The advantage of youth is that you get to travel without the shackles of responsibility that come with your later years holding you back.
It’s easier to drink until dawn and live on $10 a day when you’re in your 20s than it is with a family to feed. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 30 places you simply have to visit before 30.
You might not get through them all but no matter how many of these places you do visit, you’ll certainly have a ball along the way.
Let us know how many you’ve been to in the comments below…
1. Ibiza – Spain
Along with Las Vegas, this is the party capital of the world. Come during the summer months and prepare to go hard, or go home.
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2. Vancouver – Canada
A bustling densely populated city that is ethnically diverse and often voted as one of the best places in the world to live. A city that has it all for somebody in their 20s.
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3. Queenstown – New Zealand
The action adventure capital of New Zealand and one of the most popular spots on the global gap year circuit. Live life to the fullest during the day and party hard at night.
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4. The Pacific Coast Highway – USA
Rent a convertible car and head from LA to San Fransisco, driving at your ease, taking in all the sights and sucking up that wonderful Californian air.
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5. Amsterdam – The Netherlands
If you haven’t been to Amsterdam in your 20s and let your hair down have you even lived? A liberal attitude to most things and a great place to spend a few days.
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6. Costa Rica
The perfect spot for action sports, outrageously pretty beaches and basically just living life without any responsibilities.
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7. Havana – Cuba
Havana feels like stepping onto a movie set, with a nightlife scene that’s hard to top. Sip on those sweet mojitos and puff a huge cigar while living like a king.
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8. Ko Pha-ngan – Thailand
One of the world’s most famous parties with up to 10,000 people coming together on the beach under the full moon. Party bare footed without a care in the world.
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9. Nepal
A paradise for backpackers, trekkers and people on a gap year trying to live on a budget. Ridiculously pretty scenery and a country that very few others will ever get to see.
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10. Inter-railing around Europe
Not one country but rather a full continent seen over a summer on a single cheap train ticket. Live the hostel life while seeing some of the most historic cities in Europe all on one trip.
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11. Bali – Indonesia
A surfing and wellness hotspot that attracts young people, digital nomads and surfers from all over the world. Throw in some amazing food and you have everything you’d ever want.
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12. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the trendiest tourist spots in the world so get there before the masses arrive. The perfect country to backpack around on a budget while enjoying the lush scenery and friendly locals.
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13. Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam
A vibrant and buzzing city that that sums up the optimism and cultural diversity of South East Asia. Great food, bars and culture make this somewhere you could actually live rather than just holiday.
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14. Dublin – Ireland
The Irish know how to put on a good party and the capital of Dublin is the most wonderful base for a long weekend. Enjoy the creamy pints of Guinness and super friendly locals.
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15. Patagonia
One of the true gems of South America and a must-visit for those on the backpacking trail. Hit up the Argentinian side for the extra bonus combination of incredible steaks and great wine.
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16. Tulum – Mexico
The classier seaside town version of its near neighbour Cancun. Enjoy the chilled vibes, great local cuisine and some ancient Mayan culture.
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17. Octoberfest Munich – Germany
Such a popular event that it’s now been copied and recreated all over the world. Come to the original in Munich though, and enjoy as good a knees up as you’ll find anywhere on earth.
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18. Whitsunday Islands – Australia
The perfect place to come and see the Great Barrier Reef while also island hopping. Great beach living and an ideal spot for getting a deep tan and partying into the night with like-minded individuals.
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19. Goa – India
This Western Indian state has some of the prettiest beaches and friendly locals, plus it’s a wellness centre for backpackers on the global circuit. A trip you’ll never forget.
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20. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
One of the world’s most iconic cities at anytime of year but come during carnival and you’ll enjoy the heaving madness of a city high on life.
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21. Florence – Italy
A centre for foreign students and young travellers form all over the world who come to learn languages, enjoy the culture and the general ‘Dolce Vita’.
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22. Cape Town – South Africa
A truly breathtaking city that is the perfect base to explore the majestic sights of Southern Africa. Great food, stunning backdrops and a surprisingly lively party scene make this a must-visit city.
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23. Marrakech – Morocco
A city that would make you think was created especially for Instagram. From great shopping in the souks to food that melts in your mouth, this is a joyous place to spend time.
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24. Hawaii – USA
A place that’s every bit as magical once you arrive as you had expected it to be. Spend some time surfing on the North Shore and trying to act as cool as everybody else there – which is tough.
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25. Berlin – Germany
A city that has found its cool since the Wall came down, where pretty much anything goes. Great nightclubs, drinking in the parks and an ethnically diverse group of people living here mean the place is bouncing most weekends.
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26. Val d’Isere – France
You can ski on some of the best slopes in the world while living it up in the evening at the Apres-Ski. Throw in good French food and meeting plenty of interesting people and you’d be mad not to spend time here.
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27. New York – USA
Plenty will argue that it is the great city in the world and they might just be right. It’s a city where young people thrive and it has something for every single taste.
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28. Barcelona – Spain
A city that seems as if it was built for people in their 20s. The late night partying, good weather, chilled vibes and lots of similar minded folk who head there make it a must-visit.
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29. Island Hopping in Greece
100s of the prettiest islands which are all in close proximity and relatively affordable. Give yourself a couple of months and party your way around as many of them as you can.
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30. Las Vegas
No list would be complete with the greatest party city in the world (alongside Ibiza). 48 hours is probably enough as the city does tend to break people no matter what age you are.
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