Your twenties are the best to travel – you’re young, wild, and free, and most of all, excited about life. Being fortunate enough to travel in my twenties has changed my life and shaped me into the person I am today.
There are so many fun festivals, parties, adventures, and experiences around the world, and your twenties are a perfect freedom-filled time to try them all.
Here is my ultimate list of 20 trips to take in your 20’s!
1. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Who doesn’t like a good German beer? The months of September and October are the best time to head to Germany to take part in all the amazing beer festivities. Before you know it, you’ll be standing on top of a picnic table with a massive beer in hand, “prost-ing” with your new friends.
2. Study Abroad in Australia
This has been on my bucket list for some time now and I’m finally hoping to make it a reality within the next few years. University is supposed to be the best years of your life, so why not make the most of it by taking advantage of the opportunity to study and travel at a lower cost. I think Australia is such a great place to study abroad because of all the great post-secondary institutions and programs available there. Plus, Australia is such an isolated and large country with a ton to offer that you can’t possibly see it in only a few weeks!
3. Volunteer in the Global South
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences on can have, and so is travelling, so why not combine the two? Voluntourism in the global south has become increasingly popular as travelers are recognizing the importance of giving back during their travels and enjoying the authenticity of experiencing local culture.
4. Backpack South America
Once the road less travelled, South America is becoming an increasingly popular choice for 20-something travellers. While hot spots like Rio de Janerio and Buenos Aires will treat you to a good party and beautiful scenery, there’s still a whole continent to explore! Places like Columbia, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia have some of the best hiking and scenery in the entire world.
5. Fly Solo to a Tropical Paradise
You know you deserve it, so treat yoself! Who says you need a special someone in order to take a tropical vacay to an island like Hawaii or the Maldives. Why not splurge on yourself for a change and indulge in some tropical luxuries.
6. The Yacht Week
The Yacht Week is an iconic trip for 20-something’s these days. Grab your girlfriends and choose your sailing destination; the British Virgin Islands, Thailand, Croatia, Greece, or Italy, and choose a yacht. Every day you sail to a new destination and each night you party under the stars and make tons of friends in the process.
7. Travel to Watch the World Cup
Even if you’re not much of a soccer fan, watching the World Cup is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s a chance to be a part of history and unite with people from all over the world.
8. Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Another trip to remember is one down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Take a stroll down Bourbon Street to experience entertainment like you never have before and be sure to catch some of the colourful parades (and some beads as well!).
9. Girls Trip to Nashville
I had the opportunity to travel to Nashville for the 21st birthday and had an absolute blast. During my trip there I noticed a ton of bachelorette parties and vowed to bring my own entourage one day. Your 20’s are the perfect time to grab your best girlfriends and check out all the honky tonks along Nashville’s eccentric strip.
10. Or a Girls Trip to Vegas
And, if country music isn’t your thing you can head to Las Vegas for a more conventional girls trip and try your luck at the casino.
11. Road Trip Across the USA
A road trip is a surefire way to make a ton of memories that will last a lifetime (and it’s less costly!). Pick your own adventure between the mountains, desert, forests, or the ocean, and use the opportunity to take in all the beautiful landscapes this planet has to offer.
12. The Classic Eurotrip
The tried and true Eurotrip is an absolute must in your 20’s. While the idea has been a tradition among college graduates I say there is no bad time to head to Europe. So pack your bags and get ready to experience culture, food, and scenery that will absolutely blow your mind.
13. Tomorrowland in Belgium
The largest electronic music festival in the world is a must in your 20’s. The world’s top DJ’s and thousands of people from around the world gather at Tomorrowland for three days of the best audio and visual stimulation you’ll ever experience.
14. Skiing in Whistler
Whistler is one of the top skiing and snowboarding destinations in the entire world. Whether you’re a professional or have never tried skiing before, I say the 20’s are the best time to learn how to hit the slopes!
15. Hiking Manchu Picchu
Visiting Manchu Picchu will not only be a sight for sore eyes, but it will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do in your entire life. While you’re still in tip-top shape in your 20’s make the bucket list hike and don’t forget to get your passport stamped once you reach the top!
16. Fall in Love with Nature in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the entire world. It’s an oasis for surfers and nature lovers who are looking to take a break from reality and really take a moment to enjoy all that this beautiful earth has given us.
17. Full Moon Party in Thailand
This party follows the lunar calendar, so every time there is a full moon, there’s a full moon party somewhere in Thailand. Every night party goers paint their entire body in glow paint, sip vodka and red bull out of buckets, and dance with fire under the stars until the sun comes up.
18. July 4th in the USA
The United States is one of the most patriotic countries in the world. Experiencing a red, white, and blue backyard barbeque and an extravagant fireworks show is a memory that will last a lifetime, no matter where in the world you’re from.
19. Bastille Day in Paris
Bastille Day is one of the most beautiful events happening in Paris. I was fortunate enough to experience this firsthand during my first trip to Europe and was absolutely amazed. People line the streets surrounding the Eiffel Tower and sip champagne while listening to music dance across the city and fireworks like you’ve never seen light up the Eiffel Tower.
20. Do Something That Scares You
Go skydiving, learn to scuba dive, try zip lining. Your 20’s are a time of learning and self-discovery and now is the perfect time to take that leap of faith and really get out of your comfort zone. Whatever that crazy thing is that you’ve been dying to do – just do it! Say yes and I promise your future self will thank you!
