These trips aren’t just for seasoned hikers, either. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy them—whether you’re hiking with friends, family, or even solo, there’s something magical about immersing yourself in nature. Plus, group hiking holidays provide the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and make new friends while challenging yourself in a stunning environment. Let’s take a look at some of our recommendations, and the best holiday destinations for young adults ready for an adventure away from the parents.
Our Top Experiences for Travelling as a Young Adult
Adventurous Mountain Retreats
Hiking & Trekking Trails
Hiking and trekking offer incredible opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes of the world, and the destinations we offer encompass a variety of terrains and experiences for every adventurer. In Europe, you can challenge yourself with the mountain passes of Switzerland and Austria, or take a more leisurely stroll through the coastal paths of Corsica and Crete.
The Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Via Francigena in Italy offer historical routes that allow you to immerse yourself in both nature and culture. For those seeking island adventures, the Azores, Madeira, and the Balearic Islands offer dramatic coastal cliffs and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you're trekking through the historical routes of Europe, the mountains of Asia, or the wild landscapes of South America, walking holidays are the perfect place to truly engage with your surroundings and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Thrilling Outdoor Activities
From rock climbing in Morocco to zip-lining in Costa Rica, the world is full of adrenaline-pumping activities. Look for destinations that offer a mix of hiking and outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting, kayaking, horse riding, mountain biking or canyoning, for a true thrill-seeking experience. These activities aren't typically included in our holidays as standard, but we can tailor trips to your desires, and our team are on hand to give you more inspiration. If you're interested in white-water rafting, our walking holiday in Sri Lanka is the perfect option, with an excursion in Kithulgala.
Immersive Cultural Destinations
Exploring Historic Sites
If you’re a history fanatic, consider traveling to Rome and visit the colosseum and the Trevi fountain, Petra in Jordan, or Uzbekistan to explore ancient historic ruins, architectural marvels, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that tell the stories of our shared human past.
Sampling Authentic Cuisine
Food lovers will find plenty of culinary delights in destinations around the world. Whether you’re tasting street food in Bangkok, indulging in Italian pasta, or exploring the flavours of Morocco, sampling authentic cuisine is one of the best ways to connect with a culture. You can't forget about sampling the wine too! If you're a foodie, consider one of our culinary walk holidays.
Exploring Vibrant Cityscapes
Discovering Urban Adventures & Sightseeing
While hiking and trekking are wonderful ways to experience nature, urban adventures can also offer thrilling and vibrant experiences. Cities are full of history, culture, and activities that will excite any young adult or teen. Whether you’re wandering through art-filled museums, experiencing nightlife, or discovering local street food, there’s no shortage of things to do in some of the world’s most exciting cities.
If you're into exploring cities, look no further than destinations like Barcelona, Hanoi, or Tokyo. These cities offer rich cultural scenes, thrilling nightlife, and unique attractions that will keep you engaged for days.
Embracing Cultural Experiences
Embracing cultural experiences while traveling enriches your journey and helps you gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, take time to engage with the traditions, art, cuisine, and history of the destination. Start by visiting local markets and festivals, where you can experience the vibrant energy of the community and interact with locals. Taste traditional foods at local cafes or street vendors to explore authentic flavours and regional specialties.
Participating in cultural activities, such as cooking classes, dance lessons allows you to learn new skills while connecting with the heritage of the area. Always be respectful of local customs and traditions—taking time to learn about etiquette, dress codes, and social norms shows appreciation for the culture you're visiting. You can also explore historical sites, museums, and landmarks to gain insights into the area's history and artistic achievements. We have a range of walking holidays with a cultural focus for you to immerse yourself in.
Hidden Gem Destinations
Off-the-beaten-path locations are perfect for young adults who want to discover something new and unique. Locations such as Bulgaria, Albania, or Georgia are wonderful places that offer stunning beauty without the crowds.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations
For travellers seeking unique experiences away from the crowds, off-the-beaten-path destinations offer the perfect escape. In Europe, explore the rugged landscapes of Albania or the hidden beauty of Georgia. In Asia, Kyrgyzstan and Laos offer remote treks through untouched nature, while Patagonia and the Atacama Desert in South America provide vast wildernesses for adventure. In Africa, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and offer peaceful hiking opportunities. These destinations offer raw beauty and immersive experiences far from the usual tourist spots.
Unique Experiences & Attractions
Unique experiences and attractions offer unforgettable ways to explore the world. In Europe, soak in Iceland's thermal pools or hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Asia invites you to enjoy traditional tea ceremonies in Japan, in South America, the Atacama Desert in Chile is perfect for stargazing, while Patagonia offers breathtaking landscapes. Africa presents the colourful streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco and thrilling safaris in South Africa. These destinations provide immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences beyond the typical tourist spots.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel
As a young adult, you may be more concious about your budget! Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure or comfort; with smart planning, you can enjoy your trip without overspending. Start by booking flights and accommodations early to secure the best rates, and be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of cheaper options. Opt for public transportation over taxis, and instead of hotels, look into budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, Airbnb, or homestays. Pack light to avoid luggage fees, and try to eat like a local. You can also take advantage of travel reward points or use budget airlines' rewards programs to save on future trips.
Explore alternative destinations that are less touristy and often more affordable, and make use of free activities like local parks, museums, or festivals. Download travel apps to find the cheapest transportation and accommodation options, and avoid currency exchange fees by using cards with no foreign transaction fees. Group travel can also help reduce costs, allowing you to split accommodation and transportation expenses. Lastly, invest in travel insurance—it may seem like an added cost, but it can save you money in the event of cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unexpected situations. With these tips, you can make the most of your travel experience without breaking the bank.
Group Hiking Holidays
Greece - Mount Olympus & Meteora Trek
This fantastic trekking holiday is unlike any other, as it’s a real trekking experience which combines the two most unique locations in Greece: Mount Olympus and Meteora.
The Olympus range is home to numerous types of plants, animals and rare bird species that can be seen in this unique landscape of alpine fields, deep gorges and dense forests and this contrasts strikingly with the other-worldly, remarkable landscape of Meteora. This spectacular rock formation comprising huge natural pillars and enormous rounded boulders are home to six monasteries perched precariously on top of these rock columns.
Bulgaria - Rila & Pirin Mountain Trek
For those looking for a more challenging and less touristy hiking experience, Bulgaria’s Rila & Pirin Mountain Trek is ideal. This relatively undiscovered country is full of surprises, and its dramatic mountain ranges are perfect for thrill-seekers. On this trek, you'll climb to the summit of Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans, at nearly 3,000 metres, while taking in views that stretch over the entire region, including the Pirin Range and the Rodopi Mountains.
Bulgaria lies at the cusp between Asia Minor and Europe, and is a fascinating country where eastern and western influences have become entwined and hospitality is engrained. Bulgaria also contains some of the most dramatic and breathtaking mountain scenery to be found anywhere in Europe and this is especially true in the Rila and Pirin ranges, the highest in the country and the entire Balkan region.
There’s the exciting and challenging ascent of imposing Vihren (2,914 metres), the second-highest mountain in Bulgaria, where clear days present jaw dropping views across to the Rila Mountains, the entire Pirin range, south to the Rodopi Mountains on the Greek border and west over to Macedonia.
Peru - Salkantay, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
For young adults who want a taste of South America, Peru offers an unforgettable adventure that combines hiking and cultural immersion. The Salkantay Trail is a great alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering fewer crowds and stunning views of the Andean mountains. The trek takes you through Sacred Valley, where you can interact with local communities and explore ancient Inca ruins. The highlight of the holiday is reaching the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world.
This adventure is perfect for young people who want to combine an active holiday with cultural discovery and incredible historical sites, definitely a must-see.
Morocco - The Berber Trail
If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly getaway with fascinating culture and adventure, Morocco is an excellent option. The Berber Trail takes you through the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll experience the hospitality of local Berber communities. This trek is also a photographer’s dream, with beautiful mountains, ancient villages, arid-landscapes, and rugged terrain.
Morocco is just a short flight away, making it a great option for those who want to experience something very different without breaking the bank. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, history, and immersion in local life.
Camino de Costa Rica
For those seeking a true adventure in nature, the Camino de Costa Rica offers a physically demanding challenge. This trek takes you from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean, traversing the diverse landscapes of the country—from sitting on beautiful beaches to exploring jungles, volcanoes and cloud forests! Along the way, you stay in homestays with local communities, gaining an authentic experience of Costa Rican life.
This journey combines stunning natural beauty with cultural immersion, making it a perfect choice for those who love the idea of exploring a new country in an active, meaningful way, with the chance to see incredible wildlife if you're lucky!
Self-Guided Walking Holidays
Spain - The Catalan Coast
There's something special about mountains and sea in close proximity, and along the coast of Catalonia that wonderful combination is enhanced by the pleasing Mediterranean climate.
From the coast to the mountains, sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest, the diverse and changing natural landscapes help to create a stimulating walking holiday. This self-guided trek is very budget-friendly with great opportunities to cool off in the beautiful sea and to make the most of the delicious restaurants and bars.
This holiday has been designed to reveal many aspects of Catalonia. Follow the Costa Brava’s coastal cliffs, solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water, mountain trails with spectacular views to the Pyrenees, and explore idyllic villages.
Hiking Albania’s Zagoria Valley
Discover the hidden gem of Albania’s Zagoria Valley on this unforgettable hiking adventure. Trek through lush landscapes, charming villages, and over the breathtaking Dhembel Pass. Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Bill Tilman as you explore ancient stone bridges and Ottoman-era homes. Unwind at the stunning Sopot Waterfall and rejuvenate in the soothing Benja Hot Springs and relax in some lovely homestays. With a visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastra and a night in vibrant Tirana, this journey is the perfect blend of adventure and culture.
France - Alsace from North to South
Visit the charming region of Alsace on foot, passing through the vineyards and charming villages as you travel from Obernai in the north to Turkheim and Eguisheim in the south. Located on the border of Germany and Switzerland, with its rich heritage and captivating allure, Alsace is the perfect destination for soaking in everything the area has to offer. Spend each night in a new, delightful location where you can indulge in the region's specialities and local wine to relax from the day's walk. This beautiful area of France is full of great photography opportunities to update your Instagram feed.
Majorca’s Mountains & Coast
Hike the countryside and discover the untouched beauty of sunny Majorca, passing olive groves, orange plantations and farms along the way. During this trip, you spend time in rustic villages within the mountains and explore the island's rural areas.
A few days are spent in Port de Sóller, a picturesque harbour town which is a base for hiking coastal paths with extensive views. Port de Soller has some great bars to enjoy along the beach and it's filled with pretty shops and boutiques - for the fashion fanatics, the shopping scene is great!
Throughout the holiday, you stay in a range of well-decorated and comfortable hotels, all within fantastic locations. The accommodation is close to local amenities, enabling you to wander around these beautiful towns and relax in a local café or restaurant after your days’ hike. You're guaranteed to have a great time in Majorca!
Find out more about all our walking holidays by using our holiday search, destination or by category. You can also contact our team or download our latest brochure for more inspiration.
