21 Best places to travel in your 20s

There’s almost no bad time to travel. That’s especially true when you don’t have too many responsibilities back at home, which is why so many people in their mid-twenties find themselves packing a bag and heading off for a few weeks (or months, and sometimes even years!). The best places to travel in your 20s combine affordability, meaningful experiences, and a chance to meet plenty of people in your situation, which gives you a pretty wide pool of destinations to dip into – so much so that it can be a little overwhelming to pick.

If you’re in your twenties and are fighting feelings of wanderlust, but don’t know where to begin searching for a trip to scratch that itch, then you’re in the right place. Check out our list of the 21 best places to travel to in your 20s, and you’re sure to find somewhere that will make you want to click “book.”

1. Hike to historic wonders in Peru

The Inca Trail might be a well-worn one by this point, but that’s for a good reason. One of the most visited sites not just in Peru, but in all of South America, words truly can’t describe the experience of seeing the sun break over Machu Picchu. When combined with the giddy, satisfied tiredness that only exists after an early morning hike, it really is a moment of magic.

The historic area is a great place to visit at any time, and once you do you’ll see why it’s on so many people’s bucket list.

2. See the turtles in Costa Rica

When you think of destinations for young people, paradisiacal beaches aren’t always your first thought. After all, bone-white sand and calming seas bring to mind images of 5-star resorts and honeymooning “real” adults. However, Costa Rica manages to be one of the most stunning nations on earth, while also not requiring a second student loan to be taken out just to finance a visit.

The Central American country is famous for many things, but one of the most popular attractions is its charming turtle population. Thankfully, sustainable tourism is well-developed in Costa Rica, so you can enjoy these majestic creatures while knowing you’re doing your bit to conserve their environment.

3. Take in Northern Vietnam’s astounding views

When it comes to fun places to travel it’s hard to think beyond Northern Vietnam. From the intoxicating thrum of Hanoi to the otherworldly views of Ha Giang, this part of the country is as beautiful as it is diverse. And that’s not even mentioning the delicious eats, the welcoming locals, and the abundance of karaoke bars. If you’re confident (and qualified), riding a bike or scooter through the winding mountain roads is a life-changing experience.

4. Experience Australia’s diversity

The classic trope about Australia is that it’s dry and full of animals that can kill you, but that couldn’t be further from the truth (well, maybe it’s a little true). While the interior is certainly a harsh place, the coasts are rammed full of vibrant cities, cultural highlights, and world-class hospitality. Even the seemingly barren outback is teeming with life, if you’re willing to look for it.

The vast country remains one of the best places to visit for people in their 20s thanks to its great infrastructure, and the fact that many nationalities can easily get a working holiday visa, meaning they can travel and earn.

5. Be amazed by the US’s national parks

A classic American road trip is definitely a fun vacation for people in their 20s, but to take it to another level it’s vital to check out some of the country’s unbelievable national parks. Whether you are awed by the sheer size of the Grand Canyon, fall in love with the stars at Joshua Tree, or feel at one with nature in Yellowstone, you’ll come away with a yearning to return as soon as you can.

6. Marvel at Mexico’s celebrations

Mexico is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel to in your 20s at any time, but if you manage to book your trip for Autumn, you’ll get to see this incredible country at its most festive. Independence Day is in mid-September, and if you can stick around for a month, you’ll get to experience La Catrina and Dia de los Muertos. If you can make it to Oaxaca (one of the best places to visit in Mexico regardless of the time of year) for this world-famous celebration, you won’t regret it.

7. Temple hop in Thailand

Young travellers have long been drawn to Thailand for a number of reasons. Sure, it’s one of the best places to travel in your 20s on a budget, but the most visited country in Southeast Asia is so much more than just a place to head on the cheap. Stunning beaches, beautiful mountain scenery, and a world-famous cuisine all add to the allure, but one of the most rewarding ways to see this country is through its plethora of Buddhist temples. Each is different in its own way, so make sure to check out as many as you can.

8. Explore the Marrakesh maze

Although it’s not the capital city of Morocco, Marrakesh is the country’s most famous settlement. Situated in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the city is filled with architectural marvels, and is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage site medina quarter, which holds a massive bazaar.

Meandering through here can feel like exploring a living, breathing ecosystem as delicate and fine-tuned as any rainforest, and is a must-do for any traveller. Add in the city’s affordability and cracking cuisine, and it’s easy to see why Marrakesh makes our list of the best places to travel to in your 20s.

9. Sun, sea, and ancient civilizations on the Greek Islands

The Greek Islands aren’t exactly a hidden gem, but many young adults don’t even bother to check out how much a trip there might cost because of their popularity and perceived price. However, a visit to these jewels in the Ionian doesn’t have to break the bank, with plenty of budget options for younger travellers. So, don’t deny yourself a chance to see Mykonos under twinkling stars, or to stare at Poseidon’s home from a sparkling white beach on Corfu – you’ll soon see why it’s one of the best places to travel to in your 20s.

10. Interrail through Europe

Another classic suggestion, but one that remains timeless for a reason. Interrailing is a fun, cost-effective way of travelling through more countries in a few weeks than most people will visit in a lifetime. Some might scoff as it’s such a popular thing to do, but when you’re walking along the cobblestone streets of central Brussels one day, and devouring pizza in Florence just 48 hours later, you won’t be thinking about those spoilsports.

11. Wild days and city nights in Nairobi

If you want to be awed by the magic of a safari without giving up too many creature comforts, but definitely can’t afford the sort of luxury glamping experience that most safari parks offer, then a trip to Nairobi is for you. Nairobi National Park is right on the edge of the city, meaning you can spot giraffes during the day and slurp cocktails in the Kenyan capital’s centre at night. One of the best places to travel to in your 20s if you want a unique Kenyan Highlights experience.

12. Fall in love with the Balkans

Gorgeous mountain scenescapes, idyllic beaches, and unique cuisines that take from multiple cultures to create something totally new and delicious: the Balkans has it all. The incredible allure of this region is slowly becoming common knowledge, but many of its wonders remain a secret kept between well-worn nomads. A real traveller’s destination, and one that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated.

13. Bask in the beauty of the Britain and Ireland

The Scottish Highlands, Scouse nightlife, and the unbeatable beaches of Wales (if you don’t mind cold water, that is): Britain is an underrated destination in many ways. While many tourists focus on London and Edinburgh, there’s a lot of fun to be had here outside of those hotspots. So, explore Manchester’s thriving art scene, hike the Cairngorms, and have a quiet moment at the Peace Wall in Belfast.

14. Indulge in Iberia’s unique culture

Portugal and Spain will always be two of the best places to travel to in your 20s because of their diversity and accessibility. After all, in these two countries you have thriving cities like Barcelona and Lisbon, cool cultural hotspots like Granada and Porto, and unbeatable shoreline along the Algarve and Costa del Sol. Plus, the great food and even better wine is usually quite affordable, as is accommodation, making it one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe – ideal for younger travellers.

15. See Sri Lanka’s shining diamonds

Located at the foot of India, this island country can feel like another planet because of its outstanding natural beauties. Verdant forests, vividly blue lagoons, and stunning beaches all add to the allure of Sri Lanka, and we haven’t even begun discussing the incredible cuisine and unique cultural makeup of the nation. One of the best places to travel to in your 20s for a number of reasons, and somewhere you won’t forget in a hurry. Just don’t be surprised if you want to skip your return flight.

16. Bright lights and bullet trains in Tokyo

Being launched into Tokyo for the first time is definitely a unique experience, but it’s easy to hit the ground running. The city is easy and relatively cheap to get around, and is jam-packed full of great, affordable restaurants, cool attractions, and some of the best nightlife in the world. Once here, you can gorge on fresh sushi, check out a millennia-old building, and get lost in a VR experience, all within a couple of hours. Without a doubt one of the best places to travel to in your 20s.

17. Live like the coastal elites in New York and San Francisco

These two world-famous cities are often considered to be bank-breakers, but if you’re savvy you can have the best time in both without having to dig deep into your wallet. For one, unlike a lot of other American cities, public transport is well-developed and relatively affordable, making it easy to get around. Plus, both are pulsing with cultural events of all kinds, so you can usually find an amazing experience for cheap or even free, whether that be open mic nights, independent plays, or open-air concerts.

18. Lounge in the river in Laos

For a few years Laos had a reputation as a party spot, and while you can definitely let loose here, as tourism increases a calmer vibe is taking over. And, frankly, we think that’s a great thing, because this oft-ignored Southeast Asian country has so much more to offer than tubing down the river and downing scarily cheap drinks. With that said, the experience of hopping into an old tyre and floating down the Mekong with a few drinks in hand is still a great bit of fun, albeit much more tame than it once was. Still, Laos remains one of the best places to travel to in your 20s.

19. Eat everything in Malaysia

Staring up at concrete and glass giants in Kuala Lumpur. Gazing out across endless fields of green tea in the Cameron Highlands. Marvelling at the gorgeous beaches and colonial architecture of Penang. All of this is possible in Malaysia, and all of those experiences are worthy of a trip in themselves. And we haven’t even discussed the real draw of Malaysia: its delicious cuisine, which blends cultures and tastes into something that you will dream about for years to come. Food stalls are abundant and well-priced throughout the country, too.

20. Check out Eastern Europe’s hidden gems

Some people travel for cultural gems. Others to lounge on a beach or in hot springs. Some like to be active. Whether you’re one of these types of traveller, or prefer to spend your vacations on something else, Eastern Europe is calling you.

You can eat your way through Gdansk, get lost in Prague’s history, and dance in Budapest’s ruin bars – everything is possible (including the hot springs – just ask any Bulgarian). And, best of all, it’s incredibly affordable, making it one of the best places to travel to in your 20s.

21. Türkiye: where east meets west

Few destinations fascinate like Turkey. Widely seen as the country where Asia and Europe crash into each other, the nation is a cultural mecca, while also being home to gorgeous natural highlights and plenty of other excellent attractions. And then there’s the incredible food…

Turkey remains a favoured place for people to travel to in their 20s because of the above, and the fact it’s also reasonably priced. This is especially true of buzzing Istanbul, a city where you can practically feel the history and culture in the air.

Is travelling in your 20s worth it?

Yes, travelling in yours 20s is worth it. In fact, it’s one of the best times to travel, as you will be able to have new experiences and meet new people that might just shape your life for years to come.

What are the best cities to visit in Europe in your 20s?

There are many great cities to visit in Europe in your 20s, whether they be classic destinations like Amsterdam, Berlin, and Budapest, or more off-the-beaten-path spots like Sofia and Tirana. In most parts of the continent you’ll be able to find reasonably priced hostels too, so no matter where you want to go, you’ll be able to do so without diving too deep into your pockets.