Travelling with friends: the perfect destinations for celebrating International Day of Friendship

Discover the best destinations for travelling with friends:

• International Day of Friendship
• Punta Cana with friends: beach, rhythm, and freedom
• A Friendship Day getaway in Jamaica
• The Riviera Maya with friends

There’s nothing quite like travelling with friends to strengthen those bonds that everyday life sometimes seems to place on hold

And if there’s one destination that lends itself to laughter, spontaneous plans, and memories that last a lifetime, that would undoubtedly be the Caribbean. With its crystal-clear waters, white sands, and a unique blend of relaxation and vitality that can only be experienced here, it’s the ideal backdrop for celebrating friendship.

At Princess Hotels we’re well aware of this, which is why we’ve chosen three locations where the group experience really comes into its own: Jamaica, the Riviera Maya, and Punta Cana. Three destinations, one promise: comfort, connection and guaranteed fun, so that every trip becomes a shared memory.

International Day of Friendship

The 30th of July marks International Day of Friendship, a day dedicated to celebrating one of life’s most valuable bonds. This is a day for paying tribute to those people who make our lives that much more special through their company, support, and good cheer.

This commemoration was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2011 in an effort to promote values such as peace, respect, and unity amongst all people.

In vibrant destinations such as the Caribbean, the sea, the warm weather, and moments shared combine to create the perfect setting for spending time together, laughing together, and focussing on celebrating our friendships while creating unforgettable memories.

Punta Cana with friends: beach, rhythm, and freedom

If your group is looking for the perfect balance between relaxation, adventure and nightlife, Punta Cana is a safe bet.

To get the most out of a stress-free getaway we recommend three resorts which, although they all bear the Princess brand, offer different vibes and have been designed to appeal to a range of travel styles: Grand Bávaro Princess, ideal for those looking for a lively ambience, entertainment, and beach-front activities; Caribe Deluxe Princess, perfect for combining tropical relaxation with time spent on the beach; and Tropical Deluxe Princess, a lively option with activities, a Caribbean vibe, and spaces designed for sharing experiences with friends.

In addition to the hotel, Punta Cana offers experiences that have been especially designed for groups; experiences that add an extra touch of excitement to your trip.

To take the group’s energy to the next level, don’t miss out on:

• Party boat along the Bávaro coastline: One of the favourite activities for enjoying as a group is to hop aboard a catamaran or party boat and explore the Bávaro coastline. Cruising to the beat of the music, with drinks and toasts amidst laughter, good company, and dancing worthy of a tropical fiesta, and with stops for refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters – all combine to create the perfect atmosphere for experiencing the Caribbean from the sea while enjoying a truly unforgettable experience as a group.

• Coco Bongo Punta Cana: And once the sun goes down, the place to be is Coco Bongo. For those looking for an unforgettable night out, this iconic spectacle combines music, acrobatics, dancing, and a truly unique vibe in which a one hit after another keeps everyone singing, dancing and laughing until the early hours. This is one of the most popular places to visit with friends in Punta Cana for an experience of endless fun and entertainment; an experience that generates the kind of memories that only happen when travelling with friends.

Click here to find out more about things to do with friends in Punta Cana.

A Friendship Day getaway in Jamaica

Bags are packed, group energy is high, and the next stop is unmistakable: Jamaica.

A destination that blends vibrant culture, irresistible cuisine, golden coastlines and unforgettable energy, Jamaica is the kind of place where friendship thrives. From sun-drenched beach days to cliffside sunsets and shared adventures, every moment feels like it was designed for memories made together.

With Princess Hotels Jamaica as your home base, the experience flows effortlessly between relaxation, discovery and connection, whether you choose the refined serenity of Princess Senses The Mangrove or the vibrant, social energy of Princess Grand Jamaica.

Here are three unforgettable experiences that turn a Friendship Day getaway into something legendary:

• Rick’s Café: Sunset, cliffs, and shared adrenaline.
  For groups who love a mix of energy and spectacle, Rick’s Café is an essential stop. Perched on Negril’s dramatic cliffs, it brings together everything Jamaica does best, music, ocean views, great food, and a front-row seat to one of the island’s most iconic sunsets.
  Order a round of cocktails, watch the cliff divers take the plunge, and settle into that golden-hour glow as the sky transforms into shades of amber and deep coral. It’s lively, it’s social, and it’s the kind of place where every moment feels like it belongs in your camera roll.

• Seven Mile Beach: The ultimate friendship playground.
  Seven Mile Beach is where the day stretches effortlessly into whatever you want it to be. Soft white sand, clear Caribbean waters, and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere make it the perfect backdrop for a day spent with friends.
  Walk the shoreline barefoot, stop for drinks at beach bars, try water sports, or simply claim a spot under the sun and let the day unfold naturally. There’s no schedule here, just shared moments, spontaneous plans, and the kind of easy laughter that only happens on a trip like this.
  And when your group inevitably declares it “the best beach day ever,” you won’t need to argue.

• Chukka Ocean Outpost: Adventure reimagined.
  For a fresh twist on adventure, head to Chukka Ocean Outpost, where nature and adrenaline meet in a coastal playground designed for exploration.
  Think horseback riding along the shoreline, ziplining over lush tropical landscapes, ATV rides through rugged terrain, and ocean-based experiences that bring you closer to Jamaica’s wild beauty. It’s high-energy, and made for groups who want more than just sightseeing, they want stories.
  It’s the kind of day that turns into inside jokes, unforgettable photos, and the “remember when we…” moments long after the trip ends.

If you’d like to find out more about things to do with your friends in Jamaica, click here and we’ll show you the best activities and experiences.

The Riviera Maya with friends

The Riviera Maya is another of the Caribbean’s top destinations for a trip with friends. Here natural beauty blends with history, culture, cuisine, and a unique ambience in a destination where you can switch from a relaxing morning by the pool to an afternoon exploring wild cenotes, Mayan ruins, or the famous Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) in Playa del Carmen.

For a getaway with friends in an adults-only resort featuring modern facilities, restaurants, swimming pools, and an atmosphere designed for those who want to combine relaxation with moments of fun, the Platinum Yucatan Princess is the perfect choice.

Then there’s also the Grand Riviera and Sunset Princess, both of which are ideal for those travelling in a group and looking for an all-inclusive experience with a wide variety of restaurants, swimming pools, activities, and direct access to the beach.

Some of the best ways to enjoy the Riviera Maya with friends include:

• Exploring cenotes: Cenotes are one of the region’s most special experiences. Swimming in crystal-clear waters surrounded by nature is a great activity to enjoy as a group, and you´ll also get to take home some spectacular photos.

• Visiting Playa del Carmen: La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is ideal for a stroll, picking up souvenirs, having a drink, sampling the local cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife… a flexible plan that’s perfect for groups of friends.

• Discovering Mayan culture: A visit to an archaeological site such as Tulum or Cobá is a great way to make your trip a more well-rounded experience, as it gives you the opportunity to combine beach, history, culture, and adventure.

• Enjoying the hotel at your own pace: Sometimes the best plan is no plan. Spending the day by the pool, trying out different restaurants, taking part in activities, relaxing in your room, or raising a glass at sunset are all part of the magic of travelling with friends.

If you’d like to find out more, here’s our recommendation for the 6 best plans with friends on the Riviera Maya.

Friendship is worth celebrating in many ways, but few experiences are as special as sharing a trip together. In the Caribbean, every moment has something special about it, whether it’s a morning by the sea, a funny dining experience, an unexpected excursion, or a night out that ends up with anecdotes that will last a lifetime.

At the end of the day the best trips aren’t those we gauge just by the places we visit, but by the people we share them with.

So round up your friends, pack your bags, and come and celebrate friendship in the Caribbean with Princess Hotels.

FAQs regarding travelling to the Caribbean for International Friendship Day

What’s the best destination for celebrating Friendship Day in the Caribbean?

That depends on the sort of holiday you’re looking for. Punta Cana is ideal for groups who want to combine the beach, partying and activities; Jamaica stands out for its authentic atmosphere, music, and adventures; while the Riviera Maya offers a mix of relaxation, culture, cenotes, and social life.

What is there to do in Punta Cana with friends on holiday?

In Punta Cana you can enjoy activities such as a party boat trip along the Bávaro coast, a night out at Coco Bongo, a day at the beach, or making the most of the activities and restaurants on offer at the all-inclusive resorts.

Which hotels does Princess Hotels recommend for a trip to Punta Cana with friends

The article recommends Grand Bávaro Princess for those looking for more entertainment and a lively atmosphere, Caribe Deluxe Princess for a relaxing seaside getaway, and Tropical Deluxe Princess for groups wishing to combine activities with a Caribbean atmosphere.

Why is Jamaica a good destination for a getaway with friends?

Jamaica combines beaches, culture, cuisine, music, and adventure all in one destination. What’s more, places such as Rick’s Café, Seven Mile Beach, and Chukka Ocean Outpost offer ideal experiences for sharing as a group.

What is there to do with friends in Jamaica, apart from going to the beach?

As well as enjoying the beach, you could contemplate the sunset at Rick’s Café, go on an ATV tour, have a go on a zip line, take a stroll along Seven Mile Beach, or soak up the local atmosphere and sample Jamaican cuisine.

Which part of the Riviera Maya is best for a holiday with friends?

The Riviera Maya is perfect for groups looking for a variety of things to do. Playa del Carmen, the cenotes, and cultural excursions to places such as Tulum or Cobá are some of the most highly recommended experiences for enjoying with friends.

Which adults-only hotel does Princess Hotels recommend in the Riviera Maya?

The article recommends Platinum Yucatan Princess for groups of adults looking for a more relaxed, contemporary experience with restaurants, swimming pools, and an atmosphere designed for unwinding and enjoying themselves.

What are some things to do in the Riviera Maya with friends?

Some highlights include exploring cenotes, visiting Playa del Carmen, discovering Mayan archaeological sites, and taking your time to enjoy the resort’s facilities.

When is International Day of Friendship?

International Friendship Day is celebrated on the 30th of July and was officially recognised by the UN in 2011 in an effort to promote values such as unity, respect, and peace amongst all people.

Why is travelling to the Caribbean with friends a good way to celebrate friendship?

Because the Caribbean combines relaxation, fun, idyllic beaches, and shared experiences that help create unforgettable memories. Travelling together allows you to switch off from the daily grind and enjoy quality time together.

Categories: Adventure with Friends, Caribbean, Jamaica, Lifestyle, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya