Coordinating a group trip can feel like herding cats: the group chat goes quiet, the spreadsheet gathers dust, and suddenly someone suggests a solo escape. According to Opodo's 2026 travel report, 30% of 9,000 surveyed travellers said they travelled alone because friends or family weren't available. But when the stars align, travelling with friends offers real advantages—especially on cost.
Kayak's analysis of bookings for parties of five or more, made between March and September for stays from July to December 2026, reveals that Europe is the undisputed leader for group getaways. Splitting a villa or a large hotel room among several people can unlock significant savings, as Kayak notes: a seaside property becomes far more affordable when five or more share the nightly rate. The key, they say, is knowing where to go.
Hotels: London and Paris lead the pack
For hotel stays, London ranks as the most searched destination for groups, with an average nightly rate of €181—6% cheaper than the previous year. Paris follows closely at €144 per night, a 3% drop. The French capital also tops the holiday rental list, averaging €151 per night.
Other French cities shine in the rental category: Marseille and Nice take second and eighth spots respectively. Marseille, a port city with over 2,600 years of history, is particularly appealing in October and November when crowds thin and temperatures cool—perfect for exploring the Panier District, its oldest neighbourhood dating back to 600 BC. The local tourism board describes its streets as open-air museums, filled with murals, street art, and artisan workshops.
Top 10 hotel destinations for groups of 5+
- 1. London, England – €181/night
- 2. Paris, France – €144/night
- 3. Barcelona, Spain – €176/night
- 4. Madrid, Spain – €124/night
- 5. Rome, Italy – €143/night
- 6. Amsterdam, Netherlands – €165/night
- 7. Marseille, France – €100/night
- 8. Marrakech, Morocco – €188/night
- 9. New York, USA – €307/night
- 10. Berlin, Germany – €115/night
Top 10 holiday rental destinations for groups of 5+
- 1. Paris, France – €151/night
- 2. Marseille, France – €89/night
- 3. London, UK – €166/night
- 4. Marrakech, Morocco – €101/night
- 5. Madrid, Spain – €119/night
- 6. Gdańsk, Poland – €110/night
- 7. Barcelona, Spain – €149/night
- 8. Nice, France – €141/night
- 9. Rome, Italy – €107/night
Beyond the top ten, other European cities are gaining traction for group travel. Gdańsk in Poland, with its Baltic charm and affordable rates, is a standout for rentals. Meanwhile, the Oasis reunion tour has already sparked travel search spikes in host cities, a trend that could shape 2027 group plans.
For those seeking inspiration beyond the usual suspects, Lonely Planet's 2027 picks highlight underrated European destinations that are perfect for groups looking to avoid the crowds. And if you're worried about air quality in bustling capitals, some European cities are leading the way in reducing pollution, making them healthier choices for your next reunion.
Ultimately, the data suggests that group travel in 2026 is all about Europe—from the classic appeal of London and Paris to the Mediterranean allure of Marseille and the emerging charm of Gdańsk. With prices often below €200 per night, splitting costs makes these destinations surprisingly accessible. So rally the friends, pick a city, and start planning—the group chat will thank you.
