Practical Travel Advice to Follow in Your Twenties
Travel trends have come a long way since the pandemic, with a growing number of Americans planning more trips every year. Marketing Dive cited a 2024 survey stating that 72% of millennials and 65% of Gen Z expected to splurge on leisure travel in 2024 compared to the previous years. These young people want to travel mainly for relaxation.
The twenties are perhaps the best time to see the world because this is a decade of exploration, growth, and defining who you are. This is the phase when the freedom to take chances and the curiosity to see the world often collide. Travel is more than just recreation; it’s a form of self-education.
However, the dream of holidaying can seem overwhelming when you’re juggling limited budgets, new jobs, or student loans. Fortunately, smart planning and the right mindset can set you up to build a life rich in travel experiences. Here is some practical advice travel buffs in their twenties can rely on.
Save Aggressively
According to Bankrate’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey, only 46% of American adults planned vacations in the summer of 2025. Affordability was the main pain point, with 65% of respondents citing it as the factor that would keep them home. The message is loud and clear for young travelers: if you want to see the world, get into an aggressive saving mode.
Building a “travel fund” early can turn dreams into concrete plans. Automate a small transfer into a dedicated savings account every payday. Over time, that consistency compounds. Use tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track where your money goes. Also, try to cut back on excess spending, like impulse shopping or frequent takeout.
Travel hacking can also broaden your reach. Learn to use credit card rewards, mileage programs, and flight deal alerts to reduce airfare and hotel costs. Millennials and Gen Z travelers are masters at this game. They often use loyalty programs to open travel doors at a fraction of the usual cost.
Be Flexible
Travel becomes infinitely cheaper and richer if you’re open to spontaneity. Flexibility is the secret ingredient to make your twenties trips enjoyable and affordable. A few smart ideas can help you make the most of the flexible mindset.
First, avoid anchoring your plans on rigid dates. Airfare and accommodation prices fluctuate based on timing, so if you can, stay flexible with your departure and return dates. Traveling mid-week or during shoulder seasons can cut costs dramatically.
Second, don’t be attached to a single destination. Many budget-savvy travelers start by finding inexpensive flights and build their itineraries around them. Lastly, flexibility goes beyond logistics. Embrace changes in weather, unpredictable routes, and cultural differences as part of the story. Being adaptable not only makes travel smoother but also teaches resilience.
Prioritize Experiences
A McKinsey survey reveals that younger generations today prioritize experiences over possessions. 52% of Gen Zers said that they splurge on experiences, while the number was just 29% for baby boomers. You can plan transformative journeys by focusing on experiences rather than expensive hotels, popular destinations, and luxury tours.
When you choose a destination, dig deep to research and shortlist activities that align with your interests. For example, Napa Valley is acclaimed for its vineyards and wineries. However, according to Napa Valley Aloft, there is much more you can experience here as a young traveler.
Create a bucket list of things to do in Napa before landing there. Some unique experiences you may love include hot air balloon rides, gondola rides, kayak tours, yoga retreats, mud baths, and culinary tours. Prioritize activities that immerse you, as these moments create stories that stick long after souvenirs fade.
Pack Light
Nothing teaches adaptability like traveling with one bag when you are in your twenties. Packing light is both a logistical and psychological skill. It frees you from unnecessary baggage, saves money, and keeps you happy when you navigate your destination.
Start with essentials and build around versatile pieces that mix and match easily. Neutral colors, multi-use clothing, and lightweight fabrics help you stay practical and fashionable. A common packing rule is the “rule of three”: three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes.
A light pack makes it easier to change plans on the go. When you don’t tug huge bags, running for trains, walking through cobblestone streets, or hopping between budget flights becomes a breeze. It fosters self-reliance and comfort with minimalism. Packing light symbolizes one of the deeper lessons of travel in your twenties: needing less to experience more.
Travel Solo
According to The Travel Psychologist, solo travel is a rewarding opportunity that lets you discover the world on your own terms. It also sets you up for self-discovery, as you learn to trust your instincts and decisions. However, venturing out alone for the first time may sound daunting, particularly when you are young.
Look at the upsides of traveling alone to gain confidence. It grants you total freedom, with no compromises on destinations, timing, or interests. As a solo traveler, you often have the chance to meet the most people. Hostels, community dinners, and local workshops connect you with like-minded explorers and locals alike.
Of course, safety should remain a priority when going solo. Share your itinerary with trusted friends or family, use reputable accommodations, and always trust your intuition. Start small with a nearby solo weekend trip before venturing overseas. You will find that you learn skills that help you in all areas of life.
FAQs
How to be able to travel in your 20s?
Traveling in your twenties becomes possible through financial discipline and prioritization. Build a travel fund, find flight deals, and plan around flexible dates or locations. Work remotely, take advantage of gap years, or choose careers that allow mobility. Even short, local trips build momentum and confidence.
Why is Gen Z obsessed with travel?
Gen Z’s fascination with travel stems from their values of freedom, diversity, and authenticity. As young people today grow up in a hyperconnected world, they see travel as both education and therapy. Digital work flexibility, remote learning, and easy access to global information have also made travel more practical for this generation.
What is the psychology behind always wanting to travel?
The psychology of wanderlust is rooted in curiosity, novelty-seeking, and self-development. Our brains release dopamine when we encounter new experiences, places, or people when visiting unknown destinations. Traveling satisfies the craving for novelty and gives meaning through discovery, learning, and exploration.
Traveling in your twenties is not about luxury or frequency, but it is about intention. Whether it’s backpacking across Europe, volunteering in another culture, or exploring cities a few hours from home, each experience contributes to your personality. Save deliberately, stay flexible, pack light, and say yes to new horizons when you see the world as a young person. You will love every moment and cherish every memory.
