The world invites you to experience mindblowing adventures and witness places that will take your breath away. You might have scribbled down some places you are dreaming of visiting – putting them into your bucket list. As a group travel platform, we have seen our travelers making their travel dreams come true with friends – long-term besties or strangers they have just met in our community. Ticking off a travel bucket list with friends is a life-changing experience, in which you are creating lifelong memories and strengthening your friendship over adrenaline-rushing adventures.
If you haven’t created a bucket list or are looking for crazier, more challenging adventures, you have landed on the right blog. Our expert travelers have compiled a list of travel bucket lists that are better to tick off with friends.
1. See the New Seven Wonders of the World
Let’s start with a series of legendary destinations that never lose their crown. The New Seven Wonders of the World showcase humankind’s creativity and legacy, making them unmissable for passionate travelers. TripLeader Katharina, who has traveled to 90+ countries, mentioned that visiting Petra in Jordan still blew her mind. “There are tons of amazing places around the world, but visiting the Seven Wonders hits different. It is like making your childhood dream come true – finally visiting places you can only see in photos,” she said.
Collectively, our community has visited every New Seven Wonders of the World. Strangers, who gradually became friends, got swept away by Petra’s magnificent facade, the Pyramid of Giza’s mysteries, and Machu Picchu’s excellent beauty. This travel bucket list with friends screams ‘core memory’.
2. Hunt the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights dancing in the cold polar sky is a moment that will make you teary-eyed. Although they are magical, the journey to hunt them is far from easy. TripLeader Chris, who hosts trips for young travelers in Finland, explained that the Northern Lights arrive at unpredictable times and varying intensities. Also, some of the Northern Lights viewing spots look like remote wilderness and freezing tundra.
“Chasing auroras during the winter with your friends is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The inside jokes and the reality that your friends are there with you kick away the cold,” said TripLeader Windy – JoinMyTrip’s expert traveler of three years, recalling her past trip to Finland. So, make sure to add chasing Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands, Sweden, Iceland, or Norway to your bucket list!
3. Go on an Epic Road Trip
Every friend group needs at least one legendary road trip story. Renting a car and exploring scenic routes—whether along the Amalfi Coast, Iceland’s Ring Road, or the Balkans—means full freedom, constant laughter, and endless music playlists.
4. Hop on an Icebreaker Cruise
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an icebreaker cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is unbeatable. Imagine cutting through thick ice, spotting penguins or polar bears, and stepping foot on some of the most remote places on Earth. It’s the kind of adventure you’ll talk about for decades.
5. See Wild Animals on a Safari Excursion
A safari is one of the most awe-inspiring bucket-list experiences you can share with others. Seeing elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes in their natural habitat creates a sense of wonder that stays with you forever. Going with your friends makes it even more exciting.
6. Learn How to Surf
Learning how to surf is not just about standing on a board—it’s the whole vibe. Sunrise sessions, wetsuits, sandy hair, and cheering each other on as you finally catch that wave. Whether it’s Bali, Portugal, or Costa Rica, surf destinations are social, energetic, and super fun for a group.
7. Meet Local or Indigenous Communities
Traveling becomes even more meaningful when you learn directly from the people who call a place home. Visiting Indigenous communities—whether in Southeast Asia, the Amazon, or East Africa—gives you a chance to understand traditions, listen to stories, and see life through a different lens. Going with friends makes the experience even more powerful, as you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned together.
8. Soak Up the Sun in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is the definition of paradise—perfect for a milestone trip with your closest friends. Imagine swimming in crystal-clear lagoons, sleeping in overwater bungalows, snorkeling with rays, or sailing between postcard-perfect islands. It’s expensive, yes, but unforgettable and worth saving for.
9. Hike the Everest Basecamp
Everest Basecamp is one of the world’s most iconic treks. It’s physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, and doing it with friends makes every step feel more motivating. You’ll trek through Himalayan villages, cross suspension bridges, and watch the scenery change dramatically as you climb higher. Reaching Basecamp together is the ultimate “we did it!” moment.
10. Try Dog-Sledding
Dog-sledding looks like something from a winter movie, but you can actually experience it in destinations like Finland, Sweden, Iceland, or Norway. Imagine gliding through snow-covered forests with a team of energetic huskies pulling you forward while your friends cheer from their sleds. It’s thrilling, wholesome, and a true bucket-list moment.
11. Hit Europe’s Most Gorgeous Hiking Trails
If your group loves nature, Europe’s hiking scene is pure paradise. From the rugged peaks of the Dolomites to the iconic Swiss Alps and the spiritual Camino de Santiago, there’s a trail for every level. Hiking with friends makes the journey more motivating and meaningful. You will encourage each other, share breathtaking viewpoints, and earn your post-hike meals together.
12. Backpack Around Southeast Asia
Backpacking Southeast Asia is practically a rite of passage for adventurous friend groups. Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Cambodia offer beaches, culture, night markets, temples, and incredible street food—all at a budget-friendly price.
13. Discover Central Asia
If your crew is craving for undiscovered and raw destinations, Central Asia should be on your bucket list. The region surprises almost every traveler who visits. The blend of ancient Silk Road heritage, Islamic architecture, mountain landscapes, and warm hospitality creates a unique travel experience that most people have never even considered. Imagine walking through the blue-domed cities of Uzbekistan, camping in Kyrgyzstan’s lush valleys, or exploring futuristic Almaty in Kazakhstan with your friends.
14. Explore Eastern Europe
Some travelers – including me – love to discover ‘niche’ and unique destinations more than the popular ones. If you consider yourself one, traveling to Eastern Europe will satisfy your adventurous soul. Eastern Europe is the perfect mix of affordability, culture, and incredible scenery.
Countries like the Czech Republic and Poland take you traveling in time with their medieval towns, centuries-old monuments, and fairytale castles. Then, countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro will surprise you with their natural landscapes consisting of flawless beaches, epic mountains, and more. Aside from the cultural and natural attractions, Eastern Europe becomes a comfortable place to travel due to its affordable prices. It is cheaper than traveling to Western Europe, offering a perfect destination for young travelers and backpackers.
15. Visit the Caribbean
The Caribbean is for groups who want a mix of adventure and pure relaxation. With warm turquoise waters, jungly landscapes, colorful towns, and boat tours everywhere, there’s always something to do. Whether you’re exploring Jamaica’s waterfalls or sunbathing in Barbados, the vibe is always chill and welcoming.
16. Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Turkey
Cappadocia’s sunrise hot air balloons are something straight out of a dream. Hundreds of colorful balloons float above rock formations and valleys, lighting up the early morning sky. Going with friends makes the moment even more magical—you’ll have photos you’ll treasure forever and a memory that feels cinematic.
17. Go on a Ski Trip
A ski trip with friends is the ultimate winter escape. Even if not everyone skis or snowboards, there’s something for everyone—mountain views, cozy chalets, mulled wine, hot tubs, and après-ski nights that turn strangers into close travel buddies. Picture yourself hitting the slopes in Austria, France, Switzerland, or Andorra, then ending the day with laughter by the fireplace.
Best Ski Destinations – picked by our travelers:
- Andorra
- Kitzbuhel, Austria
18. Take a Cooking Class in a Foreign Country
Nothing brings people together like food. Taking a cooking class abroad means learning from locals, tasting fresh ingredients, and picking up new skills you’ll actually use back home. Imagine rolling sushi in Japan, cooking pasta in Italy, or learning spice blends in Morocco.
19. Toast at the Oktoberfest in Germany
Oktoberfest is one of the world’s most iconic festivals and absolutely belongs on your travel bucket list with friends. Imagine giant tents filled with music, locals dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits, and steins of beer bigger than your head. Whether you’re dancing on tables or sharing a pretzel the size of your face, the atmosphere is unforgettable.
20. Experience Dia de Muertos in Mexico
Día de Muertos is not just a festival; it’s a heartfelt cultural tradition filled with colors, symbolism, and community spirit. Streets come alive with marigolds, candles, painted faces, parades, and altars honoring loved ones. It’s emotional, joyful, and visually stunning—an experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who attends.
21. Experience Rio Carnival in Brazil
If you’re looking for the ultimate “life is too short” trip, Rio Carnival is it. Think samba parades, beach days, vibrant street parties, and energy that doesn’t stop until sunrise. Carnival is best enjoyed with friends—more people to dance with, more reasons to celebrate, and more memories to take home.
22. Dance the Night Away in a Full Moon Party
Photo by TripLeader Timo
23. Spend the Summer in Greece
Greece is a friend-group paradise in summer. The combination of whitewashed villages, turquoise waters, beach clubs, delicious food, and golden sunsets makes it feel like a dream. You can island-hop around the Cyclades, rent a car in Crete, or join a sailing trip where you wake up in a new bay every morning.
24. Book a Spontaneous City Break Trip
Not all bucket-list experiences need months of planning. Sometimes the most memorable trips come from booking a spontaneous getaway. Pick a weekend, choose a city—Vienna, Porto, Berlin, Copenhagen—and hop on a plane. Exploring a new place with friends (or joining a group trip if your friends are busy) always leads to fun stories and unexpected discoveries.
25. Book a Wellness or Healing Retreat
Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you slow down and reconnect—with nature, with yourself, and with your friends. Wellness retreats are becoming more popular for friend groups looking to recharge. Think yoga by the ocean, meditation in the forest, thermal baths, spa rituals, or even breathwork workshops. It’s the perfect reset before heading back to reality.
Ready to Check Off Your Travel Bucket List with Friends?
From festivals to mountain peaks, from tropical seas to frozen landscapes, the world is full of unforgettable experiences waiting for you and your friends. And if your own group can’t match your schedule, JoinMyTrip has ready-made group adventures led by passionate TripLeader so you just join and enjoy!