The world is huge, and most of us will never get to experience it all. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Our twenties are all about exploring life and becoming the people we are meant to be. That, combined with a little bit of savings, a less restrictive lifestyle, lots of energy, and — oh yeah — good knees, makes us uniquely well-positioned to take advantage of travel during these years.
We’ve put together a bucket list of essential travel experiences to seek out before you turn 30, along with suggested destinations for each one. So, go ahead — grab your best friend, significant other, or even just yourself (everyone should take a solo trip at least once in their lives, after all), and start planning. Adventure awaits!
Splurge On A Luxe Location
Even if you’ve got a stable income and extra cash saved up for some fun, you may not have the big bucks to roll up to dinner in a Lamborghini or indulge in a 24-karat gold facial. But, at least you can visit a place where that is the norm. Going to a luxurious vacation spot should be on every 20-something’s bucket list — after all, it’s the perfect time in your life to treat yourself.
Try: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tourist destinations don’t get any more over-the-top than this extravagant city. Aside from gorgeous hotels, insanely fun activities, and beautiful views, the area's shopping scene is really taking off.
Photo: Gavin Hellier / Alamy.
Party On A Yacht
Hopefully, one day you’ll have your own yacht to help you travel the world in style any time you want (one can dream, right?) But, now’s the time to do it the 20-something way: with a massive party!
Try: The Yacht Week, Croatia
This seven-day summertime party in the Mediterranean is the ultimate trip for those under 30. Book a yacht with 6 to 12 of your friends, grab your cutest swimsuit, and get ready to toast to the good life. Watch this video to see what it’s like, and if you can't make it to Croatia, the Yacht Week also takes place in other destinations, including Greece, Turkey and Thailand.
Photo: Moodboard / Alamy.
Be One With Nature
From white-water rafting to zip-lining through a rainforest, it's time do something that scares you a little bit. Abrupt adrenaline rushes from thrill-seeking activities make your body release painkilling dopamine and endorphins, plus there’s even research that says it can help boost your immune system. Bonus points if you’re surrounded by majestic views.
Try: Costa Rica
Breathtaking scenery and adventurous activities are plentiful in this Central American country. Travel blog, Globetrotter Girls, has a great list of recommendations for things to do when you visit. Add them ALL to your bucket list!
Photo: Chris Williams / Alamy.
Swim In The Great Barrier Reef
Sometimes you just need a new perspective, and there’s nothing like looking through water to see things a bit differently. Snorkel or dive to get an up-close view of the gorgeous corals, fish and sea creatures in one of the most breathtaking spots on the planet.
Try: Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia
A great way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is through a guided cruise, where there are activities planned throughout the day. Tents are also provided, so you can sleep under the stars at night.
Photo: SeBuKi / Alamy.
Relax On An Exotic Beach
Do you really need convincing for this one? There’s nothing like de-stressing from life on white sand, surrounded by the sound of the waves, with a fruity cocktail in hand. Recharge by not packing the charger, and only allow yourself to worry about which sunrise meditation class to join, and where you’re going to catch the next picturesque sunset.
Try: Bali, Indonesia
There’s obviously a lot more to experience here than just the sun and sand — wildlife sanctuaries, scenic tours, and religious sites are just a few of the attractions in the area. But, be sure to give yourself plenty of beach time when visiting this gorgeous island.
Photo: imageBROKER / Alamy.
Have A Culinary Adventure
Whether you’re a bona fide foodie or you just love to try new things, experiencing an exotic food tour should definitely be on your 20-something bucket list. Taste the local flavour, order something you can’t pronounce, and gain a whole new palate for — and perspective on — life.
Try: China
Dumplings, dim sum, and stinky tofu are just a few of the things you'll be gorging on in China. Of course, there are also much more daring offerings, too, and one of the best ways to try them is through organised food tours and cooking classes, which are offered in places like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Check out Viator to peruse some of the offerings, or if you’re feeling brave, plan your own itinerary.
Photo: Robert Harding World Imagery / Alamy.
Go On An Epic Hike
One day, your body isn’t going to be able to take you to all the places you want to go, so now’s the time to do something physically challenging (and rewarding) — while you're young, agile, and up for anything. And there's no experience quite like looking down at the earth from the top of a mountain you just climbed, halfway around the world.
Try: Great Walks, New Zealand
New Zealand has thousands of hiking trails to explore, but the Great Walks have some of the most scenic tracks. Liz Carlson, of travel blog Young Adventuress, recommends the Routeburn track. “It’s great for people under 30, because there’s a real social atmosphere in the huts you stay in at night,” she says.
Photo: Altan Ramadan / Alamy.
Experience A Major Cultural Festival
Travel is all about experiencing different cultures, and what better a way to do that than by participating in another country’s celebrations? Take part in their customs, enjoy their traditional food, and raise a glass knowing that you’re learning something new in a really fun way.
Try: Oktoberfest In Munich, Germany
This 16-day folk festival, running from late September to the first weekend in October, is one of the largest parties in the world. Guys dress up in lederhosen, girls sport dirndls (note: costumes are optional, but they're always fun), and you can enjoy world-class beers and wursts galore with tons of new friends.
Photo: Prisma Bildagentur AG / Alamy.
Visit An Ancient Landmark
There’s just something surreal about standing in front of a structure that’s been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. You can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the people who built and maintained these structures without the aid of modern machines. It really puts into perspective how old and big the world is, something we all need to be reminded of every now and then.
Try: Rome, Italy
This cosmopolitan city is a good one-stop shop if you’re looking to visit some ancient landmarks, dine on some of the world's best food, shop 'til you drop, and more. See where the gladiators competed against each other at the Colosseum, and have a drink in the Piazza della Rotonda overlooking the Pantheon, a structure that has survived for 20 centuries!
Photo: Jon Arnold Images Ltd / Alamy.
Dance The Night Away
There's a reason people say you can sleep when you're dead. Now, take advantage of that youthful energy, relative lack of responsibility, and how killer your body looks in that crop top by going on a vacation where you can party in paradise (and get very little shut-eye).
Try: Mykonos, Greece
Meet new friends during the day parties on the beach, then hit up any number of late-night celebrations that last until the wee hours. Find out what it feels like to be a true free spirit while party hopping around the island, and going wherever the night takes you.
Photo: Danita Delimont / Alamy.
See The Northern Lights
You'll find this one on most people's life-long bucket lists, but we suggest making it happen in your 20s. Keep in mind that the Aurora Borealis are never guaranteed to be seen, but it’s still an adventure you’ll want to go on now (and maybe again later on in life).
Try: Sweden
The ideal time to plan your trip if you want to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months, between September and March. One of the best locations to catch them is Abisko National Park, which can be a budget-friendly experience if you plan right. If you’re willing to splurge a little bit, consider the ultra-cool (pun intended) ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi.
Photo: Stanislav Moroz / Alamy.
Visit A National Park
With the stress of work, interruptive social media notifications, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, wouldn’t it be nice to just unplug and get away for a while? America’s national parks offer that kind of a break, along with some of the most gorgeous scenery you’ll see in your lifetime.
Try: Zion National Park
Located in Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park is known for its canyons and hikes. You can even go horseback riding on a guided tour that will take you through the park's most postcard-worthy vistas. Try to catch the sunrise or sunset (or both!) at the Canyon Overlook trail.
Photo: Larry Geddis / Alamy.
Take An Epic Road Trip
Make a playlist, set your course on Google Maps, and hit the road on a trip across the country. This kind of adventure is the ultimate carefree experience; your biggest worry will be figuring out which kitschy diner to eat at next. It’ll also make for some fun Instagram updates along the way. Long drives are best enjoyed with company, so bring your bestie or significant other along for the ride.
Try: Route 66
It’s the classic American road trip, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, by way of Texas. Along the way, see if you can spot some of the quirkiest roadside attractions, including Shea’s Gas Station Museum, Gemini Giant, and Cadillac Ranch ( pictured). Check out more tips for road tripping here.
Photo: Peter M. Wilson / Alamy.
Volunteer In A Developing Country
Sure, they say that your twenties are your selfish years, but we know that’s not the case. We recognise the benefits of giving back and helping others, and tying a travel experience in with a volunteer opportunity is rewarding on a variety of levels.
Try: Tanzania
Projects Abroad, the largest international volunteer abroad program in the world, offers many opportunities in the East African country of Tanzania, which needs help in orphanages, schools, hospitals, and more. A flat fee will cover lodging, food, airport transportation, insurance, and other necessities. While you’re there, take a safari, and visit some of the area's beautiful national parks and beaches.
Photo: Jonathan Littlejohn / Alamy.
See A European City
Twenty-somethings gravitate towards Europe, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to the ease of country-hopping and a plethora of cheap accommodations, there’s also so much culture and history to experience. Modern buildings stand next to ancient ones, virtually every language is spoken in the streets, and your ninth grade art history textbook literally comes to life in front of your eyes.
Try: Prague, Czech Republic
This well-preserved city is full of beautiful historical buildings like Prague Castle, and is an art-lover’s paradise. The beer is exceptional and plentiful, plus there’s also a huge nightlife scene. Need a little love and peace in your life? Visit the famous John Lennon wall ( pictured), where visitors have been writing messages since the '80s.
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