When it comes to planning the ultimate guys' getaway, we've gathered nine unique perspectives from professionals ranging from Senior Editors to Public Relations Specialists. From an annual cabin retreat in Lake Chautauqua to an adrenaline-fueled bike road trip, discover the favorite activities, destinations, and companions these men choose for their ideal escape.
Key Takeaways:
- Annual Cabin Retreat in Lake Chautauqua
- Football and Culture in Manchester
- Skiing Adventure in the Pyrenees
- Nationwide Paintball Tour Extravaganza
- Cruise Retreat with Creative Entrepreneurs
- Forest Treasure Hunting with Friends
- Cultural Exploration in Dublin, Ireland
- Relaxing Spa Getaway in Budapest
- Adrenaline-Fueled Bike Road Trip
Annual Cabin Retreat in Lake Chautauqua
Every year that goes by, it seems harder to find time to hang out with your friends as much as you'd like. My best friends and I have found a way to remedy that: renting a cabin for a week in Lake Chautauqua, New York!
For five or more days, we hike and explore along the nearby gorge, visit some of our favorite spots, relax, play outdoor games and board games, cookout together, and just generally reconnect and take it easy with the guys!
A lot of rentals in the area have a hot tub, accessible grilling equipment, and fire pits. Some of the available cabins can be extra spacious, so we start with our core group of friends that go every year and vet through any new invitees that someone might think would be fun to bring along (or need the getaway badly enough—talking to you, dads!) Everyone brings games, we bring a screen projector for watching classic movies outside, and—my personal favorite—there's plenty of boat rental locations nearby!
Aiden Higgins, Senior Editor and Writer, The Broke Backpacker
Football and Culture in Manchester
My friends and I can catch a football match at Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium, explore the city's music scene, visit the Manchester Museum or the Science and Industry Museum, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the city center. Manchester offers a great mix of culture, sports, and entertainment for a memorable guys' getaway.
Axel Hernborg, Founder and CEO, Tripplo
Skiing Adventure in the Pyrenees
As an Andorran citizen and a lover of the outdoors, my favorite thing to do on an ultimate guys' getaway is go skiing in the beautiful Pyrenees mountains. The thrill of speeding down the slopes and enjoying the breathtaking scenery is unmatched.
My go-to place for this adventure is the Grandvalira ski resort, known for its excellent slopes and vibrant après-ski scene. I would love to have my close friends accompany me on this trip, sharing laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of experiencing the perfect blend of adrenaline and relaxation in the snowy paradise.
Guy Sharp, Relocation Manager, Andorra Guides
Nationwide Paintball Tour Extravaganza
I know I'm being biased towards paintball here, but when you come to think of it, for us diehard paintball adventurers, a nationwide paintball tour is as thrilling as skydiving or whitewater rafting!
And for us, it's not just the adrenaline rush and heart-pumping action that makes the sport such a thrill—it's also the planning, preparation, and thinking that goes into it. So the ultimate guys' getaway would be to get together with my usual players, create our own paintball team of enthusiasts, and roam the nation while battling the best teams on every paintball field out there!
Tony Angeleri, Vice President, Lone Wolf Paintball
Cruise Retreat with Creative Entrepreneurs
I am a big fan of cruises. They are the perfect self-contained vacations complete with abundant and delicious food, drinks, entertainment, adventure experiences, and amenities, along with stops at interesting places. They make great corporate retreats because as an organizer they save you the hassle of planning things separately. Plus, they're a pretty relaxing personal getaway too.
If planning a guys' getaway, I'd invite other creative collaborators and fellow entrepreneurs so that we could drum up inspiration together and work hard while we play hard. I'd want to be surrounded by other men who bring out my best ideas and make me a more energized and creative being.
Michael Alexis, CEO, teambuilding.com
Forest Treasure Hunting with Friends
My ultimate guys' getaway would be going metal detecting with my close friends. Metal detecting is not just a hobby for me, it's an exciting adventure that gives us the thrill of unearthing "treasures" that have lain hidden for many years. The anticipation of what we might find next is what really draws us in, and we've found that these outings help us bond in a unique way.
We typically venture into the nearby forests. These areas have seen a lot of wartime activity in the past, which makes them prime locations for discovering small pieces of military memorabilia. The joy is in the shared experience—uncovering these hidden pieces of history, then researching to learn more about them later. Our common interest brings us together and fosters great camaraderie during these trips.
So, for an ultimate guys' getaway, it's me, my metal detector, and a group of friends sharing a passion and making memories.
Martin Potocki, CEO, Jobera
Cultural Exploration in Dublin, Ireland
The ultimate guys' getaway consists of fun, food, and great scenery. Arguably one of the best places that I have ever been on a guy's trip is Dublin, Ireland. While it may seem like a stretch, hopping and skipping across the sea from the States, this trip offers authentic Irish culture with you and the people closest to you.
Ireland is full of rich history and even richer locations. It’s the perfect place to find pubs and bars, enjoy some good food, and watch a soccer game or two. The locals are always hospitable, so finding someone to get to know is never a challenge.
They have countless hikes to go on and excellent golf courses to navigate in the countryside. The aesthetic is ‘old century’ filled with old castles that give a more “manly” feel; the perfect cherry on top of a fun guy’s trip.
Martin Gasparian, Attorney/Owner, Maison Law
Relaxing Spa Getaway in Budapest
One of my favorite places to visit is Budapest, Hungary in Europe. It has a relaxed feeling there, while also being a bustling city full of character.
I attribute the relaxed vibe to their massive spa, which is a must-visit for anybody traveling there. It turns out that if you have a spa in your City park—where you will find the largest and most popular spa—filled with different temperature pools, and saunas, alongside some beautiful massaging then you are going to create a more calming feeling that bleeds into the rest of the city.
This isn't a new-age medicine in Budapest, and because this city sits atop a network of thermal springs, Budapest has been famous for relaxation and healing for centuries. This is why most of the spas you visit will also be an architectural delight, as most sit in grand historical buildings.
It may not sound like a typical men's holiday, but we all have our stresses, and I for one enjoy finding things that are actual escapes and calming tools.
Alex Mastin, CEO and Founder, Home Grounds
Adrenaline-Fueled Bike Road Trip
When it comes to the ultimate guys' getaway, my favorite thing to do is embark on an adrenaline-fueled road trip on my bike. We hit the open road on sporty bikes, exploring scenic routes, and stopping at iconic landmarks.
The thrill of riding through winding mountain roads or cruising through lonely roads is unbeatable. We're a tight-knit group of lifelong friends, who share laughter and unforgettable memories. From breathtaking waterfalls to historic architecture, we conquer new territories together, fueled by adventure and the bond of brotherhood.
It's the ultimate escape from routine, a journey of freedom and camaraderie that rejuvenates our spirits from the trouble of our daily lives.
Faizan Khan, Public Relations and Content Marketing Specialist, Ubuy UK