ATOL Protected
All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. So if one of our suppliers fails, you’ll get your money back. If you’re left stranded abroad, a flight home will be arranged at no extra cost. Our ATOL number is 11806
ABTA Protected
As proud ABTA members we deliver the highest standards when it comes to our holidays. So if you book with us you’re guaranteed the best service. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720.
Secure trust account
Unlike many other travel companies we operate on a trust account model. Once we’ve paid the airline for your flights, the rest of you money is held in a trust account. We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday

Where to go on Holiday with Friends

Aug 17, 2022

Holidays

Cook's Club

Some of the best holidays you can have are those spent with your mates. It’s the perfect time for everyone to escape the busy nine to five and catch up in the sunshine. So as we recently marked International Friendship Day, here’s our list of the best holiday destinations to go to with friends.

For friends on a budget: Majorca

Three glasses of sangria with black straws and floating fruit, held up in cheers position. People sitting at al fresco tables can be seen out of focus in the background

Holiday of a lifetime without the big budget? Visit stunning Spain for sun, sea and sand. Majorca is one of the country's most popular hotspots for its great nightlife, low-cost accommodation and beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Spend your days by the pool or on the sandy shores where you and your friends can experience the thrills of paragliding, jet skiing and paddle boarding.

More about Majorca >>>

For friends who love to explore: Turkey

Two women sitting on a sea wall with their backs to the camera looking out across the sea. There are boats on the water and a misty mountainous coastline in the background

With hot weather, azure seas and great things to do, Turkey (aka Turkiye) is an incredible country to explore with friends. Discover the ancient site of Ephesus, wander around the enchanting ‘fairy-chimneys’ of Cappadocia or just relax on one of many picture-perfect beaches. With delicious local food and drink too, there’s plenty to experience in Turkey.

More about Turkey >>>

For friends who love to relax: Crete

View of Agios Nikolaos harbour in Crete, with blue water and colourful buildings of all shapes and sizes. Glimpse of the sea and shadowy hills in the background.

Unwind surrounded by Crete’s stunning scenery as you relax on some of the best beaches in the whole of Greece. Explore the traditional mountain villages. Sample delicious, locally produced cuisine. Walk through the beautiful countryside. And discover Crete’s interesting culture.

More about Crete >>>

For active friends: Portugal

Smiling woman on an orange board and wearing a turquoise tee shirt and fluorescent bikini bottoms, looking at the camera and surfingf on the Portuguese coast

With its alluring views, pretty beaches and mouthwatering food and drink, Portugal puts adventure high on its priority list. Visit the Algarve for views of its dramatic, rocky coast; walk or cycle through Madeira’s lush countryside or throw yourself into city life in Insta-friendly Lisbon. There are loads of things to do, so you can be as active or relaxed as you like.

More about Portugal >>>

For friends who want to party: Ibiza

Audience at a music event with laser strobes and confetti

For the friends who love to dance the night away, one of the best places in the world is the gorgeous island of Ibiza. Enjoy music from world-class DJs in famous clubs such as Pacha, Amnesia and Ushuaia. Not just about incredible nightlife, Ibiza also has exceptional diving, water sports and traditional villages like San Agustin to explore.

More about Ibiza >>>

For friends who want it all: Cook’s Club

DJ at the decks in the poolside DJ booth at Cook's Club El Gouna hotel in Egypt. View of sunloungers, beanbags and thatched parasols by the pool.

DJs performing your summer soundtrack, a pool area perfect for socialising, amazing cocktails and delicious, world-inspired street food… if that sounds like your gang’s idea of heaven, get yourselves to a Cook’s Club hotel! With an atmosphere that builds from day to night, the adventure’s all yours, from snorkelling over Red Sea corals to stargazing after a beach party by the Med.

More about Cook’s Club >>>

Whether you and the crew are planning a fun sunshine break, a total chill-out or some of the best sightseeing around, we’d love to see your pics! Tag @thomascook on Instagram and @thomascooktourism on Facebook.

Written by Carris Boast, 2016. Revised and republished by Lucy Roberts, 2022

About the author

Lucy Roberts blogs about all things holiday, with tons of Thomas Cook knowledge. And as a mum of two, she's always looking for ways to help you have family holidays that are memorable for all the right reasons!