The only thing better than a great experience is sharing it with others. Get ready for your next group adventure with these immersive ideas.
Solo travel may have gained popularity in recent years, but group adventures are making a strong comeback. According to a report on travel trends in 2025 by Skyscanner, squad travel is emerging as a top choice for many. “We’re witnessing a significant shift towards collective travel experiences, as more travellers seek out shared activities that foster connection and build community,” said Ms Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert. “People are looking to be part of something larger, embracing experiences that create lasting memories.”
This shift is shaping the way Singaporeans plan their getaways. Take, for instance, a group of local football enthusiasts who flew to Ho Chi Minh City to play with a Vietnamese professional team. Their experience highlights the growing appeal of sports tourism, one of the key trends highlighted on Skyscanner’s travel insights.
Beyond choosing a destination, the real excitement lies in the kind of group adventure you plan to embark on. Here are some ideas to inspire your next group getaway.
CULINARY EXPEDITION: A TASTE OF TRADITION
Singapore is geographically blessed to be in a region renowned as a diverse food paradise. With Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia just a short flight away, exploring their rich culinary heritage is an easy and exciting theme for groups to plan around.
Start by indulging in Michelin-starred restaurants or picks from 50 Best for refined interpretations of local cuisine. Then, dive into the heart of each country’s food culture by sampling authentic street fare. Take your experience further with cooking classes or guided food tours to gain a deeper appreciation of local flavours and cooking techniques. Platforms like KKDay and Klook offer a myriad of culinary experiences, while Takeachef lets you book private dining sessions with local chefs for a more personalised touch.
Go the extra mile: For even livelier encounters, plan your trip around culinary celebrations. Recent events include the Amazing Food Festival in Thailand, Flavors Vietnam in Vietnam, and KITA Food Festival in Malaysia. It’s an easy way to savour the country’s best bites — all in one place.
ECO-ADVENTURES: TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE
Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes — but they also need protection. Instead of just sightseeing, gather your group for an eco-conscious adventure that gives back to the environment.
Destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines offer plenty of opportunities for meaningful travel. Platforms like Seek Sophie provide experiences where you can help rescue starlings, dogs, and sea turtles in Bali. Over in Borneo, WWF offers immersive excursions deep into the rainforest, allowing travellers to support conservation efforts while exploring the region’s rich biodiversity. In the Philippines, organisations such as Coral Cay and CRCP are leading coral reef restoration projects where volunteers can make a direct impact.
Go the extra mile: When planning your eco-trip, check group size requirements and whether specific skills or certifications — like diving — are required. For extended outdoor activities, ask organisers if health vaccinations are recommended. While it requires a little more planning, the unique and rewarding journey will make for some fantastic memories.
CULTURAL IMMERSION: LIVE LIKE A LOCAL (AND NO, AIRBNB DOESN’T COUNT!)
For those seeking a deeper connection to their destination, cultural immersion offers a chance to experience life as the locals do. In countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, vast rural regions remain largely untouched by urbanisation, preserving age-old traditions in farming, cooking, and daily life.
Platforms like Workaway provide opportunities to stay with local communities while contributing through language exchange or education. Imagine teaching English to children in the serene countryside of Ben Cat or Phu Yen in Vietnam, or engaging with families in Cambodia’s Serey Sophon and Prey Veng. Beyond the experience itself, friendships you form during your stay will be the most valuable souvenir.
Go the extra mile: Since English isn’t widely spoken in these areas, learning a few key phrases in the local language can go a long way. Additionally, researching cultural customs — especially at religious sites —will help ensure a respectful and enriching experience.
ADVENTURE CHALLENGES: EARN YOUR BADGE OF HONOUR
If your squad thrives on adrenaline and adventure, why not push your limits with an epic group trek in Nepal or a cycling tour across Taiwan? Not only do these activities let you explore stunning landscapes, but they also build endurance, teamwork, and shared triumphs.
For itinerary inspiration, check out Intrepid Travel, which offers a range of adventure experiences across multiple destinations. Prefer a more relaxed journey? Walk Japan curates scenic guided and self-guided trails, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Japan’s forests, waterfalls, and coastal views with your group.
Go the extra mile: City dwellers often underestimate the physical demands of these challenges. Being gym-fit is one thing, but hiking at high altitudes is a whole different game. Research your route, train in advance, hire reputable guides, and familiarise yourself with potential risks like Acute Mountain Sickness. Preparing well ensures a safe and rewarding adventure for everyone.
WELLNESS RETREATS: COLLECTIVE REJUVENATION
With Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle, a wellness retreat with your besties might be just what the doctor ordered. Fortunately, nearby destinations like Bali and Chiang Mai are havens for relaxation, offering everything from yoga and meditation to full-day spa therapies.
For a truly immersive escape, Hoshinoya Bali offers a five-day holistic programme featuring water purification rituals, stretching exercises, and cultural experiences designed to reset your body and mind. If indulgence is what you seek, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan — accessible via a scenic boat ride from Jimbaran Bay — boasts a newly renovated spa where you can experience one of six signature Balinese healing rituals.
Go the extra mile: For more budget-friendly wellness getaways, Chiang Mai offers incredible options. Horizon Village features a sprawling botanical garden where you can cycle through vibrant flora before unwinding at its traditional spa. For a plant-based, all-inclusive retreat, Away Chiang Mai provides curated vegan-friendly programmes, complete with nourishing meals and wellness activities, starting from S$200 per person per night.
MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZAS: FIND YOUR JAM
Singapore may host some of the biggest concerts, but true music lovers know that nothing beats experiencing a festival abroad. Destinations like South Korea and Thailand are renowned for their larger-than-life music festivals, featuring local and international headliners, unique experiences, and vibrant atmospheres.
For rock enthusiasts, Busan Rock Festival delivers electrifying performances against the stunning backdrop of South Korea’s coastal city. If electronic beats are more your vibe, World DJ Festival in Seoul brings together top disc jockeys from around the world for a high-energy party. Meanwhile, Wonderfruit in Thailand offers a bohemian retreat, blending live music with art, wellness workshops, and sustainability initiatives in a whimsical, open-air setting.
Go the extra mile: Festival trips require strategic planning — accommodations near venues fill up fast, so book early. To streamline coordination, create a group chat to keep everyone updated on ticket releases, travel plans, and itinerary details. That way, you can focus on enjoying the music without last-minute hiccups!
THE GROUP TRAVEL SURVIVAL GUIDE
Travelling with friends can be an unforgettable experience — if planned well! Here’s how to keep things smooth and fun:
- Appoint a “trip captain”. Avoid endless debates by having someone coordinate bookings. Rotate roles so everyone contributes.
- Agree on a budget. Align expectations early to avoid clashes between luxury seekers and budget travellers.
- Plan a flexible itinerary. Mix group activities with free time — not everyone wants a 6am sunrise hike.
- Sort out food preferences. Discuss dietary needs in advance to avoid last-minute struggles.
- Track expenses easily. Use Splitwise or PayLah! to split costs hassle-free.
- Stay connected. Ensure everyone’s reachable. Try AIRSIM’s free eSIM trial with an instant $3 credit exclusive for HomeTeamNS members.
- Pack smart, pack light. Share essentials like power banks and toiletries to lighten the load.
- Embrace spontaneity. The best moments often happen unplanned — leave room for surprises!
Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.
