10 trips you must take before you turn 30

Let’s face it: there’s no better time to travel than when you’re in your twenties.

Your responsibilities are most likely minimal, you can survive an epic ‘I-haven’t-slept-for-three-days’ hangover and your speedy metabolism means you won’t have to shy away from a sausage-eating contest in Germany because you’re afraid of gaining weight.

Plus there’s the added bonus of being able to scrounge some cash off your parents while they still haven’t come to terms with the fact that you are now a fully-fledged adult.

Whether 30 is creeping up on you, or you’re cashed up following a successful 21st birthday, here are 10 trips you’ve got to take before your bikini body begins to droop and you make the horrifically expensive decision to enter the Melbourne property market.

1. Island hop in Greece

Idyllic scenery, a constant supply of sun and some of the world’s best beaches. The Greek islands have long been a favourite amongst tourists. Head to the Cyclades group of islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Ios and more) during July and you have consistently warm weather, lots of young people and amazing nightlife. The island Ios is renowned for its bars and beach clubs, and places like Far Out Beach Club make it feel socially acceptable to be drunk at 11am. Partying in Ios in your thirties is kind of like going to Byron during schoolies week when you’re clearly not a schoolie … not cool. So go now while you’re still hot and relatively hairless.

Do: Visit the islands less frequented by tourists. La Trobe student Emily Altidis recommends visiting islands like Paros for a relaxing break from the craziness of the big islands: “We got to hire a Vespa and explore the whole island in our own time. One of the best beaches I have ever seen, it was quiet, the water was crystal clear, mountains in the back and NO ONE was there!”

Don’t: Underestimate religious connections and political sensitivities. The Greek Orthodox Church still plays a great role in the country and is respected by most people, even if they aren’t churchgoers, so be sure to stay respectful around Greek churches. The Greeks’ pride in their country is also renowned. Even if you are studying politics or have a degree in commerce, it’s likely that criticism about the current economic crisis will do you no good.

 

2. Road trip Route 66, U.S.A

Want to see America but don’t know where to begin? Route 66 is probably the best way of taking it all in. All you need is a cute friend, a convertible and a life-changing epiphany, and you become a total teen-movie cliche. So corny but so good. It’s great to see the contrast between the big city attractions and the local legends like the Big Texan Steak Ranch. And there’s nothing quite like going to Vegas and partying like you’re doing a paid Kardashian appearance. Blow all your cash before you have nagging spouses and sad-looking children to come home to.

Do: Stop at quirky roadside attractions. There will be no shortage of bizarre places to check out along the way. Cadillac Ranch in Texas is worthy of a mention: a local Texas millionaire funded this art instillation of classic Cadillacs buried in an unused field. You can also let your inner rebel out – tourists are encouraged to graffiti the crap out of the cars.

Don’t: Get married in Vegas. Unfortunately, life isn’t a romantic comedy, and a long and prosperous future with some guy you met on Contiki*/a complete stranger that looks like Bradley Cooper is most likely a fantasy.

*Although in saying that, Contiki Australia’s managing director, Katrina Barry, says 20 per cent of Contiki travellers are couples. “You’d be surprised by the amount of proposals that happen on Contiki,” she said.

 

3. Sail Croatia

Swimming in secluded bays, watching golden sunsets with your friends from the deck of a boat, spewing into the ocean after a hectic night out. I wonder why so many people want to go sailing through the islands of Croatia?

But seriously, sailing Croatia has become huge, with thousands of young people from all around the world dashing to picturesque towns like Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar annually.

Barry said Contiki’s island-hopping packages sell out annually.

“We’ve seen a year-on-year growth of 17 per cent for Croatia Sailing between the period of 2014-2015,” she said.

Travel agent Kelly believes the sail Croatia packages are popular because of the party aspect.

“The opportunity to meet a heap of like-minded people and have fun. Also, sailing around these beautiful coastlines provides the opportunity to see and discover places that you wouldn’t see if you were doing a coach tour.”

Do: Take in some of the cultural and historical aspects of Split. Be sure to head to the ancient Diocletian Palace. Its 1,700 year-old walls, torture chambers and cathedral are juxtaposed against aside the new Riva waterfront of cafes and bars. Hike up 186 steps to the top of the bell tower to take in the best views.

Don’t: Call it Yugoslavia. Historically, Croatia has struggled under invading forces and external governments, including Ottoman, Venetian, Serbian and Yugoslav. Croatia only gained independence in 1991 before being thrust into the Bosnian War. Now, Croatia is truly independent and proud, so steer clear of calling the country and its people anything other than Croatian.

 

4. Live like a local in London

 London is a spectacular melting pot of different cultures, architecture and design. Explore the different neighbourhoods of London, from the West End and Piccadilly Circus (The U.K’s version of Time’s Square), to the Southbank and the London Eye, the Tate Modern and Borough Market (open Thursday through Saturday). Sit in Hyde Park and read a book. Venture out to Soho at night and  hope to score yourself a pash with Prince Harry. It’s a great way to start a European trip as flights usually are cheapest to London.

Do: Walk the city. There are plenty of free walking guides of London available online and some super-cheap guided walking tours available that head off from different locations daily. You get to see so much of London in as little as two hours, minus the annoyance of hopping on-and-off a crowded tour bus.

Don’t: Expect the best weather. London (along with Paris) is notorious for its unpredictable summer weather. July’s maximum temperature averages 24 degrees, and stretches of sunny and clear days aren’t generally the norm. Make sure you pack some warmer clothes and don’t let rain dampen your mood.

 

5. Get a bit of culture in Paris

Paris is one of the world’s best when it comes to culture. In literature, music, cinema and art, the city’s residents have made huge contributions to cultural innovation. It’s easy to soak in the je ne sais quoi of Paris and its people by simply walking its streets or sitting at a cafe and watching an afternoon go by. Be sure to visit some of the city’s museums, including the Musée d’Orsay and, of course, the Louvre. They both play host to some of the world’s most famous art.

Do: Carb load. Eat to your heart’s content. Enjoy every crepe, every baguette, every macaron, every pain au chocolat, every kind of fromage and every croque-monsieur without any guilt. You’ll walk it off.

Don’t: Be scared of the French people. We’ve really got to kill the stereotype of the Parisian local as arrogant and rude, spitting fire at every tourist who tries to blurt out a “s’ill vous plait un sandwich”. It’s recommended that you at least attempt to speak French whilst in Paris. You’ll ultimately end up switching to English but at least it shows your appreciation for their culture and language.

 

6. Lay low in Phi Phi Island, Thailand

Just a 90-minute ferryboat ride from Phuket, Phi Phi island offers the ultimate tropical getaway for young people.

There’s classic beaches and vivid turquoise waters, epic beach parties and tropical alcoholic beverages.

“Phi Phi island to me is just like a little slice of heaven,” explains 19-year-old Jana Kolesidis, who has taken the year off her studies to visit the island again.

“It’s exactly what you would picture a tropical island to be like, crystal clear waters, drinking fresh coconuts from the trees and cave exploring. It really is picture perfect,” she said.

Do: Nothing. Literally nothing. Sometimes the best holidays are the ones where you just let go of all your day-to-day stresses and breathe. Hike up to the island’s viewpoints. Spend a whole day at the beach. Have no sense of urgency as you go about your holiday. Your mind and soul will thank you for it.
Don’t: Underestimate the bucket. After sundown the tiny street stores on the island begin to sell the backpacker’s staple: the booze bucket. Filled to the brim with alcoholic concoctions, and for as little as 100 baht, they are the cheapskate traveller’s dream. But be warned, although cheap, these things can be seriously strong; you rarely come out on top after a night drinking booze buckets.

 

7. Backpack across India

Here’s comes the cliché bomb: travelling changes you. And travelling to places like India will change you. There is indeed the romantic, travel-brochure depictions of India that you will encounter. The beauty of the majestic Taj Mahal, the flowing waters of the Ganges and fragrant curries. Yoga and meditation retreats in lush gardens. Drunk tourists to laugh at in Goa.

Then there is the India of immense poverty, inequality and injustice. And your heart will break.

Travel will make you understand that the world is a big place, and how little you are in the scheme of things. India will open up your mind and soul. Those who have travelled across India haven’t regretted it.

Do: Travel in a group. Travel agent Kelly recommends travelling with group tours in places like India, where women are particularly vulnerable. “This way you are taken care of, and always know you are in safe hands and won’t find yourself in difficult situations where you are unsure,” she said.

Don’t: Be ignorant. While it’s encouraged to avoid speaking about the immense poverty in India with the locals and guides, do not take the suffering of the people for granted. Find a way you can give back.

 

8. Be a bohemian in Barcelona

A city defined by its quirky art and architecture, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife, Barcelona is a beautiful city blended with both old and new. It has medieval roots, as seen in the Gothic Quarter, but a modernist personality – take a look at architect Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família church.

Barcelona prides itself on being both inclusive and diverse, and has become one of Europe’s most popular gay destinations.

Do:  Seek out independent stores, galleries and delicatessens in areas like El Born and Gracia. There’s no point shopping at the big malls, as you’ll end up finding brands and products available back at home.

Don’t: Drink anywhere. Whilst it is perfectly legal to enjoy a drink or a glass of sangria in one of Barcelona’s plazas, it is illegal to drink whilst wandering the streets. Keep a look out for where the locals are drinking, or you could end up with a 1500€ fine.

 

9. Immerse yourself in the history of Berlin

Germany’s capital has established itself as one of the most cutting-edge cities in the world. The city has evolved into a hub of creativity and culture. During the day, let your hair down at a bierkeller or watch live music in one of the city’s many parks. At night, explore the cool cocktail bars and some of the best clubs in the world.

Do: Cycle around Berlin. With plenty of bike lanes that crisscross through neighbourhoods and on to pretty parks and lakes, it’s the perfect place to hire a bike and explore solo.

Don’t: Forget the history. Take some time out to explore the rich, albeit confronting, history of this city. Contiki offer a two-day Berlin city tour, which explores both the past and the future of the city, visiting the sights alongside a sobering visit to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial and Checkpoint Charlie, where many East Berliners tried to escape to the west.

 

10. Get to know your own backyard

Staying in Australia while all your friends jet off to Europe doesn’t have to be a bad thing. With more than six million tourists visiting Australia every year, why shouldn’t you be one of them, even if you are a local?

Contiki offers plenty of packages that see you exploring all of Australia, including central Australia and Uluru and the east coast, including the picturesque Whitsunday Islands, Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay. “It’s great for people who can’t afford to head to Europe,” Barry said.

Barry has also seen a surge in Aussies visiting their New Zealand neighbours, with 20 per cent more Australians visiting the country in the past year.

Kelly says New Zealand is an underrated holiday destination for young Aussies.

“If you are seeking adventure New Zealand does not lack it. Any activity you can think of is available in New Zealand: bungee jumping, white water rafting and so much more,” she said.

 

What do you think is missing from this list? Add your comments below.