New York, NY, USA topped the list as the most sought-after destination, capturing 5.2% of all planned trips, according to Anywayr's comprehensive "State of Group Travel" report. This exclusive first-party research, based on 1241 trips planned by 1028 unique users over the last 90 days (data generated 2026-06-29), reveals a dynamic landscape of preferences, group compositions, and travel motivations for those venturing out together.
Where group trip planners are heading
Anywayr's data from the last 90 days shows a clear preference for vibrant urban centers and diverse geographic regions, with domestic U.S. destinations dominating the top spots. New York, NY, USA led the pack, accounting for 65 trips or 5.2% of all plans. Following closely was Austin, TX, USA, with 44 trips (3.5%), underscoring a strong interest in major U.S. cities known for culture, food, and entertainment.
The top five destinations further illustrate this trend:
- New York, NY, USA: 65 trips (5.2%)
- Austin, TX, USA: 44 trips (3.5%)
- USA (general): 43 trips (3.5%)
- Japan: 27 trips (2.2%)
- Los Angeles, CA, USA: 22 trips (1.8%)
The general "USA" destination (43 trips, 3.5%) suggests many users begin with a broader domestic focus before narrowing down. This highlights an exploratory phase in group travel planning.
Beyond the top five, other notable destinations include Las Vegas, NV, USA (19 trips, 1.5%), Tokyo, Japan (17 trips, 1.4%), Switzerland (16 trips, 1.3%), Paris, France (15 trips, 1.2%), Sydney NSW, Australia (15 trips, 1.2%), California, USA (15 trips, 1.2%), and Washington D.C., DC, USA (14 trips, 1.1%). The presence of specific cities and broader regions indicates a varied appetite for both concentrated urban experiences and expansive natural or multi-city adventures.
A striking observation is the strong lean towards domestic U.S. travel, with 8 of the top 12 destinations being within the United States. This suggests that while international travel to places like Japan, Switzerland, France, and Australia remains popular, the ease and accessibility of domestic trips are a significant draw for group planners.
New York City, in particular, stands out as a perennial favorite, offering a wealth of experiences from iconic landmarks to diverse culinary scenes, making it an ideal destination for various group types. For a deeper dive into what Anywayr users are planning for the Big Apple, explore our dedicated page on New York City or review our detailed report on New York, NY, USA Travel Data: What 21 Anywayr Users Planned. Similarly, Austin, TX, USA continues to attract significant interest, often chosen for its vibrant music scene and unique culture. Learn more about the trends for this Texas hotspot in our Austin, TX, USA Travel Data: What 32 Trips Reveal report. The blend of bustling cities and broader geographical explorations points to a desire for both concentrated cultural immersion and more expansive, multi-faceted journeys depending on the group's specific interests and time availability.
Who's traveling together
Understanding the composition of travel groups is crucial for tailoring experiences. Anywayr's data provides a clear picture of who is planning trips together, analyzing both the relationship dynamic and the sheer number of travelers.
The group type breakdown reveals that romantic partners and friends form the backbone of group travel:
- Couple: 33%
- Friends: 30.1%
- Family: 23.2%
- Solo: 13.8%
"Couple" trips, representing 33% of all plans, highlight a significant segment of users planning intimate getaways for two. Closely following are "friends" at 30.1%, indicating that peer groups are nearly as active in collaborative travel planning. "Family" trips account for 23.2%, encompassing a wide range of dynamics from small nuclear families to multi-generational gatherings. Interestingly, "solo" travel, at 13.8%, suggests that even individuals planning for themselves are utilizing group planning tools, perhaps for inspiration, itinerary building, or to share with others they might invite later. This distribution underscores the platform's utility across various personal travel contexts, not exclusively for larger groups.
When examining the actual number of travelers, the group size breakdown offers further granularity:
- Small group (3-5): 46.5%
- Couple (2 travelers): 36.7%
- Solo (1 traveler): 10.2%
- Large group (6+): 6.5%
This data shows that "small groups" (3-5 travelers) are the most prevalent, making up 46.5% of all planned trips. This category aligns well with the "friends" and "family" group types, suggesting that many friend groups and smaller family units opt for these manageable sizes. "Couple" trips, specifically defined as two travelers, constitute a substantial 36.7%. It's important to note the slight discrepancy between the "couple" group type (33%) and the "couple" group size (36.7%), which can be attributed to how users initially categorize their trip versus the final number of participants. Some "friends" or "family" trips might ultimately involve just two people, or "couple" trips might be specifically marked as such even if the final count is two.
"Solo" trips, at 10.2% of group sizes, are slightly lower than the "solo" group type (13.8%). This minor difference could stem from users initially selecting "solo" as a planning mode and then either inviting others or abandoning the plan, or conversely, a "couple" or "friends" trip might ultimately be executed by one person. Large groups of 6 or more travelers represent a smaller but significant 6.5% of the total, indicating that while less frequent, larger gatherings still form a part of the group travel landscape.
The average group size across all 1241 planned trips was 3.2 travelers, with a median of 3. This indicates that the typical Anywayr user is planning a trip for themselves and two to three other companions. The median being slightly lower than the average suggests that while most trips fall into the 2-3 person range, a few larger groups pull the average up. This reinforces the dominance of smaller, more intimate group travel experiences, whether with a partner, a few close friends, or immediate family members.
When they're going
Seasonality plays a significant role in group travel planning, with Anywayr's data revealing distinct peaks in preferred travel months. The busiest months for planned departures overwhelmingly fall within the summer and early fall, suggesting a strong preference for warmer weather and holiday periods.
The top travel months identified are:
- June: 20.9%
- July: 17.2%
- May: 15.7%
- August: 10.8%
- September: 10.1%
- October: 8.1%
Collectively, June, July, and May account for a staggering 53.8% of all planned trips, positioning late spring and early summer as the absolute prime time for group getaways. This trend is likely driven by several factors: school holidays, a desire to escape to warmer climates, and the general availability of vacation time during these months. The long days and pleasant weather in many popular destinations make outdoor activities and sightseeing particularly appealing.
August (10.8%) continues the summer trend, while September (10.1%) and October (8.1%) represent the transition into autumn. These months are often favored by travelers seeking to avoid the peak summer crowds and potentially benefit from milder temperatures and lower prices, especially for destinations that remain pleasant in the fall. The continued strong showing for September and October indicates an extended travel season, particularly for groups without strict school schedules, such as couples or friends.
The data points to a clear preference for planning trips that leverage traditional vacation periods. The concentration of travel plans in these specific months suggests that group planners are often coordinating around fixed schedules, whether academic or professional, or simply aiming for the most desirable weather conditions. This also implies that many trips are planned several months in advance, especially for the popular summer window, allowing groups ample time to coordinate logistics and secure accommodations and activities. The sustained interest through early autumn also suggests an awareness of "shoulder season" benefits, where good weather often persists with fewer tourists.
What they care about
Understanding what experiences group planners prioritize is key. Anywayr's data on top interests selected paints a vivid picture of the activities and themes that motivate group trips, reflecting a holistic approach blending adventure, culinary delights, and cultural immersion.
The top interests selected by Anywayr users are:
- Adventure & Outdoor Activities: 59.1%
- Food & Dining: 57.9%
- Cultural Experiences: 51.2%
- Beach & Water Sports: 48.6%
- Local Markets: 33.9%
- Shopping: 31.2%
- History & Museums: 29.1%
- Photography: 26.3%
- Architecture: 25.2%
- Nightlife & Entertainment: 24.6%
"Adventure & Outdoor Activities" leads, chosen by 59.1% of users, demonstrating a strong desire for active and exploratory trips. Closely following is "Food & Dining" at 57.9%, emphasizing the central role of culinary exploration in group travel for bonding and creating memories.
"Cultural Experiences" (51.2%) highlights a significant appetite for engaging with local traditions, often complementing "Food & Dining" and "History & Museums" (29.1%). The prominence of "Beach & Water Sports" (48.6%) further underscores the appeal of active and leisure-oriented travel in suitable environments.
Mid-tier interests like "Local Markets" (33.9%) and "Shopping" (31.2%) reveal a desire for unique finds and a taste of local commerce. "Photography" (26.3%) indicates capturing memories and appreciating aesthetics, often paired with scenic or architecturally rich locations. "Architecture" (25.2%) itself speaks to an appreciation for design. Finally, "Nightlife & Entertainment" (24.6%) shows a quarter of groups seek vibrant evening activities.
The broad range of interests suggests group trips are rarely one-dimensional. Planners often combine several types of experiences, creating rich itineraries that cater to diverse preferences. The high overlap implies groups seek well-rounded trips offering a mix of excitement, relaxation, cultural enrichment, and gastronomic pleasure.
How long their trips are
The duration of a group trip is a critical planning factor, influencing everything from budget to itinerary depth. Anywayr's data provides clear insights into the typical length of group getaways.
Across the 1241 trips planned, the average trip length was 7.5 nights. This figure suggests that most groups are opting for journeys that span roughly a week to ten days, providing enough time to explore a destination without feeling rushed, yet remaining manageable for coordinating multiple schedules. The median trip length was 7 nights, aligning very closely with the average. This close proximity between the average and median indicates a relatively consistent distribution of trip lengths, without extreme outliers heavily skewing the data.
A trip duration of 7-8 nights is ideal for many common group travel scenarios. For international trips, this length allows for significant travel time and provides sufficient days on the ground to overcome jet lag and fully immerse in a new culture, as seen with destinations like Japan or Switzerland. For domestic trips, a week-long stay can facilitate exploring a major city and its surrounding areas, or embarking on a multi-city adventure within a region like California.
This average length suggests that group planners are thinking beyond quick weekend escapes, investing in more substantial travel experiences. It allows for a balanced itinerary that can incorporate a variety of the top interests identified, such as combining adventure, dining, and cultural experiences without feeling overly packed. The commitment to a week-plus trip duration also implies a greater level of planning and coordination, reinforcing the value that groups place on these shared travel moments.
Methodology
This Anywayr "State of Group Travel" report is based on an analysis of 1241 trips planned by 1028 real Anywayr users over the last 90 days. Data was generated on 2026-06-29, reflecting current user activity and preferences. Admin and test trips were excluded from the dataset to ensure the integrity of the research. This report is refreshed monthly to provide ongoing, up-to-date insights into group travel trends.
What this means for your trip planning
The insights from Anywayr's latest group travel report offer valuable guidance for anyone planning a shared adventure. The dominance of domestic U.S. cities like New York and Austin, alongside a strong interest in international hubs like Japan and Paris, suggests that accessibility and diverse experiences are key. If your group is considering a U.S. urban escape, prioritize destinations that offer a rich blend of the top interests: adventure, food, and culture.
For instance, a trip to New York City could seamlessly combine outdoor activities in Central Park, world-class dining, and unparalleled cultural experiences through its museums and theaters. Similarly, Austin, TX, USA provides ample opportunities for live music, unique food experiences, and outdoor adventures along the Colorado River.
Given that most groups consist of 2-5 travelers and often comprise couples or friends, focus on itineraries that allow for both shared activities and individual flexibility. A 7-8 night trip provides the perfect window to explore deeply without over-scheduling. Consider booking activities with live prices and collecting everyone's share upfront to simplify logistics.
With summer and early autumn being the most popular travel periods, planning ahead is crucial, especially for securing accommodations and popular activities. Leverage the insights on top interests to craft an itinerary that balances adventure, culinary exploration, and cultural immersion, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether your group is seeking thrilling outdoor activities, unforgettable dining, or profound cultural encounters, tailoring your trip to these proven preferences will enhance the shared experience.
Ready to put these insights into action? Anywayr's AI can build a personalized group trip itinerary in minutes, taking the stress out of planning.
