview rental, some of which clock in at under $100 per night.

Read more: Playa Del Carmen Two Ways, Budget and Luxury

Lake Tahoe
14 of 17
Lake Tahoe (CA or NV)

Lake Tahoe is a great, affordable option for groups year-round. In the winter, hit the slopes at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort; then, warm up with hot spiked cider and games by the fire. In summer, have everyone pitch in for a boat for the day or go on a scenic hike. While houses hover around $300 per night, smaller groups can find lodging for even less.

Read More: An Affordable Getaway in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
 

Lake Tahoe is a great, affordable option for groups year-round. In the winter, hit the slopes at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort; then, warm up with hot spiked cider and games by the fire. In summer, have everyone pitch in for a boat for the day or go on a scenic hike. While houses hover around $300 per night, smaller groups can find lodging for even less.

Read More: An Affordable Getaway in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
 

Orlando, FL
15 of 17
Orlando, FL

Most people hear Orlando and think of Walt Disney World, but the city offers plenty to see and do for travelers of all ages. Spend the requisite day in the parks, but then hit the trendy Milk District for vintage shopping and incredible bites. Come nighttime, head downtown to explore either the revitalized Church Street Station district or the Mills 50 neighborhood, where you can enjoy affordable, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. We found Airbnb rentals from $40 per night (depending on the season). 

Read more: 5 Quirky and Retro Attractions in Orlando

Most people hear Orlando and think of Walt Disney World, but the city offers plenty to see and do for travelers of all ages. Spend the requisite day in the parks, but then hit the trendy Milk District for vintage shopping and incredible bites. Come nighttime, head downtown to explore either the revitalized Church Street Station district or the Mills 50 neighborhood, where you can enjoy affordable, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. We found Airbnb rentals from $40 per night (depending on the season). 

Read more: 5 Quirky and Retro Attractions in Orlando

Lake Coeur d'Alene
16 of 17
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

This under-the-radar city — located about 40 minutes east of Spokane, Washington — offers something for everyone. From hiking and kayaking to shopping and dining. Spend a day or two by Lake Coeur d'Alene, where you can swim, fish, kayak, or partake in other water sports. Meanwhile, hikers will love the 3.3-mile Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail, which offers postcard-worthy views you have to see to believe. Downtown Coeur d'Alene offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options (The Garnet Café is a must!). Airbnbs are available from as low as $65 per night.

Read more: How to Visit Idaho's Affordable, Up-and-Coming Wine Country

This under-the-radar city — located about 40 minutes east of Spokane, Washington — offers something for everyone. From hiking and kayaking to shopping and dining. Spend a day or two by Lake Coeur d'Alene, where you can swim, fish, kayak, or partake in other water sports. Meanwhile, hikers will love the 3.3-mile Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail, which offers postcard-worthy views you have to see to believe. Downtown Coeur d'Alene offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options (The Garnet Café is a must!). Airbnbs are available from as low as $65 per night.

Read more: How to Visit Idaho's Affordable, Up-and-Coming Wine Country

Baton Rouge
17 of 17
Baton Rouge, LA

With a bustling culinary scene, fascinating history, and plenty of green space, Louisiana's capital city makes the perfect destination for your next group getaway. Start off by embarking on a group swamp tour — an absolute must! — before eating your way through the city (we recommend Umami for fresh Japanese fare, Zorba’s for authentic Greek cuisine, and Frank's for Cajun classics like hearty jambalaya). Airbnbs can be found for under $70. 

Read more: Here's How to Eat Like a Local in Baton Rouge

With a bustling culinary scene, fascinating history, and plenty of green space, Louisiana's capital city makes the perfect destination for your next group getaway. Start off by embarking on a group swamp tour — an absolute must! — before eating your way through the city (we recommend Umami for fresh Japanese fare, Zorba’s for authentic Greek cuisine, and Frank's for Cajun classics like hearty jambalaya). Airbnbs can be found for under $70. 

 

 

Up next...

10 Cozy Inns and B&Bs Perfect For A Romantic Winter Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
Go Back
Find The Best Cruises
Find a cruise

Find the best deals!

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices

Click on multiple sites to get the lowest prices