With a median age of 28.7 years, India is one of the world’s youngest countries. Youth is the time in life when we go out in the world, try new things, fail, pivot, explore, travel, and have amazing experiences. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out by your twenties or even your early thirties. Make use of this time and explore the world while you are young, broke, and restless. Here are some of the most enriching places young adults should visit. By Karan Kaushik
On this International Youth Day, we have curated a list of countries that young adults should visit. Read on.
These are some of the best places young adults should visit
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
Related: 8 Travel Experiences In India You Must Take In Your Youth
A trip to Machu Picchu is one of the most enriching under-30 experiences. Boasting an extremely rich culture and fantastic landscapes, Peru is a sheer delight for young adults. From challenging jungle hikes and sand surfing to biking through the Andes and climbing volcanos, Peru has it all. A typical itinerary for Peru usually includes Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Cusco.
Places to explore: You can visit Mancora and Rainbow mountain to further explore the South American country
Things to do: Walk the trek of the Cordillera Blanca and explore the Amazon forest
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Peru is between May and October
Best hotels: Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel and Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort
Best restaurants: Astrid y Gastón, Maido and El Mercado to relish fusion food and traditional Peruvian cuisine
Endowed with a rich Hindu and Buddhist culture, Nepal serves as the base camp for Mount Everest. What makes it a perfect choice for young travellers is its affordability. Trek in the Himalayas, spot tigers in Chitwan, go paragliding in Pokhara, unwind at Boudha, and explore age-old cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Pokhara has a vibrant nightlife scene, just FYI. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is also something most backpackers look forward to.
Places to explore: You can visit the Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and Kathmandu valley
Things to do: Annapurna circuit for trekking, Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nepal is between October and December
Best hotels: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu and Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari – Chitwan National Park
Best restaurants: The Chimney, Utse Restaurant
(Image Credit: Avel Chuklanov/Unsplash)
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most welcoming regions for young backpackers. Cambodia is one of the many gems that this part of the world is home to. The only expensive bit of your Cambodia trip will be the flight. Once you are there, your cash will go a long way. On offer in Cambodia are quaint virgin beaches, spectacular ancient temples, and delectable cuisine. Visit the Angkor Wat temple complex – the largest religious monument in the world, and gain bragging rights forever.
Places to explore: You can visit the Angkor Archaeological Park, Koh Rong Samloem and Tonlé Sap Lake
Things to do: Temple sightseeing, shopping and excursions
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April
Best hotels: Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa, Alila Villas Koh Russey, Bensley Collection – Shinta Mani Wild
Best restaurants: Namaste India, Cuisine Wat Damnak
(Image Credit: Paul Szewczyk/Unsplash)
Portugal’s capital Lisbon is your quintessential European getaway. Picture narrow cobbled streets, incredible architecture, and sumptuous cuisine rooted in culture. That’s Lisbon for you. The city has always been a sought-after choice for backpackers across the globe. Young travellers also love visiting Lagos, where the party never stops. If you are looking forward to a romantic trip with your significant other, head to Lagos.
Places to explore: You can visit Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Porto and Madeira
Things to do: Explore hidden cave beaches and savour authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Portugal is between March and May
Best hotels: Six Senses Douro Valley, The Cliff Bay, VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Best restaurants: Midori, The Yeatman, Choupana
(Image Credit: Nick Karvounis/Unsplash)
From magnificent mountains and golden beaches to azure blue lakes and tranquil islands, New Zealand is truly endowed with abundant natural beauty. The country may not be the cheapest to reach but it sure makes for an adrenaline junkie’s dream. From bungee jumping and sky diving to sea kayaking and wildlife hikes, New Zealand offers amazing opportunities for young adults. If you wish to explore the gorgeous backcountry, let one of the Great Walks of New Zealand leave you amazed for a lifetime.
Places to explore: You can visit Bay of Islands, Queenstown and Tongariro National Park
Things to do: Hiking, Sailing, Sampling wine
Best time to visit: The best time to visit New Zealand is between December to March
Best hotels: Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Bay of Many Coves, Blanket Bay
Best restaurants: The French Cafe, Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard
(Image Credit: Ömer Faruk Bekdemir/Unsplash)
Thanks to stunning beaches, cheap and delicious street food, iconic museums, and lively nightlife, Mexico is nothing less than a paradise for young travellers. Mexico City will stimulate you with its myriad cultural and gastronomical offerings and cosmopolitan fabric. Its neighbourhoods like Condesa, Roma Norte, and Polanco will teach you a thing or two about community living. The city offers affordable public transportation too. Then there’s Tulum, known for its pristine beaches, yoga retreats, and bohemian vibes. Do include tequila and mezcal tastings in your itinerary to make the most of your holiday.
Places to explore: You can visit Riviera Maya, Copper Canyon and Chichén Itzá
Things to do: Museum hopping, Sample traditional Mexican dishes, Explore colonial towns
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mexico is between June to August and October to January
Best hotels: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, One&Only Mandarina, Cala de Mar Resort & Spa
Best restaurants: Pujol, El Mural, Casa Oaxaca
(Image Credit:Spencer Watson/Unsplash)
Youth is the time when people develop new interests, which last for a lifetime. If you have a new-found fondness for nature and wildlife, plan a trip to Masai Mara National Park in Kenya and let your interest take new heights. The savanna grasslands of Kenya will take you back to your childhood story books with incredible wildlife and surreal sunsets painted in hues of tangerine and purple. The Big 5 of Masai Mara are lions, African elephants, rhinoceros, Cape buffalos, and leopards. Spotting these will leave you in love with the wilderness for the rest of your life.
Places to explore: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lamu Island, Nairobi
Things to do: Jeep safari, Foster orphaned elephants, Cycling through great rift valley
Best time to visit: January and February or June to October
Best hotels: Angama Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Ol Jogi
Best restaurants: Trout Tree, Seven Seafood and Grill, Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
(Image Credit: Sammy Wong/Unsplash)
Amsterdam has always been a favourite among youngsters. Often touted as North Venice colloquially, Amsterdam is a paradise for backpackers. With incredible museums, happening nightlife, chic coffee shops, and rich cultural heritage, Amsterdam offers an enriching experience. Renting a bike is the best and most affordable way to explore the Dutch capital. There’s no dearth of hip hotels and cheap backpackers hostels either.
Places to explore: Maastricht, Giethoorn, Amsterdam
Things to do: Explore the wildlife in National parks, Shopping in Maastricht, Try out the local cuisine
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Netherlands is in June or between September and November
Best hotels: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, The Conservatorium, Chateau St. Gerlach
Best restaurants: Stads-koffyhuis, Brasserie Chapter, Sazanka
(Image Credit: Adrien Olichon/Unsplash)
Thanks to K-Pop, South Korea has made a space in every youngster’s heart over the past few years. The country can be visited on a shoestring budget if you plan well. From pocket-friendly street food and restaurants to affordable homestays, South Korea is perfect for twenty-somethings. Spot wildlife at mountainous national parks, unwind at pristine white beaches, explore traditional temples, and devour spicy Korean food.
Places to explore: Bulguksa Temple, Dadohaehaesang National Park, Seoul
Things to do: Try out spicy Korean food, Skiing, Museum hopping
Best time to visit: The best time to visit South Korea is between March and May
Best hotels: Park Hyatt Seoul, The Shilla Jeju, Kensington Hotel Seorak, Sokcho
Best restaurants: Jungsik, La Yeon, Korea House
(Image Credit: Yohan Cho/Unsplash)
