Friendship Day 2025: 7 epic getaways to reignite your bond with friends

This Friendship Day, why not celebrate the bond that’s endured distance and time? Here are seven unforgettable getaways to reconnect with your tribe.

If Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Chahta Hai have taught us anything, it’s that travelling with your closest friends isn’t just a trip, it’s a journey of the soul. There’s a different kind of magic when you explore the world with people who truly know you. Whether you did it in your teens or are finally making it happen after settling in life, travel plans with friends hit differently. From late-night talks, silent sunsets and shared laughter, these trips become lifelong memories. This Friendship Day, why not celebrate the bond that has endured distance and time? Here are seven unforgettable getaways to reconnect with your tribe.

Nairobi & Maasai Mara, Kenya

A few things bond people like being together in the middle of something unforgettable. Kenya’s safaris give you that, open skies, early game drives, and meals under the stars. The real magic, though, is in the shared silence when a lion walks past or when you lift off in a hot-air balloon at dawn.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

This Nature Emirate in the UAE is where you go when your crew has both mountain and beach people, and wants a bit of everything: sea, sand, mountains, and adventure. Hike up to Camp 1770 by morning, take the world’s longest zipline above Jebel Jais Mountain range by noon, and be back at a beachfront property by the Arabian Gulf for sundowners by the pool. Don’t miss visiting Al Jazeera Al Hamra, an ancient pearling village, a desert safari, and cuddling the camels the next day.

Koh Samui, Thailand

If your group dreams of island escapes minus the crowds and chaos, Koh Samui in August hits the sweet spot. With calmer weather on the Gulf side of Thailand, you’ll find serene beaches, coconut groves, and luxury stays. Think spa mornings, temple visits, and full-moon dinners by the sea, minus the thumping party scene. Hop over to Koh Phangan for a night of fire shows or stay put with pool villas, enjoy private barbecues, and shared massages at an oceanfront spa. This is Thailand’s soft side, where time slows down, and friendships get more space to breathe.

Kalkudah, East Coast, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the kind of place that doesn’t need convincing. You land, and it all falls into place. If the South feels familiar, the East Coast still feels like a secret waiting to be explored, especially in August, when this coast is at its best.

Mahe or La Digue, Seychelles

Seychelles in August offers ideal weather with fewer crowds and a relaxed, sun-kissed vibe. On La Digue, take it slow, bike between serene beaches, glide in glass-bottom kayaks, cool off with a swim, grab fresh coconuts, and share a Creole feast at a beachfront café with your crew. For an adventure-packed break, stay in Mahé and explore lush trails, zipline through the treetops, snorkel around Moyenne Island, share Creole BBQs, and dance on the sand - each experience is unforgettable.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is more than a city. It charms with its vending machines that dispense iced lattes, the quiet alleys, and culture peeking from modern skyscrapers. From vending machines pouring iced lattes to quiet lanes hiding centuries of culture, it surprises at every turn. Begin your day above it all at Tokyo Skytree. On clear mornings, Mount Fuji greets you in the distance. After that serene moment, drop into Solamachi below for matcha treats, souvenirs, and maybe a stop at the Pokemon Centre. Whether you head off to Asakusa, sip coffee in Sumida, or browse vinyl in Shimokitazawa, the day unfolds effortlessly, and always circles back with stories in hand.

Tel Aviv & The Dead Sea, Israel

Tel Aviv knows how to host. Sip iced coffee, feast on thoughtful vegan fare, and toast the sunset on a rooftop with your tribe. A Dead Sea day trip with friends for floaty fun and carefree laughs will make the trip memorable.