Vietnam for 20's/Young Group??!!

From the New York Times Travel Section this week, they have this headline: "20 places to travel in your 20s" with these opening/set-up highlights: "There’s no better way to change your perception of the world — and maybe yourself — than travel. You’ll experience different cultures, meet new friends and make lifelong memories. But traveling poses challenges: financial constraints, limited time off. So think of this selection as a checklist and starter kit to world travel."

One top suggestion was for: "Vietnam. A trip to Southeast Asia would be tough to squeeze into a week, but if you find yourself with a bit more time, consider Vietnam, a country rich in cuisine, culture and natural beauty — and light on the wallet. Set your sights in particular on the seaside town of Hoi An and Hue, a former national capital. A boat trip through Ha Long Bay is equally memorable."

It's been a long time since I have been in my 20's, but I started out in December 1970 doing a month-long, six-country Eurorail adventure with a college roommate for doing a large segment of Europe highlights. That initial international trip helped to launch my interests for exploring and history/culture learning at an early age. We have done twenty-two difference countries in Europe, but we are now focused for other parts of the world for our to-do, must-see priority list. This includes for doing our first visit to Southeast Asia in early 2018, This includes visiting Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Bangkok. Our specific plans including flying to Hanoi, seeing Ha Long Bay, flying to Ho Chi Minh City and then taking a week-long cruise up the Mekong River into Cambodia, going to Angkor War, etc.

Although we are no long exactly "young" and/or in our 20's, this story helps building the excitement for visiting Vietnam. BUT, it does not seem that we will be able to visit Hoi An or Hue. Both, however, seem great and interesting.

These NY Times writers only had twenty slots from all of the world to fill. What other Europe or world sites/stars should they have mentioned for those in their 20's to see and experience? Other opinions, reactions and viewpoints to share?

Full story at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/travel/places-to-travel-in-your-20s.html?_r=0

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 218,038 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Any place that is difficult to reach, needs stamina, excellent mobility and good health. Cruises don't count!

Backpacking in Laos, Nepal, Bolivia, Mount Kilimanjaro does! Travelling on the Amazon with a hammock on a local boat, travelling the Siberian railway, horseback riding in Mongolia, bike in the back country ...

In my twenties, I did none of these things, but I drove through communist Europe in a small car, travelled on a small one-sail boat in the Aegean, slept on the floor of ferries and spent nights in trains.

Vietnam is a wonderful place to travel around. You can spend a month to travel from the north to the south of Vietnam with a lot of interesting things. In Hanoi, you can book free tour to travel around with student tour guide. From Hanoi to Halong, booking cruise tour to get more promotions will best choice for you. Mekong Delta is the ideal place for homestay and join floating market in the early morning

Floridiana: Any place that is difficult to reach' date=' needs stamina, excellent mobility[/b'] and good health. Cruises don't count! Backpacking in Laos, Nepal, Bolivia, Mount Kilimanjaro does! Travelling on the Amazon with a hammock on a local boat, travelling the Siberian railway, horseback riding in Mongolia, bike in the back country ... In my twenties, I did none of these things, but I drove through communist Europe in a small car, travelled on a small one-sail boat in the Aegean, slept on the floor of ferries and spent nights in trains.

Appreciate these added comments, experiences and insights. All very helpful. Am copying and saving these notes to my laptop computer file for this future adventure. Keep up the great sharing.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 158,960 views for this posting.