Editor's note: this is the updated version of a post originally published on February 23, 2016.
Whether you're climbing cloud forests in Costa Rica, lounging on idyllic beaches in Greece or eating your way through Italy, the great moments in life are made even better when you have your bestie by your side. In commemoration of National Best Friends Day on June 8th, we've put together a list of our favourite places for you and your BFF to travel together!
1. Croatia
Croatia's coastlines are worth travelling, thanks to its sights, sunshine and sailing! From the captivating, walled Old Town of Dubrovnik to the dreamy resort island of Hvar, Croatia is a fabulous place to discover with your bestie.
Why you'll love it: Summer music festivals and sailing on shimmering turquoise sea.
When to go: July to August (peak Europe summer season) or for a quieter visit, June and September.
Top 5 Experiences
- Explore the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to unbelievable natural beauty.
- Listen to the enchanting melodies of Zadar's sea organ, converting sounds of the sea waves into music under marble steps.
- Visit Dubrovnik's well-preserved Renaissance and Gothic buildings, encircled with giant, 16th-century stone walls.
- Sail around the Adriatic Sea, stopping at the beaches of Hvar, one of Croatia's most popular islands.
- Hit up a renowned music festival in Croatia, like Ultra Europe or Soundwave.
2. Italy
There's a reason they call it Bella Italia; beautiful people, delicious food, epic scenery, and so much vino! From the colourful, coastal city of Cinque Terre to the always incredible ancient city of Rome, the leaning tower of Pisa and the floating city of Venice, an Italian vacation is where it’s at. Why not have your BFF by your side to experience it with you?
Why you'll love it: Authentic cuisine, ancient culture, history, and plenty of Instagrammable sights.
When to Go: April to July (it can get swelteringly hot from July to August).
Top 5 Experiences:
- Ride a Venice gondola and visit Basilica di San Marco.
- Roam around Rome and hit up the classical must-sees like the Colosseum, the Forum, Trevi Fountain and Palatine Hill.
- Escape to the seaside by visiting the famous Amalfi Coast in the south, or scenic Cinque Terre in the north.
- Indulge in fresh, regional pasta, pizza and produce.
- Take a day trip to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican.
3. New Zealand
Whether you're a fantasy fanatic or an adventure junkie, there is so much to experience in New Zealand in pairs! With plenty of outdoor activities, adventure, seafood and Sauvignon Blanc, you and your bestie will be kept busy and have your collective breath taken away.
Why you'll love it: Stunning scenery, awe-inspiring glaciers and the #1 destination for adventure travel.
When to go: Winter (May to July) or summer is perfect in New Zealand (December to February).
Top 5 Experiences:
- Encourage one another to conquer fears by jumping the Nevis Bungee in Queenstown.
- Choose a New Zealand wine you both love, then taste and tour your way through its vineyards.
- Marvel at Milford Sound, once dubbed the "eighth" Wonder of the World, spectacularly carved out by ice age glaciers.
- Journey into Middle Earth and Hobbiton, visiting sets of Lord of the Rings.
- Ski or snowboard at the world-class slopes of Cardrona and Treble Cone during the South Island's winter.
4. Thailand
Once you go to Thailand and eat its renowned street food, Thai food back home will never taste the same again. Imagine yourself taking in stunning sunsets and enjoying Island life in Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan. It's the epitome of being 'young, wild and free' and there's nothing better than having your bestie by your side to do those things with.
Why You'll love it: It's affordable, the food is delicious, the beaches are glorious, and did we mention cheap Thai massages?
When to go: November to May (May to October is the rainy season.)
Top 5 Experiences:
- If you're both into nightlife, check out a Full Moon party in Koh Pha Ngan.
- Take a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai to impress your friends back home.
- Get yourselves PADI certified to scuba dive in Koh Tao.
- Learn Muay Thai.
- Laze the days away on one of Thailand's many gorgeous beaches.
5. Costa Rica
This small Central American country is a peaceful haven for discovery. From jungles and rainforests to volcanoes, beaches and coffee plantations, a trip to Costa Rica with your BFF should be mandatory!
Why you'll love it: Ecotourism, yoga retreats, surfing (and adorable sloths!)
When to go: April to June and September to November
Top 5 Experiences:
- Soak up one of their many hot springs or waterfalls (we love La Fortuna.)
- Learn to surf in Tamarindo.
- Zip-line at Selvatura Park.
- Ascend the steaming Arenal Volcano.
- Take a tour of a fair-trade coffee plantation.
Ready to grab your BFF and get outta here? Talk to a Flight Centre Expert Traveller today!
