I remember it like it was yesterday. Standing at the edge of an open plane, the wind whipping my face, my heart pounding like a drum solo. The instructor is yelling something, but all I hear is a buzzing in my ears. And then – the jump. Three seconds of pure, terrifying euphoria before the parachute opens. In that moment, I realized: this is what life is supposed to feel like.

If you are in your twenties, keep reading. This isn’t another boring article with clichés about “finding yourself.” This is a treasure map to all those experiences you’ll be telling your grandkids about, the ones that will fundamentally change you, and – let’s be honest – the ones that look incredible on Instagram.

1. Jump Out of a Plane – Anywhere

Locations: Interlaken (Switzerland), Dubai (UAE), Queenstown (New Zealand)

I’ll never forget my first jump in Interlaken. The Swiss Alps spread out beneath you like a fairytale, and the adrenaline rush… my God, no drug can compare.

• Why this? Because you will realize you can do ANYTHING. After jumping out of a plane, questions like “should I change my career?” or “should I go on a solo trip?” become ridiculously small. You’ve already jumped out of a plane, for crying out loud!
• Who is it for? Anyone who feels stuck in a routine. For those who think, “I’m not that type of person.” ESPECIALLY for you. Because you will be the one most surprised by yourself.
• Practical Tips: Book a morning slot – the wind is calmer, and the photos are spectacular. Dubai is often the cheapest option (around €300), while Interlaken can be double, but… the Alps, people. THE ALPS.

2. Dive into Another World

Locations: The Red Sea (Egypt – Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh), Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Bali (Indonesia)

Dahab. A small town on the Sinai coast that changed my perspective. A two-day course, and suddenly I’m diving with sea turtles, watching rays glide beneath me as sunbeams pierce the deep blue. It’s not just a sport – it’s meditation, therapy, and adventure all in one.

• Why this? Because you will see the 70% of the planet that most people never do. The underwater world is so different, so peaceful, and yet so thrilling that you’ll surface as a new person.
• Who is it for? Introverts who want adventure without the screaming. Nature lovers. Those who always felt something was missing but didn’t know what.
• Practical Tips: Dahab is the absolute winner for quality and price – you can get your Open Water certification for €250-€300. Accommodation is literally €10 a night. Go in September or October when the sea is still warm and the crowds are gone.

3. Travel Solo (Yes, Really Alone!)

Locations: Thailand (Bangkok-Chiang Mai route), Portugal (Lisbon-Porto), The Balkans (Ljubljana-Sarajevo-Kotor-Tirana)

That whole “but who will I go with?” excuse was my theme song until I boarded a plane to Bangkok. Alone. With a backpack and a healthy dose of fear. Two weeks later, I had met people from every continent, spent nights talking about life with a random Swede in a hostel, ate street food at 3 AM, and—most importantly – learned to be with myself.

• Why this? Because you will learn to rely on yourself. Because you will be forced to talk to strangers (and discover that most people are actually awesome). Because no relationship in your life is more important than the one you have with yourself.
• Who is it for? People who “can’t go anywhere alone.” ESPECIALLY them. Also, for those who are constantly surrounded by people and never have a moment to themselves.
• Practical Tips: Start with Southeast Asia – the solo traveler infrastructure is perfect, it’s cheap, and you’ll meet thousands of people in the same boat. Always choose highly-rated hostels – the social life is key.

4. Feel the Soul of an Old Bazaar

Locations: Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Istanbul (Turkey), Marrakesh (Morocco)

Sarajevo. Baščaršija old bazaar. Late evening, the smell of ćevapi fills the street, the sound of sevdah music drifts from a tavern, you’re strolling the cobblestones with a Czech girl you met at the hostel. She asks, “How is it possible that a place like this exists, and no one in Europe knows about it?” You don’t know either. But you know this is magic.

• Why this? Because you’ll discover that the most exotic experiences are often closer than you think. Because you will eat some of the best food of your life. Because you will hear stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
• Who is it for? Those who think you have to travel far to find the exotic. History and authenticity lovers. Foodies – please, the food in Sarajevo is an EXPERIENCE.
• Practical Tips: Go outside the summer season – March, April, and September are ideal. After 9 PM, the touristy bazaar regains its local soul.

5. Spend a Night Under the Stars (Far from the Lights)

Locations: Sahara Desert (Morocco – Merzouga), Atacama Desert (Chile), Wadi Rum (Jordan)

Merzouga. The middle of the Sahara. Nothing but sand, camels, and a sky that looks like someone spilled diamonds on black velvet. I’m sitting with a group of strangers around a fire, someone is playing a guitar, and I just look up and realize how small I am. And how incredibly LIBERATING that is.

• Why this? Because we live in a world of light pollution. Most of us have never truly seen the Milky Way. And once you do… it changes you. You realize we’re all part of something much, much bigger.
• Who is it for? Romantics. Anyone in an existential crisis (this helps, trust me). Photographers – you will take the best pictures of your life here.
• Practical Tips: Morocco is the easiest option for Europeans – organized 3-day/2-night tours from Marrakesh cost €50-€70. Go in November or February when the days aren’t too hot.

6. Climb a Volcano

Locations: Mount Etna (Italy – Sicily), Mount Bromo (Indonesia – Java), Stromboli (Italy)

Bromo. 4 AM. Freezing cold. I’ve been hiking for an hour, cursing everything. And then – the sun rises behind the volcano. Smoke billows from the crater. The clouds are BELOW us. I stand there, forgetting the fatigue, forgetting everything, and just watch.

• Why this? Because you will literally be standing where the Earth is being created. Because it’s a physical challenge you will overcome. Because the view from the top will show you that every struggle is worth it.
• Who is it for? Lovers of nature in its most extreme form. Those who love to feel ALIVE. Adventurers who want more than just a beach.
• Practical Tips: Etna is the easiest option, with organized tours from Catania. For Bromo, book a tour and bring a mask or scarf – volcanic gases are no joke.

7. Learn Something Completely New (and a Little Crazy)

Locations: Surfing – Peniche (Portugal), Salsa – Cali (Colombia), Muay Thai – Phuket (Thailand)

Peniche. Cold Atlantic water, a board bigger than me, a wave throwing me around like a rag doll. Two hours later, I stand on the board for the first five seconds. AND IT IS THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD. I fell maybe 50 times that day. I was exhausted. But I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW.

• Why this? Because when you learn something outside your comfort zone, your brain creates new connections. You feel alive. You become a more interesting person (that’s a fact).
• Who is it for? Those who think they “have no talent for that stuff.” Perfectionists who need to learn that it’s about trying, not being the best immediately. Everyone who wants to bring something real back from a trip, not just photos.
• Practical Tips: Peniche has beginner surf camps (€300-€400 for a week with accommodation). Cali is the cheapest for salsa – classes are literally $3-5.

8. Go on a Real Road Trip

Locations: The Adriatic Coast (Croatia-Montenegro-Albania), Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland), Ring Road (Iceland)

A rental car in Split. Me and two friends. The plan? We don’t have one. We’re driving down the coast, stopping wherever we feel like it, sleeping in the car when we’re broke, eating in taverns with no tourists. We’re finding hidden beaches. We’re swimming under the stars. We’re talking about life until 5 AM. And we’re realizing that the journey isn’t about the destination – the JOURNEY IS the destination.

• Why this? Because you will have complete freedom. No guide, no tour operator, just you and the open road. It’s the ultimate liberty.
• Who is it for? Groups of friends (split the costs!). Couples who want to test their relationship (if you can survive a road trip, you can survive anything). Spontaneous souls.
• Practical Tips: The Adriatic Coast is a stunning and affordable option. Go in May or September – fewer tourists, cheaper prices. Rent a car for at least a week to get a better rate.

9. Volunteer Somewhere Far Away

Locations: Elephant Sanctuaries (Thailand – Chiang Mai), Schools (Nepal – Pokhara), Eco-farms (New Zealand – WWOOF program)

Chiang Mai. An elephant sanctuary. I’m washing an elephant. WASHING. AN. ELEPHANT. An animal weighing several tons is playing with me like a toy, spraying me with water, and I’m laughing like a child. This isn’t work – it’s a privilege. I stay for two weeks, working every day, but I feel more fulfilled than after any vacation in my life.

• Why this? Because you will give something back. Because you’ll meet people with similar values. Because it’s an authentic experience, not a tourist attraction.
• Who is it for? Idealists. Those who want their travel to have a purpose. People tired of consumerism.
• Practical Tips: Workaway and WWOOF are the best platforms. Choose elephant sanctuaries carefully – ensure they are ethical and do not allow riding.

10. Experience a Festival That Will Change You

Locations: Holi (India – Jaipur, Varanasi), La Tomatina (Spain – Buñol), Sziget (Hungary – Budapest)

A music festival. Thousands of people around me, the music is thundering, the sun is setting, and I am completely in the moment. No past, no future, just this. Just this energy. Just this beautiful madness. And I realize – THIS is what life is supposed to feel like.

• Why this? Because festivals aren’t just fun – they are a feeling of belonging to something bigger. It’s a collective catharsis that sets you free.
• Who is it for? Music lovers, obviously. But also for those who’ve never been to a festival – you don’t know what you’re missing.
• Practical Tips: For any major festival: get tickets and accommodation well in advance. Bring a power bank and comfortable shoes.

Why Before You’re 30?

Take a second and think. Right now, you have three things you will never have again in this perfect combination:

1. Time – before the career, kids, mortgage, and obligations take over.
2. Energy – yes, you can travel at 50, but your body won’t thank you for sleeping on a hostel floor.
3. Freedom – now you can take risks, change plans, and get lost.

This isn’t pessimism. It’s reality. And it’s GOOD news because it means you have a window of opportunity – NOW.

Don’t wait. Not tomorrow. Not “when I save enough money.” Not “when I find someone to go with.” TODAY.

Open Google Flights. Request a day off. Call that friend who’s “always talking about traveling but never goes.” Make a spreadsheet. Do anything, just START.

Because I know exactly what will happen if you don’t start today. Nothing. Another month will pass, then another, then a year. And one day you’ll be 35 and ask yourself, “Where did all that time go?”

Don’t let that happen to you.

I’m standing at the edge of the plane again. My second jump, three years later. The same pounding heart, the same adrenaline. But now I know – I’m not jumping to escape life. I’m jumping to LIVE it.

See you out there somewhere. On some road, some beach, some festival. You’ll recognize me by the smile of a madman who knows he’s doing the right thing.

The world is waiting. What are you waiting for?

P.S. When you finish reading this, don’t just click “like” and scroll on. Open a new tab. Pick ONE experience from this list. And take the FIRST step toward making it happen. Even if it’s just a Google search. Because a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And that first step? You’re taking it now. Right now. Go!