From renowned Mother of Makeup Pat McGrath to the man behind Beyoncé’s glam, Sir John, L’OFFICIEL shares 11 makeup artists of color inspiring the beauty community.
01.23.2021 by Alice Cavallo and Mina Dragani
They say your twenties are for finding yourself, and what better way to do that than through travel? That’s why our writers have gathered their tried and true destinations for those who want to celebrate their burgeoning adulthood by seeing the world.
Recommended by Akanksha Singh
For its size, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka is an unmissable destination for people in their twenties. It’s affordable, and as there’s something for everyone Sri Lanka is great for a group trip, too. From the glorious rock fortress at Sigiriya and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy to the turquoise waters of Mirissa, Sri Lanka is one of those destinations where you can really pack in a varied itinerary. Not to mention, it offers some of South Asia’s best surfing, too (with nightlife to match): Weligama is a burgeoning surf town with shallow sand beaches and small waves, with plenty of beginner-friendly courses on offer. To stretch your dime further on a trip to Sri Lanka, skip the resorts and book affordable family-run or women-run homestays via an aggregator such as Airbnb and eat at “hotels” (small restaurants). If money’s not an issue, most tourist spots (such as Colombo and Ella) have a great selection of swish cafes and restaurants.
Recommended by Winnie Tan
There’s something about Tokyo that inspires a sense of awe and wonder. The massive metropolis promises new discoveries, at every corner and back alley, for the urban explorer – ranging from tiny karaoke bars and bustling entertainment districts to second-hand kimono stores, art galleries, and centuries-old shrines. Young adults will find thrill and excitement in neighborhoods like neon-lit Shinjuku or fashion-forward Harajuku, but the city also offers plenty of opportunities for historical and cultural experiences in neighborhoods like Asakusa, home to the city’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji (and that’s only scratching the surface of the countless experiences to be had here). Whether it’s bunking at capsule hotels and exploring the nooks and crannies of the city on foot, or getting acquainted with the vibrant local culture and community while in the city, Tokyo is packed full of unique, enriching experiences that will make for an unforgettable trip for any young adult eager to take it all in.
Recommended by Chamidae Ford
Greece is, without a doubt, one of the best places to explore in your twenties. There is simply so much variation; you can truly have it all. Head to Mykonos for dance floors that shake with the thumping beat of techno music and sandy beaches that manage to meld relaxation and nonstop partying (Paradise Beach Club is a popular favorite). Sip drinks at Sun Spirit among the cliffs of Santorini as the sun melts into the Aegean, and find your new favorite item of clothing while wandering the iconic white narrow streets. Feel your youth as you marvel at ancient sites like the Acropolis and the Olympic Stadium. Head North to the Ionian Islands for romantic olive groves and gentle breezes. Whether you are craving never-ending nightlife, mouthwatering cuisine, expanding your history knowledge, or a beachy getaway, Greece with oblige. Invite your friends or head to this ancient destination solo; there’s no better place to embrace early adulthood.
Recommended by Austin Bush
Looking for the classic, carefree Southeast Asia backpacking experience? Get yourself to Vang Vieng. This rural-feeling town in central Laos has been catering to the young and adventurous for nearly two decades. In previous years, the action centered around the Song River, a staging ground for riverside raves and dangerous swings, but in 2012 authorities cracked down on these unsafe attractions and banned the blasting speakers. Tubing along the Song remains a must-do in Vang Vieng, but the vibe is more about taking in nature and less about cultivating a hangover today. Visitors to Vang Vieng can als learn rock climbing, take a hot-air balloon ride, seek out a hidden swimming hole, take a cooking course or explore one of the area’s many caves. The options are diverse and markedly more chill, yet the town still provides cheap accommodation and a disproportionate number of bars and social events to make friend’s for life.
Recommended by Angelo Zinna
For most people, getting to New Zealand requires a long trip. The remote location of this collection of naturally striking islands is part of the allure of the “Land Of The Long White Cloud,” but crossing the Pacific Ocean is not something you can plan overnight. Yet, a long-term adventure in New Zealand doesn’t have to be complicated nor extremely expensive – if you’re willing to work for it. New Zealand’s working holiday visa scheme allows people under the age of 30 (in some cases 35) from 45 countries to live and work in New Zealand for up to a year, making it possible to self-fund an extended trip in Aotearoa by taking up a seasonal job. A vast network of independently-run BBH and YHA hostels allow you to explore and meet new people without breaking the bank, but you can also learn new skills in one of the many organic farms signed up to the WWOOF program in exchange for accommodation. Whether you want to tackle the 10 Great Walks that span New Zealand’s sparsely populated islands or settle in dynamic cities such as Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, getting to know New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t regret.
Recommended by Erin Kirkland
Fuel your inner adrenaline seeker in Alaska, where summer’s near-constant daylight will provide ample time to check all the boxes for adventure. Climb into a float plane to view brown bears fishing at Katmai National Park and Preserve or the rugged glaciers of Prince William Sound. Climb the ice yourself on the flanks of Root Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve after an epic road trip to the tiny former mining village of McCarthy. Drop a kayak into Resurrection Bay near Seward for a few hours or a few days, paddling the serene waters amidst otters, humpback whales, orcas, and seals. Cozy up at night in a public-use cabin or remote resort before returning to Seward for a hot meal and refreshing beverage. Drive north of Anchorage to Denali National Park and Preserve, set up camp and see if you spot the “Big Five” animals of this popular park while hiking its expansive terrain: moose, bears, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. For something unique, travel aboard an Alaska Marine Highway System ferry to Unalaska-Dutch Harbor along the Aleutian Islands, where Alaska Native culture, World War II history and the fishing industry combine in a tapestry of hiking trails, museums, and historical remnants nearly everywhere you look.
Recommended by Mara Vorhees
By day, get your outdoor adventure on, whether it’s rainforest hikes, waterfall swims, whitewater runs, or epic surf. By night, get your drink on at laidback beach bars or get your groove on at San José nightclubs. Depending on your location, Costa Rica is “wild” around the clock – making it a perfect place for travelers in their twenties. Even if you’re new to outdoor adventure, tour guides and lessons make most activities possible for all-comers, while there are still plenty of challenges for the experts. It’s not only the wide range of activities – day trips and nightlife – that makes Costa Rica so appealing for twentysomethings who are raring to go. It is also that this little slice of paradise is safe, friendly and easy to navigate. Costa Rica is not the cheapest country in Central America, but it is in Central America – which means it is more affordable than destinations in North America, Europe, or the Caribbean. But, the tourist sector is efficient and effective: many people speak English, and everyone is willing to help.
Recommended by Sheri-kae McLeod
Oaxaca, Mexico, is an absolute gem. Packed with culture, history, incredible food, and natural wonders, It’s a great destination for wide-eyed young travelers. Take a step back into the past at archaeological sites like Monte Albán and Mitla, showcasing the fascinating Zapotec heritage. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting colorful streets and lively markets. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve into the foodie culture of Oaxaca, with traditional flavors like mole, tlayudas, tasajo, and even chapulines (delicious edible grasshoppers!). Plus, take a tour of mezcal distilleries in nearby villages, where you’ll learn the ropes of mezcal-making and taste its different varieties. Surrounding Oaxaca are landscapes straight out of a dream. Hierve el Agua, with its surreal rock formations resembling frozen waterfalls and the jaw-dropping Sierra Norte mountains, is perfect for hiking, eco-adventures, and immersing in local communities. And for beach lovers, the stunning Pacific Coast beaches are just a hop away. Whether you’re after history, art, foodie delights, or breathtaking scenery, Oaxaca is the ultimate playground for a vibrant, multifaceted experience that’ll stay etched in your memory forever.
Recommended by Daniel James Clarke
Bulgaria‘s bounty of inexpensive experiences makes backpacking this Balkan nation a journal-filling adventure. Never skied? No fear. Bansko‘s snow-heavy newbie pistes are an affordable place to learn. Community-heavy, all-in chalets such as Snomads are down near the half-timbered Old Town, trading expensive après-ski for traditional taverns with freshly made travel buddies. Post-piste, there are hot springs aplenty, all at a snippet of what you’d pay in Iceland. Eager to upgrade your hostel experience? Let me introduce Rila Monastery. This mountain-hemmed, ornately frescoed Orthodox complex is one of Bulgaria’s biggest attractions. Make it more memorable by sleeping in one of the monastic cells, overnighting with the twenty-ish monks who still live here. Ready to rave? Sofia‘s nightlife scene is legendary. Ease in at a Soviet-era speakeasy, such as smokey, candle-lit Hambara. Then, let thumping techno, perhaps laced with trumpeting Balkan brass, carry you into the early hours at long-standing Yalta or high-tech EXE. Getting around is also a steal; no Interrail pass needed. Even the longest rail ride, an eight-hour crossing from Sofia to seaside Varna, costs under US$15. And with a cracking set of hostels along the Black Sea, slinking off for some sun and sand is a no-brainer.
Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott
Take it from this twentysomething – there’s nothing like winery-hopping with your besties ‘neath the glorious sunshine. There are all sorts of extravagant places to plan the ultimate wine-themed adventure, but since we’re working with a twentysomething budget, my friends like to head to Virginia to drink fabulous wines surrounded by the enchanting Blue Ridge Mountains. Recently, we spent a day tooling around the Shenandoah Valley, where your options are aplenty. Ecco Adesso (ask about the cellar if you have a large group), Rockbridge and Jump Mountain vineyards are all local favorites. Or you could venture further north near Charlottesville to Pippin Hill or to King Family Vineyards to watch some polo with your glass in hand. If beer’s more your thing, Devil’s Backbone is a top regional pick, with a basecamp in Roseland and outposts in Lexington and Charlottesville. At the end of the day, you can snuggle up in a cozy inn or small-town hotel, and in some cases, you’ll never have to leave the vineyard’s property.
Painstakingly hand carved from the rose-colored sandstone cliffs, the magical timeworn city of Petra is Jordan’s most-loved attraction and a bucket-list checkbox for travelers the world over.
However, in a sad touch of irony, this fragile site, once a tightly held Bedouin secret whose whereabouts were lost to Western knowledge for well over 1000 years, has suffered from overtourism. Nearly loved to death, Petra is regularly included on the World Monument Fund’s list of the most endangered sites in the world. The biggest threat is increased tourism, as annual visitor numbers reached over 1 million in 2019 and have climbed to around 900,000 per year in the post-pandemic period.
Preserving Petra must be at the forefront of travelers’ minds so we don’t let it crumble away below our feet and before our eyes. Here’s how to visit the site responsibly.
Petra has two high seasons – March and April and September and October – when the site can draw around 4000 people a day. If you want that seemingly impossible moment of encountering the Treasury without the crowds or a silent walk through the Siq, plan your trip for winter, from December to February. You’ll have to bundle up, but you could be uncovering Petra’s secrets on your own. If your vacation dates are already set in stone, beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning; the site is open from 6:30am year round. Visiting during a less-busy period is beneficial for both the management of the site and your overall experience of it.
The picture-perfect image of camels resting in front of the Treasury has driven countless travelers to meander down the Siq, the 1.2km-long (0.75-mile) narrow winding gorge at the site’s main entrance, in search of the iconic shot. However, some return on this route with a less-than-rosy outlook after seeing the treatment of the camels, horses and donkeys in Petra.
Collaboration between the local Bedouin and the Jordanian government has seen the plight of the working animals improve, but there is much work to be done. Although many owners care for their animals, incidents of mistreatment still happen, from child handlers delivering overzealous commands to the Street of Facades becoming something of a racetrack as the lumbering “Bedouin Ferraris” are hastily shuttled back and forth to cater to visitor demand.
Understand that the ancient city of Petra is a vast site – 264 sq km – so don’t try to cover the entire place in a single session, even if you’re only here for the day. Know your limit and pace yourself, especially if you’re planning to tackle the 850 delicate steps up to the Monastery, worn down and rutted by the increase in donkey traffic. If you decide to take a ride, seek out an adult provider (not a child) with animals that appear healthy and capable of carrying the weight of their prospective passenger. Pay the correct fare (as posted at the Petra Visitor Centre) and avoid bargaining down, which pressures the Bedouin animal-handlers to rush back and make up the lost income. Any incidents of abuse should be reported, ideally with photo or video evidence, to the tourist police at the visitor center.
The ancient Nabataean civilization sculpted the immaculate facades of Petra from giant slabs of malleable sandstone, a rock that’s supremely easy to etch, whether by hand, rain or hiking boot. The Nabataeans understood Petra’s vulnerability to the weather and constructed a network of water-diverting aqueducts and cisterns to keep mother nature’s liquid chisels at bay.
What the Nabataeans didn’t plan for was millions of tourists descending on their capital, pounding the pavement with high-tech walking shoes designed to dig into the ground. On your visit, opt for shoes with a lighter tread and leave hiking poles with pointed ends behind. Unfortunately, you’re also likely to see other visitors, and sometimes even local Bedouin, climbing on monuments, etching their names and love notes into the rock facades and running their fingers along millennia-old masonry, especially in the Siq. Let Petra leave its mark on you instead of the other way around.
The prosperous trade capital of the Nabataeans, Petra in some ways remains a bustling bazaar where vendors hawk their wares to the never-ending stream of passersby. Ad-hoc stalls line the Street of Facades from the Treasury, cascade down the ledges in front of the Royal Tombs and perch impossibly on the steps up to the Monastery.
As more travelers visit Petra, a global crossroads for goods since ancient times, the locals can and should benefit economically, but there are some things to look out for and avoid when you’re browsing.
There’s no better Bedouin pastime than slowly sipping a piping hot cup of sugary black tea, and many of the restaurants and cafes in Petra offer the chance to stop and take a break on your strenuous journey. While we can’t say no to a steaming cuppa, we draw the line at purchasing plastic bottles of water, which must be carted in and only add to the mounting global plastic plague. Before you leave home, bring a large water bladder to keep you hydrated around the whole site.
Petra counts more than 800 registered sites, including some 500 tombs, on its list of places to see, and many of the best and most famous are along a well-trodden path. Although Petra would take days to explore fully, most visitors come for a day and stick to the site’s main street, which can cause congestion and overcrowding at Petra’s big-hitters. Diverting by just a few steps to the valleys beyond can change your entire experience: even popular and well-marked trails, such as Al Kubtha with an unbeatable eagle-eyed view of the Treasury, see just a fraction of the footfall.
One of Petra’s more challenging secrets is entering through the “back door” near the Monastery – part of the country-spanning 675km-long (420-mile) Jordan Trail – and you’ll almost certainly have the space all to yourself if you start early before even the most eager adventurers begin their climb from the Siq-end of the site. Another rewarding walk is a jaunt through Wadi Farasa to the High Place of Sacrifice, passing a number of lesser-visited but still just as impressive tombs, including the Roman-columned Garden Triclinium. It’s best to engage a local guide if you’re headed off the beaten track, as signage is poor.
Yes, the visitor numbers to Petra have been climbing faster than the steps up to the High Place of Sacrifice, but many travelers only pencil in enough time for a flying visit, putting pressure on water resources in local accommodation in this desert environment, which must be swapped out daily for new arrivals. You could also be making better use of your Jordan Pass – the Jordan Expert version includes three consecutive days at Petra. Linger longer to better preserve one of the world’s most incredible and endangered ancient sites: in both your own memories and for the travelers who visit next.
Lauren Keith traveled to Jordan with support from Intrepid. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
Most travelers get a taste of Slovakia on a city break in the capital, Bratislava, or by hiking in the famous Tatras.
Yet well beyond its numerous castles and cobbled old towns, the Central European country offers much more. Nowadays, many of Slovakia’s historic buildings are incubators for contemporary art and cuisine. And while the High Tatras are indeed (and should be) a prime draw, Slovakia’s other national parks abound with forests, meadows and alpine lakes, plus cycling and hiking trails galore.
Many countries can boast such a range of attractions – but few have it all such a modestly sized, easy-to-travel package. Trains connect Slovakia to capitals across services Europe, bus services are abundant and driving yourself is easy. Won over yet?
Here’s our rundown of Slovakia’s best places to visit.
Best for merrymaking and monumental architecture
It’s not hard to find thirsty tourists stumbling across Bratislava’s cobblestones in search of their next Lánius beer (or, more bravely, their next round of Slivovitz plum brandy). Yet while the Slovak capital has a well-earned reputation as a party town, even devoted revelers take in some culture along the way.
Expect a showcase of architecture from across the centuries. Michael’s Tower, the city’s original gate, dates from the Middle Ages, as does the city’s crowning castle. The art-nouveau Blue Church is a gem of early-20th-century design, while at the Slovak National Gallery, art is exhibited in an award-winning gallery space. And all around, the brutish beauty of the socialist era is still present in oddities like the UFO (home to a rotating restaurant) and the defiantly upside-down Slovak Radio Building.
Bratislava is also an ideal base for day trips. Within 90 minutes by road you can storm Červený Kameň Castle, take a spa day in Piešťany, drink in the views from Devínska Kobyla Observation Tower or climb Trenčín’s clock tower for a bird’s-eye view.
Planning tip: Summer festivals help you see the city at its regal best. Plan around Middle Ages in the Park in June or the later summer Coronation Days.
Best for mountain thrills
With peaks that reach as high as 2655m (8710ft), northern Slovakia’s mountains have acquired near-mythic status. These fearsome mountains and valleys were carved by glaciers during the Ice Age; today the High Tatras, particularly the crooked peak of Kriváň (2495m / 8285ft), are symbols of national pride. Mixed-ability groups head straight for idyllic strolls at glacial Popradské Pleso lake, while tougher day-long treks like the Furkotská Valley Loop and the Kôprovsky Śtit Ascent appeal to hardier hikers. It’s easy to travel green, too: the Tatra Electric Railway travels between Štrbské Pleso (a lakeside resort town with lovely walking trails) right up to the lofty mountain resort Tatranská Lomnica.
Skiers also have plenty of reasons to head to the High Tatras. Jasná Nízke Tatry is the biggest ski area with more than 46km (29 miles) of trails, while the highest resort, Tatranská Lomnica, tops out at 2190m (7185ft).
Planning tip: The highest hikes don’t open until mid-June, so go in midsummer if you’re scaling lofty peaks like Kriváň or Rysy (2501m / 8205ft). Otherwise, September’s mellow sunshine is ideal for hitting the trails.
Best for modern art and medieval finery
Second cities have an appealing vibe: all the size and sophistication of a capital, only with fewer tourists and a scrappy attitude. This describes Košice through and through. For those who like their beauty with a bit of an edge, it’s irresistible. The forbiddingly Gothic St Elizabeth’s Cathedral anchors a plaza graced by a plague column, grand town hall and 14th-century chapel. These layers of history are best peeled back along art studio– and cafe-lined Hrnčiarska, long the abode of the city’s artisans. Meanwhile, Tabačka Kulturfabrik has transformed into a coworking space–performance space–anything-goes bar-slash-venue. It’s creative, messy – and quintessentially Košice.
Planning tip: There are no fewer than 18 UNESCO World Heritage sights within a couple of hours by road from Košice, with the most enchanting along the Wooden Churches Trail. Hire a driver or rent a car to do a loop taking in Ladomirová, Hervatov and Kežmarok; summoning a church custodian to unlock these art-filled churches is part of the fun.
Best for waterfalls and rivers
Of the nine national parks within Slovakia’s borders, this might just be our favorite. “Slovak Paradise” is more akin to an adventure playground than a wilderness. Streams wind through this landscape of forests and karst cliffs, forcing visitors to climb ladders and balance along wooden walkways to navigate trails like the ever-popular Suchá Belá Gorge and Kláštorská Gorge, with its three waterfalls.
Cycling is a delightful way to explore, too: there are 65km (40 miles) of bike trails within the park, and more in the surrounding countryside. (Rent wheels in the gateway town of Spišská Nová Ves or in Podlesok, within the park.) Though winter is much quieter, you can cross-country ski on marked walking trails, or head to the small ski area at Mlynky.
Planning tip: A worthwhile detour just outside the park is Dobšinská Ice Cave, which is open to tours of its frosty stalagmites between mid-May and late August.
Best for culture, both above and below ground
Is Banská Štiavnica the prettiest town in Central Europe? We think it’s a strong contender: Gothic and Renaissance churches and houses make it a veritable jewel box of architecture, and it’s huddled inside an extinct volcanic caldera.
This medieval settlement in the midst of the Štiavnica Mountains garnered a UNESCO World Heritage listing not for its beauty but its remarkable engineering history: it’s Slovakia’s oldest gold- and silver-mining town. Strolling around the historic village – from elegant Trinity Square to the not-so-new New Castle (16th century) – is more than eye candy: it’s a glimpse into an industry that transformed the whole region. The Slovak Mining Museum takes you deep down into the heart of the town’s mining past. Up above, Kalvária, a unique complex of Baroque churches and chapels, overlooks Banská Štiavnica from a hilltop east of town.
Best for authentic mountain culture
The village of Ždiar’s setting is simply lovely: in the Belianske Tatras, right by the border with Poland, surrounded by glorious hiking and biking trails, as well as caves you can visit nearby. What makes it even more special is the distinct flavor of Goral culture in everything from its food to its ornately painted houses.
Goral people have lived in northern Slovakia and southern Poland ever since the 14th century, when Wallachian shepherds migrated north to these rugged lands. Today, Goral identity remains an unmistakable feature of the town, noticeable in Ždiar’s log houses, which are traditionally decorated with geometric patterns in blue and red paint. The old ways are carefully preserved in the Ždiarsky Dom folk museum – and served up at the adjoining traditional restaurant. Expect sheep’s cheese galore.
Best for idyllic wine country
Hungary has hogged the acclaim for sweet white Tokaj wine, a so-called “liquid gold” once served to royals and still gracing the dessert menus of many fine-dining restaurants. Yet much of the Tokaj wine region, formerly entirely within the Kingdom of Hungary, landed within the borders of modern-day Slovakia at the end of the First World War.
Today, southeastern Slovakia boasts more than a dozen wineries. Hand-dug underground cellars provide deliciously rustic settings to sample Tokaj wine, usually with cheeses and cold meats to cleanse your palate in between each sweet sip. The Jaroslav Ostrožovič and Tokaj Macik wineres, both long-standing and family-run, offer the full experience. Reserve tastings ahead.
Planning tip: Wine villages like Veľká Tŕňa are only an hour by road from Košice – but it’s much more sensible (not to mention enjoyable) to stay overnight. Many wineries have on-site rooms; another appealing option is a stay in a tree house at Camping Malá Bara.
Best castle and hilltop views
In a country with more than 120 castles to visit, choosing a favorite is tough. But if we had to hide from a trebuchet attack anywhere in Slovakia, we’d pick Spiš. Standing imperiously on a 634m(2080ft)-high hilltop, Spiš Castle has withstood centuries of battles thanks to its stocky towers and defensive walls. It’s one of Central Europe’s biggest strongholds. And thanks to a Gothic makeover of its palace, it’s as attractive as it is imposing. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Tatras.
Spišské Podhradie is no one-trick town: just west lies the Spišská Kapitula, whose architecture – a mix of Romanesque turrets and splashy Baroque finery – has earned it the nickname “Slovakia’s Vatican.” The village has a small but excellent array of guesthouses and restaurants, too; we recommend the farmhouse fare at merry Spišsky Salaš.
Planning tip: Just 12km (7.5 miles) west is the town of Levoča, with a fine town hall and a small cluster of art and medieval museums. The highlight is the dreamy view of Levoča’s church spires and defensive walls from the hilltop Basilica of the Virgin Mary – a view guaranteed to inspire dreams of your next trip.
