20 Travel Destinations for Young Lawyers
Executive Summary
Travel is the most common financial goal for young lawyers. Yet most lawyers feel like they do not travel enough. In order to travel, young lawyers need to find time to plan for their next trip. Traveling can be expensive and when you’re busy with your day to day work, it can be difficult to find time to find your next destination. Without a next destination to plan for, it becomes more difficult to save for the travel fund. To help young lawyers find their next vacation location, here is a list of 20 places to visit. These destinations are a collection of domestic and international locations that appeal to any traveling lawyer.
Travel is the most common goal that my clients bring up in our planning meetings and for good reason. Travel allows us to take a break from our day-to-day life. Once we break away from our normal routines, we have the opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, try new foods, and experience a new and exciting way of living. People speak different languages, have different customs, and see life in different ways. Even the history of every location is entirely unique. When you travel you can see a whole new world without leaving the planet.
Whether you know every location you want to see in your life or you are looking for a new travel location, this list is for you. It is a collection of 10 domestic and 10 international locations for young lawyers to consider traveling to.
Domestic locations are great for cheaper trips that may not require as many days off from work. While each destination is different, some aspects of these locations may be familiar to you. They can include the sandy beaches of coastal cities or landlocked cities with plenty to explore. If you prefer to escape from the modernity of life, there are also some incredible natural areas to explore.
Young lawyers work incredibly hard. To truly get away from the grind, many lawyers want to explore international destinations. These trips may consist of multiple weeks abroad. They are also more expensive, but it is almost always worth the cost. These trips allow young lawyers to expand their horizons, completely escape the stresses of work, and enjoy rich cultural experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Here are 20 fantastic travel destinations for every young lawyer to consider:
Domestic Locations
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is a truly unique place to visit. It is home to some of the most important buildings in our government. You can tour these government buildings, but make sure you book a tour well in advance. D.C. is also home to some of the best museums, many of which are free. My favorite museum is the National Air and Space Museum. Walk around the city and you will find monuments, historic landmarks, and foreign embassies. You’ll also enjoy the diverse food offered throughout the city. You can eat at high-end restaurants or at local spots featuring cultural cuisine from across the world.
Yosemite National Park - California
A beautiful valley surrounded by glacier-carved granite walls is home to one of the most beautiful locations in the United States. It is a great location for adventurous hikers, daring rock climbers, and avid campers. If you want to stay in the Yosemite Valley plan well in advance. Camping spots and lodges fill up months in advance for peak times. The valley isn’t the only attraction though. You can escape the crowds by hiking the surrounding trails and still experience a truly beautiful park.
Chicago, IL
The Windy City is a fantastic place to visit for a week or a weekend. Take a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan but bundle up for the walk in the winter. If you are looking for music, you’ll find great performances at Chicago’s famous theaters and in the summer check out a show at Millenium Park. If you are looking for food, enjoy a famous Chicago deep-dish pizza and pick a side between Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza. Chicago is filled with endless things to do.
New Orleans, Louisiana
While the French Quarter and Bourbon street may be the most popular destinations in New Orleans, it is far from the only thing to do in this beautiful city. You can walk around almost any part of the city and see beautiful homes surrounded by old trees that have been around for decades. Hop into local restaurants and taste the famous cajun food Louisiana is known for. New Orleans gumbo is famous for a reason. For those looking for a nature adventure, just outside of the city are swamp tours where you can canoe through endless bayous. Once you’re back in the city, you can live it up in the Big Easy by joining a parade, celebrating at a festival, and enjoying the party that never stops.
Arches National Park, Utah
While famous for a few arches, Arches National Park actually has over 2,000 arches throughout the park. Arches Scenic Drive is the road that goes throughout the whole park. Be sure to start early and stay late because the sunrises and sunsets make this beautiful park even more impressive. Have plenty of water and a good pair of shoes because many of the arches require a hike to get to the best viewpoints. This National Park can be seen in a day, but you’ll surely need more than that to truly experience all that Arches has to offer.
Jackson, Wyoming
This town in Wyoming is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Jackson sits at the base of Grand Teton National Park. It is also near Yellowstone National Park. For hikers looking to see elk, bison, bald eagles, wolves, and trumpeter swans, you can check out the National Elk Refuge. Explore the Snake River and go whitewater rafting or fly fishing. In the winters, Jackson doesn’t slow down. Jackson Hole is a fantastic ski resort to visit. If skiing isn’t your activity, you can also take an Iditarod tour. In town, you will find a mixture of museums, restaurants, and bars to keep you warm.
Savannah, GA
Savannah is a 300-year-old city on the coast of Georgia. Its history is rich and it offers a wide selection of activities. One way to explore the history is with the Ghost Tour in one of America’s most haunted cities. Savannah is near the coast so water activities are always available. Take a gospel boat cruise down the Savannah River or enjoy a beach day on Tybee Island. For people looking for a party, Savannah has that too. Savannah is home to the 2nd largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the country. After the party, you can enjoy some of the best southern comfort food in the country. You won’t regret it.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest national parks in the US. This park cannot be seen in one day so plan to stay for a few days. You can watch the largest geyser in the world, Old Faithful, explode or see the beautiful Grand Prismatic Hot Spring up close. Yellowstone is filled with wildlife, but remember it’s not a zoo. Look out for bears, wolves, bison, bald eagles, swans, moose, and more. If you go hiking, you’ll find waterfalls, canyons, and incredible views on some of the 1,300 miles of trails. For other activities, you can river raft, camp, fish, hunt for rocks, and even check out a rodeo. It’s as big as it is beautiful, and it’s worth the trip.
San Diego, California
The coastal city of San Diego has tons of activities to do under perfect weather conditions. It’s a city where you can hike mountains, walk desert trails, and surf all in the same day. Explore Balboa Park, which is a massive park near downtown. While you are there take a day to enjoy the San Diego Zoo and its Safari Park. This world famous zoo is home to all sorts of animals that you’ll enjoy seeing. If you want to go to the beach, you can check out Coronado or one of the many beaches stretching up the coast. If you are a history buff, check out the museums in Balboa Park or learn about the city’s naval history on the USS Midway (an aircraft carrier parked in port). When you want to go out for the night, start with dinner in Little Italy. Then head to the Gaslamp Quarter for the exciting nightlife.
Oahu, Hawaii
The 3rd largest island in Hawaii is also home to the state’s capital. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and best-in-the-world surfing. If you want to go snorkeling and enjoy a beautiful beach day head to Hanauma Bay. To see most of Honolulu, travelers can hike to the top of Diamond Head and check out some amazing views. For the history buffs, check out Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the US), and Bishop Museum. Each museum takes a unique look at the history of Hawaii. After a day of exploring, enjoy some of the fresh seafood at many of the local restaurants.
International Locations
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This ancient city off the coast of the Adriatic Sea is a great day trip or extended stay. Walk the Dubrovnik walls around the city, enjoy freshly caught seafood, and jump in the water after exploring the city. For Game of Thrones fans, check out King’s Landing and see where many scenes from the series were filmed. At night you can enjoy locally made Croatian wine.
Manaus, Brazil
A city of 2 million people is found in the middle of the Amazon River’s journey to the ocean. It is one of the best departure spots to travel the Amazon rainforest. It is also where the Amazon and the Rio Negro combine and the dark waters from the north mix with the brown and muddy waters of the Amazon. It is only accessible by airplane or a multiple-day riverboat trip. A must see city for anyone hoping to explore the rainforest and see some truly unique wildlife.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This iconic diving location is home to over 3,000 separate coral reefs and islands. The surrounding waters are filled with an endless diversity of fishes and other marine life. It offers both diving and snorkeling opportunities. For those who prefer to not get wet, there are also boats with a clear bottom so you can explore the reefs from above. The reef runs across most of northeast Australia so there are many locations you can visit and still see the reef. Some popular cities are Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay.
Sapporo, Japan
Known as one of the snowiest cities in the world, Sapporo is one of the best cities to explore in the winter. This city hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics so it is a great place for anyone hoping to ski. If skiing isn’t your thing or you are looking for something to do at night then you must check out the Sapporo Snow Festival. Some of the best ice sculptures in the world light up at night and produce an amazing experience. Sapporo also has a great food scene. It is known for it’s chocolate (especially the White Lovers) and it’s beer (Sapporo Beer). For dinner try the famous kegani (hairy crab) and ramen. If you come in the summer, the city is still full of fun activities. Check out the beautiful surrounding hikes and many of Sapporo’s well-known museums.
Petra, Jordan
One of the 7 Wonders of the World, Petra is an ancient capital city. Start exploring Petra by walking through Siq (a gorge formed by tectonic shifts splitting a mountain). After walking through Siq, the famous Treasury will appear before you. Continue walking the path and you’ll find the ancient homes and tombs of the former residents. Explore the city more and you’ll find Roman architecture as well as royal tombs which are quite impressive. Visitors will also see the Monastery, which is not as famous as the Treasury, but is actually a bigger structure and nearly as intact. While you can visit Petra in a day, it is recommended to stay overnight because the city is even more beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The largest volcanic caldera in the world is home to one of the best safari locations in the world. This crater in northern Tanzania is so large that it sustains its own ecosystem. It is so full of life that most wildlife never leaves which allows for incredible year-round safari tours. It is one of the few places to see all 5 of the famous African mammals: lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo but those are only a small number of all the animals you will see. This crater is far from any major city but it’s also close to Serengeti National Park so you can explore both! It is a must-visit destination for anyone on an African safari vacation.
Milan, Italy
Milan is a historic city known for grand architecture and an iconic fashion district. The most impressive attraction in the city is the Il Duomo. A cathedral that took nearly 500 years to finish. It is an impressive building to view from the plaza as well as inside. Just beyond the cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. At one point the largest shopping center in Europe, it features a plaza of designer stores under an elegant facade. Walk around Milan and you will find cathedrals, remains of Roman architecture, the world’s most famous opera house, and museums for Leonardo da Vinci and his inventions. It is an amazing city to explore. Prepare to walk a lot, but make sure to take some time to enjoy the wonderful local food and wine.
Azores, Portugal
The Azores are a chain of islands in the Atlantic. Some say that the lost city of Atlantis was once in the Azores. It’s a perfect destination for exploring and eating. Enjoy the beaches and take a boat in the ocean to see both dolphins and whales. On land, hike the Sete Cidades Caldera or Mount Pico for beautiful views. The remnants of volcanoes offer hikes through lava tubes, geothermal pools, and a chance to try cozido (a meat and vegetable stew cooked in the hot volcanic soil). In the towns, you will find historic fortresses, beautiful mosaics, and great restaurants and shops to enjoy the local culture.
Lima, Peru
Nearly a third of Peru’s population lives in Lima between the sea and the hills. Stroll through Plaza de Armas, Convento de San Francisco, and Santo Domingo. Each historical venue shows visitors a unique part of Peruvian history. Check out the Magic Water Tour in the Park of the Reserve, which holds the record for the largest fountain complex in the world. If you are interested in walking along the sea, check out the Parque del Amor. A winding path of clifftops and mosaic walls overlooking seaside views that offer beautiful sunsets. Also check out the Huaca Pucllana. It’s a pyramid shaped temple made of adobe and clay bricks that is truly unique. Lima is also the home of ceviche. A dish that was perfected in Lima before being shared with the rest of the world.
Fes, Morocco
The cultural capital of Morocco is one of the last remaining medieval cities in the world. If you want to dive straight into the culture, explore the Fes el-Bali. It’s a part of the old city where there are shops, stalls, and mosques to see. It is one of the best preserved medinas in the Arab world. If you like leather, you will enjoy shopping the tanneries and watching the workers hand make leather using an ancient process with large colorful pits. Around the rest of the city you will find beautiful architecture at colleges, archways, gardens, museums, and religious buildings. Outside of the city, you will find ancient royal tombs, medieval fortress walls, and stunning views of the city. Back in town, explore the local cafes and restaurants for some truly amazing food options like bestilla, couscous, and mint tea.
Travel is a nearly universal goal of young lawyers. Whether you want to get away for the weekend or travel the globe, travel costs money. The Developing Financial process is built to help young lawyers achieve all of their goals in a financially efficient way. If you are interested in traveling more and want to learn how financial planning can help, schedule a free Meet & Confer meeting. This 30min meeting is free and gives you an opportunity to talk to a financial professional without dealing with a sales pitch at the end. It’s just a conversation about finances and travel! If you’re not ready to work with a financial planner, but still have a burning desire to travel, sign up for The Financial Brief. It is a free weekly newsletter for young lawyers. It includes personal finance articles, legal industry news, and most importantly, a new domestic and international travel destination each week.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog should be considered financial advice or recommendations. Your questions are unique to you and your own personal financial circumstances. You should consult with a financial professional before making a financial decision. See full blog disclaimer.