5 Places to See Before You're 30 ( Part 1 )

Seeing the world is a surefire way to enrich your life and learn, and some destinations are best visited while in your twenties. Amazing destinations around the world cater to the particular strengths and challenges of the twenty-something set. These spots might be more physically challenging or tougher on your schedule. They might be easier on the wallet, or a reveler's playground best appreciated while you can still stay up all night with ease. From urban hiking in South America to bar hopping in Europe, here are the 30 best destinations for young people and what they have to offer.


Mumbai, India

Few countries are as chaotic and colorful as India, characteristics perfectly embodied in its annual spring festival of love: Holi. The 16-day Hindu holiday celebrates new beginnings and the divine love between Hindu gods Radha and Krishna with an onslaught of rainbow pigment and dancing. Beyond this incredible festival, Mumbai is teeming with life. See the Gateway of India on the Arabian Sea, visit ancient temples, and make your way to nearby Elephanta Island to explore its hand-carved caves adorned with Hindu gods.


Ibiza, Spain

Pretty much any place in Spain is guaranteed to keep club-seeking travelers up until dawn, but Ibiza, one of the country's Mediterranean islands, has taken that phenomenon to a whole new level. From June until October, Ibiza is bustling with European tourists seeking a party and music-festival playground. It's still a great destination for almost any tourist, however; with relaxing beaches, upscale bistros, boozy pool parties, and a surprising number of yoga retreats makes it an ideal spot for millennials. Go in September, toward the tail end of peak season to avoid the region's sweltering August weather, while still catching end-of-summer celebrations.


Western Cape, South Africa

Home to some of the most adventurous tourism options in the world, South Africa is an adventure traveler's paradise. No South African vacation is complete without a savannah safari; but if you're on the country's Western Cape, you also won't want to miss Bloukrans Bridge bungee jumping. Recognized at the world's highest bungee-jumping bridge, visitors can plummet 709 feet to the Bloukrans River below, if they dare. Don't feel that adventurous? Walking the scenic arch bridge over Western Cape's Nature Valley and watching the jumpers plummet is a destination in itself.


Marrakech, Morocco

If bartering in a bustling medina sounds like your ideal vacation, Morocco is calling your name. Explore marketplaces, mosques, gardens, and palaces in this North African city. Marrakech is also a frugal traveler's best friend, with an exchange rate of 10 U.S. cents per Moroccan dirham, and an extremely walkable infrastructure. Don't pass on a camel ride through the Sahara, and take a hot-air balloon ride over the city and surrounding desert to get the full perspective.


Rio De Janiero, Brazil

Find urban hiking at its finest in Brazil's capital, where the sea, mountains, forests, and beaches come together to create an active tourist's paradise. Climb up to Christ the Redeemer's perch via Corcovado Mountain's lush rainforest. You may even get to see monkeys and rare insects along the way. Lounge on the soft sands of Copacabana Beach, join the spring Carnival festivities, and head to nightclubs to enjoy new music and dance with the Cariocas—Rio locals who pride themselves on living a carefree lifestyle.


By Shannon McMahon | Smarter Travel