While there is no perfect age to hop on a plane and start travelling, there is something special about experiencing what the world has to offer in your twenties. Maybe you are fresh out of university, eager to tick off your must see destinations before committing to that 9 – 5. Perhaps you’re unsure what career path you want to go down, but what you do know is you must-see the glaciers of Patagonia. Your twenties are the ultimate adventure; discovering who you are, what you want and most certainly what you don’t. Eat snails in France, hike the Inca Trail, ride scooters through Vietnam and swim in the Blue Lagoon; the world is waiting! Keep reading for some inspiration on the 20 trips to take in your 20’s!
Party at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
Do you want to be part of the biggest party in the world? Of course you do! Carnival is a festival held every year in Rio, attracting millions to the city to dance the night away. Think feathers, costumes, parades, street parties and samba music pulsating through the streets. Get yourself to the Sambadrome where you can experience the biggest parade in the city and embrace the louder-than-life atmosphere. This is one party you won’t forget!
Travel Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a mecca for young travellers eager to experience new and exciting cultures. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the calmness of Halong Bay, Southeast Asia has an abundance of adventure activities, landmarks, temples and history. Not to mention the beaches! Travel here is easy, and some of the cheapest in the world. Explore the temples in Laos, relax on the beaches of Thailand and experience the chaos of Vietnam.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Not one for the couch potatoes, the Inca Trek is one of the most challenging hikes in South America. The four day adventure will take you through lush valley, ancient ruins, dramatic mountains and local villages. While quite demanding, the reward at the end is the mystical Machu Picchu – the ancient Inca citadel and a must see for any adventurer!
Experience Western Europe
The old and faithful Euro-trip. On the list of every twenty something, a Western Europe holiday takes you to the likes of London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Venice, with a host of incredible cities and hidden towns in between. Explore ancient ruins in Rome, stand under the sparkling Eiffel Tower in Paris or bike through the canals of Amsterdam. Easy, safe and exciting, Western Europe is the perfect introduction to the unique and charming destinations this continent has to offer.
And then explore the hidden gems of Eastern Europe
While the likes of London, Paris and Rome are obvious must-sees, Eastern Europe can fall behind as the less cool sibling. With a host of Old Towns, cultural sites, museums and charming cities, Eastern Europe should be on your radar. From the beers in Prague, ruin bars in Budapest, underground clubs in Belgrade, cavern pubs in Tallinn, the list goes on. Eastern Europe has prime hot spots for young people with a price tag your wallet will thank you for.
Experience a safari in Africa
Perfect for animal lovers, the Big Five are a highlight of any trip to Africa. The Serengeti National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, from the elegant giraffe to mighty lion. It’s perfect for spotting the Big Five – the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Travel between December and March for a chance to see the incredible wildebeest migration!
Soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle on the Croatian Coast
Forget Mykonos and Ibiza, Croatia has all the sun, sea and parties you could wish for. Explore the Game of Thrones filming sets in Dubrovnik, swim in the crystal blue waters of Hvar Island or dance the night away amongst the ruins in an old fort at Outlook Festival. Island hop, take a sailing holiday, drive along the coast or join a fun-filled group tour to experience everything this Mediterranean gem has to offer.
Hike in Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the most untouched, pristine locations on earth. Crystal clear lakes sit below dramatic rugged mountains. Glaciers crash into the waters and animals graze on the hillside. Perfect for adventure junkies, you can camp in the heart of nature by night and hike some of the most spectacular scenery by day.
Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland
Hues of blue, green and purple dance across the night sky. You watch in awe, unable to quite put into words the beauty before you. Yup, you’ve found the Northern Lights! This magical phenomenon can be seen best during the Icelandic winter, when nights are long and dark.
Cycle Death Road in Bolivia
Do you like living life on the edge? We mean literally on the edge? Then hop on a bike and cycle the infamous death road! Once known as the most dangerous road in the world, construction of a newer section started in 2006 and barriers were also put in place, making it considerably safer than in the past. Nevertheless, it remains a thrilling adventure with precarious cliff side drops, and offers multiple views along the way.
Join the Holi Festival in India
This vibrant, colourful and amazingly fun festival marks the end of winter and commemorates the victory of good over evil. With ancient Hindu origins, the “festival of colours” happens all over India, with people dancing under water sprinkles, partying on the streets and throwing coloured powder left right and centre!
Explore the National Parks of Costa Rica
Some might say Costa Rica is the perfect destination. Lush rain-forest is complemented with sandy white beaches, Caribbean vibes radiate throughout and the jungles are teaming with wildlife. Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity and has an incredible 27 national parks, overflowing with fish, birds, mammals and plants. Hike volcanoes, explore caves, and soar through the air on the world’s longest zip-line!
Get the beers flowing at Oktoberfest in Germany
The beers don’t stop, music blasts and lederhosen is the fashion of choice. Welcome to Oktoberfest! Hosted in Munich, the beer festival is the biggest in the world and attracts millions of beer lovers from all over the globe, eager to enjoy a taste of Bavaria.
Eat your way around Mexico
Maya ruins, colonial old towns and beautiful beaches, Mexico will keep you on your toes. When you’re not exploring Chichén Itza, swimming in a hidden cenote or sunbathing, we guarantee you’ll be eating your way around the country. Think tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, tostadas, the list goes on. Oaxaca is the gastronomy hotspot of Mexico, with an explosion of flavours, colours and tastes to suit everyone. Whether you are a meat lover, vegetarian or vegan, Mexico truly has it all.
Get your adrenaline pumping at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is the adventure capital of Africa. Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and regularly welcomes those who are after a heart pumping experience. Take a dip in the Devil’s Pool, go white water rafting, bungee jump or swing across the vast gorge.
Party the night away in Berlin
There are few cities in the world that welcome young people quite like Berlin does – it’s vibrant, loud, welcoming and fun. The Berlin clubbing scene is one of the most known in Europe, with all night techno clubs pulsing until the early hours.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia, Turkey
For years Cappadocia has enticed its visitors with fairy-tale chimneys, underground cities and mystical caves. The landscape here is truly magical, with an abundance of history and local myths and legends just waiting to be told. The best way to experience the scenery is from above – soar above the national park in a hot air balloon and lose yourself in the beauty of Turkey.
Experience Israel
This cultural hotspot is a must see destination of the Middle East. Tel Aviv is the most happening city in the country and has a host of beaches, clubs, bars and activities. As a liberal city, Tel Aviv gave itself the unofficial title of gay capital of the Middle East and welcomes travellers from all walks of life eager to experience the culture, history and hospitality of Israel. When you’re all partied out, float your hangovers away in the Dead Sea, the salt lake that borders Jordan and Israel.
See the Cherry Blossom of Japan
Japan is where the past meets the future. Stunning temples stand proud showcasing centuries of tradition, while Tokyo has a reputation for the weird, wacky and ultra modern. From sushi to street-food, traditional dance shows to robots, Japan is unique to any other country in Asia. Travel in April to see the best of the beautiful cherry blossom season, where the country is covered with a pink hue from the trees.
See the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt
As the only remaining ancient wonders of the world still in existence, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a must see in Egypt and its size can only truly be appreciated when seen with your own eyes. Ancient Egypt is one of the oldest civilisations in the world and continues to hold the attention of archaeologists and history buffs all over the world.
