If your group chat is filled with “let’s plan a trip!” messages that never actually make it to the planning stage, this is your sign to book. Millennials and Gen X-ers have (thankfully, in some cases) exited the bachelor and bachelorette party chapter of their lives, but still crave group trips that bring the fun and connection — ideally without the matching “Bride Squad” t-shirts.
Lucky for them, couples’ trips among friends are a travel trend on the rise. These trips are, most often, done without the kids, and they give the adults a chance to enjoy themselves without the troubles and to-do lists of home. Plus, they’re a total bonding experience for all involved.
Leave the kids at home and take a couples’ trip. (Photo Credit: @surfcomberhotel)
Vacation is calling. (Photo Credit: @aretheyeverhome)
A couples’ getaway is the perfect excuse to explore a new destination, actually kick back (*deep breath*), and make new memories with your close friends. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations out there for a couples’ getaway.
Denver, Colorado
With fresh mountain air, tons of sun, incredible breweries, and a thriving arts scene, Denver offers a balanced blend of outdoor adventures and city fun. It’s perfect for friend groups looking for a bit of everything.
Catch a pro sports game (we love a Rockies game at Coors Field in the very cool LoDo/Union Station neighborhood). Eat at a nationally renowned restaurant like The Wolf’s Tailor (Ericka and Kelly Whitaker were named Best Restauranteurs in the nation in the 2024 James Beard Awards).
Denver is the perfect blend of city and adventure. (Photo Credit: Caique Morais)
Grab a fabulous meal (or two!) at Panzano. (Photo Credit: @panzanodenver)
And, if you can, make a foray to the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Red Rocks Amphitheater for a live music show. Or, visit a posh dispensary — because, hey, when in Denver.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is ideally located for exploring downtown Denver, with easy access to the 16th Street Mall and Union Station. With its newly renovated rooms and fantastic on-site Italian restaurant, Panzano, Hotel Monaco is an ultra-cool Denver home base for all the fun. Alternatively, stay at Kimpton Claret Hotel for easy access to hiking at Cherry Creek State Park, the Belleview Beer Garden, and Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
South Beach has the energy your group craves, with its iconic Art Deco architecture, Latin-Caribbean music, world-class restaurants, and pristine beaches. Oh, and the nightlife. Did we mention the nightlife?
For those craving a lay-on-the-beach trip, head to Miami. (Photo Credit: @surfcomberhotel)
Because palm trees and ocean views will never get old. (Photo Credit: @helenthehu)
Try salsa or merengue and dance like no one’s watching at a vibey nightclub like The Basement, where DJs spin up everything from EDM to Motown. A poolside cabana with a little hair of the dog (or a beach bed with easy-breezy bar and restaurant service) could be just the ticket following day.
Where to stay: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel sits right on the sand, offering a laid-back retreat-like stay with direct beach access. Spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the Miami Design District. The Surfcomber’s daily poolside cabanas are the ideal spot for groups looking to reconnect and make some memories together in the heart of South Beach.
Toronto, Canada
For groups looking to escape the ‘burbs, Toronto is an exciting cosmopolitan playground with international flair. Many say the city is as diverse and entertaining as New York, but with lots of amenities and a “Canada nice” spirit.
For the group that loves a city getaway, head to Toronto. (Photo Credit: @saintgeorgetoronto)
Escape to a new kind of cosmopolitan playground. (Photo Credit: Andre Boysen)
Dine at some of the best restaurants in the world including Sushi Masaki Saito and Alo (try the Koshihikari risotto), engage in some retail therapy on chic Bloor street, visit the Royal Ontario Museum, catch a Maple Leafs, Raptors or Blue Jays game, or take in a performance at the beautiful Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Where to stay: Kimpton Saint George is located in the posh and lively Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood, known for its shopping, art galleries, and cultural landmarks. Each room in the Saint George is designed with eclectic decor that reflects Toronto’s unique character.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The most picture-perfect ratio of relaxing tropical paradise and adventure, Riviera Maya offers beautiful beaches and plenty of historical sites, perfect for couples looking to pair unwinding with exploring.
Looking to unwind? Head to Mexico. (Photo Credit: Scott Webb)
Just picture it — water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, stand-up paddleboard yoga, climbing Mayan ruins, and toasting to the adventures of the day over spicy margaritas. Your group will undoubtedly feel way more connected and tight-knit leaving than when you arrived.
Where to stay: Kimpton Tres Rios Resort combines lush, tropical vibes with upscale (and all-inclusive, thank-you-very-much) relaxation. Just steps from Riviera Maya’s world-famous beaches and Mayan ruins, this chic and airy resort is surrounded by greenery and features a holistic wellness spa, a 340-acre nature park, and ground-floor and rooftop swimming pools.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A trip to Amsterdam guarantees a blend of history, culture, and canal-side charm. With 23 Michelin-starred restaurants, more than 75 museums, and a great nightlife scene, it’s a fun and internationally welcoming locale for a European couple’s trip.
Grab oysters and champagne in the hip De Pijp neighborhood or act like a local and enjoy a bike ride in picturesque Vondelpark.
Maybe it’s time for a European getaway? Head to Amsterdam. (Photo Credit: @nastasia.life)
Take a stroll among the canals for memories that will last a lifetime. (Photo Credit: @matheojbt)
Where to stay: The very stylish Kimpton De Witt is just steps from Central Station and Amsterdam’s iconic canals. After a day spent exploring the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, retreat to the cozy lobby lounge or enjoy creative cocktails at the hotel’s intimate bar, Super Lyan.
Couples: Assemble!
Couples trips are the grown-up way to have fun with friends like you did before all the kids and responsibilities. In our earlier years, we had plenty of opportunities to form deep friendships full of memories — roommates, school, and play. Even though duty (and work, and kids, and life) calls, we can still be intentional about maintaining deep friendships with people we care about.
So, pack your bags, grab your friends, and get ready for a getaway that’s far too exciting to stay in the group chat any longer!
