GROUP-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

There’s definitely more fun to be had when you’re part of a group trip!

Refilwe Mothei, 24

Order In senior partner and manager, model, and co-owner of the travel agency Twins Travel Tandem, which offers bespoke female-only group tours. The best thing about group travel… You’re likely to travel with partners who share the same interests as you, so you’ll have more people to explore with.

I recommend... Paris. It caters for foodies, art lovers, shopaholics, history fanatics, wine and champagne enthusiasts. With good planning, and at the right time of year, you pay just a little bit more than on a trip to Thailand. Check out the following… A Seine River dinner cruise, Trocadero, and shopping at La Vallee Village, which is a village with discount designer stores!

Dakalo Nekhavhambe, 24

A civil engineer and a travel enthusiast who enjoys discovering new places and amazing cuisine, locally and abroad. The best thing about group travel… It works out cheaper as costs can be split, and it’s always better to travel with friends, as it allows you to create amazing memories with them.

I recommend… A trip along the Garden Route National Park, which extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. There is something to do for every group member, including nature lovers, beach bums, adrenaline junkies and foodies. Check out the following… Knysna, the Wilderness, Tsitsikamma and Plettenberg Bay. Play at the Knysna Elephant Park, stay at a picturesque beachfront hotel and view the magnificent Storms River arched bridge.

Rachel Ntopile Mahooa, 32

HR consultant and owner of Off The Beaten Path, a Joburg-based boutique travel agency.

The best thing about group travel… Having a whole clique of photographers, saving costs and safety in numbers.

I recommend… Clarens, in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains in the Free State — it’s one of the best destinations for group travel. It has something for everyone — quirky little stores, beertasting pubs, hiking trails and adventure sports. You simply can’t get bored. Check out the following… Hiking on the Maluti Mountains, picnicking at the Golden Highlands National Park, a visit to the Basotho Cultural Village, river rafting and quad biking.

Khuthi Nedohe, 32

This Cape Town-based asset manager attributes her passion for travelling to pretty pictures in in-flight magazines. The best thing about group travel… You become more adventurous because you’re all exploring. Travelling is my way of reconnecting with my friends as we don’t live in the same city.

I recommend…Y sterfontein on the West Coast, it’s an hour away from Cape Town by car. It’s perfect for a group, as you can slow down, relax and just enjoy the amazing views. We booked a house right by the beach at an affordable rate, during off peak-season.

Check out the following… A short hike into the West Coast National Park, and have a braai picnic at one of the private beaches. During the hike, you get to the sand dunes where it feels like you’re on the Namibian desert.