Your 20s are a time for adventure and safely exploring the world around you. Traveling is the number one activity for those who are alone and in their 20s. Planning out solo trips can seem daunting. But, our list has some of the safest and fun places for traveling alone while in your 20s.
If you have the itch to start traveling, many destinations are engaging and safe for solo adventurers. The best places for traveling are those that give you a sense of the area and history.
Read on for our ultimate list of the 11 fun places to travel alone in your 20s.
Table of Contents
Solo Travel-Why so Many People Are Doing It
Solo travel is an excellent way of finding out more about yourself while enjoying and learning about the world. People can enjoy many different cultures and histories across the globe, and traveling to those destinations alone allows for an uninterrupted experience that supports venturing out of your comfort zone and meeting new people.
Traveling alone also makes it easier to meet locals and fit into new cultural experiences that a group setting might ruin. Overall, solo travel is great for young people looking for adventure, a unique experience, and a change in their outlook on life.
Visiting a new city and wondering about the top things to do? Explore our comprehensive guide featuring a curated list of must-visit attractions and activities.
How Can I Afford Travel in my 20s?
There is no denying that traveling costs a lot of money. Usually, traveling around in your twenties is difficult primarily because of the expense. Being young and having limited work experience means you probably haven’t saved up a lot of money before deciding to go on a travel adventure.
Even though you may not have a lot of money in your 20s, you can still travel to extraordinary destinations by taking advantage of:
- Credit card reward programs
- Work programs
- Staying in hostels
Affording travel in your 20s should not put you into extreme debt. However, the access to life-changing adventures and gaining new insights from your travels are invaluable and shouldn’t get held back because of your financial situation. Some of the best ways of affording travel in your 20s are listed below:
- Use Credit: Using a credit card doesn’t seem like an excellent idea for traveling. However, there are many options for cash credit cards that give you points for benefits and allow you up to 18 months to pay back before interest begins getting charged to your account.
- Work While You Travel: There are several options for working while you travel. Being a migrant farmworker is one of the best ways of working while you travel with seasonal jobs. You can also find jobs as a caregiver or retail in the cities you are interested in visiting to make a little money while you travel.
- Use Hostels: The benefit of hostels is that they are much less expensive, and the close living quarters give you a chance to meet other travelers. The social environment and cheaper living situation make visiting choice destinations much more affordable for people looking to have fun on their travels while in their 20s.
Whether you are making money or saving money while traveling, there are great ways of traveling in your 20s in an affordable manner. If you can follow these few simple tips, you may be able to experience some of the best places in the world.
Where Should a 20 Year Old Travel?
Traveling alone and in your 20s is the opportunity of a lifetime. However, heading out just to any destination might be a:
- Challenge
- Disappointment
- Dangerous situation
Instead, take the time to look through our list of some of the most fun and safe places to travel alone in your 20s.
As long as you plan ahead for your accommodations and expenditures, any of these destinations are possible for the youngest travelers.
11 Fun Places to Travel Alone in Your 20s
Based on research, below is a list of the 11 most fun places to travel alone in your 20s. Visiting just one of these destinations will be the experience of a lifetime. We hope that you find the time, energy, and finances for multiple trips.
#1 The Yacht Week
There is no better getaway than the Yacht week if you have an urge to travel to coastal and ocean destinations. There are unique getaways and tropical paradises for those willing to sail to them in places like:
- The British Isles
- Croatia
- Greece
- Montenegro
Even though this is a traditional adventure for groups of friends in their 20s, there are also yacht cruises during these weeks for fun on the open waters with people who don’t know each other.
Some yachts and their captains cater to those traveling alone and provide a ship and experience of sailing and friendships that can last even after the salt water is no longer kissing your face.
You’ll want to get travel insurance for a trip like this. Extended Travel Disruption Insurance is an excellent way of ensuring that even if the trip is cut short due to illness or other medical conditions, you can get reimbursed.
#2 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Peru is one of the safer places you can travel outside of the United States. However, traveling solo to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is widely known. It could be a target for some dangerous situations. Knowing the trail, having accommodations and plans ahead of time help alleviate problems that could possibly come up.
#3 Joshua Tree, California
As one of the last high desert parks in the west, Joshua Tree is a destination for many different reasons. The year-round allure of this sacred landscape has adventure tours that allow you to become educated and immersed in the desert and natural history of this well-known National Park.
There are also getaways with camping and backpacking through the park. These destinations for outdoors enthusiasts are extraordinary multiple-day ventures that require packing in your own water and food. Some adventure groups provide more safety in numbers and the tools you may need for longer trips of camping, climbing, and hiking.
#4 Prague
The hype of Prague is not overstated. This place is a dream for backpackers and is also full of historical sites and tours for those who are more interested in the metropolitan side of the area. The “Golden City of 1000 Spires” has more than enough of the cathedrals and other sites to keep history buffs on their toes.
The city is now clearly a tourist destination. There are more tourists traveling through than there are ex-patriots every year. The city has gotten more expensive, but its legendary status for safe travel and breathtaking sites and adventures make it a must for young people traveling alone.
From strolling through the charming streets of Old Town Square and admiring the iconic Prague Castle to indulging in traditional Czech cuisine and exploring the vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on their first trip to Prague.
#5 Budapest
Now known as a widely fun and young place, Budapest is a long way from its roots as part of the Soviet Union’s power. The language differences are challenging to navigate. However, the place is incredibly welcoming for young people and offers a breathtaking and fast-paced nightlife for those looking to meet other tourists or experience the local cuisine and culture.
As examples of some of the largest and most elaborate in the world, most people visit the Gellért Thermal Bath. If you do visit this ancient city, make sure you check out the Turkish bathhouses. Treat yourself while traveling to some of the spas or baths while in this Hungarian country.
#6 Japan
Japan is known as one of the safest countries for travel, so that is a plus for traveling alone. Never invite conflict while on your trip, and keep your wits about you. Another thing is that plane tickets to Japan from the United States are pretty expensive. However, the landscape and cultural history of Japan are well worth the cost.
Street vendors are an excellent attraction for buying souvenirs and sampling cuisine. Also, the culture around nightlife in Japan is excellent for young people to go out, meet other travelers and partake in drinking, eating, and playing games or singing karaoke.
#7 Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is a destination spot for those looking for relaxation and some of the best cuisines in the world. Known as a place where dinners go on for hours, and the streets are full at lunchtime for siesta and happy hour appetizers times, Lisbon is a throwback to a quieter and slower pace of life that most young people might not appreciate.
However, visiting this city provides a time for fun, relaxation, and reflection while getting pampered and sampling some of the finest railway systems in Europe, providing easy day-trip access to all of the destinations around the country.
#8 New Zealand
One of the best farming destinations in the world, ranching and farming tourism is growing in popularity for those in Europe and the United States. New Zealand is an excellent destination for those in Europe and the United States because it is the growing season during the traditional winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Seasonal work is excellent for those traveling alone. Not only are you sometimes provided living conditions, but you are also given food and money and work along with other travelers with whom you can bond and make plans. Hostels with sing-alongs, group dinners, and drinking parties are much more communal than other solo trips and can produce lifetime friendships.
#9 Cuba
The Latin culture of Cuba is a beautiful environment for young people in their 20s. The country is very welcoming to travelers since it was recently opened for travel from the United States. Visit Cuba for the excellent cuisine and street food scene, along with the music and nightclubs.
#10 Los Angeles, California
Traveling abroad on your own is a daunting proposition for some people. If you are not ready to travel out of the country, consider going to the City of Angels and enjoy your trip to Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers many world-class attractions, including nightclubs, music venues, professional sports, beaches, and hiking, not to mention the popular culture of movies and television.
Check out our recommendations for the best haunted houses to travel to if you’re seeking a spine-tingling adventure this Halloween.
#11 Barcelona
This destination is romantic and also beautiful. Barcelona can also be expensive and maybe a stretch for some younger travelers strapped for cash. However, the local history and beaches make it an excellent destination for a solo trip in your 20s. The hostels are also plentiful and provide safe accommodations that can ease the financial burden of the journey.
Besides these you could place Europe trip on your list too. As in 20s one might have to plan with budget here is how you plan cheapest way to travel to Europe from US.
In Conclusion
Traveling alone in your 20s is a liberating and exciting experience that can change your perspective of the world. However, if you travel alone, keep in mind that you need to choose your destination and accommodations carefully. Travelling solo changes you as person in different aspects, read our guide on how solo travel changes you.
Hopefully, this list of the best fun places for solo travel gives you some goals for your solo travel and helps you stay safe while enjoying your trip.