5 Places to See Before You're 30 ( Part 2 )

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.


The Great Wall of China

The fact that this UNESCO World Heritage Site is deteriorating and may not be around much longer is a reason in itself to see it. Marvel at the massive wall that protected Ming-era China, walk and climb (yes, it's steep) as much as you can of its 5,500 mile length, and head to Beijing for dry pork and seaweed Dunkin' Donuts and dancing in the park.


Havana, Cuba

Sunny Cuba is a new world of travel for most Americans, and what it lacks in technology and amenities is made up for in its rich culture, cuisine, vintage cars, history, and of course—baseball. Stroll Old Havana and catch a local game, eat authentic pressed Cuban sandwiches, and check out any of the city's many museums or churches.


Marfa, Texas

A lesser-known Texan gem, the tiny (population: 2,000), quirky town of Marfa in West Texas features modern art installations, concerts, and natural beauty attracting more and more young tourists every year. In the middle of Trans-Pecos desert, hip concerts from the likes of Jenny Lewis, Taylor Swift, and the Foo Fighters have touched down here. The nearby Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park also promise endless outdoor pursuits, from hiking to long soaks in natural hot springs.


Machu Picchu, Peru

A hiker's paradise, Machu Picchu's untouched Incan ruins crown a peak in the Andes Mountains. What exactly the strange astronomically-aligned structures were used for is still unknown, but adventure tourists head there year-round to tour the mountain and admire the breathtaking views of the Urubamba Valley below.


Cairo, Egypt

Not far from the bustling city of Cairo, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and is open to public. Tour the ancient tombs and learn about one of the richest ancient cultures in the world before heading to the Great Sphinx or any of the city's many parks and mosques.


By Shannon McMahon | Smarter Travel