5 reasons why you should travel in your 20s

The twenties are a time of transition. You have one foot in youth and freedom and one foot in adulthood. You are still young and can have fun, but you are also mature enough to know a few things about the world.

You can have fun with gap year kids at hostels just as well as you can have long-winded conversations about politics with middle-aged travelers. You’re a renaissance man of sorts, and as a 20-something you can fit in with almost anyone.

2. You appreciate the finer things

Life isn’t just about cheap beer and fast food anymore. Since graduating from college, perhaps you’ve grown to like a few of the finer things in life. Craft beer is better than Budweiser. A good glass of wine isn’t even in the same category of beverage as the boxed version anymore. Spending a little extra money to live somewhere nice without the chaos of a hostel is an expense you’re willing and eager to make once in a while.

While you may be spending more money than you did during earlier trips, you’re spending it on the right things and you know how to appreciate it. With age comes a bit of logic, and skimping on some things to splurge in other ways is something you’ve become a pro at.

3. Travelling in your 20s involves a greater balance between fun and culture

Traveling in your twenties is usually more balanced and you’re better off. You won’t spend a whole week partying and never see the sun. Instead, you’ll enjoy a few great nights mixed in with the other days of your trip spent getting up at a reasonable hour and seeing everything you’ve marked in your guidebook.

Hangovers get worse with age, and you know that spending a day on the road with your head spinning is something to be avoided at all costs (well, most of the time).

4. You’re wise enough to avoid trouble, but young enough to occasionally make a mistake

With a steady career and “settling down” just around the corner, traveling in your 20s is the perfect excuse to throw caution to the wind and have a good time. Sure, sometimes that means overdoing it with the alcohol or going on a date with someone you know isn’t right for you, but that’s part of being young.

Regardless of the minor mishaps and mistakes, a quarter century on this planet has taught us a fair amount of smarts. Unlike a few years ago when we were young and naive, today we know pretty well when a decision could lead to an irreversible mistake. Today, we no longer act thoughtlessly and have a better head on our shoulders. We know that we are not invincible, and that makes our paths safer.

5. You are more independent and confident

Journeys in your teens and early twenties were usually characterised by who you were with rather than where you were going. These days, you’re probably confident enough to set out to explore the world on your own. Sure, you may not enjoy eating on your own, but you’ll feel more comfortable in your own company and more excited to separate yourself from the crowd in search of unique adventures. Chances are you’ll meet other travelers along the way, so you won’t be alone for long.

Traveling in your twenties comes at a time when you’re starting to get to know yourself and come into your own. Embrace it and you’ll have a better time travelling in return. With a more open mind, you’re ready to try new things, make friends with people you wouldn’t normally be friends with, and make decisions without needing the advice of others.

So mid-twentysomethings… don’t let yourself be tied down by looming careers and growing up. Grab your backpack and go explore the world before it’s too late!

How do you think traveling in your 20s is different? Are you looking for a deeper meaning or are you still on the hunt for the best parties?