Turning in 21 is special to everyone. There are lots of milestone birthdays but this one, in particular, makes you feel like you’re finally an adult. And to fresh grads, just out of college, it’s when they feel most excited for their lives ahead. That’s why celebrating your 21st birthday may be a big deal to you, and if it is, then there’s no better way to celebrate than by travelling. So, without further ado, to make your day extra special, we’ve compiled a list of 21st birthday trip ideas – 21 of them.

21st Birthday Trip Ideas

#1 Conquer a summit

The best way to celebrate a milestone birthday is to achieve something you’d look back and be proud of, something challenging and memorable. And hiking a mountain would be perfect for that. Which one? Well, that depends on your fitness level and familiarity with hiking. 

If you’re not an avid hiker, you can opt for something for a beginner’s level or even a little bit more challenging to feel that sense of achievement. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced hiker, why not take it to the next level and conquer one of the 7 highest summits? Maybe Kilimanjaro or even go to Everest basecamp? That would definitely be a birthday to remember!

#2 Go on an African Safari

One of the 21st birthday trip ideas that is so off-the-beaten-path is going on an African safari. We mean, it’s bucket-list worthy but it’s still something you wouldn’t expect someone to do on their birthday. So, it’s a very cool change if you really think about it. South Africa and Tanzania have lots of amazing safari parks, but the best African safari experience would definitely be in Kenya.

#3 Attend a concert for your favourite singer or band

Look up concerts and music festivals, that feature your favourite artist, around the time of your birthday. You never know where life might take you! If you do find something, book a ticket and plan your trip around that event. You may end up travelling to a destination that you may have never thought of going to.

#4 Ride a hot air balloon over somewhere magical

The idea of riding a hot air balloon on its own is mindblowing, especially during sunset or sunrise. So, imagine enjoying this magical experience at a place with a breathtaking view, and ON YOUR BIRTHDAY! This is the kind of memory that would be engraved in your mind forever. The destinations we’d recommend the most for riding a hot air balloon if you want a memorable, picturesque experience are Cappadocia in Tukey, Serengeti in Tanzania, and Luxor in Egypt.

#5 Plan a Euro trip

One of the best things about Europe is that it makes travel so easy because of the Schengen agreement. The easy movement between one country to another allows you to see so many places with less of a logistical hassle. Plus, there are so many beautiful places to explore in Europe and a diversity of things to do as well. History, culture, nature, adventure, nightlife, you name it – the continent is rich in all of these things.

#6 Go on a road trip 

Hands down one of the coolest travel experiences is going on a road trip, especially if you’re with your loved ones. You can do this around Europe, and hit two birds with one stone, or go for a different option like a road trip around Asia, or the US. You can even plan a road trip around a single country – it would be a great way to really explore a destination.

#7 Travel solo for the first time

Solo travelling is a life-changing experience that you need to attempt at least once in your life. It has endless benefits and is one of the best ways to really get to know yourself and get out of your comfort zone too. And since turning 21 is somewhat a turning point that takes you from one phase of your life to another, it would be very smart to do something like that.

#8 Do something you’ve never done before

Speaking of getting out of your comfort zone, there are plenty of other experiences other than solo travelling that can help you do that. Maybe attempt something crazy like skydiving or bungee jumping, or maybe learn a sport or activity – for instance, you can go to a surf camp in Bali.

#9 Book at a 5-star resort and treat yourself

If hustling around isn’t your cup of tea, that’s alright – we all have different interests and travel styles and that’s what makes us unique. Or maybe, you’re ALWAYS going on an adventure here and another there, and you’d like to treat yourself for a change. And what’s a better time for treating yourself than on your birthday?

#10 Spoil yourself with a spa experience 

You can take your lavish experience to the next level and treat yourself to a self-care packed programme. Go to the spa, get a massage, get a flower bath, or even have a floating breakfast in an infinity pool, overlooking the ocean. Birthday goals, right?

#11 Rent a lavish villa with friends 

If you’re more of a social butterfly, then you’d probably find it better to enjoy this lavish experience with friends. No problem, Airbnb is full of extravagant stays that you can rent for yourself and your gang. Get yourselves a nice villa with a private pool, maybe in a jungle? Throw yourself one hell of a party or maybe live your MTV Cribs moment.

#12 Travel to a party destination and go wild

What’s a birthday without a party? Sure, you can celebrate without one, but if you’re a party animal, then why not just do you? There are lots of destinations around the world that nightlife lovers would really appreciate such as Ibiza, Vegas, Mykonos, Amsterdam, Berlin, Bangkok, Goa, and much more!

#13 Go island hopping with your friends

If Mykonos is your preference, why not go island hopping while you’re at it? Greece is one of the best options for island hopping. And if you don’t want a European destination, don’t fret! There are so many other beautiful destinations for island hopping like the Bahamas, Caribbean islands, the Philippines, and more!

#14 Go camping

Spending time in nature is just as perfect for 21st birthday trip ideas – there’s a lot that you can do, and camping comes on top. We mean, you’re never too old for camping, and as you turn 21, you can take things to the next level and camp somewhere with a very different nature than what you’re used to. For instance, if you’re used to camping in the forest, how about you go camping in the desert for a change? 

#15 Or glamping 

If camping’s not for you and you’re looking for a more boujee stay in nature, no worries. There’s also glamping! If you’re not familiar with the term, glamping means “glamorous camping” and from the way it sounds, it’s a more upscale form of lodging in nature. For instance, you’re more like to be staying in air-conditioned huts, bungalows, or cabins. 

#16 Go on a skiing trip

Skiing has such a fun thrill to it. Even if you’re not a pro or if you’ve never seen snow in your life, it could be a fun challenge to try to attempt. Also, who doesn’t love playing in the snow? 

#17 Unleash your inner child at Disneyworld

Face it, nobody’s ever old for Disneyworld! That’s probably the greatest example of the saying “age is just a number”. Well, in this case, it definitely is just a number. There are several Disney resorts all over the world to choose from; California, Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

#18 Visit one of the Wonders of the World 

Visiting all 7 Wonders of the World is probably on so many travellers’ bucket lists for obvious reasons. The current ones are the Colosseum in Rome, Petra in Jordan, Taj Mahal in India, Great Wall of China in China (duh!), Machu Picchu in Peru, Chitchen Itza in Mexico, and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. And of course, you can also visit the only standing ancient wonder, the Great Pyramids of Giza. 

#19 Travel with someone you love

Sometimes, it’s not about the destination, but it’s about who we travel with. So, no matter what 21st birthday trip ideas you consider, it’s going to be extra special if you spend it with someone you love. That is an idea in itself! And it doesn’t have to be a significant other, it could be a best friend, a sibling, a parent, or even a grandparent!

#20 Go on a day trip or weekend getaway in your homeland

If you don’t have the budget, it’s okay – you can still have a memorable birthday by travelling within your homeland. You can go on a day trip or travel over the weekend with your friends. It can never go wrong, and it would also be a great way to explore your own backyard.

#21 Check anything off your bucket list

We each have our own bucket lists, full of dream destinations and experiences. Go back to that and pick something you’ve always wanted to do or see and actually do it. Make your own dream come true on your birthday – how cool would that be?

Now that we’ve given you all these ideas and you have enough inspiration, what would you rather do for your birthday? If you need more ideas, you could check out our bucket lists for Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.