A surprising 63 percent of travelers want to add a detour to their trips, says Expedia. They’re looking for unique experiences that fit everyone’s needs. Travel + Leisure picked 50 top spots for 2025, offering great detour options.
Detour spots are like the cool, new places that traditional spots can’t match. They’re less crowded and often cheaper. This makes them perfect for families and big groups.
Detour spots are getting more popular as people look for new adventures. Cozumel is now a top pick instead of Cancun, thanks to its amazing diving. Waikato in New Zealand is quieter than Auckland but still full of life.
These places offer a mix of fun, chill, and culture. They’re great for families and big groups wanting to explore in 2025.
Planning a trip to a detour spot means thinking about everyone’s needs. There’s something for everyone, from outdoor fun to cultural sights. Detour spots are a great pick for a memorable trip.
Key Takeaways
- 63 percent of travelers are eager to include a detour destination in their upcoming trips.
- Detour destinations offer comparable experiences to traditional hotspots but with fewer crowds and often at a lower cost.
- 50 noteworthy destinations were selected for exploration in 2025 by Travel + Leisure.
- Cozumel and Waikato are emerging as popular detour destinations for families and large groups.
- Detour destinations cater to the diverse needs of travelers, making them perfect for families and large groups.
- The best detour destinations in 2025 provide a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Understanding the Rise of Detour Travel in 2025
Travelers now want unique experiences, leading to the rise of detour travel. This is especially true for families and large groups. A recent survey found that 63% of travelers want to visit lesser-known places in 2025. They’re looking to avoid crowded and commercialized spots.
Detour travel has many benefits. It helps local economies and lets travelers experience real culture. Detour spots are also cheaper, giving travelers more bang for their buck. Places like Reims, France, and Brescia, Italy, are becoming popular for their history and culture.
Travelers love detour travel for its calm and peaceful vibe. It lets families and large groups have a genuine travel experience. Travel experts make planning detour trips easier, offering valuable advice and support.
- Cozumel, Mexico, offering world-class scuba diving opportunities
- Waikato, New Zealand, showcasing diverse natural landscapes for outdoor adventures
- The Hague, a short detour from Amsterdam, providing access to beaches, historical monuments, and museums
The trend of detour travel is here to stay. It shows that travelers want more than just a typical tourist trip. By adding detour spots to their plans, families and large groups can make lasting memories and have a more genuine travel experience.
What Makes a Perfect Family Detour Destination
A perfect family detour destination has adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. It meets the needs of families with different ages. CNN says the best places offer activities for all ages and are safe, affordable, and easy to get to.
When planning for large groups, choose places that fit everyone’s needs. A good spot has outdoor fun, cultural visits, and places to relax. Activities like hiking, biking, and seeing local sights are great for groups.
Smaller towns and suburbs near big cities are perfect for families. Reims, France, is famous for champagne, and Todos Santos, Mexico, is great for surfing. These places are cheaper than big cities, making travel easier on the wallet.
In short, a perfect family spot offers adventure, rest, and culture for all. By thinking about these things, families can make lasting memories and have a worry-free trip.
The Best Detour Destinations in 2025 for Mixed-Age Groups
Planning a trip with mixed-age groups means picking places that everyone will enjoy. Travel + Leisure suggests national parks, coastal towns, and mountain retreats. These spots offer fun activities and amenities for families and groups.
Some top detour spots for mixed-age groups include:
- National parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, which offer hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Coastal towns like Santa Barbara and San Diego, which offer beach activities, water sports, and cultural experiences
- Mountain retreats like Aspen and Vail, which offer skiing, hiking, and relaxation opportunities
These places mix adventure, relaxation, and culture. They’re perfect for families and groups. With their stunning landscapes, rich history, and many activities, they promise unforgettable memories for all.
Looking for a calm escape or an exciting adventure? These detour spots have something for everyone. So, consider a detour destination for your next family or group trip. You’ll find unique charm and endless fun, making it an experience you’ll never forget.
| Destination | Activities | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| National Parks | Hiking, Camping, Wildlife Viewing | Lodges, Campgrounds, Restaurants |
| Coastal Towns | Beach Activities, Water Sports, Cultural Experiences | Hotels, Beachfront Rentals, Shops |
| Mountain Retreats | Skiing, Hiking, Relaxation | Resorts, Ski Lifts, Spas |
Planning Group Transportation and Logistics
Traveling with a large group requires careful planning of transportation and logistics. This aspect is often overlooked but is crucial for a successful trip. Companies like G Adventures offer tours in over 100 countries, and Contiki keeps groups small with a maximum of 50 people.
Group size is a key factor in planning. Intrepid Travel has groups of 10, while EF Education First ranges from 10 to 40. These numbers help decide on transportation and where to stay. Also, booking flights, arranging transport, and planning activities must be done with care to keep everyone together.
Using technology like Google Calendar or TripIt can help organize trips. Assigning roles to group members can prevent confusion. It’s also vital to consider everyone’s needs, like mobility or dietary restrictions. By focusing on group transportation and logistics, trips can be enjoyable for everyone.
Travel companies often give discounts for large groups. Booking flights 70 days in advance can save money. Using fare alerts can cut ticket prices by 15%. With careful planning, groups can save up to 15%, making the trip more affordable.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options for Large Parties
Traveling with a big group, like families, means finding affordable places to stay. CNN says there are many cheap options out there. You can find villas, boutique hotels, and other unique places to stay.
Finding budget-friendly accommodation is key for families and big groups. It helps keep costs down and makes the trip more fun. Here are some great choices:
- Villa and house rentals offer lots of amenities and space for big groups.
- Boutique hotels have special deals for groups, giving a unique and personal stay.
- Alternative places like hostels and campsites are cheap and fun for big groups.
These options meet the needs of big groups, including families. They provide a cozy and affordable place to stay. With more people looking for detour destinations, they want budget-friendly accommodation that’s also special.
Choosing the right place to stay makes big trips memorable and affordable. It lets families and groups have fun without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Must-Have Apps and Tools for Group Travel Planning
Planning a trip for a large group can be tough. But, the right tools and apps can make it easier. Travel + Leisure says there are many apps and tools for group travel planning. These include apps for planning trips, staying in touch, and keeping things organized.
Apps like TripIt and Google Trips are great for planning itineraries. For staying in touch, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are good choices. Tools like Trello and Asana help with organizing tasks and delegating work.
Here are some essential apps and tools for group travel planning:
- TripIt: a trip planning app that helps with itinerary planning and organization
- Google Trips: a trip planning app that helps with itinerary planning and organization
- WhatsApp: a communication app that helps with communication and coordination
- Facebook Messenger: a communication app that helps with communication and coordination
- Trello: an organization tool that helps with task management and delegation
- Asana: an organization tool that helps with task management and delegation
Using these apps and tools can simplify your group travel planning. They work for both big and small groups. These tools help keep everyone organized and on schedule.
Keeping Everyone Entertained: Activity Planning Tips
Traveling with families and large groups means you need to plan activities well. CNN says good planning makes the trip memorable. It’s important to pick activities that everyone can enjoy, no matter their age.
To plan well, think about what each person likes. Involve everyone in planning to make sure you choose activities they’ll like. This way, the trip is fun for everyone and less stressful.
There are many fun activities for families and large groups. You can go on outdoor adventures, explore cultures, or visit theme parks. These activities can be fun for all ages.
For example, kids might like kids’ clubs or water parks. Teens can enjoy sports or outdoor fun. Adults can relax with wine tastings, cooking classes, or spa treatments.
Adding different activities to your plan makes the trip interesting. You can do team-building, visit cultural events, or go hiking. This way, everyone has something fun to do.
- Team-building exercises to foster bonding and collaboration
- Cultural events and festivals to experience local traditions
- Outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking, to enjoy nature and scenic views
Good planning is key to a great trip for families and large groups. By thinking about everyone’s interests, you can make a plan that’s fun for all. This makes the trip unforgettable.
Conclusion: Creating Unforgettable Group Travel Experiences
Starting your group travel journey? Remember, the secret to making memories is in the planning. Choose the best group travel destinations and plan fun activities. Make sure everything runs smoothly with great logistics. This way, your trip will be a highlight of your life.
Planning a family trip or a friends’ reunion? Pick places that have something for everyone. Look for hidden gems in national parks, cozy coastal towns, and peaceful mountain retreats. Use technology to make planning easier and keep everyone connected. This will help you make your trip unforgettable.
Use this chance to make memories, bond with friends and family, and see new places. With the right attitude and some planning, your trip will be a huge success. Everyone will leave with a deeper love for shared adventures.
