20 Trips to Take in Your 20’s • The Blonde Abroad

While there’s no perfect age to get up and go, there is something special about hitting the road and experiencing some of the world’s most incredible adventures in your twenties. Go while you’re young, single and without too much responsibility.

There are so many epic parties, festivals and experiences around the world, so take advantage of your freedom and get out there! Be sure to check out my 2018 Travel Bucket List and Top 10 Experiences for Solo Female Travelers to fuel your wanderlust even more.

In no particular order, here are 20 trips to take in your 20’s!

20. The Yacht Week

Gather up your friends, choose a destination (British Virgin Islands, Thailand, Croatia, Greece or Italy), pick a yacht and get ready for The Yacht Week– it’s nothing like the real world!

Each day you sail to a new destination and each night you party under the stars with fellow Yacht Weekers from around the world.

19. San Fermin Festival- Pamplona, Spain

Arrive in Pamplona for the San Fermin Opening Ceremony where you will spend the morning being doused with sangria, flour and eggs and the afternoon wandering the streets filled with music and dancing.

The following morning, get up early (or perhaps you stayed out all night?) and get ready for the famous ‘Running of the Bulls.’ You can either participate in the run or watch from the streets or a balcony.

Either way, it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

18. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- Peru

Set off on one of the most breathtaking trails in the world. The ever-changing landscape of the Inca Trail will bring you over towering mountains and through the rainforest, only to end at the incredible Machu Picchu.

The hike is challenging at times but is worth the reward at the end of the trail. Take your time and enjoy this physical, visual and spiritual journey.

17. Travel to Watch the World Cup

Regardless of whether you’re a diehard soccer fan or not, watching the World Cup live is a must do! Aside from the unforgettable parties and the insane energy in the stadium, what better way to unite with people from all over the world at one of the biggest sporting events on earth?

Bring your jersey, paint that face and get ready to represent your home country!

16. Oktoberfest- Munich, Germany

Who doesn’t like a good German beer? Oktoberfest is a great way to end the summer festival season by squeezing into one of the fourteen massive and beautifully decorated tents, each representing one of Germany’s finest beers.

Before you know it, you’ll be standing on top of a picnic table “Prost-ing” with your new buddies from all over the world. Don’t be surprised when you’re singing “Hey Baby” (I wanna know if you’ll be my girl) for weeks to come!

How to Travel Germany on a Budget

15. Burning Man- Black Rock Desert, Nevada

Experience a week unlike anything else in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert at Burning Man. Thousands of people come together every year to create “Black Rock City”- a community that is based completely on art, self-expression and self-reliance.

The Ultimate Survival Packing Guide for Burning Man

14. Mardi Gras- New Orleans

Head down to New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the days leading up to Mardi Gras. Take in the full experience and order a Sazerac (known as the World’s first-ever cocktail); stroll down busy Bourbon Street to experience visual entertainment like you’ve probably never seen before; and be sure to catch some of the parades (and maybe some beads)!

13. Take a Solo Trip

The thought of venturing out into the world on a solo trip can be daunting, but learning how to make decisions alone and get yourself from place to place is a tool you will value for the rest of your life.

And, the fact is, you’re never really alone.

It isn’t always possible to find friends or relatives who are able to travel with you and this certainly shouldn’t stop you from going where you want and exploring the parts of the world that you’ve dreamt of.

Give yourself the gift of independence, an opportunity to experience new cultures and the time to learn about yourself and what’s best for you.

The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel

12. Carnival- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnival is the Godfather to Mardi Gras. While they are both the same celebration, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro takes it to a whole different level.

Carnival in Rio is often considered one of the biggest parties in the world and is the benchmark in which every other Carnival around the world is compared.

The celebration is rich in Brazilian culture, art, music and celebration.

11. Motorbike through Vietnam

Start in Saigon, take a boat ride and explore the Mekong Delta, then hop on a motorbike and explore the highlands of Vietnam.

Stay overnight with the locals in their villages as you make your way up (or down) the beautiful country. You can choose to make this adventure solo or there are several motorbike tours that can guide you and allow you to enjoy the ride from the back of the bike. Make this trip as short or as long as you choose- just be sure to make it!

Vietnam Travel Tips

10. California Coast (Route 1) Road Trip

Start in the south of California or as north as Oregon and drive the famous California Highway 1 for the road trip of a lifetime. Between the mountains, the desert, the forests, and the ocean, this drive will leave you in awe of the West Coast of California.

3-Day California Coast Road Trip

9. Cycle the Death Road- Bolivia

This adventure is not for the weak of heart but one that should certainly be experienced. Hop on a bike and head downhill for 40 miles cycling the world’s most dangerous road.

While the road consists of a narrow road and steep cliffs, it also takes you through waterfalls and provides breathtaking panoramic views.

It’s a thrill unlike anything else!

8. Full Moon Party- Thailand

This party follows the lunar calendar so, every time there is a full moon, rest assured there is a Full Moon Party somewhere in Thailand. The most famous location is the beach at Koh Phangan.

The nights leading up to the full moon are often the most fun. Every night, be ready to paint your body in glow paint, sip vodka and Red Bull out of buckets and dance with fire under the stars until the sun comes up.

It’s 110% touristy but crazy and fun to experience while you’re young!

7. Holi Festival- India

The Holi Festival, or the Festival of Colors, is an ancient Hindu religious festival that celebrates love and color. This carnival of colors is celebrated by dancing in the street, playing music and throwing colored powder at each other.

Just don’t wear anything you’re not willing to part with. No one comes out clean!

6. Party in Las Vegas

Ah, Sin City. Las Vegas is the city where you can find anything and everything and it has a little something for everyone. Sip on fancy cocktails at one of the pools or head out for some shopping during the day.

In the evenings, dine with some of the finest restaurants the country has to offer and experience a nightlife that is unparalleled to anything else. And, of course, practice your best poker face at one of the many casinos.

The entertainment is endless!

5. Bay to Breakers- San Francisco, California

This 7.5-mile race takes place on the third Sunday in May. Runners start in the northeast part of downtown San Francisco and make their way to Ocean Beach.

Fun for both the runner and the spectator, plan to see people wearing anything between bizarre costumes and their birthday suits! Anything goes!

The Best of San Francisco in a Day

4. Explore Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the most populated travel circuits in the world- especially with people in their 20’s. Take a month or two to go tubing in Laos, hit the beaches in Thailand, visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia and go on a junk boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Locals are friendly, the food is delicious and travel is cheap.

The Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping in Thailand

Traveling Thailand on $20 per Day

3. Surf the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Make your way down the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica hitting up some of the best surf spots like Nosara and Playa Avellanas.

Don’t worry if you’re not a great surfer. There are an abundance of surf schools along the way as well as plenty of yoga retreats and beautiful beaches.

The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking in Central America

Top 10 Surf Towns in Latin America

2. Take a Budget Backpacking Trip in Europe

Backpacking through Europe is like a “coming of age” for most young travelers. With easy train accessibility, cheap flights and loads of budget hostels, it has become increasingly easier to move from county to country around Europe on a budget while experiencing different cultures, language, and food.

Traveling on a shoestring budget can be a challenge, but you learn to make the most of every moment (even if it means sleeping on the airport floor to save a few bucks)!

15 Tips for Traveling Europe

Ten Itinerary Planning Tips for a Trip to Europe

1. Tomorrowland-Belgium

Hop on over to Belgium to experience the largest electronic music festival in the world. Top DJ’s and thousands of people from all over the world gather here for 3-days of some of the best audio and visual stimulation you’ll receive all year.

While the festival is in the city of Boom, be sure to spend a few extra days exploring Belgium by train. Belgium is one of my all-time favorite countries for beer, chocolate, and frites!

How to Spend 24 Hours in Brussels, Belgium

How to Spend 24 Hours in Ghent, Belgium

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This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18584247925015178

This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18029767580663424

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18588507736001531

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18005693585857886

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Courtney Vanover

Fabulous article! I scrolled through and nodded and smiled with so many of your pictures – remembering having been there myself! This is a fantastic list – I love lists like this because sometimes people just need a little direction. Especially if they’ve never traveled before, I hear a lot from my non-traveling pals that it’s a bit overwhelming – just deciding on where to START. So being spoon fed (per se) a general list of amazing places has to be quite helpful! Keep up the good work, love your site!

June 8, 2017 at 7:27 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Thanks Courtney! I totally agree that it can be overwhelming at first. Glad you like the list 😉 Thanks for following! xx

June 8, 2017 at 7:53 pm · Reply

Martin

Awesome list! I have been to many of these places and couldn’t agree more with the selection. Can’t wait to check off more places from this list!

June 11, 2017 at 1:27 am · Reply

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In no particular order, here are 20 trips to take in your 20’s!

20. The Yacht Week

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to The Yacht Week

19. San Fermin Festival- Pamplona, Spain

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to The Running of the Bulls

18. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu- Peru

READ MORE: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

17. Travel to Watch the World Cup

16. Oktoberfest- Munich, Germany

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest in Munich

15. Burning Man- Black Rock Desert, Nevada

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to Burning Man

14. Mardi Gras- New Orleans

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

13. Take a Solo Trip

READ MORE: Why All Women Should Travel Solo

12. Carnival- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Rio in a Weekend

11. Motorbike through Vietnam

READ MORE: The Best Time to Go to Vietnam

10. California Coast (Route 1) Road Trip

READ MORE: Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks in California

9. Cycle the Death Road- Bolivia

READ MORE: Cycling the World’s Most Dangerous Road

8. Full Moon Party- Thailand

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to the Full Moon Party in Thailand

7. Holi Festival- India

6. Party in Las Vegas

READ MORE: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to Las Vegas

5. Bay to Breakers- San Francisco, California

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to San Francisco in a Weekend

4. Explore Southeast Asia

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Southeast Asia

3. Surf the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

READ MORE: Nosara “A Surfer’s Paradise”

2. Take a Budget Backpacking Trip in Europe

READ MORE: The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Europe

1. Tomorrowland-Belgium

READ MORE: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Bruges

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