Welcome to your 20s—a decade brimming with opportunity, exploration, and unforgettable travel adventures.
The soft rustle of palm leaves in the balmy breeze, the distant call of exotic birds, and the promise of adventure lingering in the air are just the beginnings of some of the best experiences you can have in this defining decade.
As I’ve entered my early 20s, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some pretty amazing bucket list travel experiences.
While each of these experiences has brought along a lot of fun memories, they’ve also helped me grow considerably as a person and are the reasons I’m always encouraging my friends and peers to travel!
In this post, I’ll share my top 15 travel experiences for your 20s. Some of which I’ve done and some that are still on my bucket list but will soon be checked off 😉
1. Skydiving Over Scenic Landscapes
Imagine the thrill of plummeting through the sky, the wind rushing past your ears, and the world stretching out beneath you like a vibrant tapestry.
Skydiving is a sensation unlike any other, which is probably why it has become a classic bucket list item for most people.
Whether you’re diving over the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps or soaring above the azure expanse of the Great Barrier Reef, each jump promises an adventure of a lifetime.
2. Surfing in Exotic Destinations
There’s no better feeling than the rhythm of the ocean pulsing beneath your feet as you glide effortlessly across the waves, the salty spray kissing your skin and the sun warming your back.
Even if you grew up in a landlocked middle-of-nowhere place where the beach is more a far off dream than a reality, I would highly encourage you to give surfing a try!
My first time surfing was on the coasts of Taiwan and I had an absolute blast! It takes some getting used to but once you learn how to pop up, it’s so fun that it’ll probably be hard to get you off the water.
3. Trekking to Spectacular Natural Wonders
At some point in your travels, take a step off the beaten path and experience a bit of nature.
From the rugged trails of Machu Picchu to the majestic peaks of Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit, each trek is a journey of revelation and a chance to lose yourself in some of the greatest natural wonders in the world.
4. Exploring Vibrant Cultural Capitals
After enjoying nature, head back into the cities and dive headfirst into the vibrant tapestry of global culture.
As you explore each of these bustling neighborhoods, you’ll find that every street corner is a new adventure waiting to unfold.
From the neon-lit alleyways of Tokyo to the sun-soaked boulevards of Barcelona, each city is a living, breathing testament to the richness and diversity of human experience.
Lose yourself in the rhythm of the streets, the flavors of the cuisine, and the warmth of the people who call these places home.
5. Diving into Underwater Worlds
Imagine gearing up for a dive, ready to explore the depths of the unknown.
As you descend, it’s like entering a whole new world—a world bursting with life and wonder.
Think about swimming among the vibrant coral reefs of the Maldives, with colors so vivid they seem surreal. Or exploring the ancient shipwrecks of Belize’s Great Blue Hole, feeling like a real-life treasure hunter.
Each dive is an adventure waiting to unfold—a chance to uncover the mysteries of the deep and connect with nature in ways you never thought possible.
It’s not just about exploring; it’s about diving headfirst into unforgettable travel adventures that’ll leave you in awe and longing for more.
6. Volunteering in Meaningful Community Projects
All my most meaningful travel experiences have come from interacting with the locals.
That’s why I think that taking the time to volunteer in a community project can be a more rewarding and immersive experience than just hitting the tourist attractions.
In the summer of 2019, I had the opportunity to be an English teaching volunteer for the Overseas Community Affairs Council in Taiwan. It was a part of OCAC’s overseas youth service programs that conveniently worked for me to get my summer service hours but left so much more of a deeper impression afterward.
7. Road Tripping Along Scenic Routes
Set out on an unforgettable journey where the road itself becomes your destination.
Travel along iconic highways and scenic byways, with each mile promising adventure and discovery.
Navigate the rugged beauty of California’s Pacific Coast Highway or immerse yourself in the historic charm of Route 66.
8. Camping Under the Northern Lights
Take in the wonders of the night sky as you pitch your tent beneath the shimmering hues of the Northern Lights.
Whether you’re camping in Norway’s Lofoten Islands or Alaska’s wilderness, spending a night under the stars is an experience guaranteed to be one of your most unforgettable travel adventures.
9. Exploring Ancient Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Embark on a journey through time as you wander among the ruins of ancient civilizations, where each stone tells a story and each artifact holds a secret.
Whether you’re marveling at the majesty of Machu Picchu or exploring the hidden temples of Angkor Wat, each archaeological site is a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and artistry of those who came before.
10. Wildlife Safari in African National Parks
Embark on a safari adventure and witness the untamed beauty of Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
From the vast savannas of the Serengeti to the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta, each safari is a chance to witness the raw power and majesty of nature up close and personal.
11. Walking the Camino de Santiago
Another one of my favorite unforgettable travel adventures was embarking on the walk from Portugal to Spain. It’s a pilgrimage of the soul along the ancient paths of the Camino de Santiago, where each step is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal.
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of pilgrims from centuries past or forging your own path, each mile walked is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the human spirit.
12. Cross-Country Train Trip
Embark on a cross-country odyssey aboard the rails, where the journey is just as enchanting as the destination.
Whether you’re traversing the vast landscapes of America or meandering through the picturesque countryside of Europe, each train ride is a chance to slow down, savor the moment, and revel in the simple pleasures of travel.
Back in 2021, I had the chance to embark on a month-long journey across the USA via the Amtrak train. To this day, it is still one of my favorite trips I have done in my early 20s.
13. Attending Film Festivals
Step into the glittering world of cinema as you attend some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, where each screening is a celebration of art, culture, and the human experience.
Whether you’re rubbing shoulders with industry insiders at Cannes or discovering indie gems at Sundance, each festival is a chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen and be transported to worlds beyond your imagination.
For the movie lovers out there, attending at least one film festival sometime in your 20s is a must.
14. Attending F1 Races
Experience the heart-pounding excitement of Formula 1 racing as you cheer on your favorite drivers at iconic circuits around the world.
From the glamour of Monaco to the speed of Silverstone, each race is a spectacle of speed, skill, and adrenaline-fueled excitement that will leave you breathless and exhilarated. During my visit to Monaco, walking the F1 track was actually one of my favorite things we did!
15. Indulging in Culinary Adventures
Embark on a gastronomic journey around the world and savor the flavors of different cultures and cuisines.
Whether you’re sampling street food in Bangkok, indulging in a traditional French bistro in Paris, or feasting on fresh seafood in coastal Italy, each bite is a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cuisine and the joy of shared culinary experiences.