In your 20s, you’ll hear countless sayings, do’s and don’ts, and random rules about how to navigate adulthood. But here’s one that should be at the top of your list: make travel a priority. Money may come and go, but your youth is fleeting. This decade is often when you have the least responsibilities and the most potential for personal growth.
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If you’re looking for a little push to step out into the world and discover yourself, I’m here to offer some encouragement.
Why Travel in your 20s?
At 22, I’ve already noticed how travel has significantly shaped my perspective on life—whether through trips with family, adventures with friends, or solo journeys. As we grow older, responsibilities tend to pile up, limiting the freedom to explore and experience the world at our own pace.
That’s why long-term travel is best pursued when your obligations are minimal. This isn’t to say that travelling later in life isn’t possible; in fact, it’s inspiring to see people like this guy who continue to backpack well into their senior years.
However, for me, travelling in my 20s is about more than just having fewer responsibilities—it’s about using this time to develop a deeper understanding of myself by immersing in places and cultures that are entirely new to me. The world is full of fascinating and exotic destinations, and I’m eager to learn from different ways of life.
Plus, the modern world offers unprecedented connectivity. Imagine trying to get from London to Beijing 200 years ago—it would have taken at least a month! Today, it’s just a 10-hour flight away. The ease of access we have now is a privilege that previous generations couldn’t even dream of, and I’m determined to make the most of it.
So, if you’re in your 20s, I believe you owe it to yourself to broaden your horizons and dive into new experiences through travel.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
It’s understandable that for many, the idea of dropping everything to travel, especially for an extended period, might seem impractical. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees, and you may already be deeply invested in your career or other responsibilities.
However, making travel a priority in your 20s doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning everything. It starts with small, practical changes. Begin by setting aside savings, even if it’s just a little each month, specifically for travel. Consider opening a separate savings account just for this purpose—it’s a tangible way to see your progress and stay motivated.
Time is another major hurdle. The good news is that travel doesn’t always require a six-month sabbatical. Start by planning weekend getaways or short trips. Even a few days away can provide a refreshing break and broaden your perspective. Use bank holidays, annual leave, or any flexible time you have to create travel opportunities.
It’s also essential to challenge societal expectations. There’s often pressure to follow a conventional path—graduate, start a career, settle down—but remember, your 20s are a time to explore and figure out what truly matters to you. By resisting the notion that you must conform to these traditional milestones, you open yourself up to the freedom of exploring what the world has to offer.
Ultimately, the obstacles that seem to stand in the way of travel are often more surmountable than they appear. With some planning, flexibility, and a willingness to step outside the norm, you can make travel a reality in your 20s.
Practical Steps to Make Travel a Priority
Making travel a priority in your 20s starts with a single, decisive action: book that flight. Once the flight is booked, you have a fixed date on the calendar—a commitment that turns your travel dreams into a reality. It’s the first step that sets everything else in motion.
For long-term travel, this approach gives you a countdown to work with, allowing you to plan and prepare in a structured way. I like to use tools like ChatGPT as my travel planner, helping me choose the best times to travel based on weather and budget.
Even if you’re starting small with a weekend getaway, the principle remains the same. Get the time blocked out in your calendar and secure your flights early. You’ll find that everything else begins to fall into place.
For example, I’m currently planning a long backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. I’ve already booked my flight for early March, choosing that time to catch the best weather along my intended route. With the flight in the bag, I now have a clear deadline to get everything in order before I go.
Between now and then, I’ll be working on my budget—predicting my expenses, saving where I can, and planning for both the necessities and the fun stuff. I’ll also start gathering the gear I’ll need, checking what vaccinations might be required, and researching the must-see destinations along my route.
All of this planning starts from a single decision: ‘I want to go see the world.’ By taking that first step and booking the flight, you set the wheels in motion to make travel a priority in your life.
The Impact of Travel on Your Future
Travel in your 20s can be a powerful catalyst for future opportunities. When you step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new cultures, you develop skills and perspectives that are invaluable in both your personal and professional life.
For instance, travel often leads to the discovery of interests and passions you never knew you had. Whether it’s a newfound love for a particular cuisine, an interest in a foreign language, or an appreciation for global issues, these experiences can shape your future choices and open doors you never expected.
From a career perspective, employers value candidates who bring a global perspective, adaptability, and problem-solving skills—traits that are often honed through travel. Your experiences abroad can set you apart in a competitive job market, showcasing your ability to navigate challenges and embrace diversity.
But beyond career benefits, travel also broadens your horizons in ways that are hard to quantify. The more you see the world, the more you realise how much there is to learn. This expanded worldview enriches your life and influences your decisions in ways that extend far beyond your 20s.
I’ve learned so much from my travels already, and I’m still in the early stages of my journey. Talking to older generations who wished they had travelled more at my age only reinforces my commitment to making the most of this time. Every trip I take adds to my understanding of the world and my place in it, and I’m confident that these experiences will continue to shape my future in ways I can’t yet fully grasp.
Conclusion
Your 20s are a unique and transformative time in your life—a period when you have the freedom to explore, the curiosity to discover, and the resilience to face new challenges. Travelling during this decade isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list; it’s about shaping who you are and laying the foundation for the person you’ll become.
Every journey you take, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, adds to your story. These experiences broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of the world, and equip you with skills and perspectives that will serve you well in the years to come.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about making travel a priority in your 20s, let this be your nudge. The world is out there, waiting to be explored, and there’s no better time than now to start your journey. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional development, or simply the thrill of adventure, travel is the key that unlocks all these possibilities.
Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment, because it might never come. Instead, create your own perfect moments by stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the world with open arms. Your future self will thank you.
Safe travels!
