We pick out some top locations for groups to travel to next year, where you can enjoy everything from city tours to elephant safari. We pick out some top locations for groups to travel to next year, where you can enjoy everything from city tours to elephant safari. With so many places to explore across the globe, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to booking a trip with your group. So we’ve picked out a number of locations that look to be popular for 2018.

1. South Africa

Elephant in South Africa.

South Africa offers groups plenty, from safari experiences to fascinating landscapes. Cape Town is a must for those visiting South Africa, with Table Mountain being a real highlight. Johannesburg is known as the largest city on the continent so your group can be sure to find something new to explore there. And if you’re an animal lover, a trip to the Addo Elephant National Park on the Eastern Cape region, should be considered. Among the elephants, there are other animals such as ostriches, antelope and warthogs.

2. India

Taj Mahal, India.

India is set to be a great option for groups in 2018, with tours becoming ever more popular. Essential sights to see include the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world and Varanasi, known as the holiest cities in India. During your stop you can take a boat ride on the Ganges at dawn to see locals entering the water to purify themselves before the rising sun. Jaipur, often referred to as the Pink City, is another place worth visiting. Must-sees include the City Palace Complex, with its combination of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, and the 18th century Jantar Mantar, which is said to be the largest and best preserved of five observatories built by the astronomer prince, Maharaja Jai Singh II.

3. Italy

Colosseum, Rome, Italy.

Italy offers groups plenty and is a great choice for those who enjoy architectural history. A trip to Rome should be on everyone’s bucket list, with the Colosseum, the catacombs, Pantheon, and Vatican City offering great insight into Rome’s past. Venice provides great views and the option of riding along the canal in a gondola is a highlight. And for art lovers, a visit to Florence should be on the cards as it is known as one of Europe’s greatest art cities. Walking tours of Florence are available as well as guided tours of Uffizi. Groups can also enjoy wine tasting packages.

4. Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia.

A trip to Croatia should include the Danube for river cruising or perhaps cycling or walking alongside it. Split, a coastal city built on Roman palace ruins is also a great choice for history lovers and Dubrovnik offers a something for those wanting a trip with an artistic flare. Other locations worth visiting include Zagreb, Istria, the Kvarner Gulf and Croatia’s inland.

5. Canary Islands

Tenerife, Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura might be worth considering for 2018. Gran Canaria is said to have the ‘best climate in the world’, and groups might like to discover why on a trip there. Trips might include a stay on just one island, or perhaps you might enjoy island hopping and discovering them all. Places to see include Volcan El Teide, Raven’s Volcano Timanfaya National Park, and Teide National Park. Various tours can be arranged to visit the volcanos and national parks of the islands.

6. Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico.

Mexico is an idea for groups with plenty to see and do there. Highlights might include a trip to see Chichen Itza or Mexico City. Puerto Vallarta is a place with plenty of restaurants and some of Mexico’s best beaches. San Miguel de Allende is another scenic stop that you might like to make when visiting, with cobblestone paths and picturesque architecture.

More inspiration at the GLTS

You can meet representatives from many tour operators and holiday providers at this year’s Group Leisure & Travel Show, taking place on 12th October at the NEC, Birmingham.You can register for free entry now, and take advantage of our free parking offer.

Find the simple Visitor Registration form at grouptravelshow.com/register – why wait?

Companies interested in exhibiting can telephone Sharon Yandell on 01908-613323 for more information or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com.