30 trips everyone should take before turning 30

Get the Full StoryAndrew S. Shutterstock

There's no time like your youth to have thrilling adventures.

Some of the best adventure trips you can take include riding the Trans-Siberian Railway, going to wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa, and hiking in Patagonia.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning landscape in Utah are also great trips.

Exploring far-flung places, immersing yourself in diverse cultures and venturing out of your comfort zone on a life-altering trip may be the best form of education. From hiking to Machu Picchu to navigating hair-raising turns along the Pacific Coast Highway, enriching adventures in unfamiliar locales offer profound experiences that shape your perspective of the world — and yourself.

But while embarking on an epic journey has an unmistakable appeal in your 20s, when you hit the 30-year mark, suddenly your tastes, time constraints and career demands can get in the way. That's why there's no time like your youth to see the world. Keep reading to discover thrilling trips that inspire a lifelong curiosity and wanderlust.Kauai, Hawaii

Shutterstock SergiyN

Getting a postcard-worthy photo of Kauai's captivating surf, scenery and dramatic cliffs isn't the only reason to plan a trip while you're young. Alex Howard, managing editor of the U.S. edition of Lonely Planet magazine, highlights kayaking the Na Pali Coast as an especially formative experience. "Regularly hailed as one of the best kayaking trips in the world, this route takes paddlers past the iconic, fluted coast of Kauai, best known for its cameos in films like 'Jurassic Park' and 'King Kong,'" he says. With the reputable outfitter Napali Kayak, you can take a guided 17-mile tour starting at 225 per person or paddle on your own among the mighty 3,000-foot cliffs.

New Zealand

Michal Durinik Shutterstock

New Zealand's rugged and diverse landscapes — punctuated by alpine ridges, volcanoes and sandy coastlines — are the stuff of dreams. You might recognize some of the spellbinding landscapes, such as Wellington and the Southern Lakes, from your favorite "Lord of the Rings" films. For an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled adventure, visit Queenstown, which draws daredevils far and wide with active adventures such as hiking, whitewater rafting and bungee jumping. On Intrepid Travel's 11-day New Zealand South Island Explorer itinerary from 3,115 , you can scale the Franz Josef Glacier, marvel at Aoraki Mount Cook — the tallest peak in the country — and paraglide, kayak, bungee jump or mountain bike in Queenstown, among other pursuits.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Shutterstock

Sure, it's a legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site that merits a visit at any age, but your 20s offer the opportunity to easily hike the Inca Trail the highest point sits at more than 13,800 feet and marvel at the 500-year-old temples, structures and ancient ruins while you're able-bodied. The Lost City of the Incas offers plenty of archaeological gems to explore, from the photogenic Temple of Three Windows to Huayna Picchu, a pyramid-shaped mountain framed by jaw-dropping emerald peaks in the backdrop. For a mix of heart-pounding hikes through misty forests and exploring the ruins of the Sacred Valley, consider booking a seven-day Inca Trail tour from 1,149 with reputable small-tour operator G Adventures.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Share: