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. To make your lives easier we gathered the cheapest destinations to travel for young adults, and some travel tips and tricks so your next trip does not break the bank.
Best Places to Travel for Young Adults – Summary
1. Cheap Places to Visit in Asia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
2. Cheap Places to Visit in Europe
- Greece
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
3. Cheap Places to Visit in Central and South America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
4. Cheap Places to Visit in Africa
- Namibia
- South 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 backpacker’s paradise. Good hostels are affordable, clean, and feel like hotels filled with like-minded travel buddies. Backpackers should plan for a daily budget of $35 when traveling here. It includes accommodation, food, and activities. Don’t miss these sights and attractions when you’re visiting Vietnam:
- Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam surprises travelers with its modern architecture and amazing food. To save some money you can sign up for a free walking tour and learn something about the country, its people, and its history. - Halong Bay
Halong Bay is the perfect spot for all kinds of water sports. You can learn how to dive here, go snorkeling, or even go on an overnight cruise. - Hoi An
This small city deserves to be taken in by taking a stroll through its streets and stopping at the Japanese bridge in the town center. Just a short cab ride away you will find the Golden Bridge. This bridge looks like it’s held up by the hands of Buddha and definitely a unique photo opportunity. - The Mekong Delta
Make your way through a maze of small rivers, floating markets, and unique temples when exploring this area of Ho Chi Minh City
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.
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.
Croatia
Are you looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to Greece? Then, check out Croatia! Dotted with picture-perfect beaches, outstanding old cities, and natural beauty, Croatia is worth to visit. Cities like Split and Dubrovnik take you traveling back in time to the reign of Byzantine and Ottoman. Meanwhile, the Dalmatian Coast call you for an awesome yet budget-friendly sailing experience.
Croatia is a cheap destination to travel when you are young. You can allocate a budget of €50 per day for accommodation, food, and activities. Besides that, it is easy to find free tourist attractions that you can enjoy.
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.
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.
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!
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!