Five travel bloggers let us in on the must-visit places in your twenties

My forever favourite film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, recently completed ten years of its release. As an ode to the film, filmmaker Ayan Mukherjee penned a note that celebrates the roaring twenties of one’s life. “Dreams. Ambition. Hope. Disappointments. So much possibility. So many options. Eager to jump. Afraid to crash. Travel. First day at your job. Hectic days. Sleepless nights. Laughter. Music. Dance. Friendship…Excitement. Confusion, Feeling invincible. Feeling worthless. The feeling that things couldn’t possibly get worse—only to learn that they do in fact get worse, but only until they get better. Making choices. Taking chances. Accepting change—the madness of youth.” 

Your twenties are about exploring life and its many nuances. Often, travelling is a huge part of that. Travelling helps you discover places, people, cultures, and, for the most part, yourself. Amidst the din of city life and the endless obligations that come with adulting, taking some time out to travel the world may not be such a bad idea. But it’s hardly as easy as ticking off a bucket list and magically finding yourself at the airport. From budgeting every penny to planning each moment, there’s a lot that needs to be considered before setting out for a trip in your twenties. So, Bazaar India got five travel bloggers to let us in on their secrets and tips to travel, places to visit, and their travel mantra.  

Tanya Khanijow 

Places to visit: I highly recommend traveling to Southeast Asia in your twenties. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. These destinations are budget-friendly and provide incredible experiences and activities like trekking through lush jungles, swimming in turquoise waters, and immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures. You can also consider some of the central Asian or Middle Eastern countries like Oman, Kazakhstan, and Jordan.

Budgeting tips: Set a realistic budget based on your income and savings. Prioritise your expenses and allocate funds accordingly, opt for budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or homestays. Use price comparison websites to find the best deals on flights and transportation for the best dates/months. Opt for local street food or affordable eateries to save money on meals. Finally, consider using public transportation or walking instead of relying on taxis or private transfers.

Planning the itinerary: Research your destination to understand its attractions, weather conditions, and any cultural norms or customs you should be aware of. Create a rough itinerary outlining the places you want to visit and the activities you'd like to do. However, leave room for spontaneity. Consider the duration of your trip and allocate sufficient time for each destination. It's important to strike a balance between exploring popular tourist spots and discovering off-the-beaten-path gems. Ask local taxi drivers, restaurant owners, reception staff or local shop owners about things they like to do to get the best recommendations. Lastly, use travel apps or websites to organise your itinerary, keep track of bookings, and access offline maps or travel guides. 

Travel Mantra: My travel mantra is to embrace the unknown, step out of your comfort zone, and make every journey a learning experience. I love to seek the unknown. It’s important to be open-minded, embrace the local culture, and savour every moment.

Aakanksha Monga 

Places to visit: A trip around Southeast Asia to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam is a MUST in your twenties. The new cultures, food, and people you will meet will change your perspective toward the world. It’s a lot of fun backpacking and going through hostels in your 20s; it might not be as fun later on, trust me. 

Budgeting tips: Split your budget between fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs are the ones you can know in advance, like flights and stay. Then you have variable expenses like food, transportation, and activities, and researching about these will give you an idea of how much your per-day cost would be. Take along some emergency cash as it will always come in handy. 

Planning the itinerary: The itinerary of a trip to any of the countries in Southeast Asia  should involve lots of outdoor activities. I loved hiking up the volcanoes in Indonesia.  

Travel mantra: Go with an open mind and open heart, never judge any culture, and be open to adapt to different situations.

Prakriti and Ashish 

Places to visit: Twenties are easily the best time to go backpacking. In India, we recommend travelling across Ladakh and Spiti Valley to enjoy endless stunning terrains and beautiful views. We also encourage every traveller to try the famous backpacker circuit of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, as they are some of the most affordable countries to travel to. 

Budgeting tips: Set aside a daily expense allowance and track your spending to stay on the course.

Planning the itinerary: Begin planning your trip at least two months in advance, so you have time to research thoroughly and save up. It also helps to create spreadsheets and lists like places of interest, transportation options, and things to pack. Rely more on detailed travel blogs as opposed to video format information. It's important to understand that often, watching a video to gather information creates a certain expectation from a trip, which, if not met, leaves one rather dissatisfied, thus defeating the process.

Travel Mantra: Life's too short to be lived within four walls, we much rather prefer the world as our oyster. 

Manav Chhabra 

Places to visit: Both India and Europe will offer unique adventures. In India, you can witness vibrant culture, majestic architecture, and diverse landscapes, while Europe will expose you to a wealth of art, history, and stunning landscapes. And both can be budget-friendly. 

Budgeting tips: Travel light so you can access pocket friendly places such as hostels. Budget trips are all about making smart choices and embracing local culture.

Planning the itinerary: Besides creating a rough list of must-visit spots, it's important to have a schedule and also allow flexibility in your itinerary. Embracing flexibility can lead to unexpected adventures and memorable experiences. Understanding cultural norms, etiquette, and practices will help you navigate the destination with ease and enhance your interaction with locals. Finally, consider the climate and activities you want to do at your destination when packing. 

Travel Mantra: Ensure the safety of your belongings and enjoy every minute of your journey. 

Himani Chawda 

Places to visit: One must travel to the northern parts of India such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to be amidst nature and experience the local culture. Trekking and camping in Himachal is a must-have experience.

Budgeting tips: Plan in advance. The more you delay booking the trip, the more expensive it will get and impact your entire budget. 

Planning the itinerary: Researching and downloading offline maps to reduce your dependency on the internet and keeping your cash in different pockets of your bag or outfit is a good way to plan. 

Travel Mantra: She wanted to travel the world and that's what she is doing.