Squad goals: 7 dream destinations that will transform your next group trip

You know the drill. Someone drops a vague “We should travel” into the group chat, and suddenly, everyone’s reacting with fire emojis, heart eyes, and that one friend who responds with “ANYWHERE BUT HERE”.

But then comes the eternal struggle: deciding where to go without it turning into a three-week debate over Airbnbs, budget, and who’s willing to sleep in a hostel.

To save your sanity and your friendships, here’s a little guide to the trips you can throw into the chat that will actually get a response. We’re talking locations that check the boxes for adventure, Instagrammable moments, good food, and minimal visa stress (because who wants to do paperwork before their holiday vibe even starts?).

The group photo paradise – Bali

This one’s for the squad that wants tropical sunsets, jungle adventures, and a bit of spirituality for good measure. Ubud is basically made for your flat-lay Instagram dreams, rice terraces, monkey forests and yoga retreats that smell faintly of incense and success.

Meanwhile, Seminyak has the kind of nightlife where your group can easily bond over cocktails that cost slightly too much but taste like happiness.

If your squad is into adventure, there’s surfing in Canggu (even if half of you just wipe out dramatically), scooter trips along hidden beaches, and the occasional waterfall trek.

Bali somehow balances chill vibes and adrenaline, which is why your group chat will finally stop sending memes and start sending plane tickets.

Pints, craic and zero visa stress – Dublin, Ireland  

For squads who want a mix of city charm and epic scenery, Dublin delivers. Pubs are basically cultural institutions, where your group will bond over Guinness and live music. 

Accommodation ranges from quirky Airbnbs in Georgian townhouses to modern city-centre hotels with rooftop bars.

If you want a bit of countryside, rent a cottage or a converted barn along the Wild Atlantic Way. Roads lined with cliffs, quaint villages, and endless green hills. And, of course, visa-free travel means no one’s stressing over forms.

Straight into a 'Mamma Mia' movie – Santorini, Greece 

Whitewashed buildings, endless blue seas, and sunsets so perfect they could break the Internet. It’s that kind of place where every corner screams “postcard energy” and makes your squad question if real life is meant to look this cinematic.

Stay in cliff-side villas that feel like a dream, boutique hotels in Oia with private terraces, or for budget-conscious crews, shared apartments in Fira still deliver the vibes and yes, the views.

Beyond the ‘gram, Santorini offers a smorgasbord of experiences. Take a private sailing trip around the caldera, jump off a boat into crystal-clear waters, or explore hidden black-sand beaches for a little peace away from the crowds. 

Adventure lovers can hike the trail from Fira to Oia, which snakes along the cliffs and gives you great views. History nerds (or anyone who likes a bit of drama) can explore the ruins of ancient Thera, climb old churches, or just imagine they’re in a Greek myth while wandering narrow cobblestone streets.

Santorini is a mix of luxury and accessibility, perfectly balanced for friend groups who want to feel like they’re living in a movie without going bankrupt.

Colourful and chill – Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is for squads who want culture, food and charm without the chaos of a massive city.

Alfama’s cobbled streets are basically made for wandering (and losing a friend or two in cute alleyways), LX Factory is a dream for artsy photos and quirky shopping, and the food? Pastéis de nata alone could ruin every other dessert you’ve ever eaten.

Accommodation here is just as colourful as the streets. Think rooftop Airbnbs with insane city views, boutique hotels tucked into historic buildings, or charming guesthouses. If your group wants to feel fancy but local, Lisbon nails it with options.

Beyond wandering and feasting, Lisbon balances chill with adventure. Take a tram up the hills for sweeping city vistas, day-trip to Sintra for castles and palaces that make you feel like royalty, or lounge at nearby beaches for a proper squad chill day.

Even the nightlife has range, rooftop bars for cocktails at sunset, fado clubs for dramatic music vibes, or quirky neighbourhood pubs where the locals are as colourful as the buildings.

Young, wild and free – Reykjavik, Iceland

For squads who live for epic landscapes, road trips, and bragging rights, Reykjavik is basically a natural playground.

Think geysers erupting like the world is showing off, waterfalls that make your phone weep with jealousy, volcanic craters, and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights dancing across the sky like a private light show for your squad.

Accommodation options are just as dramatic. Modern city-centre hotels are perfect for groups who want easy access to cafes, bars, and quirky streets. For the adventurous crew, cabins or Airbnbs outside town.

Bonus points if your cabin comes with a hot tub, because nothing says squad bonding like freezing hands and soaking in steamy water.

Activities are basically limitless. Drive the Golden Circle for geysers, waterfalls, and those epic Icelandic landscapes everyone pretends to have on their feed. Explore black-sand beaches, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon (or just pretend you’re in a spa ad), or hike glaciers if your group likes mildly terrifying adventures.

Food-wise, Reykjavik is full of quirky cafes and seafood spots that feel as Icelandic as the puffins, with the bonus of comfort food after a long day exploring.

If your friend group is the type that doesn’t flinch at the thought of actual winter and instead starts hyping up “Who wants to see real snow?” messages, then timing your Iceland trip for the Winter Lights Festival is peak wanderlust energy.

Adventure meets style – Cape Town, South Africa

Forget the obvious hikes; there’s more to do than just climbing a mountain.

Start with the coast: surf lessons at Muizenberg Beach are perfect for groups who want laughs, tumbles, and dramatic wipeouts (bonus: the friend who claims they “surf all the time” will inevitably eat sand).

For a more relaxed beach day, the hidden coves at Noordhoek or the quiet sands of Paternoster offer views, waves, and photo ops that scream “we’re living our best life” without the crowds.

For the culture squad, Bo-Kaap’s colourful streets are a must. Wander through the vibrant houses, pop into local spice shops, and try Cape Malay cuisine that’s bursting with flavour.

Don’t miss the District Six Museum or the Zeitz MOCAA for art and history that’s just as captivating as the scenery.

Accommodation in Cape Town is just as versatile as the activities. Think stylish boutique hotels in Sea Point or Gardens, quirky guesthouses in Bo-Kaap, or private coastal villas in Noordhoek for squads who want a pool, a terrace, and zero people judging your playlist.

Budget-conscious groups can still find charming hostels or Airbnbs with shared kitchens and living spaces perfect for late-night snack raids and wine-fuelled group chats.