As college students, we are at a point in our lives where we crave self-discovery and growth, and travel is the ultimate way to do just that. From studying abroad to spending time exploring a foreign country on our own, being a young adult is the perfect time to travel the world. The enthusiasm young adults have for trying new things and learning about new cultures is so robust; we are at an age where we’re healthy and able to try anything and everything, and we still find ourselves curious about the world around us.
This past month, I had the opportunity to travel the world for myself, and I spent five weeks in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is hands down the most incredible city in the world, located in what is known as the “Rainbow Nation.” What many people who have never been to Africa don’t realize is that Cape Town is very similar to America in that it is a melting pot of other cultures. Yes, a majority of the population is black, however there are millions of citizens from around the world, ranging from western civilizations such as European nations to southern parts of Asia, and beyond that. This, combined with traditional African cultures, gives Cape Town such a rich and unique culture that many other places in the world do not have.
Due in part to the rich culture, the food in Cape Town is outstanding. Unlike America, there are little to no added preservatives, making every meal a little bit healthier by being more fresh and organic. With local markets happening on a near daily basis, you have the opportunity to have delicious food made right in front of you. The markets also provide an in-person Etsy experience with handcrafted clothing, jewelry, art and other small gifts.
Another unique aspect of Cape Town is that you have the opportunity to cross off infinite bucket list items by traveling up the coast on the Garden Route during your stay. The tallest bungee jumping bridge is located along the eastern coast along with shark cage diving in the main filming location of Shark Week. Elephant sanctuaries, cat sanctuaries and private game reserves for safaris allow you to get a more up-close experience with some of the most amazing animals in the world. The adventure is not solely available along this route- within Cape Town, you have the opportunity to surf, sand board, quad bike, sky dive, abseil and more. These crazy, Insta-worthy experiences are once in a lifetime opportunities and all located in one single location.
It is also very interesting to visit Cape Town sooner versus later because the history and end of the Apartheid is so recent. Citizens who were alive during this oppression can speak on behalf of history and give such an experiential learning opportunity. Like any other country, there is so much history to learn, but South Africa’s history is so easy to learn about, as it is so rich and recent.
Overall, Cape Town is easily one of the most stunning and beautiful places in the world. With the mountains and ocean just miles away from one another and the unique blend of cultures, one of the beautiful and culture-rich cities thrives. As a young adult, the adventurous opportunities in Cape Town will give you the adrenaline-high we so crave. The uniqueness of this culture creates the perfect environment for self-discovery and growth abroad. Cape Town is hands-down one of the most amazing places in the world and should absolutely be at the top of your travel bucket list.
