There’s no denying it — your 20s are probably the most formative years when it comes to shaping your beliefs, habits, and overall identity. There are so many major life events that happen over the course of the decade. College, new jobs, marriage, buying a house, having kids… it’s like an endless parade of change! That’s why it’s so important to travel in your 20s and take advantage of your relative freedom and lack of responsibilities.
Here are 17 suggestions for epic trips that everyone should take in their 20s!
(Side note: Of course, there is no age limit for traveling. These trips can be taken in your teens, 30s, 40s, and beyond! I just think that they would be particularly beneficial for people in their 20s — read on to find out why!)
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Best types of trips to take in your 20s
A solo trip
Taking a solo trip in your 20s can be a great way to gain independence and self-confidence.
When you travel alone, you’re in charge of your own schedule and plans, which can help you develop decision-making skills and increase confidence in your own abilities. Planning everything yourself in a foreign country can be daunting, but once you do it, you’ll feel a new-found sense of pride in your capabilities!
Solo travel also provides a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. When you’re on your own, you’re forced to confront your own thoughts and emotions, which can help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want out of life. Spending time alone in your 20s is really important for self-development.
So many places make an excellent choice for first time solo travelers. I’d recommend Iceland, the UK, and Southeast Asia as great places to consider for a solo trip.
A girls’ trip
A girls’ (or guy’s!) trip can be a great way to build and strengthen relationships with your best friends. Going on a trip with your girl friends allows you to spend quality time together, connect on a deeper level, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This can be particularly important in your 20s when you may be navigating new stages of life and building a support system of strong, trustworthy friends.
Additionally, going on a trip with friends is an opportunity to create lasting memories that you’ll look back on fondly for years to come. You’ll have stories to share and inside jokes to laugh about — plus, it’s just plain fun!
Some of the best girls trip destinations include Miami, Nashville, Sedona, Las Vegas, and Mexico.
A road trip
Road trips are an amazing way to explore a new destination with complete freedom. The sense of adventure you get from being able to stop where you want and be spontaneous is unmatched! It’s a great feeling to experience, especially when you’re first entering adulthood.
They are a super accessible way to travel as well. Road tripping can often be cheaper than flying, and you’re able to save on accommodation costs by camping or staying in budget-friendly options along the way. Once you get to your destination, you’ll also save on transportation costs since you already have your own vehicle!
In the United States, most car rental companies require you to be at least 20 years old to rent a car. If you’re under 25, you might have to pay a few extra fees and/or insurance costs. It’s always a good idea to have your own comprehensive travel insurance too, just to be safe!
Try road tripping around the Canadian Rockies, New Zealand’s South Island, or the Midwest’s Great Lakes.
A backpacking trip
For the longest time, I’ve been a huge advocate for backpacks as the superior luggage option for travel. They’re comfortable, they’re convenient, and they fit way more than you’d expect!
Backpacking is almost a rite of passage for people in their early 20s. Taking a gap year after graduating from college or spending a few months abroad between jobs is an incredible adventure and a great way to immerse yourself in the top destinations around the world.
It’s also relatively inexpensive, which is pretty important for travel in your 20s. Book a few cheap flights, stay in hostels, and eat exclusively street food — being so young means that you can sacrifice a bit of comfort to travel longer. Packing carry-on only is also a skill that will save you lots of money (and stress, once your checked bag is inevitably lost by the airlines!).
Classic backpacking destinations include Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America.
A luxury trip
On the other end of the spectrum, your 20s also make the perfect time to treat yourself to a luxury trip.
In my opinion, the best thing about travel is experiencing things that you don’t normally get to in your day-to-day life. And what better way to do that than by relaxing at a day spa or staying in a five-star hotel?
Because life is so short, any reason could be a good reason to treat yourself to a luxury vacation. Graduating college, going on your honeymoon, or celebrating a promotion at work are all 100% valid. (So is booking a trip just because you want to, hah!)
Luxury trips don’t need to break the bank, either — there are lots of affordable destinations where the US dollar stretches particularly far. This includes places like Bali, Portugal, the Philippines, and parts of Mexico.
Study abroad
There’s no better way for college students to see a new part of the world than by studying abroad. My year abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France is still up there as one of the best years of my life.
You’ll get to learn about rich history, practice overcoming the language barrier, and experience a unique culture different from your own. Study abroad is also a great time to travel independently and take advantage of youth discounts, Interrail passes, and budget airlines.
Although there are study abroad programs available all over the world, the most popular ones (for American students) are in Western Europe. Make sure to pick a country that you’re interested in and passionate about — whether that be the language, the culture, or the food!
A working holiday
If you’ve ever wanted to experience living and working in a different country, a working holiday could be the right choice for you!
When you get a working holiday visa, you’re able to live and work in a country for an extended amount of time. You get to try out what it’s like to live abroad while making a bit of money to support your travels. Most countries only offer working holiday visas for people up until the age of 30, making it the perfect opportunity to travel in your 20s.
For Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, Australia and New Zealand are a classic choice for a working holiday (and vise versa!). Your options will be different depending on which country your passport is from — make sure to check each country’s specific requirements on their official websites.
A city break
Especially if you’re from a small town, taking a trip to a big city can be an eye-opening experience.
Cosmopolitan cities like New York City, London, Singapore, and San Francisco will have a little bit of something for every type of travel style. You can expand your cultural horizons with museums and art galleries, party the night away at world-class nightclubs, and eat so many different types of cuisines.
Your 20s are all about experiencing new things and seizing every opportunity — big cities allow you to do that with ease.
A romantic getaway
Romantic getaways with your significant other can strengthen your bond away from the distractions and stresses of everyday life. If you’ve been together for a while, it’s also a good opportunity to celebrate a milestone or special occasion, like an anniversary or engagement.
In my opinion, traveling with your partner is a must before deciding that they’re the one for you. Traveling can put you in stressful situations, and it’s important to see how they respond. (Are they nice to service staff? Do they lash out at strangers? Or, heaven forbid, do they stand up as soon as the plane lands?!)
Whether you’re whisked away to a secluded cabin in the woods or to the beautiful beaches of the Greek Islands, these getaways definitely create a unique and indulgent atmosphere.
A festival trip
Attending festivals is so fun, and is even more special in a new country! You’ll get to experience new music, art, and culture in a lively setting. Depending on the type of festival, you’ll also be able to learn about different traditions and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Festivals are also some of the best places to meet other fellow travelers, especially if you’re traveling solo. Generally, other festival-goers are open-minded, easygoing, and will be open to meeting new people.
For some epic bucket list festivals, try traveling to Germany for Oktoberfest, Belgium for Tomorrowland, or Nevada for Burning Man.
An adventurous trip
If you’re into thrill-seeking and active pursuits, an adventurous trip is a great one to take in your 20s. Hiking, cycling, water sports, skydiving, bungeeing — scheduling these types of activities during your trip are a sure-fire way to get any adrenaline-junkie excited.
Physically, your 20s are also the best time to take an adventure-focused trip. You’re probably at your peak level of fitness and have more energy than you will later on in life.
Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Peru are great places to have adventurous holiday because they offer a wide range of outdoor activities and day trips.
A family holiday
Just because you’re in your 20s doesn’t mean that you need to stop taking family vacations! They’re an excellent time to bond with your loved ones and create new memories, which is even more important now that you’ve probably moved out on your own.
Family holidays can be a good time to reconnect with your parents and siblings, especially if you don’t live in the same city anymore. It’s nice to schedule a set time every year where you’ll all be together — that way, you (and your family members!) have something to look forward to.
A food-focused trip
I don’t know about you, but personally, the search for delicious food is always a driving force in my travels.
Taking a food-focused trip is a must in your 20s because you’ll get exposed to new cuisines and might discover something that becomes your new favorite food! Whether you’re perusing a local market, trying an unusual new delicacy, or fine dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, foodie travel is always a good time.
Even if your entire trip isn’t centered on eating, taking a guided food tour is a fun idea. That way, you’ll be able to try a few local dishes that you might not have tried otherwise.
A tropical getaway
Tropical getaways are some of the best trips to travel in your 20s because they provide you with much-needed rest and relaxation.
With all the change that happens in this stage of life (graduations, new jobs, new relationships, etc.), it’s important to take some quality time away from the hustle and bustle to do nothing. Tropical vacations make doing nothing very easy. Lay on the beach, drink a piña colada, and soak in the sun to escape from the real world for a bit.
Some amazing places for a tropical getaway include Fiji, the Dominican Republic, the Maldives, and Tahiti.
A group tour
Group trips are a great place to meet like-minded individuals with similar interests, especially if you’re traveling solo. Tons of companies offer trips geared towards people in their 20s, meaning you’ll most likely make some new friends that share similar values and are in the same stage of life.
If it’s your first trip abroad or to a particular destination, group trips can also be a convenient and safe way to test the waters. You’ll often have your entire trip planned out for you, which can be really helpful if you’re not used to planning transportation and accommodation logistics. You’ll also have a tour guide that’s familiar with the area who can provide assistance and make you feel more comfortable.
Group trips cater to all types of travelers and destinations — G Adventures, Viator, and Intrepid Travel are some popular options.
A stint at van life
Living the van life is one travel experience that many people don’t get to have. It’s one that I think is really fun and insightful, though, which is why I recommend it when traveling in your 20s!
Just like a road trip, van life is both cost-effective and flexible. It eliminates the need to pay for accommodation on the road and saves you money on transportation costs at your destination. You get to practice being more self-reliant, adventurous, and resourceful with your limited amount of space.
Van life is also a slower and more relaxing way to travel. Generally, you’ll spend a few weeks to a few months in your van at a time, getting to explore each place in more depth. Living in a van disconnects you from your daily routine and forces you to adapt to a simpler lifestyle. All in all, van life comes with a lot of benefits, especially for someone in their 20s that wants a unique and independent style of travel.
An “Eat, Pray, Love” trip
Based on the bestselling novel “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, this kind of trip is one where you seek out good food, spiritual enlightenment, and/or romantic adventure in order to better yourself. These trips typically involve exploring different cultures, getting out of your comfort zone, and visiting places of spiritual significance.
It might be a cliche, but your twenties are a time to “find yourself.” Taking a trip that focuses on feeling a sense of adventure, freedom, and spiritual fulfillment is one of the best ways to do so. This is the perfect age to learn from your personal experiences and apply them to the rest of your life.
Whether you’re practicing yoga in India, staying in Buddhist temples in Nepal, or attending an ayahuasca retreat in Peru, any trip where you connect with your true self is invaluable in your 20s.
Why travel in your 20s?
As young adults, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities and flexibility that come with being in our 20s. One way to do this is by traveling and experiencing new places, communities, and landscapes. Here are just a few of the top benefits of traveling in your 20s:
Fewer responsibilities
Generally, the younger you are, the fewer responsibilities you have.
Taking an impromptu weekend trip or a long-term trek are way easier when you don’t have kids, pets, or a rigid full-time job. Young people definitely have the advantage when it comes to flexibility and spontaneity — having lots of free time allows you to travel without remorse!
Aside from having fewer obligations, people in their 20s often have more financial freedom, too. With new jobs to pad their savings account and fewer financial obligations such as mortgages, car payments, or families to support, many 20-somethings can save for travel more easily. Your 20s are the perfect time to start checking off that travel bucket list!
Young, dumb, & broke
The older you get, the less tolerance you have for discomfort and inconvenience. Travel in your 20s is great because you’re more open to new experiences and can handle uncomfortable situations more easily.
During my year studying abroad in France, my friends and I constantly took weekend trips all over Europe. We took 10€ Ryanair flights (in the middle seat), stayed in grimy hostels, and squeezed in as many activities and nights out as possible.
It was such a great experience that would have been completely different if I wasn’t as open to the discomfort. Although I wouldn’t want to stay in 30-bed mixed hostel dorms nowadays, I’m so grateful that I took the plunge and chased the adventures in my early 20s.
Find yourself
Throughout their 20s, many people are still figuring out who they are and what they want out of life. Traveling during this time allows you to immerse yourself in new cultures, meet new people, gain fresh perspectives, and challenge yourself and your beliefs.
These experiences can be instrumental in helping you discover your passions, values, and goals, which are all important aspects of “finding yourself.”
Travel in your 20s is a great way to become the best version of yourself — the more you get off the beaten track, the more enriched your life will ultimately become.
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Thanks for reading this post on the best trips to take in your 20s! Hopefully it’s inspired you to get out there and plan a trip. Let me know which one resonates most with you in the comments below!
xoxo Niki
