Austin, TX, USA, surprisingly topped the list with 7.6% of all trips planned, signaling a strong preference for dynamic domestic urban getaways among group travelers. This finding anchors Travelry's latest Group Travel Report, a data-driven analysis of 421 trips planned by 209 unique users over the last 90 days, with data generated on 2026-05-18. Our proprietary insights reveal fascinating patterns in destination choices, group dynamics, seasonal preferences, and activity interests, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the evolving landscape of shared travel experiences.
Where group trip planners are heading
Analyzing the destination choices from our user base reveals a diverse yet distinct set of preferences. Austin, TX, USA, led the pack, featuring in 32 trips and accounting for 7.6% of all plans. This highlights a significant draw towards vibrant U.S. cities known for their culture, music, and culinary scenes. Following Austin, Sydney NSW, Australia, secured the second spot with 24 trips, representing 5.7% of plans, indicating a strong international appeal for adventurous, long-haul destinations. New York, NY, USA, ranked third with 14 trips (3.3%), reaffirming its status as a perennial favorite for diverse group experiences. The broader category of "USA" came in fourth with 13 trips (3.1%), suggesting flexible domestic travel plans or multi-city itineraries within the country. Rounding out the top five, Tokyo (8 trips, 1.9%) showcased continued interest in East Asian cultural hubs.
Beyond the top five, other notable destinations included Lisbon, Portugal (7 trips, 1.7%), Miami, FL, USA (7 trips, 1.7%), Los Angeles, CA, USA (7 trips, 1.7%), and Washington D.C., DC, USA (6 trips, 1.4%). Paris (6 trips, 1.4%), Paris, France (5 trips, 1.2%), and Tokyo, Japan (5 trips, 1.2%) also featured prominently, with minor variations in user input for the same cities. The data indicates a strong preference for major urban centers, both domestically and internationally. The presence of several U.S. cities in the top 10 (Austin, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington D.C.) suggests that domestic travel remains a cornerstone for group planners. The inclusion of global icons like Sydney, Tokyo, Lisbon, and Paris points to a desire for diverse international experiences. For groups considering an iconic urban escape, New York City continues to be a top contender, offering unparalleled cultural and entertainment opportunities.
Who's traveling together
The composition of travel groups on Travelry provides key insights into social dynamics. "Friends" dominate the landscape, making up 48.5% of all group types. This underscores the prevalent desire for shared experiences among peer groups. "Couple" trips represent a significant 24% of the plans, indicating a healthy segment of romantic getaways and dual-traveler itineraries. "Family" trips account for 15.2%, highlighting the continued importance of family vacations and reunions. Interestingly, "solo" travel makes up 12.1% of group types, suggesting individuals use Travelry to plan personal trips, perhaps with an eye toward future group additions or for meticulously organizing their own adventures. "Business" travel, while present, is a minimal segment at 0.2%.
When examining group size, the data aligns closely with the group type breakdown. "Small groups" of 3-5 people constitute the vast majority, at 59.4% of all trips. This segment perfectly complements the high percentage of "friends" and "family" trips, as these sizes are often ideal for coordinated planning and shared activities. "Couple" trips, defined as two travelers, represent 25.9% of the total, closely mirroring the 24% identified in the group type analysis. "Solo" trips account for 10.2% of the group size breakdown, again consistent with the "solo" group type. "Large groups" of 6 or more people make up a smaller but notable 4.5% of trips, indicating that while less frequent, larger gatherings are still a part of the group travel ecosystem. The prevalence of small groups and couples suggests a preference for more intimate, manageable travel parties.
When they're going
Travelry user data reveals clear seasonal preferences for group travel planning. The spring and early summer months are overwhelmingly popular, with May leading significantly at 33.5% of all planned trips. June follows with 17.1%, and April closely behind at 16.9%. Combined, these three months account for over 67% of all trips planned within the last 90 days. This strong skew towards late spring and early summer can be attributed to several factors: favorable weather conditions across many popular destinations, the onset of school holidays, and the ability to travel before the peak summer crowds and prices of July and August. August (7.6%) and July (6.7%) see a dip in planned trips compared to the preceding months, potentially due to higher costs, extreme heat in some regions, or other seasonal commitments. March also shows a notable share at 5.5%, indicating an early start to spring travel for some groups.
What they care about
Understanding the interests selected by group planners provides a window into their desired travel experiences. "Adventure & Outdoor Activities" stands out as the top interest, chosen by 61.3% of users. This highlights a strong inclination towards active and experiential travel, from hiking and kayaking to exploring natural landscapes. "Food & Dining" is a universal draw, selected by 50.8% of users, underscoring the importance of culinary experiences in group trips. "Beach & Water Sports" comes in third at 45.6%, indicating a significant interest in coastal destinations and aquatic activities. "Cultural Experiences" follows closely at 41.6%, reflecting a desire to immerse in local traditions, arts, and heritage. "Nightlife & Entertainment" (27.3%) and "Shopping" (26.6%) are also popular, suggesting that vibrant urban environments offering diverse leisure options are appealing. Other notable interests include "Photography" (23%), "History & Museums" (22.8%), "Local Markets" (21.9%), and "Architecture" (21.6%), all pointing to a well-rounded approach to travel that values both active engagement and cultural enrichment.
How long their trips are
The duration of group trips planned on Travelry offers insights into user expectations and logistical considerations. The average trip length is 7.2 nights, while the median trip length is 4 nights. This notable difference between the average and median suggests a bimodal distribution where a significant number of shorter trips, likely long weekends or quick getaways, pull the median down, while a smaller subset of longer, perhaps multi-destination or extended vacation trips, inflates the average. The median of 4 nights indicates that for most groups, shorter, more manageable trips are preferred, likely due to ease of coordination, limited vacation time, or budget constraints. The longer average, however, points to a segment of travelers who are planning more extensive journeys, potentially leveraging Travelry's planning capabilities for complex itineraries.
Methodology
This report is based on an analysis of 421 trips planned by 209 unique Travelry users over the last 90 days, with data generated on 2026-05-18. Admin and test trips were excluded to ensure the integrity of the user activity data. This report provides a snapshot of real user behavior and is refreshed monthly to reflect ongoing trends.
What this means for your trip planning
The trends identified in this report offer valuable guidance for anyone planning a group trip. The popularity of destinations like Austin, TX, USA, and New York City suggests that vibrant urban centers, both domestic and international, remain top choices for group experiences. Focus on incorporating "Adventure & Outdoor Activities" and "Food & Dining" into your itinerary, as these are highly prioritized interests. Consider planning your trip for the spring or early summer months, such as May, June, or April, to align with peak travel periods and potentially more favorable conditions. Given the median trip length of 4 nights, opting for shorter, well-curated itineraries can increase participation and ease coordination within your group. Regardless of whether you're traveling with friends, family, or as a couple, understanding these trends can help you craft a more appealing and successful group adventure. No matter your group size, destination, or interests, Travelry's AI can build a personalized trip itinerary in minutes, simplifying the complexities of group travel planning.