You only get one 21st birthday. You can ask people to buy you a new television, headphones, shoes or clothes. But these items will be remembered today and forgotten by the time you’re 22 or 23.
Material gifts are out; travel experiences are in.
Why? Because 21st birthday trips are unforgettable. You’ll come home with stories and experiences that material items simply cannot match, making it much better than a birthday gift registry. Asking for people to pay for your trip may be a bit much, but you can create a travel registry where friends and family can buy you items that will make your vacation even better: bathing suits, cameras, hats or even sunscreen.
Why You Should Start a 21st Birthday Travel Registry
Every birthday is a milestone and reason to celebrate, but your 21st is a bit more special. You’ve hit the age where you are:
- 100% transitioned into adulthood
- Able to make all of your own choices
Experiences are moments that you’ll never forget. You can book a trip to New York City or Italy, and both of these experiences are much more exciting and fun than unwrapping a single present.
You can also stay local and explore a new area near you just a few towns or states over that can change your perspective on life.
Wharton Behavioral Lab conducted a recent study on experiential versus material gifts and found that:
- Experiences create stronger social relationships.
- Material gifts do not create the same emotional reactions as experiences.
Objects come and go. New trends and technologies make today’s items quickly obsolete. Experiences – which can include concerts, sporting events, traveling or anything that is not material – are unique.
Your experience will add to conversations, break you away from your normal routine and help you tick items off of your bucket list.
If you’re thinking of creating a birthday registry this year, the destinations below are reasons enough to opt for a travel registry instead.
Best 21st Birthday Destinations
What are the best 21st birthday destinations? It depends on your likes and dislikes. You can stay in the US and visit unforgettable US destinations, or you can go off the beaten path to somewhere that’s on your national or international bucket list.
Here are some of the best destinations for your 21st birthday to visit.
New York City
They call NYC the City That Never Sleeps for a reason – there is always something to see and do around every corner.
New York City’s diversity, rich history, culture and architectural marvels are what make this destination a top choice for birthday trips.
Nightlife
The city comes alive at night. Book a show on Broadway, listen to live jazz in Greenwich Village, dine at gourmet restaurants or get lost in Times Square.
Tours and Museums
NYC is home to some of the nation’s most iconic museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art and more.
Visit the public library or the Morgan Library to admire the architecture, or head over to Ellis Island for a history lesson.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a must-visit, along with the Statue of Liberty.
Outdoor Adventures
Yes, even NYC has green spaces. Take a stroll through Central Park (better yet – book a carriage ride) or take a helicopter tour.
New York City has something for everyone – no matter your travel style or taste.
Miami
Miami is a top destination for 21st birthday trips, thanks to its diverse culture, stunning beaches and world-renowned nightlife.
While Miami has a reputation for being a party city, there’s still plenty to see and do even if you prefer a more laid-back trip.
Hit the Water
Book a sunset cocktail cruise or a half-day deep-sea fishing trip. Take a 60-minute tour of the Everglades, spend the day at one of the city’s iconic beaches, or just rent a jet ski and enjoy an afternoon on the water.
In Miami, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities.
Take a Tour or Go Shopping
Enjoy the tastes of Cuba with the Little Havana Food and Walking Tour, or do a street art tour at Wynwood Walls.
While you’re out, stop in to one of the many luxury shopping malls and stores in town.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Miami boasts some of the best nightlife experiences in the U.S.
Nashville
Home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and an energetic nightlife, Nashville is the destination to host an unforgettable 21st birthday celebration.
From its nightclubs to its Tiki bars, sunset cocktail cruises and theater, there is something for every taste.
Music and More
From the iconic Grand Ole Opry Show to the famous RCA Studio and Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville has no shortage of music-themed experiences to enjoy.
Spend your evenings in Downtown Nashville, a historic part of town that comes to life at night. Visit one of the local honky tonks or a local brewery to enjoy music, drinks, food and more.
Museums and Tours
For a unique experience, visit the Nashville Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon in Athens. Inside, you’ll find a 42-foot-tall Athena statue, along with art galleries and a scenic park.
If that’s not your thing, you can head over to the Lane Motor Museum, which houses unique cars, or book a walking food tour to get a taste of Nashville’s rich food culture. For country music fans, the Johnny Cash Museum is a must-see.
Parks and Markets
Nashville is home to several parks and opportunities for outdoor experiences, from ziplining to waterfall hiking tours and even the Nashville Zoo.
No matter how short or long your stay, there’s no shortage of things to do in Nashville.
Austin
Austin is the heart of Texas and the embodiment of the state’s diverse culture. With countless things to see and do and a vibrant nightlife, it’s no surprise that Austin is a top destination for birthday celebrations.
Visit the Texas State Capitol and admire the architecture, or drop by the historic Driskill hotel for a drink.
Outdoor Adventure
Looking to spend more time in nature? The Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center has geological wonders and diverse plant life to admire. From here, head over to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to take a walk on the scenic trail along the lake.
Nightlife
When the sun sets, make your way to 6th Street, where you’ll find a vibrant bar scene with live music, dining and shopping.
There’s something for everyone in Austin, whether you want an outdoor adventure or to enjoy live music.
Cheers to You!
Turning 21 is a major milestone that deserves to be celebrated in an unforgettable way. This year, ditch the material gifts and create a travel registry instead.
Ready to plan your 21st birthday trip? Start by creating a free birthday travel registry today.