Auckland,
15
May
2019
|
12:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Celebrate International Day of Friendship with Six 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*. Recognizing this, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting six beautiful destinations recommended as destinations that are even better when traveling in a group. So grab your mates, pack your bags and get ready to collect unique moments with your favorite people. After all, isn’t that what traveling is all about?

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.

Where to stay: Feldmana 6 Apartments offers spacious accommodation ideal for a group of friends who want to spend their stay in Krakow together. The apartment’s modern living room or fully-equipped kitchen are the perfect place to reconnect while relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing.

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.

 

Where to stay: Renovated from a traditional shop house, Vera Nidhra is a boutique bed and breakfast located in Bangkok’s Old Town. Before discovering the city’s hidden gems, you can spend time with your friends in one of the property’s stylish common areas. 

Barcelona, Spain

Home to a glorious climate, lively beach culture and countless Gaudí masterpieces, this beautiful destinations is a kaleidoscope of taste and color. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to spend the day with your friends, wondering 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.

 

Where to stay: Centrally located in Barcelona, between the vibrant Rambla de Catalunya and Aribau streets, each of the modern BCN Rambla Catalunya Apartments features a cozy living room where you and your friends can relax after a day of sightseeing, bar hoping and tapas tasting.

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.

Where to stay: Located within walking distance from the iconic SoHo, Greenwich Village and Union Square neighborhoods, the historic brownstone East Village Apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi to post stunning Instagram pictures with your friends from the City that Never Sleeps.

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?

Where to stay: Staying in a hostel while traveling with friends can be a great opportunity to meet new people from around the world. The Hostel Chickadee is set on a historical building and is walking distance the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The fully equipped kitchen is a great place to come together and cook a delicious meal with your friends.

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.

Where to stay: Just a short walk from the Colosseum, Amazing Colosseo offers modern self-catering accommodation for up to a group of eight. Featuring a cinema room and a pool table, this spacious apartment is perfect for a fun trip with friends in the heart of the Eternal City. Wake up to the spectacular views of one of Italy’s most visited monuments and enjoy a nice cup of coffee before walking in the shadows of hundreds of ancient monuments.