May 11, 2023 BY Luke Rees
Are you seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills? Want total cultural immersion? Or a looking for breathtaking natural beauty? Then embark on an unforgettable journey as we explore the best summer adventures for students worldwide. These are the top 18-30 activity holidays for thrills and fun around the globe.
To be honest this is a bit of a cliche list, as they are the 15 most popular destinations for younger adults. But all offer such a wide variety of experiences and activities that they tick many boxes. And let’s face it they are popular with good reason! But we have added a slight curve ball at the end…
From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the sun-drenched shores of Portugal, we’ve curated a list of the best student summer holidays destinations below. There are 15 incredible destinations offering diverse activity holidays for young adults.
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, making it a top destination for the best summer adventures for students. Its diverse landscape includes rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches.
Zipline through the lush canopy, surf the waves of Tamarindo, or hike in the wildlife-rich Corcovado National Park. With its eco-friendly and sustainable practices, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for more. There are plenty of Costa Rica adventure holiday options.
There is nothing quite like exploring a country from a bike. Travelling more slowly you see more, get down and dirty with the country, meet the locals and properly experience it. And there are few better countries for this than Vietnam, with its fascinating culture, dramatic recent history, wide range of past relics, beautiful beaches and varied landscapes to explore.
With a combination of riding roads, cycle ways, dirt lanes and off-road trails a mountain bike is recommended. You can turn up with a bike and explore the country in your own way. Or join guided biking tours in Vietnam that take you to the top sights, have support vehicles and help keep you on quiet roads away from the traffic.
One of the best summer adventures for students worldwide is to island hop in Greece and the Ionian chain is about as good as they come. From Corfu to Kefalonia there is a lot to see with ancient ruins and beautiful beaches aplenty. Plus there is a solid party scene on some of the islands and a more laid back approach on others.
You could perhaps take a flotilla sailing holiday of the Ionians, or try your hand at diving, kiteboarding or windsurfing. Using the ferries you can backpack between the islands and the mainland, staying in cheap accommodation or camping, eating at quaint tavernas and having the best summer holiday.
New Zealand is a haven for thrill-seekers and 18-30 activity holidays. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of this island nation, from the towering peaks of the Southern Alps to the mesmerizing fjords of Milford Sound. Immerse yourself in the unique Maori culture, and don’t forget to taste the world-renowned wines of Marlborough.
Get your adrenaline pumping with activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and white-water rafting. As our summer is their winter you can ski or snowboard in both the North and South Island’s from June to October. Hiking, biking, climbing, diving, kayaking and so much more are available. Check out these New Zealand activity holidays for more info.
The stunning coastline of Croatia is the perfect setting for a memorable summer adventure. Sail the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, exploring the picturesque islands and charming coastal towns. Discover the ancient city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Split.
From sun-soaked beaches to exhilarating water sports, Croatia offers a myriad of experiences for young travelers. There is good kite and windsurfing on the Med, great hiking and biking options plus rafting and kayaking inland. Take a look at our Croatia activity holidays for more info.
Thailand is a top destination for summer adventures for students who are seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. With its stunning temples, bustling markets, and delectable cuisine, Thailand offers a feast for the senses.
Island-hop through the Andaman Sea, scuba dive or snorkel in the vibrant underwater world, or hike through the lush jungles of Chiang Mai. From full moon parties to encounters with elephants, this Southeast Asian gem promises an unforgettable 18-30 activity holiday. Find out more about an adventure holiday in Thailand.
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes and unparalleled natural wonders make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. Explore geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, or take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon. During the summer, experience the midnight sun and venture into the highlands for unforgettable hikes.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try ice climbing, glacier hiking, snowmobiling and so much more. Iceland is a magical destination that will captivate your senses. For more detail read this article about summer activities in Iceland, and check out this review of an Iceland adventure holiday (albeit we are a little older than 30!).
Road cycling, or Velo as it’s known in Italy, is almost as much of an institution as the Catholic Church. In fact 60% of Italians frequently cycle, where as only 27% regularly go to church. Probably because Sunday mornings are the best time to explore the rolling hills Tuscany, the stunning Dolomites or the stunning coasts of Sardinia from a bike.
But the beautiful scenery and challenging climbs are only half the attraction. Culturally, Italy has more to see than almost any other country. It is a good job there is incredible food to keep your energy up. As 18-30 activity holidays go, road cycling tours in Italy cater to all rider levels and can take in lakes and mountains, culture and coasts and so much more.
Tanzania is the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From June to August you can witness the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in search of greener pastures.
Challenge yourself with a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Along the way, experience the diverse cultures and warm hospitality that make Tanzania truly unforgettable. Include a visit to the coast where you can dive, sail and indulge in a spot of partying.
Canada’s vast landscapes offer a wide variety of thrilling experiences for 18-30 activity holidays. Hike through the majestic Rockies, canoe in the pristine lakes of Algonquin Provincial Park, or try your hand at surfing the cold waters of Tofino.
The Great White North provides endless opportunities for adventure, from mountain biking to kayaking. Experience the vibrant cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, and indulge in the local delicacies like poutine and maple syrup. Find out more about Canada activity holidays.
A fascinating country with a rich and varied culture perfect for student activity holidays. Marrakesh is a fascinating city but gets rather hot in the summer. To cool down hit the coast for surfing or head into the Atlas Mountains.
The surf in Taghazout is some of the best on the planet, and it is easy to reach from Europe. In the Atlas mountains there is great cycling, and a Mount Toubkal trekking trip is one of the best summer adventures for 18-30 year olds.
Australia’s diverse landscapes and unique wildlife make it one of the best summer adventures for students. Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, surf the famous waves of Bondi Beach, or trek through the ancient rainforests of Daintree National Park.
Discover the Outback and immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, or lose yourself in the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Overlanding around Australia is a backpacker rite of passage, and is one of the longer 18-30 activity holidays. Its regarded as one of the best student adventure travel destinations with good reason.
Peru’s rich history and incredible natural beauty make it an ideal destination for young adventurers. Trek the legendary Inca Trail to the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, or explore the ancient city of Cusco. Venture into the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll encounter diverse wildlife and fascinating indigenous cultures.
From sandboarding on the dunes of Huacachina to exploring the vibrant streets of Lima, Peru offers an unforgettable journey. There are so many activity holidays in Peru to choose from.
Portugal’s sun-kissed shores and rich cultural heritage make it a fantastic choice for summer adventures. Surf the world-biggest waves of Nazaré or perhaps learn to surf in Lagos. In between hike or bike along the stunning cliffs of the west coast then explore the activity laden beaches of the Algarve.
Discover the picturesque cities of Lisbon and Porto, and indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine, including the famous pastel de nata. From wine tasting in the Douro Valley to hiking the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, Portugal is a treasure trove of experiences.
Sometimes the best adventures can be found right in your own backyard. Adventure staycations are an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly and environmentally conscious way to enjoy the best summer adventures for students.
Discover the hidden gems in your own town, city, or region and experience the thrill of seeing familiar surroundings through a new lens. Whether it’s hiking in nearby nature reserves, taking a scenic road trip, or trying the top local activities, a staycation offers endless opportunities for adventure.
Spend the summer learning a new outdoor activity, such as SUP or rock climbing. Get involved in local cultural events and indulge in the culinary delights of your local food scene. Staycations also offer a chance to reconnect with friends and family, making lasting memories close to home.
From Costa Rica to Croatia, Iceland to Italy and Peru to Portugal the best summer adventures for students offer something for everyone. These destinations are all popular with younger travellers because they offer unique experiences that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Choose the perfect 18-30 activity holidays to suit your interests and budget and fuel your wanderlust. You won’t regret it.
So pack your bags, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Explore mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant cultures, and thrilling activities that these amazing destinations have to offer. Happy travels!
We hope you found this guide to the best summer activity holidays for students and younger adults inspiring. Want more ideas then check out our adventure holidays worldwide.
Most people don't think about Indian activity holidays when considering visiting this incredible country. But the best adventure sports in India are right up there...
The Greek island of Corfu, is a remarkable blend of captivating history, rich culture and a hub for best Ionian adventures in Greece. Much more than just a beach...
A tandem jump is the way most people get into the world of skydiving. Strapped to an instructor and fully briefed about the jump, you get to experience freefall for...
Login
Register
2 responses to “Best Summer Adventures for Students: Top 18-30 Activity Holidays”
This article is clickbait nonsense.
Hi Paul – why is is ‘clickbait’ or ‘nonsense’?
Clickbait: Clickbait typically refers to the practice of writing sensationalized or misleading headlines in order to attract clicks on a piece of content. It often relies on exaggerating claims or leaving out key information in order to encourage traffic.
Nonsense: Spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense.
In writing this we looked at the most popular adventure destinations for young adults and students then wrote about what activities you can do there and why it appeals to younger travellers so it does exactly what it claims to do. And clearly most of the words are mostly written to make sense and have meaning. It links out to useful pages (not spammy adverts everywhere) and of course is written to drive traffic – all online content is, but it is not misleading in anyway. So I think ‘clickbait nonsense’ is a bit harsh. I am happy to listen to your constructive criticism how the article can be improved, but baseless accusations like that do not help anyone.