The landscape of group travel is dynamic, reflecting evolving preferences and priorities. Over the last 90 days, from June to September 2026, Anywayr (formerly Travelry) observed a clear leader in group travel aspirations: New York, NY, USA, which topped the list with 11.2% of all trips planned. This comprehensive report, based on 3835 trips planned by 3342 unique users on Anywayr, offers a first-party, data-driven look into the current state of group travel, revealing fascinating insights into where, when, and how groups are choosing to explore the world.
Where group trip planners are heading
Anywayr user data from the past 90 days highlights a diverse yet concentrated set of preferred destinations. New York, NY, USA, stands out significantly, accounting for 429 trips or 11.2% of the total, underscoring its enduring appeal as a vibrant hub for various group experiences. Following New York, international metropolises like Paris, France (116 trips, 3%), and Tokyo, Japan (105 trips, 2.7%), demonstrate a strong appetite for global exploration among groups.
Domestically, Las Vegas, NV, USA, secured the fourth spot with 84 trips (2.2%), indicating a continued draw towards entertainment-centric getaways. Italy as a country (64 trips, 1.7%) and its capital, Rome, Italy (62 trips, 1.6%), collectively highlight Europe's romantic and historical allure. Miami, FL, USA (56 trips, 1.5%), and Hawaii (51 trips, 1.3%), round out the top US destinations, suggesting a balance between urban excitement and tropical relaxation.
Further down the list, Lisbon, Portugal (47 trips, 1.2%), and London, UK (44 trips, 1.1%), reinforce the popularity of European city breaks. The inclusion of 'usa' (43 trips, 1.1%) and Los Angeles, CA, USA (39 trips, 1%), points to the vastness and varied appeal of domestic travel within the United States. The data shows a notable skew towards major global cities, with a mix of iconic international destinations and popular US locales, indicating that groups often seek well-known, accessible, and activity-rich environments. Whether it's the bustling streets of New York City, the romantic ambiance of Paris, or the unique cultural tapestry of Tokyo, these destinations offer diverse attractions that cater to various group interests. For a deeper dive into specific regional trends, you can explore detailed reports like the New York, NY, USA Travel Data: What 21 Anywayr Users Planned.
Who's traveling together
The composition of group trips reveals a strong emphasis on intimate connections, with couples leading the way. Data on group types shows that couples account for 39.7% of all trips planned. This is further supported by the group size breakdown, where 'couple' trips make up an even larger 46% of all groups, highlighting a significant preference for two-person getaways. Family travel follows, representing 24% of group types, indicating that multi-generational or immediate family excursions remain a substantial segment.
Friends traveling together constitute 19.5% of group types, showcasing the importance of shared experiences among companions. Interestingly, 'solo' trips account for 16.7% of group types and 16.5% of group sizes, suggesting that even individuals planning trips often use the platform to organize detailed itineraries for themselves, perhaps sharing them later or simply leveraging the planning tools. This segment's size indicates a strong trend in independent, well-organized travel.
When examining group sizes, 'small groups' of 3-5 people represent 31.9% of the total, reflecting a common sweet spot for friend groups, small families, or multiple couples traveling together. 'Large groups' of 6 or more people make up 5.5% of the trips, demonstrating that while less frequent, larger gatherings like reunions or special events still occur. The average group size across all trips is 2.8, with a median of 2, reinforcing the dominance of couples and very small groups in the current travel landscape.
When they're going
Seasonality plays a significant role in group travel planning, with a clear preference for the autumn and early winter months. September is the most popular travel month, accounting for 18.5% of trips, followed closely by October at 17.1%. December also sees a substantial surge, representing 11.6% of planned trips. This trend suggests that many groups are leveraging shoulder seasons for potentially better weather, fewer crowds, and perhaps more favorable pricing, especially for European destinations, while December trips might capitalize on holiday travel or winter breaks.
August, at 10.1%, indicates a lingering summer travel demand, likely driven by family vacations before the school year begins. November captures 8.4% of trips, suggesting a continued interest in late autumn travel. May, with 6%, shows a modest start to the warmer weather travel season. The data strongly points to a preference for post-summer and pre-holiday travel, avoiding the peak summer rush but still enjoying pleasant conditions, particularly in September and October, which offer ideal weather in many popular destinations.
What they care about
Group travelers prioritize experiences that engage their senses and broaden their horizons. 'Food & Dining' stands out as the top interest, selected by a remarkable 67.2% of users. This highlights the central role of culinary experiences in group trips, from fine dining to local street food explorations. Close behind, 'Adventure & Outdoor Activities' (59.5%) and 'Cultural Experiences' (54.1%) demonstrate a strong desire for active engagement and immersive learning, whether it's hiking, exploring historical sites, or participating in local traditions.
'Beach & Water Sports' (51.1%) is also a major draw, especially for destinations like Miami and Hawaii, indicating a significant segment seeking relaxation and aquatic fun. 'Local Markets' (47.3%) reflects an interest in authentic shopping and cultural immersion, often intertwined with food experiences. 'Shopping' specifically (38.1%) also features prominently, suggesting that retail therapy is a valued part of many group getaways.
'History & Museums' (35.5%) and 'Architecture' (31.7%) reveal a strong appreciation for educational and aesthetic pursuits, particularly relevant for destinations rich in heritage like Rome or Paris. Finally, 'Music & Arts' (27.5%) and 'Nightlife & Entertainment' (26.9%) cater to groups looking for vibrant cultural scenes and evening excitement. Overall, the data paints a picture of groups seeking well-rounded trips that combine gastronomic delights, active exploration, and deep cultural engagement.
How long their trips are
Anywayr's data indicates that group trips are, on average, a significant commitment, with an average trip length of 7.6 nights. This suggests that planners are not merely looking for short weekend getaways but are often organizing more extended vacations that allow for deeper exploration and relaxation. The length of these trips implies a desire to fully immerse in a destination, accommodating various activities and travel styles within the group. For destinations like Tokyo or Italy, a week or more is often necessary to truly experience what they offer, aligning with the observed longer trip durations.
Methodology
This report is based on an analysis of 3835 trips planned by 3342 real Anywayr users over the last 90 days, with data generated on 2026-09-21. Admin and test trips were excluded from the sample to ensure the integrity of the findings. This first-party research provides unique insights into actual user behavior and preferences, and the data will be refreshed monthly to track evolving trends.
What this means for your trip planning
The insights from Anywayr's latest group travel report offer valuable guidance for your next adventure. If you're planning a trip, consider the strong appeal of major cities like New York, Paris, or Tokyo, which consistently offer a wide array of activities to satisfy diverse interests. Factoring in the popularity of autumn and early winter travel could help you find better deals or enjoy destinations with fewer crowds. Prioritize experiences like food and dining, adventure, and cultural immersion, as these resonate most with current group travelers.
For couples or small groups, the data confirms you're in good company, with most trips falling into these intimate categories. Planning for an average of 7-8 nights allows ample time to truly experience your chosen destination without feeling rushed. By understanding these trends, you can tailor your trip to align with popular preferences or intentionally seek out less-traveled paths. Ready to put these insights into action? Anywayr's AI can build a personalized group trip itinerary in minutes, helping you book real activities with live prices and collect everyone's share effortlessly.
