Not that when you are older you can’t enjoy traveling, but you are not that happy with the perspective of sharing the room with other 5 backpackers, for example. On the other side, as you become an older adult, you start thinking of building a career, which leaves little room for traveling, unless you are a digital nomad, but this is another topic. Learn how to travel cheap and take on the world, diving head first into all those epic parties, festivities and amazing personal experiences. Here Are 20 Destinations To Travel To In Your 20s!
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for the not so legal entertainment, but this is not the reason you should be visiting the city. You need to see Amsterdam on your own for its freedom: the culture and the friendly locals are going to change your perspective on traveling, so it’s a great place to start your adventure.
2. Berlin
Berlin is another European city that oozes coolness, as hipsters and entrepreneurs mix on its streets. Once there, you need to check out the bars of Kreuzberg, explore the city streets admiring the architecture and take bike rides at the abandoned airport. Berlin has a lot more wonders for you to discover, so blend in with the “uber” coolness of Berlin.
3. Dubrovnik
Located in Croatia, Dubrovnik is one of the cities every 20-something should visit at least once in his or her lifetime. Apart from being one of the locations where Game of Thrones is being filmed, Dubrovnik has an amazing old town where you can take long walks, imagining life in the medieval times. The city has an unique party atmosphere, enhanced by the charm of the Adriatic sea. Before you leave Dubrovnik you need to check the Buza bar, which offers breathtaking views on the sea.
4. Budapest
Often mistaken with Bucharest, Budapest is one of the cool cites of Europe. Divided by the Danube river, Budapest is home to two types of locals: the party people on the Pest and the tourists in Buda. There is also a Jewish part in the city, so you have plenty of things to do and people to meet.
5 Istanbul
If you can’t travel to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate, just make sure you visit Istanbul. The only city which sits on two continents has an amazing bridge over the Bosphorus, which looks very festive in the night. But before diving into the nightlife in Beyoglu, you need to hear the goose-bump inducing call to prayer from the Blue Mosque and take a walk in the Great Bazaar to discover the hidden hideaways, where you can negotiate for every item you buy. Also visit a hammam to relax during a traditional Turkish bath.
6 London
The highly cosmopolitan London is definitely a city to be experienced by a 20-something. When you witness the cultural diversity of the city you really feel like you are feeling the entire world. Check out the Portobello Market for some vintage clothes and don’t get lost in the large London subway.
7 Reykjavik
Reykjavik is surprisingly expensive, but it’s worth the effort to see it. Icelanders are very creative and warm people, so you can learn a lot from them. Visit the island from North to South, East to West, then enter a local pub and order a schnapps, nicknamed the Black Death. You will see why!
8 Santorini
The island of Santorini is going to imprint a never-fading image in your brain. The white houses and the ancient archaeological sites are complemented by the blue sea, which brings you a one-of-a-kind emotion. There is a party vibe in Santorini, but there is also a welcoming peace, which is going to stick with you for the rest of your life.
9 Barcelona
Barcelona is where you can taste the original tapas, but only after you’ve admired the exceptional architecture of Gaudi. Other places to check out are the Gothic Quarter and the Park Guell, where the lively Spanish culture is visible all around.
10 Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers a lot to the enthusiastic traveler: food, shopping and entertainment. Start by tasting the local dumplings, one of the Chinese specialties you need to try when visiting the city. The place to look for these foods is the cheapest and highest rated in China: Tim Ho Wan. Once your belly is full enjoy the lights in Victoria Harbour and dip into the nightlife of the expat community.
11 Tokyo
If you want to experience something different, go to Tokyo, the mother of all weird things and alternative cultures. Go undercover as your favorite Manga character, toast with sake in the Golden Gai area and have a meal in a toilet restaurant. And these are not the weirdest things you can enjoy in the city…
12 Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an amazing city in Sri Lanka, which is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites for its amazing history and the ancient ruins. The entire area is breathtaking, with the jungle almost taking over the city. If you travel to the island for the first time, there is a lot to see and do, but you can start by admiring the panoramic view of the sunset on top of the Mihintale.
13 Tel Aviv
Who would think the party capital of Middle East is Tel Aviv? Well, this is the most unexpected fact you will learn of the city when you visit it. The beautiful beaches provide a great relaxing area after you’ve rocked the parties around the town. To get a taste of the local flavours head to Lilienblum Street.
14 New York
New York has a lot to offer to the hungry traveler in food, sightseeing, nightlife and urban culture. Because you would need a lot of time to explore the Big Apple, you need to first pick one area of the city and then decide what to do in the concrete jungle.
15 Las Vegas
There is more to Las Vegas than the crazy parties, but if you scavenge the internet you can find a lot of interesting things to do in Vegas, apart from drinking and gambling.
16 New Orleans
The native city of jazz is famous for its elusive dark side games, but the spirit of the city is richer. The French Quarter has a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment, while the entire New Orleans is the perfect destination for gourmands.
17 Rio de Janeiro
Brazilians are known for their parties, which is good news for a 20something traveler, but the real entertainment comes from dancing. Pick up a cocktail and head to the beach to practice your samba moves.
18 Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires also has a passion for dancing, but this time is all about tango. Between two dance demonstrations you can enjoy the rich architecture and the contrasting locals. The city is nicknamed the South American Paris because its citizens are a mix of hot-blooded Latinos and sophisticated European-like people.
19 Montreal
Montreal is the second largest city where locals speak French and it’s the venue of multiple festivals. The city looks like an old European city and the cuisine is amazing. Montreal is going to amaze you with its creativity, especially if you hang out in one of the stylish cafes.
20 Melbourne
Melbourne is a stylish city, where the modern architecture blends with the Gold-Rush era buildings. It’s dynamic and exciting, being able to reinvent itself to adapt the latest trends and lifestyles. Featured photo credit: Flickr/Johnny Silvercloud via flickr.com
