Your 20s is the perfect time to travel the world—you probably have little commitments and responsibilities, don’t have a family of your own to care for, and are generally at a time in your life where you have complete control and freedom over your life. It is the perfect time to plan spontaneous trips, set off to cities you have never heard of, and meet individuals from so many different nationalities.
There are several destinations that are ideal for those wanting to jet off to before hitting the real world, full of young travellers trying to ‘find themselves’ (as the saying goes). There are certain places around the globe that have a more youthful energy and are better equipped for those with more energy, less money, and who have the freedom to take months off at a time to go travelling. Alternatively, there are certain vacations better left for family vacations, honeymoons, and retired life.
In order to make the best of your 20s, for most of us millennials, there are particular destinations that should definitely be on the travel bucket list. Destinations across Europe such as Barcelona, Greece, and Croatia are high on the list as popular backpacker destinations that won’t break the bank. A little farther across the globe, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand are ones that will take an arm and a leg to get there, but with high rewards.
If you are thinking of travelling in your 20s, here are a few recommendations that you will be sure to have the best possible time with like-minded individuals from around the globe.
20 Australia - the perfect trip to take solo
This is number one on the list because I just did a Backpacking trip here and I’m extremely biased. With white sandy beaches, amazing surf, stunning outback, and good vibes all around, it’s an obvious top choice. The east coast trip from Melbourne all the way up to the far north of Cairns is a popular road trip taken by so many young travellers. You can rent a camper, or take a hop-on-hop-off bus up the coast.
It is the perfect trip to take solo, because you will literally meet travellers in every location you go to. And the best part is, you are all likely doing the exact same route (there’s no way but up!), so you can travel with people you meet along the way.
19 New Zealand - the adventure capital of the world
Across the pond from Australia, New Zealand is the perfect place to travel for a more remote experience. It’s a long flight from North America, but one with great rewards. The landscapes are incredible and ever-changing, from one spot looking dramatically different from the next in a matter of minutes.
There are also great bus tour options that get you around with ease or you can rent a camper van and rough it. It’s known as the adventure capital of the world, with activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting, and zip-lining being the normal activities. Also, if you are a Lord of the Rings fan there are a ton of movie locations to visit.
18 Greece - pool and beach parties daily
If you are keen for a European destination, Greece is an amazingly beautiful place that is so extremely unique. With a drastic colour scheme of white and blue as far as the eyes can see, it’s a must see for every avid traveller. There are over 200 inhabited Greek islands, with the most popular ones being Santorini, Ios, and Mykonos.
While it is a quaint, relaxing destination, there is also so much going on: with amazing Greek food (feta for days), pool and beach parties daily, and four-wheel driving excursions through the rolling hills. Your wallet won’t be hurting too much after this trip, as it’s quite easy to live it on a budget.
17 Havana, Cuba - popping with bright colours
While many people have taken an all-inclusive resort trip to Cuba, very few people have experienced the rich history and culture that the town centre of Cuba has to offer beyond the white sandy beaches. While Cuba does offer pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, the city itself is also one you cannot miss.
Old Havana (yes, where Havana rum was founded) is the country’s capital, full of vibrant architecture that is popping with bright colours. With endless 60s style cars driving through the streets, lively nightlife, and the bustling energy the city has to offer, Cuba has so much to offer the young traveller.
16 Thailand - The Full Moon Party is legendary
A destination full of island hopping, boat parties, beach bonfires, and pad tai for days, Thailand is the perfect destination for those in their 20s. It has become the place to go following university graduation, which means there will be no shortage of young travellers.
The flight will cost you quite a bit, however once you arrive it is extremely cheap. You can get a taste of the lavish lifestyle in a fancy villa for a reasonable price, one that you probably wouldn’t be able to afford in a non-Asian country. The Full Moon Party is legendary and a bucket list item that must be ticked off while in Thailand. Get ready to paint for body with glow paint and stay up till the sun rises!
15 Iceland - Growing as a travel hotspot, for good reason
Iceland has grown in popularity as a travel hot-spot in the last few years. The country itself is very expensive to eat and stay in, which is why mostly everyone rents a vehicle and camps along the way. It is quite close to North America, making flights very reasonable since you aren’t travelling too far. It is also a popular stopover for flights to Europe, if you are wanting to kill two birds with one stone.
The sights of Iceland are one to be reckoned with; with waterfalls, mountain ranges, glaciers, hot springs, and the famous Blue Lagoon. During the summer months, the sun only sets for around 3 hours a day, giving you a ton of daylight to experience all that this country has to offer.
14 Prague, Czech Republic - a popular backpacking pitstop
A lot of young travellers have Prague on their bucket list of travel destinations following university graduation, and it’s not hard to see why. From its lively atmosphere, vibrant energy, and cultural charm, the city has so much to offer young travellers.
It’s a popular backpacking pitstop for those trekking across Europe, especially those that love a good history lesson. The stunning architecture, iconic Charles Bridge, and the picturesque Prague Castle are all hotspots you cannot miss while visiting this city. Compared to major cities such as Paris and London (which are nearly double the cost of living), it is possible to travel without hurting your wallet too much.
13 Nashville, Tennessee - live music everywhere, always
Nashville is a lively city with so much to offer every visitor, especially those in their 20s. It is the perfect place for someone with a ton of energy (hence, those who are younger) as there is so much to do from morning to night. There is live music happening pretty much everywhere in the city, every day of the week, showcasing amazing local artists that you would think have their own recording contract (which most of them do!).
It’s the perfect place for a girls trip, as it’s become a popular destination for bachelorette parties. It’s definitely not easy to have a lowkey visit in this destination.
12 New York City - a busy and unforgettable time awaits
It’s known as the city that never sleeps, so what better destination for those in their 20s who likely don’t sleep much anyways? You’ll need a ton of energy for a trip to the Big Apple, with so much going on at all times.
New York offers endless possibilities for every kind of traveller, especially those who want to do a lot in a short amount of time. You can cover a lot of ground in this city in a trip as short as a weekend. From Central Park to Times Square and everything in between, you’re bound to have a busy and unforgettable time in this destination.
11 Vietnam - it’s insanely affordable
While you are visiting South East Asia, Vietnam is a travel stop that cannot be missed. You’ll enjoy phenomenal cuisine, stunning temples, and beautiful national parks. The country is best explored by motorbike, where you can travel through the highlands as far as the eye can see. There are a ton of tours available, or you can take the trip solo with a few fellow travellers.
The best part about this destination is that it’s insanely affordable, being one of the cheapest places to travel to in Asia. You can live large on a very little amount of money per day.
10 Budapest, Hungary - technically two cities: Buda and Pest
One of the more overlooked destinations in Europe, Budapest is must-do while on a European adventure. While not as popular, I hear time and time again from fellow travellers that it is their favourite. The city is full of charm with tons of delicious street food and quaint cafes, and of course the famous outdoor bath where you must stop for a soak.
It has a youthful energy to it, since it is very easy to travel on a budget. Hotels and daily expenses are quite cheap, and most of the city is completely walkable with cheap and reliable public transport. Also, did anyone else know that is it technically two cities—Buda and Pest?
9 Amsterdam - No taboo here
Amsterdam is an obvious crowd pleaser by so many visiting Europe, being one of the most charming places in the world. The famous, worldwide known canals are the perfect place to take a stroll, boat ride, or bike ride down. There are also a ton of famous museums to dip your feet into some culture, including the Anne Frank Museum. It’s known by many as the place of legal activities that are taboo elsewhere, so there are a ton of opportunities to indulge in that if you are interested.
It’s generally a very chilled out destination, with English-speaking locals that are extremely friendly. It’s hard to have a bad time here, especially as a young traveller.
8 New Orleans - full of excitement and positive energy
The best time to visit New Orleans is, obviously, during Mardi Gras. If you are looking for a more chilled out holiday, this probably isn’t the best place to choose. The famous parade is full of excitement and positive energy—with music, colourful floats, and a buzzing atmosphere. The city is full of culture, amazing food, live music, and parties every night of the week.
It is definitely a place in the U.S that shouldn’t be missed, but don’t expect to get a ton of sleep on your holiday. Hence, it’s a great place to travel in your 20s when you are full of youthful energy.
7 California Road Trip - Diverse beauty, awesome festivals
A road trip through California has so much to offer, with the best route being through the infamous California Route 1 Highway. Between the mountains of Yosemite National Park, the dry desert, the beauty of the Grand Canyon, the forests, and the stunning coastline, this drive will leave you in awe of the diverse beauty that California has to offer.
If you are into festivals, you can stop by the ever so glamorous Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Palms Springs for a weekend filled with amazing artists and basking in the desert heat. I recommend you book a one way ticket though, since I’m positive you won’t want to leave the sunshine state.
6 Barcelona, Spain - the destination that has everything!
Barcelona is such a stunning city that is a popular backpacking destination. The architecture is also next level, with the most spectacular churches and historical buildings that are like nothing you have ever seen before. Park Guell, one of the most beautiful icons in the city known for its landscape gardening (the colourful outdoor park).
The authentic Spanish food options are plentiful and reasonably priced, and the nightlife also boasts a young vibe with so many options for things to get up to at night. If that isn’t enough, outside the city lies amazing beaches and coastline. It truly is the destination that has everything!
5 Croatian Coast - prepare for a week of sailing and partying
Travelling down the Adriatic coast of Croatia is a popular choice for young travellers, starting from Dubrovnik and traveling down through the national parks and quaint cities. You’ll be welcomed with great food and wine options that won’t break the bank, cobblestone streets, amazing beaches and ocean views, and a welcoming atmosphere from the locals.
If you’re up for it, The Yacht Week is a popular island hopping tour that takes you on a voyage throughout the ocean with a group of young travellers keen for a good time! You’ll be sure to meet people from around the world, sailing to a new destination every day.
4 Costa Rica - perfect place for surf enthusiasts
Looking for a beach getaway with a chilled, relaxed vibe? Well, look no further than Costa Rica. It is the perfect place for surf enthusiasts, as well as those wanting to learn, with a ton of surf retreats and schools throughout the country. Along with that, there are plenty of yoga retreats to stretch out all of the amazing surfing you do (because obviously you’re a pro after a few days).
The rainforest and beach combo is dreamy, with reasonably priced resorts and eco-friendly treehouses that you can find on Airbnb. Flights are reasonably priced from the northern hemisphere, making it an affordable option. Pura Vida (meaning ‘pure life’) is a way of life there.
3 Patagonia, Argentina - Ideal for a minimalist experience
You wouldn’t think snowy mountain ranges would be present in South America, however Patagonia feels as though you are stepping inside a glacier. As it’s on the southern tip of South America, you can wave goodbye to tropical climates. However, it’s one of the most stunning places in the world, home to spectacular national parks, glacier fed lakes, skiing, and unique wildlife.
It is an ideal destination for those looking for a minimalist experience, spending their days hiking through the mountains and camping under the stars. I guarantee that you will have a hard time snapping a bad photo in this country.
2 Bali, Indonesia - easy to live on a budget
Bali is a dreamy location perfect for surf and yoga enthusiasts, or simply those that are keen for a chilled out vibe with a ton travellers from all over the world. The flight is quite pricey from the U.S., but once you are there it is easy to live on a budget, from meals costing only a few bucks (which doesn’t compromise the quality of it, I must add).
You can hike an active volcano, visit one of the many ancient temples, go island hopping, visit the rice fields in Ubud, take a surf lesson, join a cooking class, or simply chill out on the beach.
1 Munich, Germany - Hit up Oktoberfest for the most buzzing of atmospheres
Why else travel to Germany rather than to experience the infamous annual Oktoberfest celebration? With fourteen massive and beautifully decorated tents, the atmosphere in this festival is extremely buzzing, with people from all over the world there to experience the madness of this festival. It is the world’s largest Volksfest that runs for a 16-18 day period, with exciting parades, delicious local food, and traditional music running through the speakers all day, every day.
While Oktoberfest is a must-do, there is also a ton to explore in the capital city of Munich, from a ton of century-old buildings to numerous museums.