Traveling is awesome to do as a young adult as you can be exposed to different experiences, various culture, and diverse type of people. You also have all the time and energy during your 20s and 30s. The only thing you don’t have (none of us do) is money! Traveling is one of the most expensive hobbies you could choose – paying for flights, accommodation, and food does not come cheap. But at the same time, the money you spend on traveling becomes an investment. Seeing different cultures, meeting various types of people, and handling crisis you might stumble upon on the road is gifts traveling can unlock for you. But of course, when we are young and wild, we don’t want to splurge too much and choose to visit places than are in our pocket ranger. So, these best places to travel for young adults are chosen by me (a 20-something content writer) and the young travelers in the JoinMyTrip community. Let’s begin a fun yet not bank-robbing adventures!
Best Places to Travel for Young Adults – Summary
1. Cheap Places to Visit in Asia
2. Cheap Places to Visit in Europe
3. Cheap Places to Visit in Central and South America
4. Cheap Places to Visit in Africa
5. Travel Tips for Young Adults
Cheap Destinations in Asia
What is the best place to travel for young adults? Asia is the answer, as well as a great starting point. As the world’s largest continent, Asia comes at the top of the class for diversity and natural beauty. From the futuristic metropolitan of Tokyo to the quaint beaches in the Phillippines, there are endless things to discover in Asia.
Start your 20s travel agenda by visiting Southeast Asia. The region is a budget travel haven as you can get almost everything at an affordable price. These are the best places to travel when you are young in Southeast Asia!
Vietnam
Vietnam is the first country I visited as an early 20s first-jobber from Southeast Asia. Travelers have given Vietnam a high rank in the list of best destinations for budget travelers – and I think it’s not over-claimed. Vietnam is fascinating, offering tons of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, and very affordable at the same time. I noted that food and drinks are very affordable. I had a bowl of bun cha from a local vendor for only €1 and Vietnam’s beloved egg coffee in a famous cafe for €2. The prices of food are incredibly cheap, but you will be surprised by the prices of accommodation. We got a nice apartment with three bedrooms for €31 per night.
I visited Hanoi and Halong Bay, which completely stunned me with their beauty. Other than that, here are some places in Vietnam that our travelers recommended:
- Cities and History: Hanoi (the capital city), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam’s main metropolitan and historical site), and Hoi An (UNESCO old town)
- Beaches: Da Nang, Phu Quoc Island, and Halong Bay
- Nature: Ninh Binh and Mekong Delta
Thailand
Thailand is known for its tropical beaches and again for its amazing food. Young adults can easily travel here for cheap and still immerse themselves in a unique and rich culture. Backpackers usually spend between $20-40 daily on accommodation, food, and activities. There are many things you can discover, these are our top Thailand vacation spots for young adults:
- Bangkok
The vibrant capital of Thailand famous for its food, shopping, and nightlife scene. Thailand is also a hub for travelers around the world, allowing you to connect with new friends. Moreover, you can easily find cheap hotels, local food, and even drinks in this awesome metropolitan. - Phuket
Phuket is one of Thailand’s best beach destinations. It is home to white-sand beaches, bustling night markets, and the famous Big Buddha. Phuket is just a stone-throw-away from Phi Phi Islands, making it a starting point to the paradise. - Koh Samui
The island has attracted 2.2 million travelers, especially young adults. It has outstanding beaches with powdery sand and glimmering sea waters. Besides that, Koh Samui is dotted with temples and trendy tourist districts.
Indonesia
Living and traveling around Indonesia, I would not recommend Bali as the cheapest place to visit. But absolutely, Bali’s young energy and wide options of travel styles make it a fun destination to visit for young adults. Beyond Bali, you can explore other destinations in Indonesia that offer stunning beaches, crazy volcanoes, magnificent culture, and delicious street food. You can travel to Yogyakarta – Indonesia’s cultural melting point, see Blue Fire at Ijen Crater, or see the last descendants of dinosaur at Komodo Island. Simply put, Indonesia is a destination for youngsters who are down for adventures and see a lot of things on one trip. Here are some places to visit that are reachable and not too expensive from the capital Jakarta and the international hub Bali:
- Beaches: Bali (Canggu, Uluwatu), Lombok, Nusa Penida
- Culture & Temples: Yogyakarta, Ubud
- Adventure & Nature: Mount Bromo, Komodo Island, and Ijen Crater
Cambodia
TripLeader Timo, an avid backpacker who has traveled around Southeast Asia for 10 years, mentioned that Cambodia is cheaper than Thailand. Home to the renowned Angkor Wat and other mysterious, UNESCO-listed temples, the Southeast Asian country is worth putting into your itinerary. You won’t only be swept away by the magnificent temples, but also friendly faces and sun-soaked beaches. If you are traveling backpacking style, Timo also recommends visiting Koh Rong where you can relax on pristine beaches and make friends with backpackers from all around the globe. What does that sound like to us? Young energy!
Here are some places to visit in Cambodia:
- History & Culture: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
- Beaches: Sihanoukville, Koh Rong
- City Life & Night Markets: Phnom Penh
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an underrated budget gem filled with surf towns, lush tea plantations, and wildlife encounters. Transportation is incredibly cheap, and hostel culture is booming—making it a hotspot for young backpackers seeking sun, nature, and culture on a budget.
- Beaches & Surf: Mirissa, Hiriketiya, Arugam Bay
- Mountains & Nature: Ella, Nuwara Eliya
- Culture: Kandy, Sigiriya
Cheap Destinations in Europe
Many destinations in Europe are considered quite expensive for travelers but did you know that some of the most popular destinations like Greece or Croatia are beautiful and a trip there won’t break the bank? The following destinations are perfect for having an amazing time while on a tight budget in Europe!
Greece
A dream destination for every traveler with its endless amounts of islands and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Greece would never make its way to the list of cheap travel destinations for young adults. Yes, if we are talking about Santorini or Mykonos. However, there are several cities and Greek islands that you can visit without breaking the bank. A budget of €40-60 can ensure you a comfortable experience.
- Crete
This most populous Greek island offers pristine beaches, exquisite history, and a relaxed atmosphere. The prices in Crete are also considerably cheaper than other Greek islands. You can save up some money by staying in hostels, savoring local food, and choosing to visit hidden gems instead of touristy places. - Thessaloniki
The city features an amazing blend between the old and new. You can find centuries-old structures from the Byzantine and Roman period. At the same time, Thessaloniki emits a youthful vibe with its fantastic nightlife. It is a cheap and awesome place to travel for young adults. - Lefkada
Humble and picturesque – those are the two words that describe Lefkada. Stroll around the traditional villages and spend a relaxing day on the brilliant beaches like Porto Katsiki and Milos.
Czech Republic
When we are talking about cheap destinations in Europe, Prague comes at the top of the list. With only €50, you can enjoy a comfortable vacation in a luxurious-looking city. Prague’s awe-inspiring architecture, combining Gothic and Baroque style, make the city one of the prettiest in the continent. Moreover, you don’t need to cash out to enjoy the beautiful architecture as it is free of charge.
Montenegro
Montenegro offers European beauty at Balkan prices. Young adults love it for its dramatic coastline, medieval towns, and national parks—without the price tag of nearby Croatia. Moreover, it is compact, making it easy to explore multiple spots in one trip. Here are the places to visit recommended by local TripLeader Balsa:
- Beaches: Budva, Ulcinj
- Old Towns & Views: Kotor
- Nature & Lakes: Durmitor National Park, Black Lake
Serbia
Serbia is your go-to destination if you are young, on-budget, yet want to have a lot of fun. Belgrade, the capital, has a great nightlife for you to bar-hop with friends all night,” said TripLeader Christian, who has been hosting party trips since 2022. Serbia might be an underrated destination, but visiting the country will make your future self thank you. It is an affordable destination with interesting culture, hearty food, and one-of-a-kind architecture. Not to mention, Serbia often hosts some of Europe’s craziest raves, such as the EXIT Festival. Here are the places you should look forward to in Serbia:
- City Life & Nightlife: Belgrade
- Culture & History: Novi Sad
- Nature: Tara National Park
Poland
Poland offers a great mix of history, architecture, and vibrant student cities—all at an affordable price. It’s especially popular among young travelers thanks to cheap public transport, budget-friendly restaurants, and tons of free attractions.
Budget-Friendly Destinations by Interest
City Life & Culture: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk
Nature: Zakopane (Tatra Mountains)
History: Auschwitz, Wrocław
Romania
Romania is a surprisingly cheap and beautiful country, perfect for young adults who enjoy medieval towns, castles, mountains, and nightlife. Hostels are affordable and transportation is easy, making it a strong contender for a European budget trip. So, where should you travel to in Romania? Here are some picks by our experienced travelers – TripLeader Marie and TripLeader Roberta:
- Castles & Old Towns: Brasov, Sighișoara, Transylvania
- Nature & Hiking: Carpathian Mountains
- City Life: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca
Cheap Destinations in Central & South America
Many countries in Central and South America are among the happiest countries in the world. Life here is slower, more colorful and full of joy!
Bolivia
Once you visit Bolivia you fall in love and will always come back. Extraordinary cities, rich cultures, llamas and incredible landscapes like Salar de Uyuni. Bolivia is also a country full of adventure, take a 13-hour bus ride to feel the thrill of Death Road and discover unique landscapes in the middle of the Amazon. As it is home to a world-class must-see spot, Bolivia is an exciting place to travel for young adults.
Colombia
Fiery, exciting, and awesome – that is Colombia! This South American country boasts colorful everyday life, amazing party scenes, and stunning beaches. From the historically-rich Cartagena to the party-filled Medellin, every part of Colombia will light you up. Moreover, Colombia is a notable destination for budget traveling, especially if you are young.
Cheap Destinations in Africa
There’s no place like Africa. Here you will find different varieties of landscapes ranging from deserts to lush rainforests, see endangered species such as elephants and cheetahs, and meet friendly people. Traveling to Africa can be super affordable, so grab your travel buddies and discover this wild continent!
Namibia
Namibia is known for unforgettable safaris experiences, beautiful landscapes, and amazing wild animals such as Springboks, Elephants, and Zebras. Backpackers spend between $45-75 a day on travel here. The most expensive part of your journey here will be a safari, which is well worth the money! Grab your backpack and your holiday buddies and travel to Namibia.
South Africa
South Africa’s history and culture are among one the most interesting in the world. The country’s way to democracy and away from Apartheid is inspiring and you will learn more about it on one of the many free walking tours you can do in Cape Town.
There are special tours tailored for young adults. If you’re not into history there are also a lot of wineries where you can go wine tasting or you can go diving with White Sharks and Orca on the Cape of Good Hope. Here are some more must-do things for your group trip to South Africa!
Morocco
Morocco is an exciting and affordable destination for young adults who love markets, desert landscapes, and colorful cultural experiences. It’s budget-friendly, full of character, and perfect for group adventures.
- Cities & Culture: Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen
- Beaches: Essaouira, Agadir
- Desert & Nature: Merzouga (Sahara Desert), Atlas Mountains
Ethiopia
Ethiopia offers a completely unique and budget-friendly experience with its ancient churches, dramatic landscapes, and welcoming culture. It’s ideal for young adults who want something off the beaten path without spending too much.
- Culture & History: Lalibela, Gondar
- Nature: Simien Mountains
- City Life: Addis Ababa
Travel Tips for Young Adults
We know traveling can be overwhelming and complicated at times, especially when you’re doing it on a budget. Here are a couple of our tips & tricks to save you the drama of being broke abroad!
- Cook instead of eating out everyday
Many hostels and almost all Airbnbs have kitchens you can use. Buy local products and get cooking! - Travel during Off-Season
Save some money AND skip the crowds by going in off-season. Europe is expensive during summer and Africa gets a lot of tourism during December and especially during Christmas. Travel smart! - Find Group Travel Trips for Young Adults
Finding an awesome travel group with like-minded travel buddies will bring your adventure to the next level! Find amazing small group trips in JoinMyTrip! With only 4-8 people in the group, you can make a lasting friendship while travel the world in a fun way. - Track your spending
This a tip you can integrate in you daily life use apps like Mint - Do things that are free
There are so many free opportunities waiting all around the world, for example free walking tours in big cities. Check out more ideas with our Best Travel Deals! - Plan ahead to avoid extra costs
Avoid fines or other unnecessary costs by planning ahead and having a daily budget as well as a buffer.
Why Group Travel is the Best for Young Adults
We have talked about the cheap places to travel for young adults. Those places look amazing, right? Now, we are going to highlight WHY group travel is the best travel style for young adults. As you are young and wild, you will love to meet like-minded people who are also crazy about traveling. Moreover, it is a good way to save money, especially when you are broke. Sharing costs with your travel buddies is ideal for everyone in the group. You can travel cheaper, while getting the best experiences!
Are you looking for fantastic small group tours or group trips? JoinMyTrip has hundreds of amazing group trips worldwide that will fit perfectly with your free soul. Find a lot of budget options in the website and start an authentic journey with us!