20 Must-Take Trips in Your 20s

Southeast Asia (countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, etc) is an excellent introduction to the rewards of backpacking. Because it's such a popular destination, it won't take long to make friends along the way. Going on your own is quite easy and you'll learn a lot about not only the world outside Canada's borders, but yourself as well.

Central America is another popular destination to backpack around. There are so many must-dos that it's hard to pick just one. Travel Channel recommends volcano boarding down Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. That's a fine place to start. We know you've been hankering to visit Nicaragua ever since Survivor filmed there.

Is Mardi Gras the ultimate party? There's only one way to find out. But remember there's more to Mardi Gras than just beads and beer. Make sure you explore New Orlean's culinary landscape and take in all the live music the city has to offer.

Backpacking is big on our list because, as we mentioned, it's a great way to learn about the world and yourself. Europe is a hugely popular destination and if you're short on time, you can still hop through a bunch of countries. We recommend taking it a bit slower. If you've only got a couple of weeks, spend more time savouring and less time travelling.

If you time your trip to Europe right, you can take in the Tomorrowland Music Festival in Boom, Belgium. Travel Channel says the three-day event draws musicians, DJs and music fans from around the world. Camping is recommended as is hanging out for a while afterward to see more of Belgium.

Another music festival that you should experience at least once in your life is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California. The line-up of artists for 2016 includes LCD Soundsystem, Sufjan Stevens, Calvin Harris and dozens more. The festival takes place over two weekends in April.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is another must-do before you hit 30. It's a bit closer to home and your dollar is worth a dollar. The four day festival serves up a smorgasbord of music that will suit any taste. It's like going back to the 60s, but easier because you don't need a time machine.

If an adrenaline rush in spectacular surroundings is what you crave, then head to Queenstown, New Zealand. Experience the thrill of jumping off a bridge, with only an elastic line saving you from certain death. As Travel Channel points out, after your bungee adventure you can find more excitement in Queenstown's pubs and clubs.

Whistler is one of the world's top ski resorts and offers visitors endless après-ski fun. You don't even have to ski or board. Why not cruise around on a fat tire bike?

And don't think that Whistler is a winter only destination. In the summer you can ride some extremely challenging mountain bike trails or enjoy the dramatic scenery from the area's network of hiking paths.

Travel Channel recommends sailing around the Croatian coast on a Yacht Week tour. Why? Scenery of course. But there's also a heavy party vibe. It's the best of both worlds.

No matter how old you are, you should make the pilgrimage to Tofino, BC. Not only is this part of Vancouver Island gobsmackingly beautiful, it's incredibly chill.

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at surfing, this is a great place to do it. There are a number of surf schools that offer multi-day surf camps. Even better? You can go anytime of year.

Many consider Munich's Oktoberfest a must-do when you're in your 20s. Certainly you'll make friends with people from around the world while you struggle to finish massive tankards of suds. There's also the delicious German food to sample.

The Burning Man festival is becoming more popular every year and some say that this has spoiled it. Pshaw! How can you go wrong with tens of thousands of creative types living freely in the blowing dust of the Nevada desert? The 2016 edition happens Aug. 28-Sept. 5.

Tourism is important as Nepal recovers from last April's 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The country is home to eight of the 10 tallest mountains in world and you can trek to Everest base camp or tour the Annapurna Circuit visiting beautiful temples and meeting the Nepalese people. You'll remember the breathtaking landscapes for the rest of your life.

The hardest thing about visiting Africa is deciding where to go the first time. There's the charm and warmth of West Africa, the wild lands of East Africa and the hip cities in the south. As an introduction to this diverse continent, we recommend starting with a safari. And then go from there.

Times Square is definitely a tourist trap but you'll never regret celebrating New Year's Eve in New York City. It's THE place to ring in the new year.

And after the big celebration you can get lost in the city's food and cultural offerings. New York is an affordable destination from almost anywhere in Canada.

If you're going to party big, Cancun is the place to do it. Remember, though, there's much more to this part of Mexico than Coronas and bikinis. Get out of Dodge and see some of the 'real' Mexico. You'll become a fan for life.

Want an even bigger party than Cancun? Head to Rio to bang drums, dance and sing as you sweat up a storm. There's a reason they call Carnival the greatest show on earth.

The second largest barrier reef in the world lies close to the island of Roatan, Honduras. You can get your SCUBA certification for a song and then enjoy the symphony of colourful undersea life that call the reef home.

Machu Picchu is both magical and inspiring. Whether you take the easy way (train) or the hard way (hike the Inca Trail), you'll be rewarded with the view of a 15th-century Inca site surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet.