Your Twenties Aren’t Easy: Navigating Life, Travel, and Expectations

Let’s be real—your twenties are exciting, messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright confusing. You might find love one day and lose it the next. You may land your dream job only to realize it’s not what you expected. You may dream about traveling the world, only to find that money, time, and reality often get in the way.

But here’s the truth: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Life in your twenties is about learning, adapting, and making choices that matter to you, not what social media tells you.

Social Media vs. Reality: The Truth About Travel in Your 20s

Scrolling through Instagram, it’s easy to believe that everyone’s life is one big adventure—perfect beach sunsets, glamorous European getaways, and aesthetic coffee shops. But what you don’t see?

• The messiness.
• The struggles.
• The unexpected hiccups.

My Reality Check in Paris

When I visited Paris (pictured here) the whole city was under massive protests—trash piled up, public transport was unreliable, and the vibe wasn’t exactly “romantic getaway.” But guess what? I still had an amazing time. Because travel (and life) isn’t about perfection—it’s about experiences.

Your trips won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.

Money & Travel: The Not-So-Glamorous Side

Let’s talk finances, because in your twenties, money is rarely in endless supply.

• Travel Costs Add Up: Flights, accommodations, food, experiences—it all costs money, and most of us aren’t sitting on a huge savings account.
• Careers Are Unpredictable: Whether you’re working full-time, freelancing, or still figuring things out, finances can be a challenge.
• Life Expenses Exist: Rent, student loans, groceries—it’s all about balance.

How I Travel on a Budget

I’ve been lucky to have a remote job, which lets me travel more often. But here’s the catch—I also don’t have a permanent home base right now. Since I’m frequently visiting family and friends, I don’t have rent expenses tying me down. If I did? My travel budget would look very different.

Everyone’s situation is unique. If travel isn’t financially possible right now, that’s okay. There’s always time to explore later in life when you’re able to prioritize your savings accordingly.

The Pressure to "Have It All Figured Out"

Society (and social media) love to make us feel like we should have our lives mapped out in our twenties. Spoiler: Most people don’t. Some people buy a house young, some people prioritize career growth, some people travel the world in their 50s. And every single choice is valid.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace

Your twenties aren’t easy, but they’re yours to shape. Whether you’re traveling, working, or figuring things out, know this: There’s no deadline for success.

Do what makes you happy, make choices that work for you, and remember—you can always change your mind.

Being young isn’t always easy, try not to put pressure on yourself because you’re trying the best you can do.