Celebrate International Day of Friendship with 6 Lively Destinations Perfect for Group Getaways

“A good friend listens to your adventures, a best friend makes them with you…”

International Day of Friendship is set to be celebrated around the world on 30 July. But it’s clear that friendship isn’t only celebrated one day a year as recent research from Booking.com reveals that a third of travelers are planning to travel with a group of friends in 2018*.

Krakow, Poland

As one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow is a city that has boldly withstood the tides of history and has come out on top. Medieval and modern architecture coexist in organic harmony with the natural world; from its mountainous backdrop to the cosmopolitan bustle of Market Square, the city’s central square where friends gather and meander. And if you and your friends are craving some traditional street food, then visit one of the little stalls in the Plac Nowy neighborhood which sells “zapiekanka”, an open-faced sandwich topped with sautéed mushrooms and cheese. An abundance of apartment style accommodations and one of the most affordable destinations in Europe are additional benefits for group travel in Krakow.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Smells assault the senses, traffic buzzes all around and vendors jostle for attention at every turn. On the other hand, it’s a city with a serene soul – full of imperial temples and beaming smiles from some of the world’s friendliest people. Wander with your friends and mingle with tourists and locals at the Chatuchak weekend market, which gathers more than 200,000 visitors a day, or spend some time at the Saphan Phut night market, a perfect spot for after-dark shopping, snacking or just catching up.

Barcelona, Spain

Home to a glorious climate, lively beach culture and countless Gaudí masterpieces, this beautiful destination is a kaleidoscope of taste and color. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to spend the day with your friends, wandering in the ancient alleyways lined with shops and bars, while the colourful La Rambla area, with the charismatic street performers and pavement cafés, is perfect for watching the friendly locals pass by.

New York City, USA

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – no other city quite captures the United States of America’s founding principles. Ripe with anticipation, every turn reveals something new and unexpected. Discover the city where some of the most popular television shows and movies of all times took place, and hang out with your very own F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside one of the city’s world-class museums, at one of the many breathtaking theater performances or just find your own cozy neighborhood cafe to talk about your dreams and next adventures.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is full of splendid cathedrals, parks and bridges and leaves a living, breathing and awe-inspiring legacy of Peter the Great, who built the city after feeling inspired by the charming streets and canals of Amsterdam. If you and your friends are interested in culture and appreciate the local flare, than this is the perfect place for you as the city is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site with multiple historical architectural complex as well as thousands of stunning individual monuments. Why not take a group tour to see all the historic landmarks and fascinating cultural heritage?

Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the best places in the world for deep cultural immersion. From ancient ruins to modern art and architecture, no matter your interest, there is something to see and enjoy in Rome. In between sightseeing among the show-stopping Pantheon, Colosseum and Roman Forum, don’t forget to enjoy gelato from one of the cities many gelaterias. The popular Piazza di Spagna is a great place to people watch or take notes from the fashionistas exiting Via dei Condotti. Before you leave, be sure to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you and your friends will come back to this stunning city.

* Based on research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 56,727 respondents were surveyed (2000+ from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the US, and 1000+ each from Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, and New Zealand). Respondents completed an online survey in October 2017.