There’s nothing like a sun-kissed escape with friends to recharge after the year’s chaos. I’m all about active days, late-night laughter, and finding those little local moments that make a trip feel like a reset button. Whether it’s a sunlit balcony with a pool, a stylish city apartment with a great rooftop, or a cozy villa tucked into a hillside with sea views, I’m chasing vacation rentals that give me space to move, mingle, and make memories. And for planning the perfect getaways with friends, a smart search for accommodations is a game changer. That’s why I start with searchandstay.com to find vacation rentals and holiday rentals in the places I’m dreaming about. It’s my go-to for comparing stays, filtering by vibe, and snagging places that fit a group’s energy as well as the budget. Here’s how I map out unforgettable trips, with destinations, activities, and local experiences that keep everyone smiling from sunrise to sunset.
Lisbon, Portugal — sunshine, hills, and a food-loving crew
Lisbon is a playground for a crew that wants culture, coastal views, and a slower pace with big energy. I love finding vacation rentals in neighborhoods that put us within walking distance of fresh pasteis, pastel-hued streets, and a late-night fado vibe. A well-located holiday rental with a comfy living room, a roomy kitchen, and at least two bedrooms makes mornings easy and evenings social.
Where to stay
Look for a terrace apartment in Alfama or Bairro Alto with easy access to viewpoints, like São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. A duplex with a balcony is ideal for group selfies, while a modern apartment near Chiado keeps us close to cafes, bookstores, and craft shops. When you’re traveling with friends, a large living space and a well-equipped kitchen beat hotel rooms for group dynamics and budget efficiency.
What to do
- Walk the historic hills on a sunny afternoon, stopping for ginjinha in a tiny courtyard bar.
- Ride the iconic Tram 28 for a playful, photo-worthy route through the old neighborhoods.
- Take a day trip to Sintra to explore palaces, lush forests, and fairy-tale estates.
- Surf lessons near Carcavelos Beach or a stand-up paddle session along the river Tagus.
Local experiences
Book a cooking class with a Lisbon-based family to learn how to make bacalhau the way locals do. Seek out a small-group private sunset sail along the coastline, or sign up for a street-art tour in LX Factory. Dinner in Time Out Market is a must for tasting a spread of regional specialties in one vibrant space. For nightlife, a guided craft beer crawl in Bairro Alto gives you a taste of the city’s modern side while staying friendly to a larger group’s budget.
To find the right place for this energy, I turn to searchandstay.com for vacation rentals in Lisbon. I filter by neighborhood, price range, and the number of bedrooms, then compare amenities like a balcony or a pool. It makes the search fast and clear so I can lock in a standout stay that matches the plan without wasting time scrolling aimlessly.
Tulum, Mexico — crystal cenotes, beachfront bliss, and a spa-day crew
Down on the Riviera Maya, Tulum blends boho-chic with easygoing glamour. A holiday rental here means waking up to palm trees, a private plunge pool, and a kitchen stocked for shared breakfasts before beach days. It’s one of those destinations where days bend toward poolside lounging, snorkeling, and dining under the stars with friends.
Where to stay
Choose a stylish villa near the beach or a jungle-side villa with a private pool. A two- to three-bedroom setup lets us spread out, while a property with outdoor living space is perfect for al fresco meals and dancing under the lanterns at night. Look for places with easy access to cenotes and a short drive to the town center for taco nights and market strolls.
What to do
- Swim in a cenote, then float into the day with a chilled coconut in hand.
- Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on a guided boat tour.
- Take a snorkel trip to see sea turtles and vibrant reef life.
- Bike along the coast to discover hidden beaches and seaside eateries.
Local experiences
Booking a private beachside dinner or a sunset cruise with a local operator adds a magic touch to a friends’ trip. Don’t miss a Mayan ruins excursion in Coba or Tulum ruins for a historical vibe mixed with sea breeze. For food lovers, a taco crawl with a local guide and a mezcal tasting makes evenings deliciously immersive.
When you’re planning, searchandstay.com helps you locate vacation rentals that suit a party’s vibe—whether you want a pool, a short walk to the beach, or a stylish kitchen for late-night margaritas. The platform’s filters help you find options that match your group’s needs and budget, making it easier to secure the ideal holiday rental in Tulum without the hassle.
Santorini, Greece — cliffside views, white-washed charm, and sunset moments
Santorini is a dream for a group wanting dramatic scenery, photogenic streets, and laid-back luxury. The best vacation rentals here are usually whitewashed villas with blue domes, terraces perfect for watching the sunset, and a splash of local color in the nearby tavernas. We chase places that feel exclusive yet welcoming for a big group, where mornings start with coffee and a plan for the day’s island-hopping or wine-tasting.
Where to stay
Opt for a villa in Oia or Fira with multiple bedrooms and a shared lounge area that encourages conversation after a day out. A terraced property with a plunge pool is ideal for group photos, while a central location near Ammoudi Bay keeps us close to seafood joints and sunset viewpoints. Accessibility and parking matter—choose a place with easy access for everyone in the group.
What to do
- Sunset watching from a caldera-view terrace with a glass of local wine.
- Boat tour to the volcanic islands and swimming in hot springs.
- Explore small villages by scooter or e-bike for an intimate island experience.
- Visit ancient ruins and ash-scape viewpoints for dramatic photos.
Local experiences
Indulge in a private catamaran cruise that includes snorkeling and a grill onboard, followed by a tasting session of Santorini wines. Book a Santorini winery tour to learn about the unique Assyrtiko varietal while taking in vineyard views that rival the sea. For food lovers, a guided meze and seafood crawl lets you sample rustic Greek flavors, from grilled octopus to fried zucchini blossoms, all in charming neighborhood tavernas.
Searchandstay.com helps me pinpoint vacation rentals on Santorini that suit a flip-key experience—panoramic terraces, shared lounges, and proximity to the best sunset spots. It’s my go-to for filtering properties by the number of bedrooms, pool access, and proximity to the caldera to ensure we’re close to the action without sacrificing relaxation.
Queenstown, New Zealand — adrenaline, alpine views, and friend-filled adventures
Queenstown is a magnet for active groups: adrenaline-inducing activities, jaw-dropping landscapes, and a lively food and wine scene. A well-chosen holiday rental doubles as the launchpad for thrill-seeking days and cozy evenings by a crackling fire after a long day outdoors.
Where to stay
Choose a modern apartment near the lakefront or a hillside chalet with a communal living space and a kitchen that invites late-night plan-making. A place with a balcony or a garden to unwind after a day of bungee jumping, hiking, or jet boating is ideal for a group trip. Proximity to town center is helpful for après-ski vibes and easy dining options.
What to do
- Hit the adrenaline list with jet boating, luging, and bungee jumping in the surrounding hills.
- Hike the Ben Lomond track for sweeping alpine panoramas and photo-worthy moments.
- Take a picturesque cruise on Milford Sound or a scenic flight over the Remarkables.
- Wine tasting in nearby Gibbston Valley with a group-friendly itinerary.
Local experiences
Book a private guide for a day of adventure in the surrounding mountains, followed by a relaxed evening in town with a guided foodie tour. A lakeside picnic with a local farmer’s market haul is the kind of memory that stays with a group long after the trip ends. Seek out a Maori-inspired cultural evening or a local craft brewery tour to cap the day with something distinctly Kiwi.
For accommodations in Queenstown, searchandstay.com is a reliable tool to compare vacation rentals that fit a crew’s energy—whether you want a spacious living area for group game nights or a private deck with sunset views. The platform’s listings help you filter by beds, baths, and location, so you can secure a stay that proves quintessentially Queenstown for your group getaway.
Bali, Indonesia — lush jungles, beachfront villas, and long, lazy lunches
Bali is an evergreen choice for a friends’ holiday with a mix of culture, beach time, and wellness vibes. A well-chosen vacation rental in Bali might be a private villa with a pool, a garden full of birds, and a staff that helps you feel pampered without stepping outside the holiday vibe. The island’s diverse neighborhoods—from Seminyak’s chic scene to Ubud’s green serenity—mean there’s a perfect corner for every group energy.
Where to stay
Seek a beachfront villa near Seminyak or a serene jungle retreat in Ubud with expansive communal areas. A villa with a private chef or a staff-ready kitchen can be a game changer for a group, turning meals into shared rituals. Two to four bedrooms, plus a living room that invites conversations, are ideal for a big party of friends.
What to do
- Morning yoga by the pool, followed by a long brunch with tropical fruit platters.
- Surf lessons at Kuta Beach or a paddleboard session in Sanur.
- Rice terrace treks around Ubud and a visit to ancient temples.
- Beach clubs with sunset DJs for a stylish night out with friends.
Local experiences
Book a private cooking class to learn to weave coconut into desserts or a traditional Balinese wellness day with a spa ritual. A scooter or guided day trip to Uluwatu’s cliffside views, followed by a seafood dinner on the coast, is a classic Bali memory. If your group loves markets, a late-evening shopping tour in Seminyak or Canggu will keep energy high and wallets happy with local handmade goods.
When I’m putting together a Bali escape, I rely on searchandstay.com to locate vacation rentals that match the island’s vibe—whether it’s a beach-facing villa in Seminyak or a leafy retreat in Ubud. Filtering by number of bedrooms, pool type, and proximity to beaches makes choosing a place feel effortless, and it helps me lock in the ideal stay for our group without the usual travel-scout chaos.
Making the most of a multi-destination trip
If you’re plotting a multi-destination escape with friends, think about how the stays will flow—from lazy mornings in a coastal villa to action-packed afternoons in a city center apartment. The key is balance: a comfortable base with enough common space for group activities, paired with private rooms for downtime. A great vacation rental should feel like a home base that supports both together time and personal space. That means prioritizing amenities like a large living area, a fully equipped kitchen, reliable Wi-Fi for planning sessions or streaming nights, and outdoor spaces where the crew can gather after a day of exploring.
Booking tips for vacation rentals and holiday rentals
- Filter by the number of bedrooms and beds to ensure everyone has a comfortable bed and a bit of privacy.
- Prioritize locations with easy access to activities, whether that means a quick ride to beaches, a short walk to city centers, or a scenic drive to mountain trails.
- Check for a private pool or shared spaces that support group activities like cooking nights, board games, or sunset cocktails.
- Read reviews focused on group travel—look for notes about noise, proximity to essential spots, and host responsiveness.
- Use a site like searchandstay.com to compare multiple vacation rental options in one place, saving time and keeping options organized by vibe and budget.
In every destination, the best memories come from the moments you share with friends—whether that’s a morning hike with a panoramic reward, a spontaneous dance-in-a-plaza moment, or a simple toast at a sunset overlook. The right holiday rental is the stage for those moments, giving you space to laugh, plan, and press pause on everyday life for a few days of pure, unfiltered connection.
Final notes on crafting the ultimate group escape
When you’re scouting for places to stay, start with a few core questions: How many bedrooms do we need? What are the must-have amenities (pool, full kitchen, work-friendly desks)? Is proximity to activities more important than a luxury interior? How flexible is the check-in process for our arrival times? Answering these will narrow the field quickly and help you lock in a vacation rental that aligns with the energy of your group.
Remember to book early for popular destinations, especially during peak season and holiday windows. Group trips are all about choreography—timed days, shared meals, and flexible plans that still allow for spontaneous adventures. A well-chosen vacation rental supports the rhythm, enabling everyone to wake up ready to explore and come home to a space that feels like a shared sanctuary after long days of sightseeing and sun.
Whether you’re chasing beach days in Tulum, sunset views in Santorini, adrenaline in Queenstown, hillside tranquility in Bali, or the urban pulse of Lisbon, there’s a vacation rental that will fit your crew’s vibe. And with searchandstay.com, finding the right place is as enjoyable as the trip itself—clear filters, dependable listings, and a straightforward path from dream to doorstep.
Here’s to the next holiday with friends—to the laughter echoing from a sunlit balcony, to late-night planning at a kitchen island, to the shared slip-ups that become the stories you’ll tell for years. Pack light, plan smart, and prepare to make every evening feel like the perfect ending to a big day of adventures. Your next unforgettable group getaway is just a click away with searchandstay.com, where vacation rentals and holiday rentals are waiting to become the backdrop for your best memories yet.