8 unforgettable cities to visit before your thirtieth

I'll be honest right away: you probably won't get to see all these places before ’the big 3-0'. But believe me, one day the old-ass you will look back proudly if you tried it. Is your passport itching too? Time to scratch.

1. Hanoi, Vietnam

Many backpackers skip Hanoi for the bigger Ho Chi Minh (also known as Saigon), but according to the biggest travel junkies on earth, this is a big mistake. Why is Hanoi worth it? The atmosphere is insane, the history rich, the beautiful Old Quarter photogenic, and the street food delicious. And just in case you're curious about Vietnamese Egg Coffee, this is your place to be.

2. Lagos, Portugal

Just a three-hour drive from Lisbon, you'll find this maritime city. Forts, castles, beautiful beaches, they have it all in Lagos. Famous natural attractions include Ponta da Piedade, Laguna de Alvor, and Mata Nacional de Barão de S. João.

3. Havana, Cuba

Go to Havana before the tourists ruin it, they say. Anything is possible there. The city of salsa, cigars, daiquiris, and the Buena Vista Social Club. The most beautiful are the dilapidated buildings in pastel colors that turn into trendy salsa bars as soon as the sun goes down. Additionally: in Cuba, the law still prohibits Cubans from owning cars made after 1959. The street scene of Havana with its makeshift cars is one you'll never forget.

4. Vang Vieng, Laos

Vang Vieng has become one of the most popular destinations for backpackers in Laos. Why? Mainly because of the ‘tubing’ you can do there (floating down the river on an inflated truck tire). Besides tubing, Vang Vieng is also known for the caves in the region. Two of the most famous are Poukham and Tham Hoy.

5. New York, America

Before your 30th? Hell no, before your 25th, if it were up to me. I've never been to such an intensely impressive and vibrant city. The people are out of this world social. The art, the taxis, the food, the amazing parks to escape the hustle and bustle, the architecture, the squirrels, and the donuts; I'm totally smitten with this city and can't say anything else (click As I announced recently, I am working on The Great I'm-Going-On-Vacation-Plan. The weeks are flying by and on the 21st of November, I will really be in the… to see the video I made in New York).

6. Barcelona, Spain

New York, the city that never sleeps? Barcelona doesn't even know what sleep is. Dinner starts here around 10 PM, you don't even have your first drink at the bar before midnight, and the clubs only fill up around 3 AM. Barcelona is culture. Beautiful architecture, beaches, Park Güell, and the Sagrada Familia.

7. Koh Phangan, Thailand

So you think of drunken partygoers, annoying tourists, and overcrowded beaches? Hi prejudice! Koh Phangan is so much more than just that famous Full Moon Party. Once you're out of the hustle, you'll find the untouched Thai island life where you hear nothing but the sound of the sea and the rustling of palm leaves. Be sure to check out Bottle Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches of Thailand), the night market of Thong Sala, and the huge Phaeng Waterfall.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Many travelers call the ultra-modern Cape Town the most beautiful city in South Africa. The atmosphere is relaxed and there is plenty to do. Think surfing, partying, shopping, having drinks on the terraces in the famous Waterfront, diving with sharks, enjoying good food, and cultural trips to places like Robben Island. Living young, wild, and free. Cape Town has it all. So go for it.

Love,

Your passport.