Why group travel is on the rise and more important than ever

“I make sure I go on an annual trip with my college friends because that’s the way I maintain the relationships with my past. One lives in North Carolina, another in LA, another in New Jersey and I’m in San Francisco so these trips are how we stay in touch and stay connected.”

Brian, who started Airbnb in 2007 by renting out three inflatable mattresses to people attending a nearby conference, understands that keeping friendships alive is not always easy and requires work. “Because you have no new experiences together you end up just talking about the same old stuff,” he says. “Group travel is one of the best ways to maintain friendships because you make new memories and share them together.”

“Last year we went to Europe and visited a couple of cities including Venice. We stayed in a 500-year-old house that was right on the canals. It was from the Renaissance period and completely nuts to be staying in a place with that much history. The whole trip was magical, a real once-in-a-lifetime experience that none of us will ever forget.”

Given the rise in popularity of group bookings – something that shows no sign of slowing – it’s hardly surprising that Airbnb has introduced new features to its app to cater for multi-person trips. These include shared wishlists and group chat facilitates enabling friends to pick the perfect place to stay more easily and also allow everyone within the group to communicate with the host whereas before only one person could do so.

The 42-year-old has his sights fixed firmly on the future in the hope of changing the world even further. “Five years from now I would like to read the headline that Airbnb has created one billion new friendships. I want to focus on connecting people and helping them have magical and memorable experiences together.”

The best Airbnbs for groups

Mykonos, Greece; up to 16 people

Consisting of two identical villas next to each other on the island’s southern shore, the 10-bedroom Posidonia is the perfect place for a group of pals to enjoy a Greek adventure. Boasting traditional Myconian architecture – think white plastered walls, local stone and charming Cycladic arches – the property has a gorgeous pool and is blessed with a location other properties can only dream of. Not only is Mykonos Town just minutes away but there’s a local market nearby and some of the island’s loveliest beaches are a short drive away. The views down towards Nammos beach are pretty special, too.

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Malaga, Spain; up to 14 guests

Bursting with character, this historic hilltop hideaway dates back to the 18th century when it started life as a wine press. Fast forward a few hundred years and it’s welcoming groups to experience the magic of rural Spain. Surrounded by olive, oak and fig trees which hide caves said to be more than 6,000 years old, Lagar los Pilones offers a rustic retreat with wooden beams, an open-plan living area complete with fireplace and stop-in-your-tracks mountain views. The best bit? The museums, bars and beaches of Malaga are just 20 minutes away.

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Brežice, Slovenia; up to six guests

Unwind in the wilds of Slovenia with five of your closest friends at this one-of-a-kind Airbnb on the banks of the Krka River. The property – just 45 minutes from Zagreb airport – is a former 19th century mill encircled by verdant forests and boasting indoor fireplaces, two terraces, a zen garden for meditation sessions and, best of all, your very own private beach. There’s plenty to keep you busy with vineyards and natural hot springs all nearby.

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Formentera, Spain; up to 10 guests

The alluring Balearic island of Formentera has been captivating people for centuries. This sweet spot in Sant Francesc is one of peace, privacy and tranquillity. With five bedrooms, chic interiors and an outdoor area to match with rattan lampshades, shady pergolas and azure Acapulco chairs, it’s surrounded by fields and forests and overlooks the wine-growing region of Cap de Barbaria. Don’t all rush at once.

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Waverveen, Netherlands; up to 12 guests

For something completely different, why not choose this stunning eco-barn on the outskirts of Amsterdam? Rebuilt with reclaimed wood and recycled materials, it features an inviting open kitchen area, comfy king-sized beds in the five bedrooms and endless countryside to explore. Hosts Arrad and Monique work in the farm next door but give guests all the space and privacy the require.

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