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Large Group Travel Destinations That Work for 10 or More People
Updated: 3 days ago
The best large group travel destinations do three things: they're easy for everyone to reach, they have lodging that fits the whole group under one roof, and they keep people busy without a 14-stop itinerary. Palm Springs checks all three, especially on a full hotel buyout that sleeps up to 22. Below are six destinations that work for groups of 10 or more, plus our guide to booking a hotel for a large group when you're ready to commit.
What makes a destination good for a large group?
Short travel for most people. A two-hour drive or one nonstop flight beats a connection for half the group.
One roof. Splitting a group across buildings splits the trip. Somebody always ends up at the "other house."
A shared space. A pool, a big table, a fireplace. Groups need somewhere to land between plans.
Variety close by. The hikers, the nappers and the shoppers should all be happy by 2PM.
Good weather in your dates. Check the season before you check the flights.
Six large group travel destinations worth the group chat
Palm Springs, California
Pool weather most of the year, mountains right behind town and a downtown full of restaurants and bars. Palm Springs International Airport is minutes from The Muse, and Los Angeles and San Diego are about two hours by car without traffic. October through May brings warm days and cool nights. Summer afternoons often top 100 degrees, which is what the pool is for.
Scottsdale, Arizona
A strong pick for golf groups and spring trips. Old Town packs restaurants and nightlife into a compact area, and the desert trails start just north of the city. March brings Cactus League spring training, so book early if your dates land then. Torn between the two deserts? Read our Palm Springs vs. Scottsdale comparison.
Nashville, Tennessee
Live music on every block and a food scene built for sharing plates. It's popular with bachelorette groups, so weekends book up fast.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Great for groups that travel to eat. Spring and fall are the comfortable seasons. Summer is hot and humid.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
The lake in summer, skiing in winter, and big cabins for groups who want to cook together. Plan around mountain weather.
Napa and Sonoma, California
Built for couples' groups and milestone birthdays. Wineries often require reservations for groups, so book tastings before you book anything else.
Group vacation ideas by type of trip
A group of couples: book the four king suites with private fenced yards (Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn and Taylor) or take the whole hotel. Couples get a door that closes and a yard for coffee, and the group still has one pool. Weighing a rental house instead? See our buyout vs. vacation rental breakdown.
Family reunion: a full buyout gives your group the whole property, with every guest 21 or older. Our Palm Springs family reunion page has the details.
Milestone birthday: one big dinner, one long pool day and a toast by the fire.
Bachelorette or girls trip: nine bathrooms means nobody waits for the shower.
Team offsite: the lobby's big table works for a morning session, and the pool works for the rest of the day.
Where can a group of 16 to 18 stay together in Palm Springs?
A Muse buyout gives your group all nine suites, nine bathrooms and room for up to 22 overnight guests across 10 beds plus two rollaways. Every overnight guest counts toward the 22, so a group of 16 to 18 fits with room to spare. You also get the courtyard pool, the six-person hot tub, an outdoor fireplace, pergola swings, a BBQ grill and the lobby with its large table and booth seating.
Music is welcome at reasonable volumes until 10PM. Grab-and-go breakfast from Aspen Mills, parking and Wi-Fi are included. Asking around about group rates at Palm Springs hotels? A buyout is the simplest version: one booking, the whole property, one group.
How do you plan a large group trip without losing your mind?
Name one planner. Committees book nothing.
Agree on a budget range first. Then pick the destination.
Book lodging before flights. Group space goes first.
Share one itinerary with addresses, times and a dress code for each night.
Sort the rides early. Our Palm Springs group transportation guide covers shuttles and party buses, and buyout groups can book Party on Wheels.
A Palm Springs weekend for a big group
Friday: Arrive, claim suites, and meet at the pool. Dinner at the hotel with a private hibachi dinner, then the hot tub.
Saturday morning: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway early, or book private yoga for the group ($150 with three days' notice).
Saturday afternoon: Pool, floats, a long lunch on the lawn.
Saturday night: Dinner downtown on Palm Canyon Drive.
Sunday: Breakfast from Aspen Mills and one last swim before the drive home.
Group travel FAQ
What are the best vacation rentals for a group of couples?
For rental-style privacy without sharing bathrooms, book a whole small hotel. A full buyout of The Muse in Palm Springs gives couples their own suites, nine suites and nine bathrooms for up to 22 guests, plus a private courtyard pool, hot tub and breakfast included.
What are the best vacation ideas for groups of 10 or more?
Pick a destination that's easy to reach and book one place that fits everyone, then plan one anchor activity per day. A hotel buyout in Palm Springs is a strong fit for groups up to 22.
What are the best group getaways for couples?
Places where each couple gets a private room and the group still shares a pool or common space. At The Muse, four king suites have private fenced yards.
Where can 16 to 18 travelers stay together in Palm Springs?
A full buyout of The Muse sleeps up to 22 overnight guests across nine suites and nine bathrooms, so 16 to 18 fit with room to spare.
Is The Muse adults-only for group trips?
Yes. The Muse is adults-only, and every guest must be 21 or older, including on full hotel buyouts.
Easy to get to. Hard to leave. Send us your dates and bring the whole crew.
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