If you’re currently in your 20s, it’s the perfect time to go on a backpacking trip across Europe. This is when everyone’s physical peak usually is, so you’ll be in peak condition to take on many challenging walks across the unique landscapes that Europe has to offer. Anytime during your 20s is great for this, with your early 20s being the best time to discover yourself and take more risks and late 20s being great for one last big trip before you enter your 30s. Either way, exploring Europe is a wonderful opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up, with each new country offering something completely different from the last.
In this guide, we will explore backpacking Europe while you’re in your 20s, giving you guidance on countries to visit and activities you can do during your adventure. Continue reading to learn more.
Benefits of Backpacking in Your 20s
Physical Endurance
Youth gives you the stamina to handle all the nuances of backpacking, such as walking long distances, climbing up mountains and speaking to new people. That’s why many people choose to backpack around Europe in their 20s, as it’ll give them peak performance that they won’t get during their 30s or beyond. Take advantage of all the stunning landscapes while you can like the beautiful mountains of France and Switzerland.
Self Discovery
Backpacking around Europe while you’re still young is the perfect chance for self-discovery, helping you to find out who you are by exploring different cultures and having unique experiences. It’ll give you the confidence to interact with a range of people, building up your social skills so you become a better communicator once you return home. You can even boost your problem-solving skills by navigating all the transport schedules and making sure that you’re always punctual for every activity.
Create Long Lasting Memories
If you start your backpacking experience early, it means you’ll be able to have memories to last a lifetime so they’re a part of your life for longer. It’s the perfect opportunity to purchase photo books, so you can capture some amazing photography of the sights you see and the people you meet along the way. This’ll give you something to look back on in years to come, putting a smile on your face every time you flick through the pages.
Budget Freedom
Before you start saving money, backpacking is a great thing to do. You do not need luxury hotels to create unforgettable memories when travelling around Europe, giving you the most budget freedom you can possibly ask for. Hostels are the best budget accommodation, giving you a comfy bed and a chance to meet like-minded travellers who you can explore the county alongside.
The Best Countries for 20s Backpacking
Backpacking Germany
Germany is a top backpacking destination for people in their 20s, as it offers the perfect mix of fun nightlife, easy transportation and high safety standards. While it is more expensive than Eastern Europe, its massive hostel culture and diverse regions make it incredibly rewarding for young travellers. It’s very accommodating to people from all backgrounds, so you’ll be sure to fit in and have a lot of fun with like-minded travellers. Hamburg is a great first stopping place with the Reeperbahn giving you the chance to start with a bang!
Backpacking Czechia
Eastern Europe is great for affordability and there’s perhaps no better location in this area than Czechia. It offers a highly budget-friendly atmosphere alongside an outdoor trail network that is unmatched when it comes to things to do and unique people to meet. A backpacker can easily get by on €30 to €40 a day, covering hostel stays, hearty meals and local transport, perfect for those in their 20s who haven’t got heaps of money to spend.
Backpacking Hungary
Hungary is home to some of the most unique nightlife in the world, especially Budapest. Ruin bars are very popular, as they were built inside abandoned World War II-era buildings and courtyards. Everywhere you go, you’ll find vintage furniture, art installations and cheap drinks. Those in their 20s will have the chance to experience a culture that might inspire them to make important changes to their life.
Backpacking Croatia
Croatia is filled with island-hopping boat parties, massive music festivals and dramatic coastal landscapes, which are all desired by travellers in their 20s. You;ll get the chance to have a Mediterranean beach holiday while still getting the highly social backpacking adventure you want. Cliff-jumping off the cliffs of Dubrovnik and sea kayaking around the Elaphiti Islands are both great activities to do while you’ve still got the energy for it.
Final Thoughts On Backpacking Europe In Your Twenties
Europe backpacking is a must-do for anyone in their 20s, giving you the chance to experience unique culture and activities you've never thought about. This can shape who you are for the rest of your life and allows you to create long-lasting memories.
WRITTEN BY
After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.