Our top 10 vacations for under 40s
Our vacations for under 40s aren’t what you think they are. While almost every adventure starts and ends in a city renowned for its nightlife, from Berlin to Bangkok, you could wind up spending the days in-between snorkelling coral reefs, swimming under waterfalls, and overnighting in jungle guest houses. Most vacations are small group tours of up to 16 travelers that get you meeting diverse, yet likeminded folk of your own decade. Accommodation ranges from hostels and hotels, to homestays with families who’ll whip up the best rice noodle soup you’ll ever taste. Read on to discover our top 10 under 40s vacations.
1. Thailand
Most younger travelers are exploring on a pretty short shoestring. That’s where small group tours to Thailand step in, lining up chaotic cities, sleeper train trips and jungle lodges in a budget-friendly package. An expert guide will show you the best cocktail bars in Bangkok, plus the quietest beaches along the karst-tipped coast.
2. Japan
18-40s tours of Japan have fun, active adventures at their heart. From sushi-making classes to learning how to wield a genuine samurai sword, to braving the iconic Shibuya Crossing, there are loads of memorable experiences to enjoy. And plenty of opportunities to bond with your fellow travelers and local guides too, whether it’s karaoke sessions or a soak in a volcanic hot spring.Our top trip: Japan small group tours
See all our trips: Under 40s vacations
Read more: Japan travel guide
3. Egypt
Fancy a voyage straight out of the movies? Then Egypt is for you. Tours often begin in Cairo for a full-on entry into this capital city, where you can make new friends over an ornate shisha and even more elaborate mezze. A sleeper train to Aswan and a felucca boat cruise to Luxor along the mythical River Nile turn the adventure dial up to 11.Our top trip: Under 35s vacation to Egypt
Read more: Egypt travel guide
4. Bolivia
Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats are one of South America’s most striking landscapes, and a thrilling place to visit on an Under 40s tour packed with memorable experiences. You can stay the night in a hotel built from bricks of salt; drive through Dali-esque scenery of spurting geysers and bubbling mud pools, and admire saltwater lagoons teeming with beautiful flamingos. Get to know your group on a bus designed for comfortable overnight travel.
5. Central America
Our thrilling overland adventures really show their value in regions like Central America, where you can spend considerable time in several small countries over just a couple of weeks. There are several combinations available, with one interesting route taking you from Mexico to Belize and Guatemala, taking in Maya ruins, colourful street markets, coastal relaxation and nature hikes.Our top trip: 18-29s vacation in Central America
Read more: Central America travel guide
6. Central Europe
Embark on an overland tour encompassing some of Europe’s grandest cities, from Vienna to Budapest and Venice, so that you can spend two weeks exploring royal palaces, picturesque old neighbourhoods and European cafe culture. Traveling by road and rail, our Central Europe tours manage the trick of covering a lot of ground, and experiences, while never feeling rushed.Our top trip: Central Europe vacation for under 30s
Read more: European tours travel guide
7. South Korea
On a fast-paced group tour of South Korea designed with under 40s in mind you can contrast neon-lit metropolises and peaceful countryside, perhaps also including a visit to the Demilitarised Zone on the border with North Korea. There’s a huge variety of activities included on a trip here, from traditional liquor dancing to K-pop dance classes(!), making for a fascinating introduction to one of the hottest destinations in Asia right now.
8. New Zealand
A word of warning: it’s quite hard to tear yourself away from New Zealand. Swing from the volcanic North Island to the rural high country of South Island, via the relaxation of natural hot springs and the adrenaline rush of going unnaturally fast down a gorge in a jet boat. If you’ve always wanted to work abroad, we can even help you secure paid employment after your trip.Our top trip: New Zealand 17 day tour for under-40s
Read more: New Zealand travel guide
9. Philippines
With its gorgeous white sand beaches, reams of fun activities from snorkelling to jeep tours and canyoning, and local people happy to welcome respectful travelers, it’s no surprise that the Philippines is a top under 30s destination. Explore a handful of the country’s most beautiful islands with an expert local guide and a fellow band of adventures providing the best of company.Our top trip: Philippines island explorer
See all our trips: Under 40s vacations
Read more: Philippines travel guide
10. Australia
There’s a reason why droves of under 30s head to Australia every year – it’s fun. Road trip 1,700km from Brisbane to Cairns up the east coast in the company of a small group of fellow travelers, and you'll come home with memories to last a lifetime. Snorkelling the Great barrier Reef, sleeping under the stars and cruising the beautiful Whitsundays is just the start of it.
Under 30s vacations advice
Erica Kritikides from our small group adventure specialists Intrepid Travel explains what’s so special about vacations for under 30s:
Next gen travel
“Travelers under 30 are extremely well-informed about destinations and, while they want to cover the iconic sights, they place a significantly higher value on authentic and immersive local experiences. They want to indulge in a home-cooked meal or play backgammon with locals in a café.”
Assorted adventures
“You can stay in all manner of accommodation, experience a variety of local transport (trains, tuk-tuks, feluccas), meet awesome local people and do awesome things. Most importantly, these trips are for travelers who care about the world.”
Pick a trip, any trip
“Camping in Iceland’s spectacular natural wilderness, sampling the best banh mi in Hoi An, or relaxing by the waves on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula… It’s too hard to choose a favorite! These are trips for the next wave of young adventurers.”
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