20 Bucket List Adventures For Your 20’s
“One day you will wake up & there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” ― Paulo Coelho.
Travel is incredible at any age but WOW is it amazing to take advantage of everything this world has to offer while we are young, single and living with less responsibility. From incredible worldwide festivals to breathtaking adventures, there is so much this world has to offer. So why not make the most of it while we are young and free? Here’s all the inspiration you need to come up with your own list of bucket list adventures for your 20’s!
So grab your passport and let’s start checking things off the bucket list…
20 Bucket List Adventures
For Your 20’s
20. Backpack Europe On A Budget
A great starting point for any new traveler!
With easy and affordable trains, cheap flights and budget hostels it’s so easy to travel from country to country in Europe.
Ryanair has flights as low as $9 between countries. And a nice hostel in the city center will frequently still cost less than $15 a night. Even on a budget you can experience a wide variety of food, cultures, language, free museums or events.
Read more:
- HOW TO VISIT ORVIETO, ITALY ON A BUDGET
- HOW TO GET FREE GUIDED TOURS ALL OVER EUROPE
- THE BEST HOSTEL IN ROME
- HOW TO GET A FREE ALL INCLUSIVE STAY IN EUROPE
19. Learn to Scuba Dive
The moment before you plunge into the ocean for the first time can be scary. The thought of being deep under water for 45 minutes definitely gives a lot of people butterflies. But like anything else, facing your fears is worth it.
The experience is rewarding, challenging and will leave you wanting to dive again!
18. See the Pyramids of Egypt
Egypt is a daunting but huge bucket list destination for a lot of travelers.
Camel riding, Nile river cruises, ancient temples and exciting historical sites- Egypt is not to be missed. Unfortunately, the perception right now is that Egypt is unsafe for tourists-which is simply not true!
- HOW TO TRAVEL EGYPT ON A BUDGET – 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR
- EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- WHAT TO WEAR IN EGYPT: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING COMFORTABLE AND FASHIONABLE WHILE TRAVELING EGYPT
- VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE
17. African Safari
Nothing quite says adventure travel like Africa! But beware, once you do one safari- chances are you’ll become addicted. Soon every country in Africa will be on your bucket list!
Seeing the Big 5 game animals up close at Gondwana Game Reserve is an unforgettable experience.
You’ll wake up to find your villa surrounded by zebras, spend the afternoon searching for those harder to spot animals and see the sunset on the open African plains.
- A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S GONDWANA GAME RESERVE
- BIG 5 AFRICAN SAFARI- 7 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
16. Solo Trip
If you’ve never taken a solo trip before, it can sound intimidating.
But in all actuality, it is one of the most freeing and liberating things you’ll ever do.
Plus, you’re never really alone. You’ll make a surprising amount of friends on your journey as you go.
15. Go Dog Sledding
The rush of cold air on your face, wide open spaces in a winter wonderland and dozens of fluffy husky dogs- what’s not to love?!
We opted for dog sledding in Sweden but dog sledding tours can be found in Norway, Alaska, Iceland- any winter destination.
You’re bound to fall in love with the joyful, playful pups leading your sled!
- DOG SLEDDING IN SWEDEN- WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE
- 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO GO DOG SLEDDING
- HOW TO FIND WORK WITH A DOG SLED COMPANY – AND WHERE EXACTLY TO APPLY
14. Celebrate a holiday in another country
St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Carnival in Brazil, the Chinese New Year… there are so many incredible international holidays to attend all around the world.
I’ve celebrated Halloween in Barcelona, Thanksgiving in South Africa and rang in the New Year at Edinburgh, Scotland’s Hogmanay festival!
Interested in booking any international festivals?
Check out Stoke Travel and use promo code “thewanderlustrose” for free unlimited wine and beer at any of the world wide festivals!
13. Visit the Greek Isles
Beautiful beaches and picturesque towns- Greece is high on many traveler’s bucket list!
Party on Zakynthos Island, step back in time Athens or go cave exploring in Chios! Each island is so uniquely different- Greece has so much to offer!
12. Relax in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Imagine floating in a mineral-rich geothermal spa, sipping champagne as the sun rises over Iceland.
Calming, serene and peaceful- a trip to the Blue Lagoon definitely lives up to the hype.
11. Party in Las Vegas
A legendary destination for partying! And what better time to go than in your 20’s?
Recommendations: Stay at the Luxor– great hotel with awesome low prices! Take in a Cirque du Soleil show and use Groupon to book a helicopter ride over the Vegas strip and Red Rock Canyon!
10. Girls Trip
Family trips, solo trips, couples trips and school trips are all fantastic in their own way.
But while you and your friends are young and can escape for a bit- take that trip you’ve always dreamed of before everyone gets too tied down with kids, a mortgage or a career. You’ll be thankful for the life long memories and strengthened friendships. Travel brings people closer together.
9. Hot Balloon Ride Over A Beautiful Destination
Definitely add floating across the sky in a hot air balloon to your bucket list!
Whether you soar across a mountain range in the United States, beautiful Cappadocia or the Valley of the Kings in Egypt- the sight of hot air balloons taking off into the sky is one you’ll treasure forever!
8. USA Roadtrip
Time to hop in the car and hit the road! Grab a map and see everything the beautiful southern states have to offer.
Suggestion: Start in Arizona to see Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and drive through Utah for Zion National Park- continue on through Las Vegas!
- 15 MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES IN THE USA IN 2020
- EXPLORING MONUMENT VALLEY WITH SIMPSON’S TRAILHANDLER TOURS
- ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN OLD TOWN
7. Spring Break In Mexico
Whether you’re in college, opted for a gap year or are simply young at heart, Mexico during the month of March is WILD. Thousands of people pour in from all over the world looking to cut loose and have fun!
Spend your days at the swim up bar and your nights in downtown Cancun or Cabo!
- 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
- HOW TO FIND A PAID TRAVEL JOB IN PARADISE: SPRING BREAK STAFF
- SWIMMING WITH WILD WHALE SHARKS: 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
6. Watch The Sunrise Someplace Epic
If you’re not a morning person, getting out of bed before sunrise can seem impossible, especially if you’ve been traveling all week.
But trust me, it’s always worth it.
Chances are if you go before sunrise, you’ll have the place to yourself.
Best sunrises I’ve seen around the world:
- Hitchhiking to Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Bali, Indonesia to catch the sunrise
- Riding camels out into the Sahara Desert to see the sunrise over the Pyramids of Giza
- Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon as the sun slowly rose over Iceland
- Soaring over Luxor, Egypt in a hot air balloon at sunrise
- Staying up all night in Mexico to watch the sunrise from the beach
- Watching the sunrise from the Spanish Steps in Rome
- Catching the sunrise from the Taj Mahal
Watching the sunrise from the Sahara Desert
5. Work In A Foreign Country
Make new friends, live in a foreign country and push yourself out of your comfort zone!
The experience of vacationing somewhere for a week is completely different than getting to live and work abroad.
Get to know a new city like a local instead of a just tourist!
- TRAVEL JOBS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING PAID WORK AROUND THE WORLD
- 12 COMPANIES THAT PAY YOU TO TRAVEL- APPLY HERE FOR A TRAVEL JOB!
4. Drink Beer At Munich’s Oktoberfest
Ladies, dress up in a dirndl. Fellas get your lederhosen on!
Time to dance, sing and “prost” with the new friends at your table from all over the world. As the band strikes up, you’ll be wondering how people actually manage to drink multiple of these steins and still go ride the rides.
Pro tip: Watch out for the fun houses, they are a killer to navigate when German beer is involved. Prost!
3. Spend The Night In Treehouse
Thanks to Airbnb, you stay in amazing treehouses all over the world. How cool is that?!
Disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in nature and joyful, simple living.
There is something so idyllic and romantic about a cozy little treehouse tucked away in the jungle or over looking a cliff side ocean view.
Get $40 off your first Airbnb stay!
2. Picnic Somewhere Memorable
Skip the restaurants, save on money and enjoy soaking up the sites in your favorite travel destinations.
Picnics provide good company, locally bought food and the chance to dine slowly and leisurely as you people watch or appreciate the view.
Favorite picnic locations: the Colosseum in Rome, the Sahara Desert, beaches in South Africa and a castle ledge in Orvieto, Italy.
1. Backpack Southeast Asia
A right of passage for young travelers on a budget!
Party in Thailand, ride scooters through Bali, check out the incredible pink beach on Komodo Island or gaze over the rocky cliff views on Nusa Penida.
Given how notoriously cheap it is to travel in Southeast Asia, it’s the perfect place to begin your travels.
- WHERE TO STAY IN BALI TO AVOID THE CROWDS
- 10 THINGS I LEARNED HITCHHIKING IN BALI
- FREEDIVING IN KOH TAO, THAILAND WITH BLUE IMMERSION
Let me know in the comments below what’s on your bucket list 🙂 (And what you’re doing to make those wishes a reality!)
What a great post! I love all these ideas. Scotland and Ireland are also on my list!
Thanks Amy!! Scotland and Ireland are on my list as well 🙂
What a great list! One place that is definitely on my bucket list is Paris. Have you been there yet?
I haven’t been anywhere in France yet!! It’s on my list!
Dying to travel on a gondola in the canals of Venice! I think you did this too? Was it amazing?
Yes!! It’s a bucket list must for Venice!! 🙂
OMG!!! Love so many things about this post….but especially the TREE HOUSES! Who knew that was even a thing? Searching Airbnb for tree houses now. So inspired by all you do!
Haha I know!! I LOVE treehouses!! There is something so magical about them 🙂
I love following you on all your travels! I really hope to go to Australia some day. I’m saving up for this now and will probably travel solo.
That’s amazing!! Australia is high on my bucket list as well. I hope you do take a solo trip, you won’t regret it!!
Hey Rose have you ever been to India ?
I live in countryside of Rajasthan (India) if you wanna experience the rural part of best state of India,welcome you won’t forget this lifetime experience
I will actually be in India this October with a tour! I’ve very excited to see the country!
Great post! I agree with so many of these adventures – they all look like they were an absolute blast!
I turned 30 last December and I have done a surprising amount of these, I’m proud to say! I am, however, saving #1 for my honeymoon in 2020!! 😀
Aww that’s awesome!! Thanks for reading 🙂
How about a girls trip TO the Greek isles??? So inspiring 💕 love all of the photos and expertise you provide!!
I think a girls trip to the Greek Isles is definietly in order! Thanks Haley!! 🙂
These are ALL amazing!! Some things on my list….
– Europe!! Anywhere!! I’ve never Left this continent.
– Ireland!
– Grand Canyon even though heights scare me!!
– someplace with mountains! (Vague, I know)
– New Zealand and do a LOTR tour!!!!!
That is an awesome bucket list Emilee!! New Zealand and Ireland are suuuuper high on my list as well 🙂