Group Vacation Blog Posts | The Keys to Travel

River Cruise with Friends: Unique cruise itineraries to try

October 16, 2020/in Group Vacation, River Cruise

River cruising is a convenient way to travel as a group. Everyone is in one location with transportation provided. Travelers only have to unpack once, while getting to experience multiple countries and cities together. Whether you are looking to coordinate a friends, family, or women’s getaway group trip, a river cruise can be the ideal vacation option.

Yoga on the top deck of a river cruise ship

With so many river cruise itineraries out there, it is hard to narrow down to the perfect one for you and your friends. That’s what I’m here for! Below I break down five very unique river cruise itineraries that would be great for a trip with your friends. Once you get your ideas flowing, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com and I can help you plan, coordinate, and book your river cruise with friends.

Go on a river cruise with friends with one of these five unique cruise itineraries:

1- Wine River Cruise with Friends

Do you and your friends love wine? There are some incredible European River Cruise itineraries that take you through the best wine regions in the world. You will be joined by a special wine host and treated to a menu of exclusive wine and culinary experience on this cruise. Here are some more reasons why you should definitely try a wine-themed river cruise.

Views of vineyards form a wine river cruise

2- European Christmas Market River Cruises

Cruise down the Danube River or the Rhine River in Europe and stop at all the famous European Christmas Markets on this cruise. IT is a magical time of year to experience Europe with your family or friends.

If you’d like to join us on our group Christmas Market River Cruise in December 2021, click here for more information.

3- African Safari Cruise

I bet when you think African safari, you don’t think cruise. Well, combining a river cruise and safari into one adventure helps you discover more and experience Africa in a unique and exciting way. Normally on a safari, you see the animal’s behinds when they gather at the watering hole. But on an African Safari cruise, you will be enjoying their front side right from their watering hole! This is definitely a trip you will not forget. And what better way to experience it than with your friends or family?

Africa Safari on a river cruise with friends

4- Egypt and The Nile River Cruise

Again, I bet you don’t think of cruising when you think of visiting Egypt. Taking a cruise down the Nile River is definitely a unique way to experience the history of Egypt. A river cruise with friends like this will give you the opportunity to experience Egypt from both the land and water point of view.

5 – Tulip River Cruise with Friends

The Netherlands is famous for its tulips. Go on a river cruise through the countryside in spring to see and explore the breathtaking tulip blossoms. Bookend your cruise with a few days exploring the canals and windmills of Amsterdam.

Which river cruise itinerary do you want to experience with your friends or family? When you are ready to look into options, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com. I will help you find the perfect itinerary and help you create unique lifelong memories with your friends.

River Cruise with Friends: Unique cruise itineraries to try

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico for Your Group Vacation

The Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico for Your Group Vacation

October 5, 2020/in Group Vacation, Hotels, Mexico

With so many all-inclusive resort options in Mexico, it can be hard to decide which one is perfect for your group vacation. I’ve made a list below to make the decision process easier for you! When you’re ready to book your group vacation to Mexico, let me know and I can get you special pricing and extra benefits!

Here are the best all-inclusive resort choices in Mexico for your next group trip:

Bachelorette Party or Bachelor Party

Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa

Breathless Cabo is the ideal resort for bachelorette and bachelor parties. Here’s why:

Located on a swimmable beach, which is rare in Los Cabos.
Within walking distance to downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Beautiful views of the marina and ocean.
Options to add on a “Party Package” for the Last Fling Before the Ring or Last Call Bachelor Package to really make for a special experience.
Upgrade to an Xhale Club Suite to experience the extra VIP treatment.
Daily entertainment with a DJ at the pool.
Theme parties including a bubble party, carnival of champagne, glow party, and a cocktail party.

If you want an unforgettable last party before you tie the knot, Breathless Cabo San Lucas is where you need to go!

Breathless Los Cabos all-inclusive resort in Mexico

Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico for an Active Adventurous Group

Explorean Cozumel

If your group loves to stay active on vacation, head to Explorean Cozumel. Unlike normal all-inclusive resorts, Explorean Cozumel includes daily excursions around Cozumel in their all-inclusive price. Some excursion options that are offered include:

Snorkeling
Paddleboard adventure
Sunset kayak tour
Visit to Punta Sur
Explore the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

Stay active with your group while enjoying the all-inclusive amenities at Explorean Cozumel.

Families/Multi-Generational Group Vacation

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

This resort is my favorite for groups that have a mix of families with kids and couples or adult-only travelers. Why? Because Hard Rock Riviera Maya is two resorts in one! There is an adults-only side of the property and a family-friendly side of the property. Adults can go between both sides, but kids have to stay on the family-friendly side.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya also has an enormous amount of entertainment options for both kids and adults.

Waterpark
Kids Club
Kidz Bop Experience
Natural Sea Cove
Night Club
Spa with treatments included at a 25% service fee

It doesn’t get much better than this if you need a resort for a group with a variety of needs and wants out of their Mexico vacation!

Adults Only Pool at Hard Rock Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico

Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico for a Couples Group

Secrets Maroma Beach

Secrets Maroma Beach is a great all-inclusive resort for a group of couples. It is a resort often noted for honeymoon vacations, so it has a romantic vibe. But there is plenty of entertainment and fun throughout the resort to be able to enjoy with a group. Oh, and it’s located on Maroma Beach, one of the top-rated beaches in the world! The beach is expansive with such soft, white sand. Enjoy a day at the beach with your friends and then get a round of mini-golf in before your theme party night.

Secrets Maroma Beach won two awards with Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best, including Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico and Best Romance in Mexico. What a great all-inclusive resort option for a couples group vacation!

View of the pool at Secrets Maroma Beach

Women’s Weekend

UNICO 20*87

I can’t think of a better resort for a girl’s weekend than UNICO 20*87.

Spa treatments and excursions are included in your all-inclusive price for just a 25% service fee.
The 24-hour room service is actually really delicious
Every room has a hydro spa tub on the balcony or patio or a swim-up pool.
Every room has incredible views of the ocean.
Daily fitness activities.
There are enough photo spots around the resort to fill your Instagram for days.

I love this resort so much, that I put together a Women’s Treat Yourself Weekend in November 2021! Click here for details. I hope you will join us. You deserve a weekend of pampering. :)

One of the pools at UNICO 2087 All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico

Which resort do you want to go to with your friends or family? Email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com when you’re ready to start planning!

The Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico for Your Group Vacation

The Best Resorts for Group Trips in 2021

August 26, 2020/in Group Vacation

All-inclusive resorts are ideal for group trips. They are easy to coordinate. Food and drinks are included. And there are plenty of activities happening day and night to entertain everyone in the group. Keep scrolling to see where to go for your group vacation in 2021!

8 Best Resorts for Group Trips in 2021

Breathless Resorts & Spas for Group Trips

Locations
Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica

Vibe
Social Party

Group Type
Breathless Resorts are ideal for Bachelorette and Bachelor parties, girl’s trips, birthday celebrations, and friend’s getaways. This resort offers party packages that you can add on to your vacation. These packages include The Last Fling Before the Ring Bachelorette Package, Last Call Bachelor Package, and Breathless Birthday Bash Package.

Pool party at Breathless Cabo. These are great resorts for group trips

Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts for Group Trips

Locations
Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica

Vibe
Wellness Haven

Group Type
Zoetry Resorts are ideal for wellness retreats. They combine health and luxury for a wellness experience unlike anywhere else.

Zoetry in Punta Cana pool and ocean views

El Dorado Seaside Suites

Location
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Vibe
Tranquil luxury plus endless adventure

Group Type
El Dorado Seaside is an adults-only property and is ideal for couples, celebrations, and wellness retreats. There are enough activities and entertainment happening around the resort to keep everyone entertained. But if you want to relax, there are plenty of spaces to sit back and recharge.

UNICO 20*87

Location
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Vibe
Relaxed luxury plus cultural immersion

Group Type
UNICO 20*87 is another adults-only resort that is ideal for wellness retreats and women’s getaways. Included in your all-inclusive stay is 75% off at the spa on certain treatments and 75% off certain excursions.

Couples Resorts for Group Trips

Locations
Negril and Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Vibe
Romance

Group Type
Couples Resorts are great for adults looking for a mix of romance and activities. They include a lot of activities in their all-inclusive price that many resorts do not. These activities include catamaran rides and snorkeling excursions. This is a great resort for a group of friends who want endless options of fun throughout the day and night.

Couples Swept Away in Jamaica Resort for Groups

Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Resorts

Locations
Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica

Vibe
Active fun

Group Type
Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva are often found right next to each other. Hyatt Zilara is adults-only and Hyatt Zica is family-friendly, so these resorts are ideal for families and multi-generational family vacations.

Generations Riviera Maya

Location
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Vibe
Luxury family fun

Group Type
Generations Riviera Maya is the family-friendly resort to El Dorado’s adults-only property. This resort is ideal for mother/daughter groups and family groups.

Generations resort swim-up suite rooms for group trips

Secrets Papagayo

Locations
Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Vibe
Active and romance

Group Type
Secrets Papagayo is tucked away in the jungle of Costa Rica, but also right on the beach. This resort perfect for couples and friend’s getaways with adults who love to stay active.

Which resort would you like to go to with your friends or family?

To receive extra group benefits and for help planning your group vacation, email me at hello@thekeystotravel.com!

Best Places To Go on Vacation with Friends

August 14, 2020/in Group Vacation

So you want to go on vacation with your friends but you don’t know where to go? There are many places all over the world ideal to vacation with a group. The destinations below all offer a variety of amenities and activities almost guaranteeing a great vacation for everyone.

Here are 8 incredible destinations to go on vacation with friends.

#1: Vacation with friends in South Africa

South Africa offers a large variety of bucket list vacation options. Explore scenic Cape Town, discover Cape Winelands, and track the Big Five on a safari. This is a great destination for all types of travel groups from families of all ages to a group of friends looking to experience Africa together.

#2: Jamaica

Jamaica is a great destination to go on vacation with friends who want the all-inclusive option. Three of the main tourist spots in Jamaica include Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. All offer beautiful beaches and unique excursion options.

Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. A tropical vacation spot to go with friends

#3: Danube River

Take a cruise down the Danube River for your next group vacation. When river cruising, you only have to unpack once while getting the opportunity to visit multiple countries in one trip. The Danube River offers different themed cruises, including Christmas Market River Cruises, Wine Themed Cruises, and Castle Themed Cruises. River Cruising is a great way for a group of friends to see multiple European countries together without worrying about coordinating transportation.

If you would like to join us on our group European Christmas Market River Cruise December 2021, click here for more details. If those dates don’t work for you and your friends, we can put together a group that works for you!

River Cruise floating down the Danube River a great vacation to go on with friends

#4: Hawaii

With multiple islands to choose from, Hawaii has a lot to offer groups of friends traveling together. Depending on what type of vacation your group is looking for, you can find it on one (or more) of the Hawaiian Islands.

A hike along the Napali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii a great place to go on vacation with friends

#5: Greece

Greece is a very popular travel destination right now, and for good reason! This is a great destination to visit with friends because you get a little bit of everything from history to culture to beach life. With so many activities to choose from, everyone in the group will find something to enjoy.

#6: Alaska

Alaska is a great destination to travel to with a group of friends because there are so many ways to see and experience this state. A larger cruise would be ideal for multi-generational groups. For groups who are very active, choose a tour that includes hikes, kayaking, and rafting. There are small cruise ship options that combine both cruising and land activities if you have a group wanting a balance of both.

Denali National Park in Alaska with Lake and Snowcapped Mountains

#7: New Zealand

If you’re looking to go far, New Zealand takes the cake for active travelers. There are tour options to bike throughout New Zealand, kayak the Milford Sound, and hike both the north and south island. New Zealand is an outdoor enthusiasts’s dream destination.

Flowers in New Zealand with sunshine rays

#8: Vacation with Friends in Costa Rica

Head to Costa Rica for wellness retreats, friend’s getaways, and family reunions. You can split your time between the forest and the beach. Explore a rain forest and a cloud forest, zip-line across canopies, or try whitewater rafting. Then head over to the beach for surfing or relaxation. Costa Rica is the ideal place to relax and have fun with a group of friends.

Bridge in Monteverde cloud forest in Costa Rica

Which destination do you want to visit on vacation with your friends?

For an easier planning and booking process, email me when you’re ready to book your next group vacation!

Most Popular Group Trip Themes to Experience in 2021

August 10, 2020/in Group Vacation

2020 was a tough year. There’s no denying that. On the bright side, a new year is right around the corner. 2021 is going to be the year to thrive and reconnect with loved ones and friends. It will be the time to make up for those celebrations, milestones, and get-togethers that were all put on hold.

Here are the most popular group trip themes that you should experience in 2021.

#1 Group Trip Theme – Wellness Retreats

After a year like 2020, we all deserve a getaway to recharge, relax, and return to positivity. Wellness Retreats are the key vacation in 2021. Wellness retreats range in focus from health, fitness, or mindfulness. Some great destinations for wellness retreats are Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Meditating on the beach wellness retreat group trip theme

#2 – Family Reunions

Remember all the good times you used to have with your family? Well, it’s time to make new memories! 2021 is a great year to reconnect and catch up with family on vacation. Some great vacation options for family reunions are river cruises, wine tours, all-inclusive resorts, and safaris.

Group trip theme of family vacation on the beach in Hawaii

#3 – Friends Getaway

Similar to your family, did you have to take a break from seeing close friends during quarantine? 2021 will be the time to splurge a little and travel to reconnect with all your friends. All-inclusive resorts are great for friends getaways because everything is included!

Friends getaway group trip theme in Mexico

#4 – Birthday Celebrations

Did you celebrate a big milestone in 2020, like a 30th birthday? It may have looked a lot different than you were hoping. Don’t let that big milestone pass you by without celebrating. 2021 will be the year to make up for any missed birthday celebrations. Breathless Resorts are great for birthday celebrations with their ‘Birthday Bash’ package.

Pineapples and balloons birthday celebration

#5 Group Trip Theme – Destination Weddings

The number of weddings put on hold in 2020 due to COVID19 was enormous. Make the rescheduling a little easier on yourself by switching to a destination wedding. Your travel agent and wedding coordinator will take care of most of the work for you, so you just have to focus on enjoying FINALLY getting married! Mexico and the Caribbean have a lot of resorts that work well with destination wedding couples.

Destination wedding venue on the beach with ocean views

Which group trip theme do you want to experience in 2021?