travelling the world in your 30s

13 Ways Travelling the World in your 30s is Different than in your 20s

As much as we might feel young at heart forever, there are apparent differences between travelling in your 20s and your 30s. While many of these changes aren’t necessarily bad, if anything, I’ve met travellers in the 60s who endlessly inspired and excited me; everyone grows old. And how your travelling experiences change are interesting to document and think about as you grow. I love learning from other travellers, especially those older than me.

When I turned 30, it was a like a switch got flicked. Things took me longer; I was more tired and suddenly didn’t feel like I could do everything. Other travellers who went through a similar change were super helpful in setting new goals and changing my expectations. So I wanted to document this for myself here so others can learn from me and my experiences with travel as I got older.

Accommodations get an upgrade

Travelling in my 20s meant searching for the cheapest hotel or hostel. Often these would be in not-so-good locations, far out from the centre of town. And while I still managed to find some great deals and pretty decent hotels, for the most part, they weren’t always the stuff of dreams. In Australia, I will never forget walking into our hostel and seeing a dead mouse in the centre of the room and knowing we had no choice but to stay there. So we cleaned up the mouse ourselves and just tried to pretend that it never happened.

In my 30s, especially now that I travel almost always with my partner, our hotel choices are much more appealing. There are no dead animals on the floor, and most of the time, these accommodations are in prime locations in the city, close to the action without being overbearingly touristy. Airbnb has also changed the game in terms of places to stay.

Bn’Bs over Bunkbeds

Now I can find quirkily themed apartments for rent that feels more like staying in a secret playhouse than they do a sterile hotel. In my 30s, I’ve travelled enough to know the truth from the BS and how to read a listing or review of a hotel for those key signals that this isn’t a great place to stay. Proof positive of this was on my last trip to Mexico City. We had initially booked a fantastic hotel for a GREAT price in a popular neighbourhood.

But the more and more I read about the area of town and dug deeper into the reviews, the more I realized that despite it being such an awesome price and having 5-star reviews, it was located in a super touristy and busy area that completely shut down at night. We opted to cancel that reservation (thank you, free cancellations on Expedia!) and rebooked a different hotel in a smaller bohemian neighbourhood which felt safe, quaint and picturesque. I’m glad I went with my gut as I recalled when I had stayed in a similar area, and it just wasn’t for me. For others, this might be the perfect place for you, but for me, I knew it wouldn’t be a good fit.

You take your time

In my 20s, my friend and I would book a two-week vacation in Europe to see 4-5 different cities. We would be up at dawn to get to the next town in time to still fit in some sightseeing before everything closed. Then onto the next location. We carefully planned what we ABSOLUTELY had to see and made sure to make that a priority, but there wasn’t much time left to explore and meander. We would have loved to spend more time in each city, but our budget didn’t allow it back then. It seemed like a waste of an expensive international flight not to try and see as many cities as we could while on this new continent.

These days, although my time for leisure travel has been reduced, I choose to spend my week’s vacation in one place instead of rushing from country to country. I list a few AREAS to explore instead of a list of singular sights. This means I can spend an entire day just in one spot, discovering things I never found online, and therein I get to share that with all of you, readers!

I have NOTHING against jam-packed travel itineraries since they allowed me to discover which countries I liked most and didn’t like when I was younger, but now that I’m older, I merely prefer this kind of slow-travelling.ein I get to share that with all of you readers! I have NOTHING against jam-packed travel itinerary since it indeed allowed me to discover which countries I liked most and didn’t like when I was younger, but now that I’m older I merely prefer this kind of slow-travelling.

Visiting those costly cities isn’t out of the questions

When travelling in your 20s, you’ll often research “the cheapest cities in Europe to visit.” These traditional, less expensive cities mean you can have a fantastic time but still pinch those pennies. As you age, cities like New York, Paris and Singapore suddenly become viable options. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I could FINALLY afford to travel to Japan; it was a life-changing trip! Cities with a cheaper cost of living are often well-suited to being younger. Places like Thailand, Mexico and Greece all feel more adventurous and perfect for younger travellers. While the more expensive destinations usually have a more refined and mature atmosphere, making them a comfortable place to go as you age.

Free time is harder to come by

I had this idea when I was young that when I grew up, I could afford all these amazing trips where I’d travel for months on end! But the problem with ageing is that your responsibilities at work and in your personal life seem to get in the way of just up and leaving to travel the world. Work barely enabled me to take two weeks off for my honeymoon, and when I got back, I felt the full force of being away. The idea of a “sabbatical” isn’t the norm anymore as more and more people aren’t staying with companies for years.

In your 20s, you have the time to take off for a few months between school semesters as long as you’ve worked your butt off during the school year making money. Or better yet, you might have the chance to do a year abroad and see more of the world that way. But when you get into your 30s, you have a career, not just a job. There is no longer a “summer break” unless you’re lucky enough to be a teacher. Those few weeks of vacation you get (if you get any paid leave at all!) are very precious, and you really learn to appreciate every second of your travels. It’s perhaps for this reason that you’ll find yourself spending more money to stay in a more central area hotel, lessening the amount of commuting you’ll have to do.

You have more confidence

I have learned A LOT about travelling since my first trip overseas. My dad was going there on business and traded in a first-class ticket for two economies and took me with him. What I didn’t know what that when we got there, he would be busy the entire time (although I probably should have assumed this), and I would be all on my own. I clutched the notes and directions he made for me like they were my lifeline and ended up making many mistakes but falling in love with the experience of travelling. Nothing prepares you for the pitfalls of severe jet lag like living through it. No dry runs or hypothetical conversations can give you insight into what to do when you lose your passport.

I remember not trusting my gut and being roped into a scam or tourist trap. Or I knew it was a trap and was too shy to speak up. Although I always feel like I’m learning, I’m definitely braver and more confident as a traveller than when I was 20. I speak up when I feel like something is wrong, or I know well enough not even to venture into something which feels too good to be true. I’ll call a waiter on his added “tourist taxes” or go out of my way to get a uber instead of a sketchy taxi that is bound to rip me off.

Travelling Alone

The other thing which I feel more confident about is travelling alone. Sometimes you and your partner or friends just can’t get your schedules to match up. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still head out on an adventure by yourself. Dining alone doesn’t have to be scary; it can be an opportunity to meet new people. You get to do exactly what YOU want to without any compromises. Being alone when travelling is a chance for you to reconnect with yourself in ways you don’t have the opportunity to do otherwise.

You know who your real friends are

I have travelled with many different groups of friends and partners throughout my life. And nothing tests a relationship like travelling. Travel is truly incredible, but it also involves lots of stress, compromise, exhaustion, problem-solving and more which can weigh on those relationships. When you’re in your 20s, I feel like you’re more optimistic. You feel like you go on those trips with the best intentions and optimism. New friendships feel fresh and exciting and travelling with new friends can be the best idea.

You think you don’t have a history, so you don’t have the chance of negativity from the past influencing the trip. But it also means you don’t know their personality, travel style, or financial constraints. I travelled all over the world with one good friend, who I’m still proud to call my best friend today. We never fought, always understood each other’s likes and dislikes and also learned that sometimes that means having a day apart instead of dragging the other to do things they don’t want to.

Other travel companions fell by the wayside, either due to us drifting apart or often just because we didn’t get along as travellers. In my 30s, quality time with my partner or friends is some of the best advantages of travelling together. When you get older, you have less and less time to spend with your friends, and this intimate occasion is a great way to reconnect.

You appreciate travelling with your family

Speaking of time to reconnect, let’s talk about family. When you’re in your 20s, there is nothing worse than being forced into a family trip. Maybe you’re itching to be independent and feel like this is holding you back. Perhaps you just want to have a romantic trip with your new partner, or maybe you want to let loose and party! For me, it was probably the independence that I appreciated most about travelling without my family. I felt so grown up and independent when I turned 2, even though, looking back, I totally wasn’t.

I still lived with my family in my 20s, and being away from them felt like freedom. Now, in my 30s, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I adore spending so much time with my parents and siblings, even my in-laws. As an adult (or as close to one as I can get), I get to spend time with them on a different level. Travelling helps you learn about people you might not otherwise discover.

I had such a great time travelling with my aunt, whom I’d otherwise not see outside of the holidays. Seeing her in this environment was so cool, and I feel like I got to know her more as a person rather than just a family member. The older you get, the less and less time you realize you have left with your parents, and I know I want to try and make those moments count for me.

You eat incredibly well

I’ve always been a pretty savvy traveller and found local cuisine at low prices, so I’ve never found myself eating at McDonald’s for three days straight just to save money. There are always little pubs, cafes and restaurants which serve amazing meals for low prices if you know where to look. But there is no way that when I was 20, I’d have been able to afford to eat at the various Michelin Star restaurants I’ve been so lucky to have been able to dine at now that I’m in my 30s. I’ve eaten some of my most exquisite, transcendent meals in my 30s. But even outside those “one-in-a-lifetime meals,” eating in your 30s means you might not have to be as rigorously diligent about checking menu prices.

Chances are your budget might not be so rigid, and you can generally find places to suit your tastes and budget anywhere you are. I don’t want to make this sound like I’m super rich and can eat expensive meals daily; that’s far from the truth. I’m one of the biggest cheapskates when it comes to eating out, and I still gasp at cocktails which cost $25. But in my 30s, I’ve learned to appreciate fine dining a little bit more and can afford to indulge in that from time to time.

You have a better idea of what kind of travel you like

In my 20s, I wanted to travel to all the most famous travel cities without ever thinking about if they were somewhere I’d enjoy or not. I wanted to tick those “top 10 destinations” off my bucket list (at least the ones I could afford).

And while I think I learned a lot about places I didn’t like as much as I did, I would if I could go back and change a few plans. I think I would have thought more about what I wanted and less about where people told me I NEEDED to visit. Bohemian artsy cities drew my gaze instead of glass metropolises. I also noticed that some European cities felt very similar, and I now go out of my way to visit places markedly different than other cities.

In your 30s, you are more steadfast in your likes and dislikes, and this greatly impacts where you want to travel. Everyone was so surprised when I visited Mexico City last year, but honestly, it was one of the best trips of my life. There is nowhere as bright and colourful as Mexico City, and despite everyone’s scare tactics about Mexico, we felt perfectly safe everywhere we went.

Time to relax is more important than seeing it all

When you’re 20, there aren’t too many enormous, unavoidable stresses or time vacuums in your life. School and relationships might have their ups and downs, but nothing compared to careers or, even more than that, kids. Vacations, especially those without kids, become your only opportunity to relax and unwind with your partner or perhaps with your friends. Those precious vacation days mean more than just a chance to travel somewhere new; it means a moment to catch your breath.

You might find that you can’t and don’t even want to go-go-go; you want to take things slow, to enjoy a coffee in peace and quiet for once. Maybe the kind of travelling you do changes. I’ve never been one for all-inclusive resorts, but I found myself considering one for the first time in 33 years just to get away somewhere warm where I didn’t even need to think about my schedule every day. While I still opted not to do this, I, for the first time, really did understand why people are drawn to those types of vacations.

You realize you can’t keep up with your younger self

When I took my first trip at 30, I went about it much like I always did. I got up at the crack of dawn and went as hard as possible to fit as much into my day before night. Very quickly into that first day, I realized that wouldn’t work for me anymore. For the first time in my life, I let someone convince me to take it easy, to go back to the hotel for a nap before heading out again in the evening.

And let me tell you, that nap felt impossibly amazing. I woke up feeling refreshed, not worried about the things I didn’t see or missed out on, but with a renewed sense of adventure for the rest of the evening. I definitely wear out more easily these days. That means not ticking off all the boxes on the bucket list. But feeling healthy and happy is more important than seeing it all. As you grow, you realize that it’s not about how many things you see but how you see them. How you let even those few memories and sights itch themselves into your heart and your mind.

Technology has changed

I remember when I was in my 20s, the first thing we’d do when we’d arrive in a new city was hit up the tourist information for a town map. We carried these paper maps with us everywhere we went, and by the end of the trip, they were half disintegrated from being overly used. Now and again, we’d print off a few Mapquest directions to and from different pre-planned destinations. If we got lost, there was nothing to do other than ask for direction or backtrack as best we could.

Nowadays, most big cities have free wifi all over the place, roaming is getting cheaper and cheaper on most phone plans, and there are even portable wifi devices where you can bring the internet with you. There is almost no chance of getting lost or needing to read a map. This saves a lot of time and confusion, but it’s also a little sad. I feel like staring into my phone to get the perfect route to my destination is a bit disconnected. I always challenge myself to use those old paper maps from time to time and still ask locals for directions when I get lost instead of immediately reaching for my phone.

Sleep isn’t optional

When I was young, I loved saving money by travelling when I should be sleeping. This meant overnight trains, buses and flights. I loved planning around these overnight journeys since it felt like winning free money I’d otherwise have had to spend on a hostel or hotel. I didn’t care how tired or uncomfortable I was. I’d chug down a few cups of coffee and be able to ride out the rest of the day with no problem. These days, I’m lucky even to get eight hours and not feel the sting of exhaustion by mid-afternoon. I still miss the money-saving opportunities of the overnight trains, but I don’t miss the fatigue.

While I might miss certain aspects of being young, I love getting older. I feel more connected to myself and, therefore, to my travels. I feel like I travel better, deeper and more comfortable physically and emotionally. What shifts did you see in your travels as you got older? If you’re still in your 20s, what other questions do you have for this ol’ “senior” about travel in your 30s? Let me know in the comments!

Happy travels, Adventurers!

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Such an awesome reflection! Some great things to keep in mind

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30 Trips to Take in Your 30s – Worldwide Best Travel Destinations

Home » 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s – Worldwide Best Travel Destinations

Welcome to your 30s, a decade that promises adventure, self-discovery, and unforgettable travel experiences. As you step into this new chapter of life, the world becomes your playground, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by exploring these 30 trips to take in your 30s. 

From ancient wonders to tropical paradises, from thrilling adventures to serene spiritual sojourns, each continent has something unique to offer. So, pack your bags, set your wanderlust free, and get ready to embark on Framey’s journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of the world. Your 30s are your time to shine, and these top 30 destinations will make this decade one to remember.

Table of Contents

A. South & Western Europe: History, Culture, and Mediterranean Splendor

• Paris, France: Wander the romantic streets and indulge in world-class art and cuisine.
• Barcelona, Spain: Experience the vibrant culture and stunning architecture of Gaudi.
• Florence, Italy: Renaissance art and marvelous architecture.

1. Paris: The City of Love and Lights – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre

Paris, the capital of romance, holds a special place in the hearts of travelers seeking love and enchantment. The Eiffel Tower stands tall as a symbol of the city’s charm, inviting you to witness breathtaking sunsets over the Seine River. Louvre Museum, home to timeless masterpieces like the Mona Lisa invites you to explore. And let’s not forget that Paris is a synonym for delectable pastries in quaint cafés, strolls through Montmartre’s artistic streets, and the artsy vibe of the Seine River.

2. Barcelona: The Architectural Marvel – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Gothic Quarter, Barcelona 📸 _ksu_erm_

The colorful, youthful, and artistic spirit of Barcelona makes the city of the best travel destinations in your 30s. Admire the awe-inspiring architecture of Antoni Gaudi, including the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Wander through the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets, filled with history and charm. Enjoy tapas and sangria at lively local bars, and soak in the Mediterranean sun at Barceloneta Beach. Barcelona’s unique blend of culture, art, and beachside bliss makes it a top choice for travelers of all ages.

3. Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance

Museum of Illusions Florence 📸 miry_clay_

Immerse in the artistic wonders of Florence, Italy’s Renaissance jewel. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David and admire the intricate facade of the Florence Cathedral. Explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to an impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Wander through the charming streets, stopping at cozy cafes for a cappuccino. Florence’s cultural heritage and artistic treasures create a captivating journey through Western Europe’s rich history.

B. Central and Eastern Europe: Hidden Gems & Old Charm – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

• Transylvania, Romania: Explore fairytale landscapes and legends of Dracula.
• Krakow, Poland: Wander through historic streets and experience Polish charm.

4. Transylvania, Romania – A fairytale of folklore and myths

Bran Castle, Transylvania 📸 thetravellingfrenchy

Venture into the enchanting landscapes of Transylvania, a region steeped in folklore and myths. Discover fairytale castles, including Bran Castle, often associated with the legend of Dracula. Explore the medieval streets of Brasov and Sibiu, picturesque towns frozen in time. Immerse in the Carpathian Mountains’ beauty, dotted with charming villages and stunning vistas. Transylvania’s hidden gems and rich history create a captivating journey through the heart of Eastern Europe.

5. Krakow, Poland – The city with a rich past and bright future

Piec Piekarnia Bakery, Krakow 📸 piekarnia.piec

Wander through the historic streets of Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital, where history comes alive. Visit the magnificent Wawel Castle, home to centuries of royal history and legends. Explore the haunting remnants of the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, and pay tribute at Auschwitz-Birkenau, a poignant reminder of humanity’s past. Krakow’s architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere offer a journey into the heart of Eastern Europe’s rich cultural heritage.

C. Western and Northern Europe: Art, Architecture and Majestic Fjords

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: Explore world-class museums and historic canals.
• Tromsø, Norway: Witness the magical dance of the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Q uirky architecture and lively nightlife

Damrak, Amsterdam 📸  @jessicachaw

Discover Amsterdam, a cultural capital teeming with world-class museums and historic charm. Visit the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Explore the iconic Anne Frank House and learn about the city’s rich history. Cruise along the picturesque canals, admiring the elegant canal houses. Amsterdam’s artistic heritage and vibrant atmosphere offer a cultural journey like no other.

7. Tromso, Norway – Aurora Borealis Extravaganza – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Embark on a journey to Tromsø, Norway, where the magical dance of the Northern Lights illuminates the winter skies. Join a Northern Lights safari, chasing the celestial spectacle across snow-covered landscapes. Experience dog sledding or reindeer sleigh rides, connecting with the Arctic wilderness. Tromsø’s remote location and stunning natural phenomena make it a top destination for travelers seeking an otherworldly experience.

D. South Asia: Home of oldest civilizations and tallest mountains – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

• Varanasi, India: Experience the spiritual energy along the sacred Ganges River.
• Bhutan: Discover the land of happiness and explore ancient monasteries.
• Maldives: Indulge in the ultimate romantic escape in luxurious overwater bungalows.

8. Varanasi, India: Spiritual Awakening 

Journey to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where life and death intersect along the banks of the Ganges River. Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunrise and sunset, filling the air with divine energy. Take a boat ride on the sacred river, observing the rituals and ceremonies that play a central role in Hindu traditions. Varanasi’s mystical aura and spiritual significance will leave you with a profound sense of self-discovery and enlightenment.

9. Bhutan: The Land of Happiness

Tiger’s Nest, Paro, Bhutan 📸 angelydub

Uncover the secrets of happiness in Bhutan, a kingdom nestled in the Himalayas. Embrace the country’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, where the well-being of its people takes precedence. Explore ancient monasteries perched on cliffs, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest. Immerse in traditional Bhutanese culture and witness colorful festivals that celebrate the nation’s rich heritage. Bhutan’s untouched beauty and spiritual ambiance offer a transformative experience for travelers in their 30s.

10. Maldives: Paradise on Earth – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Escape to the paradise of the Maldives, a haven of luxury and tranquility. Stay in opulent overwater bungalows, waking up to the sound of gentle waves. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, encountering colorful coral reefs and marine life. Enjoy candlelit dinners on the beach, under the starlit sky. The Maldives’ secluded beauty and world-class hospitality create a dreamy escape for travelers seeking a luxurious retreat.

E. East Asia: Island Hopping in one of the earliest cradles of civilization

• Kyoto, Japan: Find inner peace among serene temples and traditional tea houses.
• Bali, Indonesia: Discover the island’s spiritual essence and lush rice terraces.

11. Kyoto, Japan – Serenity and Tradition

In Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, find tranquility amidst traditional wooden temples, immaculate gardens, and the grace of geishas. Experience the meditative Zen culture by participating in a tea ceremony or practicing meditation in serene surroundings. Witness the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and the vivid colors of fall foliage. Kyoto’s profound spirituality and cultural richness offer a unique and reflective experience for travelers in their 30s.

12. Bali – The Island of Gods

Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida 📸⁠ mariefeandjakesnow

Discover the spiritual essence of Bali, where ancient temples and lush rice terraces await. Visit the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Experience the cultural heart of Ubud, attending traditional dance performances and exploring art galleries. Unwind in luxury resorts surrounded by lush jungles or rice paddies. Bali’s unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty creates a soulful island-hopping experience that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.

F. Western Asia – Best Cultural Exploration in the Middle East 

• Petra, Jordan: Explore the ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs.
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Experience the opulence of futuristic architecture and luxury shopping.

13. Petra, Jordan: The Rose-Red City – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Petra, Wadi Musa, Jordan – 📸 thewayfaress

Step back in time and explore the ancient city of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Wander through the narrow Siq, a natural gorge that leads to the Treasury, Petra’s most famous monument. Discover ancient tombs, temples, and theaters carved into the rose-red cliffs. Petra’s archaeological wonders and rich history offer a cultural journey like no other, where you can imagine the lives of the Nabateans who once thrived in this desert oasis.

14. Dubai, UAE – A Modern Marvel 

Experience the futuristic marvel of Dubai, where innovation and opulence converge in a desert metropolis. Visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and take in the breathtaking city views from the observation deck. Indulge in luxury shopping at Dubai Mall and experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional souks. Dubai’s modernity and traditional charm create a cultural fusion that captivates travelers seeking unique experiences.

G. North America: Unparalleled mountain scenery and exquisite diving 

• Banff National Park, Canada: Hike through pristine wilderness and spot majestic wildlife.
• Yosemite National Park, USA: Marvel at breathtaking waterfalls and granite cliffs.
• Bahamas: Snorkel in the clear waters of the Exumas and explore the vibrant marine life.

15. Banff National Park, Canada – Nature’s Playground

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Canada adventuringeyes

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies lies Banff National Park, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike along scenic trails, surrounded by towering peaks and turquoise lakes. Witness the stunning Moraine Lake, its pristine waters reflecting the beauty of the mountains. Encounter wildlife, from elks to grizzly bears, in their natural habitat. In winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Banff’s rugged landscapes and boundless adventures make it a top destination for adrenaline junkies in their 30s.

16. Yosemite National Park, USA – Majestic Wilderness

Yosemite National Park 📸 @codyconk

Explore the iconic Yosemite National Park in California, a land of awe-inspiring natural wonders. Stand in awe of the mighty Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Marvel at the grandeur of El Capitan and Half Dome, iconic granite cliffs that attract climbers from around the world. Hike through ancient sequoia groves, where massive trees have stood for centuries. Yosemite’s breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes offer an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to reconnect with nature.

17. Bahamas: Tropical Bliss 

Discover the tropical paradise of the Bahamas, where picture-perfect beaches and turquoise waters await. Snorkel in the clear waters of the Exumas, swimming alongside friendly nurse sharks and pigs. Experience the vibrant culture of Nassau, with its lively markets and historic sites. Indulge in fresh seafood and tropical cocktails while watching the sunset over the ocean. The Bahamas’ warm hospitality and idyllic setting make it a top choice for beach lovers.

H. South America: A myriad of cultures and natural wonders

• Patagonia, Argentina, or Chile: Discover the breathtaking landscapes of glaciers and mountains.
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Witness unique wildlife species in their natural habitat.
• Machu Picchu, Peru: Trek to the ancient Incan city and savor its mystical charm.
• Aruba: Lounge on white sands and swim in the turquoise waters of Palm Beach.

18. Patagonia: Untamed Wilderness – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Nahuel Huapi Lake, Patagonia, Argentina 📸 lasmorillashuemul

Venture into the wild landscapes of Patagonia, where untamed beauty and dramatic scenery await. Witness the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, with its blue ice towering over the lake. Trek through Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, surrounded by rugged mountains and turquoise lakes. Patagonia’s vast wilderness is great for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting. Embrace the raw power of nature and the sense of freedom that  comes with exploring one of the world’s last wilderness areas.

19. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador – A Living Laboratory 

Embark on a journey of discovery in the Galapagos Islands, a unique paradise teeming with rare and diverse wildlife. Encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat. Snorkel with marine iguanas and colorful fish in the crystal-clear waters. The Galapagos’ isolated ecosystem inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and continues to captivate travelers with its natural wonders. A visit to the Galapagos Islands is a journey of exploration and conservation that will leave you with a deep appreciation for our planet’s biodiversity.

20. Machu Picchu, Peru – Ancient Wonder of the Andes 

Trek to the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu, hidden among the lush mountains of Peru’s Andes. Follow the Inca Trail, witnessing stunning vistas of valleys and cloud forests along the way. Marvel at the precision and ingenuity of Incan architecture as you explore the ruins of this ancient city. Machu Picchu’s enigmatic charm and spiritual ambiance make it a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking to connect with the mysteries of the past.

21. Aruba, ABC Islands (Leeward Antilles): One Happy Caribbean Island

Underwater expedition in Aruba

Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, a Marriott Luxury and Lifestyle Hotel, Oranjestad, Aruba

Escape to Aruba, known as “One Happy Island” for its year-round sunshine and warm hospitality. Lounge on the white sands of Palm Beach, savoring the cooling breeze and the sound of waves. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, encountering colorful fish and coral formations. Explore the vibrant nightlife of Oranjestad, with its casinos, bars, and lively atmosphere. Aruba’s laid-back charm and natural beauty create the perfect beach getaway for travelers in their 30s.

I. Central America: High-adrenaline Escapades and Great Coral Reefs – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

• Costa Rica: Discover lush rainforests, wildlife, and thrilling adventures.
• Belize: Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Blue Hole and explore ancient Mayan ruins.

22. Costa Rica: Pura Vida 

Adventure In Costa Rica, the land of “pura vida,” embark on an adventure-filled journey through lush rainforests and along pristine coastlines. Zip-line through the jungle canopy, spotting exotic wildlife like sloths and toucans. Surf the Pacific waves in Tamarindo or Nosara, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Immerse in the rich biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park, where monkeys and colorful birds roam freely. Costa Rica’s vibrant nature and exhilarating activities create an ideal playground for thrill-seekers in their 30s.

23. Belize: The Jewel of the Caribbean

Secret Beach Belize, San Pedro, Belize

Dive into the underwater paradise of Belize’s Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snorkel among coral formations and swim alongside nurse sharks and giant rays. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, like Caracol and Xunantunich, that reveal the mysteries of a fascinating civilization. Hike through lush jungles, where Howler monkeys and jaguars roam. Belize’s mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage offers an immersive ecotourism experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

J. East Africa: Best Wildlife Safaris to ever witness – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Witness the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras.
• Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Encounter the “Big Five” in their natural habitat.

24. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – The Great Migration 

Embark on a wildlife safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti, where nature’s greatest spectacle, the Great Migration, unfolds. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of wildebeests and zebras crossing the vast plains in search of greener pastures. Spot the predators, including lions and cheetahs, as they follow the herds. The Serengeti’s rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes create a safari experience that will leave you in awe of the animal kingdom.

25. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya – Wildlife Haven

Hot air ballooning at Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County, Kenya

Lions at Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Discover the abundant wildlife of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, home to the iconic “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Witness the thrilling sight of a lioness hunting her prey or a herd of elephants bathing in the river. Experience the Maasai culture by visiting a traditional village and learning about their ancient way of life. The Maasai Mara’s unparalleled wildlife sightings and cultural experiences create a safari adventure like no other.

North & NorthEast Africa: Unforgettable Ancient Ruins and Civilizations

• Marrakech, Morocco: Wander through bustling bazaars and serene gardens.
• Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Explore the iconic ancient wonders and Sphinx.

26. Marrakech, Morocco – An Enchanting Oasis

A day at the Medina Beach 📸 riadsakkan

Immerse in the vibrant ambiance of Marrakech, where ancient traditions and modern life intertwine. Wander through bustling souks, haggling for treasures like colorful carpets and intricate lanterns. Visit the serene gardens of Majorelle and experience the tranquility of the Bahia Palace. Enjoy the flavors of Moroccan cuisine, from tagines to sweet pastries. Marrakech’s enchanting charm and rich history create an immersive journey through North Africa’s cultural heritage.

27. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt – Ancient Marvels – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Step back in time and explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, an ancient wonder that has stood for millennia. Marvel at the majestic Great Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Admire the enigmatic Sphinx, guarding the pyramids with its mysterious gaze. Learn about ancient Egyptian civilization at the nearby Egyptian Museum. The Pyramids of Giza’s timeless beauty and historical significance offer a journey into the heart of ancient history.

F. Australia/Oceania: Marine life at its finest – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Tahiti, French Polynesia: Discover lush landscapes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

28. Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Underwater Wonderland

The Great Barrier Reef from above – Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Incredible fish shot while exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Australia by 📸  @dive_down_under via leestorrow

Dive into the underwater wonderland of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Snorkel among coral formations teeming with marine life, from colorful fish to graceful turtles. Witness the annual migration of humpback whales, a majestic spectacle of nature. Take a scenic flight over the reef, appreciating its vastness and beauty from above. The Great Barrier Reef’s rich biodiversity and natural wonders make it a top destination for eco-conscious travelers.

29. Tahiti – A Tropical Haven 

Escape to the tropical haven of Tahiti, where lush landscapes and turquoise lagoons await. Discover hidden waterfalls and hike to scenic viewpoints with panoramic views of the island. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of black sand beaches, experiencing the unique volcanic beauty of the island. Savor traditional Polynesian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Tahiti’s remote allure and untouched nature offer a paradise for travelers seeking a peaceful and authentic escape.

G. Antarctica: The very best expedition of a lifetime – 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

• South Shetland Islands: Explore research stations and enjoy up-close wildlife encounters.

30. South Shetland Islands: Gateway to Antarctica 

A leopard seal hunting a young Adélie Penguin. Pictures taken near Brown Bluff, Antarctica hemmi90

Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica hemmi90

Explore the South Shetland Islands, the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit research stations and learn about ongoing scientific studies in this extreme environment. Encounter curious penguins and brave the icy waters for a polar plunge. Experience the unique sense of camaraderie among fellow adventurers as you navigate this remote and pristine wilderness. The South Shetland Islands offer a glimpse into life at the edge of the world, making your Antarctic expedition even more extraordinary.

30 After 30 Final Thoughts – Top 30 Best Travel Destinations in Your 30s

With the world at your fingertips and these top 30 destinations awaiting your exploration, your 30s will be a decade of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories. Embrace the diversity of our planet, connect with new cultures, and cherish the moments that will shape your life. So, download Framey , the ultimate travel companion, and let it capture your journey through your 30s, making every moment a cherished memory. Happy travels, wanderer!

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Didn’t travel in your 20s? No problem, here’s why it’s better in your 30s

I thought ditching work and going travelling was something you did when you were straight out of university. If you didn’t do it then, you didn’t do it.

With that in mind I was both lucky and unlucky to get a job I loved soon after graduating. While my friends were beginning their travels I was beginning a career.

The job was great. It was at a desirable company doing work I was passionate about… but I was still in dreary old England.

My friends were living their adventures in places like Costa Rica, New York and Italy, but I was far too focused on my career to take any big breaks.

I didn’t do any serious travel for years, until a good friend of mine was dumped and decided to hire a car and take us both on a road trip around Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

Loving life in Vienna

I realised that I didn’t miss out. My best traveling days are still to come.

Travel is just better as you get older.

A decade or so of settling into yourself turns you into a better traveler.

On my last solo trip, Lisbon, I stumbled upon a group of solo travelers in a bar in Cais do Sodre and we ended up drinking buddies for the evening. Perhaps because I am older and happier in my own company I find it much easier to make new friends. When I was younger I’m sure my awkwardness would have got in the way of meeting people and stopped me from enjoying being alone.

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On a tram in Lisbon

You probably have a bit more money

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking the cheap option. Hostels and campsites are great places to meet like-minded travelers, but when I was on a camping tour in Botswana it really helped that I could occasionally splash out and upgrade to a hotel room with air-con. In Toulouse I could thank my host by taking her and her partner out to dinner and buying a decent wine. Money isn’t everything, but there is no denying it makes travel easier and just that little bit more pleasant.

READ MORE ABOUT MY EPIC BOTSWANA TOUR

You can make your job work for you

Once you have put a bit of a career behind you and proven your worth then a lot of companies are open to career breaks, and flexible working is becoming more fashionable. With solid experience you could go freelance, or maybe it’s time to just quit and start something new when you come back!

I know lawyers who took a year out from their work. A good friend of mine works in bio-engineering, partly from an office but partly from a laptop wherever he happens to be in the world. I’ve met nurses on career break overlanding across South America.

The Amazon Jungle awaits

I make it work because my current job is shift-based so I can earn more annual leave and tend to have bigger gaps between runs of shifts. There are loads of ways to fit proper adventures around your career. If you’re reading this thinking you can’t because of work… well you can, you just haven’t figured out how yet.

READ MORE: HOW TO TRAVEL THE WORLD, EVEN WITH A 9-5 JOB

You know your limits

Perhaps this is because my hangovers are worse now but I am far less likely to waste a day in bed after a 5am finish than I used to be. I still drink more than I should when I’m traveling (you have to try the local booze right?) but I know how to pace it out.

That doesn’t mean I don’t party… but I’ve learned the hard way that nothing good happens after 2am. Besides, hammered tourists making locals uncomfortable is not cool.

Toulouse: a city so beautiful you don’t need beer goggles to appreciate

LIFE IS SHORT. THIS STORY IS A REMINDER TO LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST.

You’ve know who your real friends are

If you choose to travel with someone then that travel partner can make or break an experience, but by the time you’ve made it to your thirties you have a pretty good idea of who you can tolerate for extended periods of time.

The party friends are ditched; you’ve stopped bothering with that one person who is really funny but always flakes on plans. You have a few, important people who you know and trust to take you to the ends of the earth.

And those new friends you meet in the bar? You figure out pretty quickly whether they’re worth keeping in touch with.

Kayaking with company in BC, Canada

Since my European road trip I have camped in the Okavango Delta, kayaked with seals off the coast of British Columbia and seen a quartet play Mozart in Vienna. I’ve traveled solo and with a partner. I haven’t had to quit my job and I’m not rich. But I am planning a really big adventure for this  year.

Now I’m glad I came to travel late, the only downside is that I have to pack a bigger suitcase because I have more stuff.

Ready to take the plunge and see the incredible world for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s range of top trips and destinations.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel, Jay Cockburn x2, Intrepid Travel, Jay Cockburn x2.)

Feeling inspired?

Jay Cockburn

Jay’s home is in London but his heart is in the British Lake District. He’s obsessed with rainy wilderness, tall trees and sci-fi, so you’ll often find him hiking up mountains, in forests or on another planet. When he’s not doing that, Jay directs radio programmes for the BBC.

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11 Reasons Travelling in Your 30s is Better than Your 20s

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on October 1, 2014 |

How is travelling in your 30s different from travel in your 20s? Find out in our 11-point guide to being a thirty-something backpacker…

When you’re 22, it feels like you’ll be young forever. Sadly, you won’t. You’ll get old. It sucks. But being older doesn’t mean you have to give in to Sandals holidays; you can still be about the cool hostels, local buses, street food and the whole independent backpacker thing. But things will be different. Here’s how…

1. Your travelling windows are way, way shorter

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2. You finally figure out how to pack properly

Most first-time twentysomething backpackers take tons of unnecessary stuff. You see them bulking out their bag with 18 kilos of towels, toiletries and t-shirts; emptying an entire aisle of Boots over their dorm bed.

Over time, you learn how to pack smart . It probably helps that your mum isn’t around to insist you fit an entire A&E department in your First Aid Kit.

3. Boutique hostels suddenly seem preferable to 18-bed dorms

Party hostels are a great idea in your 20s. Sleeping’s for losers, right? Well, it turns out that when you’re older, sleep is actually pretty damn awesome. Hostels are still a great option for travelling in your 30s, but all-nighters have all but lost their appeal. Do we really need Avicii blasting out at 4am? Can’t we all just have a chilled beer and get an early night?!

4. You can’t hit the backpacker bar scene as hard as you used to

Exchange rates can be a wonderful thing. Especially when you’re a westerner bar-hopping in some exotic destination. But when you get older, hangovers get worse. Way worse.

Responsible drinking at Retox Party Hostel Budapest

So remember: just because a pint is 20p it doesn’t mean you have to drink the bar dry. Because waking up feeling nauseous in a tropical climate is not fun. At all.

5. You develop a surprisingly hardcore interest in museums

And galleries. And Cathedrals. And basically any other place where really interesting old stuff is kept. Why? Maybe it’s because you’re getting older and more interesting.

Or maybe there’s just a gene that kicks in at 30 that makes you appreciate this stuff – similar to the one that kicks in at 50 that makes you care about theatre and the National Trust.

6. A full-on day completely wipes you out

It might feel like your body will never wear out, but by 30 it’s already happening; the wheels haven’t fallen off yet, but the nuts and bolts are definitely coming loose. This means that an intense day of cramming in must-sees takes its toll. In your 20s you can do this stuff and then stay out all night.

In your 30s, you start thinking of days as either going-for-it-and-writing-off-the-evening days or chilling-out-and-saving-yourself-for-the-evening days. Which is kind of sad. But practical.

7. You’re less tolerant of backpacking bores

When you’re younger, you’re more open-minded when it comes to other travellers. You’ll probably talk to everyone. Make friends with anyone. But as you get older you can spot the annoying, bragging and competitive travel types from across the room.

This skill will help you avoid literally hours of being bored by someone who wants you to vicariously experience their amazing journey.

8. You feel more comfortable travelling solo

Most travellers are pretty terrified about going it alone when they’re young. Travel buddies. Travel mates. Whatever you want to call them, you usually feel a lot happier planning a trip if a friend’s coming along for the ride.

But once you’ve been around the globe a few times over a decade you realise that no matter how introverted you are, you’ve got what it takes to make it on your own. You’re more confident travelling in your 30s, you don’t always need people around you, and there are few situations you can’t handle.

9. You have to fight the urge not to compare stuff

There’s nothing like experiencing something mind-blowing for the first time. But once you starting experiencing your second wonder of the world, your third safari, your fourth continent, your fifth must-see monument, it’s hard to not compare them to something you saw 10 years ago.

But you know what? Don’t. Try to approach everything with fresh eyes. Don’t compare. And definitely don’t start comparing out loud. People will not like you.

10. You don’t freak out about not seeing everything

Most backpackers start their travelling careers with lists of all the things they want to see. Whether it’s a tick-box mentality or a genuine desire to experience everything, people can get obsessive over this stuff.

I have, at times. But when you get older, you realise you can’t see everything. You can’t go everywhere. So relax. Appreciate the stuff you do experience. Enjoy the ride.

11. Your wife/husband insists on travelling with you

Oh, yeah. You got married. Remember?

Andrew Tipp is a writer and editor working in digital publishing. He’s spent more than a year backpacking and volunteering around the world, and has previously worked as a content producer for a travel website. He writes on behalf of Original Volunteers , the UK’s leading independent volunteering organisation.

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A Travel Bucket List For Your 30s & 40s

I believe that travel in your 30’s (and beyond) is a different sort of experience than traveling in your 20’s.  For me, I was more settled in my career, more confident in what I enjoyed, and also more financially stable, which allowed me to seek out specific types of trips and experiences that I wanted, and not have to worry about every penny.  So this is a travel bucket list geared toward that life.

Some of what you’ll see below are destinations, and some are specific experiences…in general, my travel style is very experience-based.  Well, and let’s be honest, food-based!  So without further ado…

30 travel bucket list items for your 30’s & 40’s

1.  explore jordan’s lost city of petra.

Petra had been at the top of my bucket list since I was a teenager, and I was so excited to finally visit a couple years ago.

Wander through the ancient Lost City and marvel at  the intricate carvings that have stood the test of time, learn about the mysterious Nabatean people, and make sure to experience the mystical beauty at night !

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2.  Cappadocia, the air balloons

This had been a dream for many years, and for my birthday last year I planned an epic trip to Turkey that included a couple days in Cappadocia .  It was awesome, but both mornings the hot air balloons didn’t fly due to weather conditions.  So a return trip is definitely in the cards…

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3.  Go on my first safari

There are so many to choose from, and I want to experience so many different ones!  I want to stay at the giraffe manor in Kenya, a treehouse in South Africa , and see the “big 5” and so much more.  It’s just a matter of figuring out where to start…

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4.  Do an Alaskan cruise, rail, helicopter trip

The absolutely astounding natural beauty of Alaska has been on my list for probably a decade.  Fjords, glaciers, bears, mountains, and more…what’s not to love??  I had a couple co-workers that did a combination cruise-scenic rail-helicopter trip and it looked AMAZEBALLS.

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5.  Trekking in Son Doong Cave in Vietnam

Son Doong is the world’s largest cave, and photos of it are fascinating.  The cave is so large that it has its own weather systems and creates its own clouds.

There’s only one company who can do tours, and there’s a two-year waiting list so you should definitely plan ahead if this is on your list.  The five-day tour includes intense jungle trekking, river crossings, abseiling, climbing, camping, and more.  You can see more about the tour experience here and the cave itself here .

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6.  Hike Machu Picchu

I feel like this is self-explanatory, as it’s been on everyone’s world travel bucket list.  I’m not a crazy camper/hiker so I don’t know that I want to do a multi-day trek on the Inca Trail…maybe a day hike and rail would be more my style.  But llama selfies are a must.

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7.  Take a week-long sailing trip

Despite growing up on a farm in landlocked Kansas, I have discovered an intense love of being on a boat…and particularly more of a sailing style trip.  From sailing in Sweden to a couple days cruising the Turkish coast , I’m always looking for my next boating adventure.

I’ve done a couple of 2-3 day trips and a challenging 5 days from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, but I’d really love to do a full week sailing somewhere gorgeous.  Maybe Croatia or Greece, but open to even more exotic locations!

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8.  Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives or Fiji

LIFE.  GOALS.   This just seems like the most luxurious paradise possible, and I really need this in my life.

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9.  Hike up a glacier

Hiking up a glacier in Iceland was one of my favorite activities on that trip, and I’ve had my eye on glacier hiking in Alaska, New Zealand, and Argentina as well.  It’s amazing digging your spiky shoes in, seeing the vast expanse of jagged ice rising up in front of you, and the mix of colors and textures inside!

10.  Fly legit first class

I’ve flown business class over to London and Italy before (both Delta One), which was awesome and *kind of* counts.  And I’ve done business class on Turkish Airlines  and Air France (during COVID), which vwere both nice a bit underwhelming relative to the cost.

But I mean one of those EPIC like Asian airlines with true luxury.  Experiencing an airplane suite just seems so over-the-top and something I want to try sometime.

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11.  See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights have captivated me (and, like…all of Pinterest) for years, and I was excited to catch some glimpses in Tromso, Norway.  But it still was just a small amount and I had to mostly view them through my camera.

Then I spent the night on a frozen Finnish lake in a tiny mobile cabin with them fluttering overhead for hours.  So much better!

But someday I really want to see the lights DANCE, something I could see with my naked eyes and in all the different colors (like this pic).  Still very much on the bucket list.

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12.  Soak in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls

Nothing like an adrenaline rush on the edge of one of the world’s biggest waterfalls.  And I’m a sucker for waterfalls in general, so this is very much up my alley.

13.  Visit China’s amazing floating mountains

Immortalized in the movie Avatar, China’s Zhangjiajie Mountains are mind-blowing in their scope and other-worldliness.  I’m DYING to visit and experience this in person.  Blue creatures optional.

14.  Visit all 7 continents

Like…I’ve gotta get a move on here.  I’ve spent so much time in Europe, and obviously North America.  I’ve done some solid travel in South America and Oceania (IF THAT’S EVEN A REAL CONTINENT).

But other than technicalities (Asian Turkey, I think Israel and Jordan may technically be Africa), I’ve got a ways to go.

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15.  Experience Russia’s culture and architecture

The insanely colorful domes of Moscow and St. Petersburg have fired my imagination.  There’s so much I don’t know about this massive country and culture, and I’d love to start scratching the surface.

16.  Get my PADI dive certification

Up until my senior year of high school, I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist.  Then I realized that I wasn’t super into science 🙂

But I still really want to get my dive certification to be able to take advantage of great scuba diving opportunities in different destinations.  For instance, I would have loved to dive the Silfra Fissure rather than just snorkel, and same for Belize’s barrier reef.

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17.  And with that, dive the Great Barrier Reef

This has been on my travel bucket list since I was a teenager!  Even though half of the coral in the world’s largest barrier reef has been bleached or killed, there are tons of amazing dive spots left.

This article on Nomadic Matt has great info on how to plan your trip and what to expect, and I hope to make this a reality in the next few years…while it’s still open to tourists!

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18.  Ride in a hot air balloon

I’ve actually scheduled this multiple times, and been repeatedly thwarted!  I had hot air balloon rides planned in both New Zealand and Turkey, and both times the weather had other ideas.

I just think that floating over a cool landscape sounds awesome, and I can add it to my list of airborne activities…skydiving, paragliding, etc. 🙂

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19.  Road trip around New Zealand’s South Island

It’s hard to even know what photo to use, because the diversity of stunning landscapes is unbelievable.  From craggy snowy peaks to glaciers to turquoise beaches to alien landscape rocks to crashing waterfalls, there’s something for everyone here.

I spent a couple weeks exploring new Zealand and it still barely scratched the surface.  I’m dying to return and spend more time here.

20.  Visit the Grand Canyon

As an American, it just seems…shameful that I haven’t.  I’ve seen thousands of photos and video of one of our most iconic natural wonders, but still haven’t managed to visit myself.  Part of that is it truly is kind if in the middle of nowhere.  Like, you’re not going to just end up in the neighborhood!

I also feel like you have to plan this trip quite a bit ahead of time to get housing and such, and I’m terrible at that longer-term commitment.  But I definitely need to knuckle down!

Update: I was able to visit the North Rim on a day trip!

21.  Watch the sun set over the Greek islands

This just sounds so magical.  The Greek isles have been on my list forever…sure, I want to see the famous views of Santorini and Mykonos, but I’m not really a crowds person.  So I’d love to spend most of my time exploring some of the smaller more “hidden gem” islands that Greece has to offer.

And maybe combine that with my sailing trip 🙂

I finally made it to Santorini and Naxos !

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22.  Cruise in Antarctica

Now that I’ve been to Cappadocia (my last bucket list #1), getting to experience the wonders of Antarctica sits squarely atop my bucket list.  It takes planning and serious money, but it’s most definitely on my radar for the next 3-5 years!

From astounding icebergs to penguins to absolutely alien landscapes, my brain can’t even fathom what this would be like.  But I know it needs to happen.

23.  See a Broadway show in NYC

This is just one of those quintessential life goals, almost a rite of passage for travelers in their 20s and 30s.  No matter whether you’re a musical theatre nerd or not (I am a bit), this is such a fun experience.  Get dressed up, having dinner ahead of time, and then enjoy being dazzled.

I saw Wicked on Broadway several years ago (not the original cast, sadly), but would love to get back there for one of the even older classics some day!

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24.  Walk the Great Wall of China

This might feel cliche, but it’s a must-do for a reason.  The size and history are a huge part of the draw, not to mention its spot as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

And then I can pretend I’m a soldier defending the wall from the Huns …

25.  Take an amazing river cruise (or the fjords of Norway)

Again, I’ve *technically* done this, with my two-hour boat trip through the Nærøyfjord , but I’d like to do an all-day affair.  Norway’s fjords are stunning, and you know I love me a boat, so this is a match made in heaven.  I’d really love to see this in summer as well, with all the greenery and blue skies.

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26.  Eat breakfast with giraffes in Kenya

This feels kind of like a cheat since I already talked about a safari, but this is a little different.  I’ve been obsessed with Kenya’s Giraffe Manor ever since I first saw it on Pinterest.

The manor was originally built in the 1930s and has been a giraffe sanctuary since the ’70s.  There are only six bedrooms so it’s very private, and guests can share breakfast with the eight giraffes in residence.  And they are the CUTEST!!!

27.  Take cooking classes in Turkey (or anywhere else)

Turkish food is one of my absolute favorite cuisines (as evidenced by the ode to Turkish food I wrote).  I also got to experience a ton of homemade Turkish food on my 2-day sailing trip, and I want so badly to learn how to make some of this myself.  Tender spiced kofte and kebabs, doughy pide, crispy burek, comforting gozleme, flaky baklava, and so much more.  DROOL.

I actually learned to cook in Italy, way back in college when I studied abroad.  My mom was a great cook but I basically refused to learn, until I studied in Florence for a summer.  I still make my host mom, Giovanna’s, homemade pesto and tiramisu all the time, and would love to do more cooking classes there.

You might also like:   How to Make Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba)

28.  Go dog sledding in Scandinavia

I had an amazing time visiting Camp Tamok outside of Tromso, Norway.  We slept in a traditional Sami lavvu, enjoyed gorgeous scenery during Polar Night, and got to go dog sledding with the pups in the morning.  I did a TON of research ahead of time on the different tour operators and how they raise and treat the dogs to make sure I was able to find a great, ethical place.

These pups seemed so excited once we got to get out and run, and it was a breathtakingly beautiful pearly pink morning.  A must-do.

I also went dog sledding in Finland , if you want to check that out!

You might also like:   A Packing List for Iceland (or Similar) in Summer

29.  Snorkel or scuba dive between continents

Despite how insane it sounds, something that I think should be on everyone’s travelbucket list is snorkeling or diving Iceland’s Silfra Fissure .  I know, snorkel + Iceland sounds crazy.  And it is cooooooooooold (like 36 F cold…).  But totally worth it.  

The fissure is a gap between two continents, and the only place where you can dive or snorkel BETWEEN CONTINENTS.  How badass is that?!

The water in the Silfra Fissure is some of the clearest in the world, with visibility up to 400 feet.  It’s also clear water from glacier run-off, so totally safe to drink when it gets into your snorkel air tube… (only me??  fine then.)

You might also like:  Important Questions to Guide You When Planning a Trip

30.  Jet off to the Faroe Islands

These tiny islands are so remote, halfway between Norway and Iceland (though actually an autonomous part of Denmark), and THEY ARE SO CUTE.  It just looks so mystical, like a smaller and sparse Iceland but even more unique.  I want to get there before *everyone* has visited!

It feels like I’ve just scratched the surface, but I think this travel bucket list can keep you busy for a decade!  I’m continuing to add to my own list and starting one for my 40’s as well (I mean I *am* 35 already)…I’d love to know what else I should add to my list.  What future destinations should I dream of??

Other travel inspiration you’ll love:

• 6 Travel Intentions for 2022
• 7 Travel Intentions for 2020
• 10 Places I’m Dying to Visit in 2020
• The 10 Best Books I Read in 2019

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• 1 Costa Rica
• 2 Lanserhof Tegernsee, Bavaria
• 3 Stockholm, Sweden
• 4 Amalfi Coast
• 5 Sri Lanka
• 8 Seville, Spain
• 9 Shanghai, China
• 10 Douro Valley, Portugal
• 11 Newfoundland
• 12 Sydney, Australia
• 14 Vancouver
• 16 New Orleans, Louisiana
• 17 Blue Lagoon, Iceland
• 18 Portland, Oregon
• 20 New York City, NY
• 21 Kyoto, Japan
• 22 South African Safari
• 23 Loire Valley, France
• 24 Budapest, Hungary
• 25 Montana Dude Ranch
• 27 Fez, Morocco
• 29 Mexico City, Mexico
• 30 Santorini, Greece

30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

You're older and wiser. Where to travel now that you've got your sh*t together? (Relatively-speaking, of course.) Here are 30 trips that deliver the perfect mix of excitement, intrigue, adventure, luxury, and most importantly—fun!—from an off-the-grid getaway in Alaska to a bucket-list safari in Africa. Start planning 'em for when we can travel again.

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

See recent posts by Chelsea Stuart

Cheap booze and world-class swells brought you to Costa Rica in your twenties. Now, experience some of the country’s more grown-up pleasures—namely, its jaw-dropping natural scenery, inspired cuisine, and wellness-focused attractions—at the adults-only Oxygen Jungle Villas . The boutique hotel is nestled within a plot of protected Costa Rican rainforest and perched above the Pacific Ocean, so you truly feel like you’re living in the wild. You’ll spend your days lounging in your Balinese-style villa, going on countless outdoor excursions (hiking, whale watching, scuba diving), and exploring the restaurants and storefronts of neighboring town Ojochal.

Lanserhof Tegernsee, Bavaria

Vacation days—and we mean real vacation days, sans work and family commitments—are hard to come by in your thirties. Which is why it’s important to truly relax, re-center, and recharge when you do get a few days to yourself. Enter the legendary Lanserhof Tegernsee detox resort in the Bavarian Alps. Here, spa-goers are retaught how to chew and sleep, forced to cut sugar and alcohol from their diets, and if the specialists deem it necessary, subjected to futuristic medical evaluations including sleep assessments. The amenities make up for the rigors of the program: we’re talking an 18-course golf course, a saltwater swimming pool, nightly classical music concerts, and a monastically beautiful setting (all glass and stone and embowered by the forest).

Stockholm, Sweden

Your thirties are all about cultivating a distinctive sense of taste and style. And in Stockholm, you’ll have world-class museums, galleries, design stores, and concept boutiques at your fingertips. A few must-stops: Sven Harrys-Art Museum , a slick art space that houses the private collection of collector Sven-Harry Karlsson; Malmstenbutiken , a storied Swedish brand known for its furniture and textile designs; and hotel At Six , a boutique high-rise with an art collection that includes big names like Sol Le Witt and Jaume Plensa.

RELATED: These 10 Virtual Museum Tours Are Giving Us Life Right Now

Amalfi Coast

You’ve dreamt about Amalfi’s pastel-hued villages, cobbled streets, and cerulean waters for as long as you can remember. Now that you have disposable income to spend and (hopefully) more vacation days, it’s time to make those dreams a reality. Stay in Amalfi at the five-star  Hotel Santa Caterina , set in a 19th-century, liberty-style villa above the sea. When you’re not lounging by the private pool or the beach club, explore the town’s charming maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, precipitous steps, and bustling piazza.

If you’re celebrating a big anniversary or birthday, there’s no better place to do so than Sri Lanka. The exotic island offers out-of-this-world Indian Ocean coastlines, lush tropical vegetation, elephant-filled national parks, and plenty of luxury resorts like the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort , spread across a 21-acre former coconut plantation on the southernmost coast of Sri Lanka. Splurge on a private villa—which comes with a private plunge pool, expansive deck, butler pantry, tiled rainfall shower—and you may never want to leave your guest room. But we’d recommend peeling yourself away for at least a few hours to indulge in an authentic Ayurvedic treatment at the spa, learn the ropes of Sri Lankan cooking at Anatara’s popular Spice Spoons Cooking school, or take part in a traditional high-tea service.

With age comes wisdom—plus, an affinity for the finer things in life. And at Chile’s Vik Hotel , a design-forward retreat and wine spa located two hours from Santiago, in Chile’s Millahue Valley, you’ll find plenty of amenities that will appeal to your refined tastes. We’re talking a vino-centered spa, infinity pool, two restaurants, and high-design guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, original artwork, and curvilinear furniture (an homage to the property’s undulating titanium rooftop). Want to get outside and take in some of that jaw-dropping scenery? There are seven horses on standby that can whisk you around the property’s vineyard.

RELATED: 8 Ancient Cities of the World to Add to Your Travel Wish List

There will come a time in your thirties when you just need to get away from it all (the job, the bills, the responsibilities) with a back-to-nature trip. And for this kind of escapist getaway, we’d recommend Alaska—a land of impenetrable forests, vast tundras, towering glaciers, and some of the world’s most awe-inspiring animals. To see the region’s wildlife up close and personal, hop on a guided glacier or wildlife walk with Salmon Berry Tours , where you might spot Dall sheep, mountain goats, and caribou as you explore the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Then it’s on to the Kenai Fjords National Park , the smallest national park in Alaska, to see The Harding Icefield (almost 714 square miles of ice up to a mile thick) and Resurrection Bay . Make your home base The Hotel Alyeska , a rustic mountain lodge with direct access to hiking and biking trails.

Seville, Spain

Spain is known for its 10 p.m. dinners and a go-all-night nightlife. But you don’t need the stamina you had in your twenties to have an unforgettable trip there in your thirties. Consider Seville, in the southern part of the country, where there are delicious tapas, afternoon siestas, cortados at sidewalk café, and the relaxed lifestyle emblematic of Spanish culture. Don’t miss a meal at the resplendent San Fernando Restaurante at the Hotel Alfonso XIII , where you’ll feast on Andalusian fare like Iberian pork cheek with paprika and garlic, and strolling around the 16th-century Alameda de Hercules , which has a fresh market, jazz bars, and al alfresco cafes. Bed down at the Hotel Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza , an exquisite 18th-century townhouse, with sun-drenched courtyards and a rooftop terrace with a pool.

Shanghai, China

It can be easy to fall into a bit of a vacation rut in your thirties, returning to the same hotels and destinations over and over again. To rediscover your love of travel—and immerse yourself in an intoxicating foreign environment—pack your bags for Shanghai. The cosmopolitan city has it all: sleek skyscrapers, high-end shopping, innovative restaurants, and cultural landmarks, from the French Concession and Nanshi to the riverfront Bund. Check into The Puli Hotel and Spa , a serene urban hideaway with a central address in city’s Jing’An district and Zen vibe.

RELATED:   9 Life-Changing Trips to Take in Asia

Douro Valley, Portugal

You did Lisbon and Porto in your twenties. Now, it’s time to see a different side of Portugal by spending some time in Douro Valley—a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards that blanket steep mountainsides, with the majestic Douro River as the centerpiece. Wine is at the heart of it all at the historic Six Senses , a 19th-century manor house restored for the 21st century by New York-based firm Clodagh Design. Guests can unwind with wine-focused treatments in the spa, attend wine tastings in the library, and sample regional varieties at the on-site restaurant. Take a break from your education in viniculture at the property’s magnificent infinity-edge pool, which looks out over the winding river.

Newfoundland

If you’ve been to Canada, chances are it wasn’t to Newfoundland. The sleepy Atlantic Canadian province doesn’t exactly have the uh, international appeal as cities like Montreal or Toronto. What it does have? Quaint fishing villages, arctic wildlife, jaw-droppingly beautiful national parks, and plenty of Maritime charm—all things you likely have more of an appreciation for now that’s you’re older. Start your adventure in the capital city of St. John’s, a colorful little town with steep streets, clapboard houses, and Irish pubs (hit up George Street for the city’s best), then hit the road in the direction of Fogo Island. The tiny, salt-tanged isle offers fewer than a dozen restaurants and cafés, but makes up for it with a burgeoning art scene and plenty of design-forward accommodations—like the 29-room Fogo Island Inn .

Sydney, Australia

Australia is the ultimate adventure playground, which is probably why so many twentysomethings flock there for their gap-years and study abroads. But there’s more to the country than surfing and off-road adventures—especially if you set your sights on Sydney. With its hip, lively neighborhoods, iconic harbor, top drawer dining, gorgeous beaches, and legendary coffee culture, the city offers all the excitement of a world-class city with all the relaxation of a beach break. Book a stay at the Park Hyatt Sydney , an 155-room sleep with minimalist rooms—the best of which feature dead-on views of the Opera House—a heated rooftop pool (ditto about those views), two waterfront restaurants, and a spa that incorporates ingredients sourced from the Blue Mountains.

RELATED:  15 Cool Things to Do in Sydney

You can do Hawaii on the cheap, but in our opinion The Aloha State is best experienced while traveling with deep pockets. (Hence why it’s a destination best visited in your thirties.) If you’re traveling with the kiddos, go to Maui—specifically, the glitzy, family-friendly enclave of Wailea; if not, there’s no better place than Kauai to escape from real life and lose yourself in the beauty and serenity of your tropical surroundings. For the ultimate in luxury accommodations, bed down at the St. Regis Princeville , perched on a cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay and the famous Na Pali Coast and featuring an 11,000-square-foot spa and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.

You did the superstar cities in your twenties: New York, Paris, London, Tokyo. Now that you’re a little older, you don’t have the same patience to put up with all that big city living entails—crowds, traffic, pollution, and all. But in Vancouver, British Columbia, you’ll get the big city feels without any of the inconvenience (or headache). That’s because the West Coast locale is consistently rated as being one of the most livable cities in the world, thanks to its abundance of parks, ease in getting around, laidback Californian-esque vibe, and thriving creative scene. The city’s ever-evolving culinary scene means there’s a cool, global-inspired restaurant to check out on almost every corner. Our faves? Torafuku , a pan-Asian restaurant with a clean, stripped-down aesthetic and to-die-for bites (like the “Rye So Messy” chicken wings, marinated in gochukang (a Korean fermented condiment), and Vij’s , an buzzy Indian restaurant that has played host to everyone from ex-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to Harrison Ford.

This under-the-radar Middle Eastern country is one for your bucket list. Boasting Hawaiian-style tropical beaches, deserts dotted with mirage-like swimming wadise, and the soaring, 10,000-foot peaks of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar mountain range, it’s home to stunningly beautiful terrain—and a crop of new luxury resorts that put the scenery front and center. We love the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort , built on the edge of the rocky Saiq Plateau and one of the best cliffside hotels in the world (in our opinion). When not taking a dip or chowing down on Omani and international cuisine at own of the resort’s six restaurants, head to the spa for decadent treatments, to the kitchen for a cooking class, or to the Hajar mountain range for a heart-pumping climb.

RELATED: 24 Most Beautiful Places in The World To Add To Your Bucket List

New Orleans, Louisiana

Sure, you might have already been to NOLA on a long gone spring break or with a rowdy bachelor or bachelorette party, but we’re suggesting this trip extend beyond Bourbon Street’s 13 blocks. Taking a more grown up approach to the southern city first means skipping over the budget-friendly but less than chic accommodations you went for in your younger years (see: La Quintas and Best Westerns) in favor of the Ace Hotel New Orleans —a buzzed-about Arts District boutique with retro-inspired furniture, a two-story music venue, and onsite restaurant helmed by James Beard-nominated chefs.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Save those overpriced luxury spa packages for when you’re 50, and opt for something a bit more adventurous. We’re well aware of this geothermal spring’s popularity with tourists, but it’s a must-do nonetheless. Famed for its turquoise-colored waters, it’s pooled within a lava-field basin rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. Expect to step out of the natural hot tub feeling fully pruned and pampered.

Portland, Oregon

No matter your age—or *aesthetic*— PDX’s counterculture-loving, free-as-a-wild-horse spirit is attractive. Drop by the Pacific Northwest to spend laid-back days hiking Mount Hood, browsing more than two million titles at Powell’s City of Books, and indulging in requisite daily cold-brews. While you’re in town, tuck away at the The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel . The urban chic stay has a rooftop perfect for socializing and two stellar restaurants: the ultra-sleek Departure (serving Asian fare from a 15th-floor dining room), and Urban Farmer, a sustainable steakhouse with reclaimed design.

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By now you’ve likely been to heavy-hitting Euro destinations like England, France, Germany, and Italy, but have you ever ventured out east? Oft-overlooked by study abroad programs and the slapped-together backpacking itineraries that defined our twenties travel, Croatia is a feast for the eyes—from the early renaissance architecture and romantic alleys in Dubrovnik, to the seductive, glittering coasts of Vis, Hvar, Split, and Korcula. Start your getaway in Dubrovnik (it’s walled-in Old Town doubled as King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones ), avoiding crowds by checking into Villa Argentina , a cliffside dame overlooking the Adriatic.

New York City, NY

NYC is an everyman’s destination—what with trendy restaurants, buzzed-about bars, game-changing Broadway shows, unparalleled art and history museums, and every type of stay. Though dive bars and bottomless brunches in Williamsburg and the LES will always have our hearts (having played host to many a quarter-life-crisis chat with friends), once life sorts itself out, weekends are for culture kicks. Hit Manhattan’s Museum Mile and knockout exhibitions at The Guggenheim , The Jewish Museum , The Neue Galerie , and The Met —but don’t forget about uptown and downtown options like the MoMA or Whitney either.

RELATED: Cocktails for Delivery Are Here: 10 Bars Where You Can Order ‘Em in NYC

Kyoto, Japan

Leave backpacking Southeast Asia (and bedding down in seedy hostels) to the twenty-somethings—it’s time to take on Japan. Ornate Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, teahouses, and geishas are what you’ll find in Kyoto, the country’s ancient capital. Trek halfway up Mt. Otowa for panoramic views of the city from the ancient Kiyomizu-dera temple; stroll through an otherworldly sea of green at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; or snake through the torri (shrine gates) at the iconic Fushimi-Inari-Taisha—you really can’t go wrong.

South African Safari

Unless you’ve come into an inheritance or won the lottery, an African safari is probably something you’re still aspiring to afford regardless of whether you’re 22 or 32. But, if you have managed to wile away some savings, be prepared to drop it all on a stay at Lion Sands Sabi Sand —a glam bush lodge overlooking Kruger National Park—for pillowy beds draped in romantic netting, enormous freestanding soaking tubs, and sightings of the Big Five right from your room.

Loire Valley, France

First-timer trips to France usually consist of the iconic sites in Paris, but once you’ve covered that, it’s time to head south to the sprawling Loire Valley. Just a 2-hour ride out of the city, the vineyard-cloaked Valley lures travelers with rolling countryside, opulent feudal chateaux, and teensy, tiny cafés serving up the best in regional French specialties. Splash out on a sexy rental car (a convertible, preferably), and set out on a self-guided tour of the region’s cathedrals and castles; the Château de Meung sur Loire , Château de Villandry , Chateau de Chenonceau , and Chartres Cathedral are among our top picks.

Photos Courtesy of Budapest Spas

Budapest, Hungary

The Budapest jaunts of your younger years may have leaned heavily on nights spent at romkocsma aka “ruin bars”—derelict buildings that have been transformed into all-but-secret clubs—but round two, ditch the drinks and plan for pampering. As the City of Spas, Hungary’s capital has plenty of R&R options. Go for a mineral-enriched dip at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath , a massive, circa-1913 Neo-baroque-style complex with 21 pools. You’ll likely find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and other visitors, but the OG baths are popular for a reason.

RELATED:   9 European Cities You Probably Haven’t Visited Yet, But Should

Montana Dude Ranch

Set that OOO email and get to feeling like a kid again with a trip to a 19th-century homestead. Clear your mind of any roughing-it notions, though—all-inclusive stays at the Ranch at Rock Creek (in Philipsburg) expertly mix typical ranching activities like horseback riding and fly-fishing with chic mountain-meets-modern interiors and gourmet farm-style meals.

The Land of the Thunder Dragon harbors some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes (glacial mountain peaks, alpine valleys, dense primeval forests, snow-fed rivers) as well as stunning cliffside temples, monasteries, and sacred sites—so why do only 100,000 people visit each year? The stats can be chalked up to daunting pre-trip paperwork, but now that you’ve been an official adult for more than a decade, you should be able to get your sh*t together in order to bliss out among the snowcapped Himalayan peaks at Taj Tashi .

Fez, Morocco

While Marrakech’s seducing streets overflow with international tourists, Fez—the country’s calmed-down, culture capital enchants with its own labyrinthine souks, traditional tanneries, upscale hammams, and exotically spiced dishes. Drop your bags at Hotel Sahrai , an ultra-luxe boutique tucked between the main medieval medina and Ville Nouvelle—the city’s modern section. Once you’ve admired your light-filled room, take a taxi to Bab Bou Jeloud. The ornate Moorish gate serves as the city’s main entrance, and if you stand far enough back, you’ll find that it perfectly frames the minaret of the Madrasa Bou Inania.

RELATED: 14 Livestream Travel Cams Around the World

Leave the party-hardy shores of Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the DR to the spring breaker crowds and go for Barbuda, a 62-square-mile isle that flies relatively under the radar. Antigua’s sleepier sister—once a favorite of Princess Diana—is all secluded pink-sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, and swaying palms. For the ultimate R&R—we’re talking rustic-chic accommodations with peaked bamboo ceilings, four-poster beds and wicker furnishings—check in at Barbuda Belle on the uninhabited northern tip of the island.

Mexico City, Mexico

With a hip art scene, white-hot restaurants, and chic boutiques, Mexico City is a top choice when you’ve graduated from booze-filled getaways in Cancun and Cozumel. Make Hotel Carlota —in the central Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, just north of Paseo de la Reforma (MC’s main artery)—your home base. Contemporary Mexican decor, a farm-fresh restaurant, a boutique design store, and a glass-edged plunge pool easily make it one of the coolest sleeps in the city. For a mouthwatering meal, head off to Pujol where chef Enrique Olvera (you may recognize him from Netflix’s Chef’s Table ) whips up innovative takes on street food to form a gourmet six-course tasting menu.

Santorini, Greece

Jetting off to Santorini isn’t in the cards for most post-grads. But once you’ve found your way out of the weeds (read: mountains of student loan debt), it’s a prime treat yo’self destination. The San Antonio presents absolute peace and quiet with a cliffside locale heavy on caldera views and volcanic spa treatments.

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The Wanderlust Decade: Top Destinations to Explore in Your 30s

Setting off on global adventures in your 30s combines excitement, cultural experiences, and personal growth. 

This special time in life, marked by a balance of stability and a desire to explore, is ideal for meaningful travel.

This article will guide you through a variety of destinations that are perfect for those in their 30s. It will provide tips on how to enjoy both adventurous activities and relaxing moments during your journeys.

Why Travel in Your 30s?

Traveling in your 30s opens up a world of possibilities that combine the zeal of youth with the wisdom of maturity. In this pivotal decade, journeys transform into pathways for personal growth and here are a few reasons for that.

• Creating Memorable Experiences: Each trip becomes a treasure trove of memories, from exhilarating adventures to serene moments of reflection.
• Exploring in Style: Indulging in unique experiences, such as sports car rental , adds a touch of luxury and excitement, making your travel more memorable and thrilling.
• Expanding Horizons: Travel broadens your perspective, exposing you to diverse cultures and ideas.
• Personal Growth: It's a time to challenge yourself, try new things, and grow as an individual.
• Professional and Personal Balance: Juggling career ambitions with personal fulfillment becomes more feasible.
• Fostering Relationships: Whether it's strengthening bonds with travel companions or forming new connections, travel enriches relationships.

Must-See Places

1. tokyo, japan.

Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with futuristic landscapes, is a must-visit for the intrepid traveler. There are so many things to do in Tokyo , from immersing yourself in the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, delve into the historic depths of the Asakusa district, and be enthralled by the meticulous art of sushi making. Tokyo’s juxtaposition of the old and new creates an array of experiences that are both exhilarating and humbling.

2. Patagonia, South America

The wild, untamed beauty of Patagonia awaits those seeking solitude and adventure amidst nature. This region, stretching across Argentina and Chile, offers a canvas of breathtaking glaciers, rugged mountain terrains, and pristine lakes.

Hiking through Torres del Paine or witnessing the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier offers a profound connection with nature, serving as a reminder of the earth's magnificence. This is one of the most  spectacular natural wonders of South America .

3. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is synonymous with rolling hills, vine-clad landscapes, and a rich tapestry of art and history. It's an idyllic escape for those who revel in gastronomic delights, historic exploration, and the allure of rustic charm.

From the architectural marvels of Florence to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscany blends cultural richness with pastoral tranquility. Tuscany is also one of  the best wine regions in the world and you can't leave without visiting a local vineyard. 

4. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, a harmonious blend of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and historical depth, offers a multifaceted travel experience. Ascend Table Mountain for panoramic views, delve into the poignant history of Robben Island, and mingle with locals at vibrant markets. Cape Town’s dynamic spirit and stunning natural beauty make it an unforgettable destination.

5. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, is a paradise for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Embrace the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping, explore the enchanting Milford Sound, or unwind amidst the serenity of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown’s diverse landscapes provide a spectacular backdrop for both high-octane adventures and moments of peace.

6. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, a city that captivates with its vibrant colors, rich history, and sensory experiences, should be on every traveler's list. Wander through the bustling souks, marvel at the intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace, and enjoy the unique hospitality of a traditional Riad. Marrakech is a gateway to understanding the allure of Moroccan culture.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, the heart of Iceland’s natural wonders, offers a surreal escape into a land of ice and fire. Witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, relax in the Blue Lagoon, and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Golden Circle. Reykjavik is the perfect blend of cosmopolitan charm and extraordinary natural phenomena. If you would like to explore more of the country view these tips for driving in Iceland .

Tips on Balancing Adventure and Relaxation

• To make the most of your travels in your 30s, finding equilibrium between exhilaration and tranquility is key.
• Choose Destinations Wisely: Opt for places that offer both adventure and relaxation opportunities.
• Plan Diverse Itineraries: Incorporate days of adventure with intervals of leisure and reflection.
• Embrace Local Experiences: Engage in activities that are unique to the culture and landscape of the destination.
• Prioritize Wellness: Allocate time for self-care, whether it’s a spa day or a quiet evening in a scenic spot.
• Stay Flexible: Be open to changing plans based on how you feel. Spontaneity can lead to the most memorable experiences.

Embracing Your 30s Travel Adventure

In your 30s, travel is about experiencing the world in ways that enrich your life, challenge your perspectives, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Whether it's through the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of New Zealand, each destination offers a unique canvas to paint your stories. Embrace this decade with open arms and a passport ready for new stamps!

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Over 30s travel: Short-but-sweet trips for the time-conscious traveller

In your 30s? You don’t have to put your career on hold to go globetrotting. These annual leave-friendly tours include African safaris, Icelandic treks, Middle East desert wanders, and more…

1. Trek Iceland’s iconic Laugavegur Trail

Hiking through Laugavegur (Shutterstock)

Hike Iceland’s famous, dramatic trek and be back in time for Monday’s conference call on this iconic walking holiday with Exodus.

You’ll walk the famous Laugavegur Trail, a trek through an epic landscape of glaciers and volcanoes, created over millennia. Starting in the colourful Landmannalaugar Mountains, you’ll head through the dramatic Thorsmork region, skirting craters formed during the 2010 eruption.

Few trekking routes can match the striking vistas you’ll find here. And if you choose one of the late August departures, you may *just* be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Trip: Iceland’s Laugavegur Trek

Who: Exodus

Type: Small group

When: Jun to Aug

How long: Eight days

How much: From £2,349 (exc. flights)

2. Sail and hike through the Cyclades

Sailing through the Cyclades (Shutterstock)

The perfect mix of active adventure and chilled relaxation time, this one-week walking and sailing holiday through the Cyclades with KE Adventure is the ideal way to recharge your batteries after a busy year.

Sailing out of the port of Lavrio, and under the guidance of a qualified skipper and local walking guide, you’ll sail between four of the region’s most idyllic islands: Kea, Kythnos, Syros and Serifos. Your days will be filled with walking, sailing, swimming and stand up paddleboarding.

Your evenings will see you exploring the picturesque ports and dining in traditional Greek tavernas, bursting with character and serving hearty Grecian fare, fresh sea food and plenty of Ouzo!

At sea, your friendly skipper will be happy to impart their vast knowledge of sailing, but like everything on this tour, its purely optional. Your holiday can be as active or relaxed as you want.

Trip: Greek Island Odyssey

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: May, Sep & Oct

How much: £1,045 (exc. flights)

3. Take a cheeky one week safari in Tanzania

A game drive in the Serengeti (Shutterstock)

Bursting with wildlife, the national parks of Tanzania offer a once-in-a-lifetime animal adventure. This one-week Serengeti safari with Intrepid is designed to give you it in spades, and have you back in the office before anyone notices you’ve been away.

Travelling across the undulating plains of the Serengeti, you’ll go in search of the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes.

Then you’ll lose yourself in vast herds of zebra and wildebeest in the Ngorongoro Crater, before experiencing the thrill of sleeping ‘Under Canvas’, drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the African night. You’ll head home invigorated by this perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.

Trip: Tanzania Safari Under Canvas

Who: Intrepid

When: Jan, Jul to Nov

How long: 8 days

How much: From £2,442 (exc. flights)

4. Spend a long weekend in rural Georgia

The village Mestia in rural Georgia (Shutterstock)

The small Caucasian country of Georgia is one of the hot destinations of 2019. This small but perfectly formed itinerary with TravelLocal will show you the highlights of its rural north – and still get you home before the week is out.

Flying in and out of Kutaisi, you’ll experience everything this intriguing region has to offer. You’ll trek through remote mountain villages like historic Becho and scenic Mestia, and take cooking classes with locals to learn how to make delicious Georgian cuisine.

You’ll spend your evenings in cosy homestays, enjoying the typical Georgian hospitality. Exploring this remote and charming region has never been easier.

Trip: Long Weekend In Svaneti

Who: TravelLocal

Type: Private

When: May, Jun & Sep

How long: Five days

How much: From £710 (exc. flights)

5. Become Lawrence of Arabia for a week

Bedouin and camels in Wadi Rum (Shutterstock)

Be more Lawrence of Arabia than Lawrence of Accounts, on this short and sweet adventure through the desert kingdom of Jordan with Exodus.

Bursting with things to see and do, Jordan is ideal destination for a one-week adventure. You will have two full days to explore the ’rose-red city’ of Petra and to take a guided visit around Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East.

You’ll have plenty of time to ’float’ in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and snorkel over the beautiful coral reefs of the Red Sea, before heading out to Wadi Rum in a 4WD, camping out under the stars like the Bedouin.

Trip: A Week In Jordan

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: Nine days

How much: From £949 (exc. flights)

6. Cycle the Kasbah in Morocco

Kasbah in Dades Valley (Shutterstock)

Looking for a ride that will challenge and excite you – but still have you back with your cycling buddies at home the next Sunday? Then saddle up for this classic adventure cycling holiday in Morocco’s arid Jebel Sahro region with KE Adventure.

The climate of the Jebel Sahro in southern Morocco is the perfect place for cycling outside the summer months. You’ll begin biking in the magnificent Todra Gorge. Its towering walls attract rock climbers from all over the world.

You’ll ascend on tarmac and then on hard-pack jeep roads, cycling to a remote mountain area that is home to nomadic Berber shepherds and has excellent views of the Atlas peaks.

Crossing the Tamtattouchte Pass, you’ll drop down into the beautiful Dades Valley, the so-called ‘Valley of the 1,000 Kasbahs’, before following a newly-introduced dirt road ride that takes you directly across country to the oasis town of Zagora on the very edge of the Sahara.

Trip: Morocco – Ride The Kasbah

When: Feb to Mar & Oct to Dec

How much: From £749 (exc. flights)

7. Walk through history in the Pyrenees

Hiker in the Pyrenees (Shutterstock)

Enjoy a short and challenging trekking holiday in the Pyrenees over four days, followed by a day of relaxation in the French spa town of Luchon, on this walk along the historic Chemin de la Liberté with KE Adventures.

Running from Saint-Girons in the Ariege district of France to near the village of Isil in Spain, the Chemin de la Liberté follows the ‘walk to freedom’ escape route desperate refugees took from France during World War II.

It’s a challenging walk, and along the way you will encounter safe houses and barns used as hiding places by the escapees – as well as rocky cirques, mountain lakes, boulder fields, possibly snow-filled gullies, and some of the finest mountain views the Pyrenees can offer.

Trip: Walk To Freedom Across The Pyrenees

Who: KE Adventure Travels

When: Jul to Sep

How long: Seven days

How much: From £975 (exc. flights)

8. Find sun and fun in Mediterranean Turkey

Sea kayaking in Kekova Bay (Explore)

Give your dreary, wet commute a miss for a week on this active holiday on Turkey’s sunny coast with Explore.

Offering the perfect balance of sun, adrenaline and relaxation, this trip is a great way to experience Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coastline, charming villages and impressive mountains.

You’ll sea kayak to the sunken city of Kekova and the village of Kaleköy, overlooked by a medieval castle in Kekova Bay, before visiting the ancient capital of Lycia and canoe down the river to Patara Beach.

Staying in family-run hotels, you’ll also get the chance to cycle through the Taurus Mountains.

Trip: Active Turkey

Who: Explore

When: Apr to Jun & Aug to Oct

How much: From £395 (exc. flights)

9. Journey through untouched Ethiopia

Hamar ceremony in Ethiopia (Shutterstock)

Here’s one for people who want to really pack an adventure into their annual holidays – a week-long sojourn through one of the most remote corners of Ethiopia with Intrepid.

You’re off to visit the remote tribes in the Omo Valley, visiting the Dorze people, famous for their unique bee-hive houses, and the Hamar people, largely cut off from the world and renowned for their bull jumping initiation ceremonies.

You’ll take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, home to hippos, Nile crocodiles and rich birdlife. Finally, you’ll spend a night in the town of Konso, visiting a mora: a central communal building used by men and boys. Enough adventure for you?

Trip: Ethiopia Untouched

When: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec

How much: From £1.098 (exc. flights)

More trips throughout the ages:

Over 50s travel: the best tours and trips to tick off your bucket list, over 60s travel: the best trips for those with nothing but time, over 70s travel: the best trips for adventure without the hard edges.

Here’s where you can experience Indigenous culture in El Salvador

Explore the lesser-known museum city of Houston, Texas, USA

13 of the best things to do in the Philippines

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9 reasons solo travel in your 30s is (still) incredible.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Solo travel in your 30s is incredible.  Yes, my friends, the worldly adventures don’t stop once you hit the big three zero. I speak from personal experience here.

After turning 30, I decided I wouldn’t slow down my travels, even though I knew I’d still have to go on most of my trips alone.

Yup, just a single (gulp) plane ticket for me, myself, and I.

What can I say? Not everyone in my social circle has the same number of vacation days available throughout the year, nor does everyone have the same desire to travel the world for weeks on end. It’s cool.

Yet, despite all this, I have to say that I’m happy to see that 30 something solo travel has gained popularity in recent years. I don’t feel  alone even though I still solo travel – if that makes sense.

For example, reading about “flashpackers” as well as participating in women’s travel groups make me feel like less of an outcast for going to new places without anyone else joining me.

At this age, a lot of people travel with spouses and kids, which I’m not even close to at this point in my life. 

Although, really, when have I ever cared about following the crowd? Ha. Never.

Anyway, enough about me. So are you in your 30s and debating on traveling alone at this very moment? Then I have great news for you.

Table of Contents

The Many Reasons Solo Travel in Your 30s is Amazing

This week I wanted to write an inspirational post about solo travel.

After all, it was a solo trip to Scotland that changed my entire life for the better. I was hit with the realization that I didn’t need to wait for anyone to see the places I wanted to see. It was groundbreaking news. 

So, for this dose of “wanderlust happiness,” I wrote about the nine reasons why solo travel in your 30s is a wonderful experience. I  firmly  believe everyone should go on a trip alone at least once. 

Think about all the benefits.

In our busy world, we rarely take the time to learn about ourselves. Going to a brand new place is a great way to connect with our inner goals and dreams, as well as figure out life’s lessons. I know that all sounds insanely deep and thought provoking, but I promise it’s the truth. 

Onward with why solo travel in your 30s is incredible! Let’s do this.

1. You Probably Have More Money to Burn

Let’s talk about dollar signs, ya’ll.

Now I realize having more money in one’s 30s isn’t the case for everyone. Some cities have much  higher costs of living than others. Not every 30something year old has disposable income to throw at travel expenses. 

However, for some people, material wealth increases in one’s 30s compared to his or her 20s.

Needless to say, if you’re better off financially, then it’s much easier to build trips into your yearly budgets, and then actually enjoy the experiences without worrying about depleting your savings to 0. 

Not to mention, you can also stay at swankier hotels and charming AirBnbs rather than settling for an eight bed dorm located on the outskirts of town. 

As you get older and (hopefully) reach more financial stability, plenty of trips appear in your future. 

2. Eating Alone Doesn’t Bother You … As Much

Ahhh, one of the best things about traveling in my 30s is letting go of my shyness in restaurants.

What. A. Challenge.

You guys, you guys. I’ve always had a fear of eating alone in public , but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped caring about the opinions of complete strangers.

I don’t know what specifically made my change my mind. Something just mentally clicked.

I mean, when I actually thought about it, I realized that these waiters and bartenders probably see solo diners every day. Why would they waste time talking trash about me eating by myself?

Honestly, I used to think requesting a “table for one” at a restaurant was the hardest thing in the universe. 

I thought people would judge me for being alone. Feel sorry for me. Pity me. Now I realize that most people are too busy enjoying their meals and talking to their own companions to notice what I’m doing. 

However, I admit that I have much less anxiety eating lunch or dinner at the bar. Lots of business people, locals, and other travelers are doing the exact same thing all by themselves. I feel less alone.

A solo meal at a romantic and fancy restaurant with white tablecloths, on the other hand, still intimidates me. 

3. You Appreciate the Beauty of Slow Travel

Remember the days of people comparing passport stamps and bragging about all the different countries that they’ve visited last year?

Ugh, it wasn’t the best trend in the travel space. Boasting about one’s “country count” is an embarrassingly self-indulgent conversation, no matter how you look at it. 

But I have some good news. To tell you the truth, checking off countries appeals much less to me in my 30s.

Yup, it’s true. For instance, if I want to go to Scotland ten times, you better believe that I’m booking those tickets and not caring what anyone else thinks about my decisions. 

In your 30s, you appreciate slowing down your trips so you can experience a country or region on a deeper level. Not to mention, less time in transit means more time to sleep at night and eat exquisite dinners.

Slow travel is always the best travel (in my humble opinion). Embrace it now.

Read More:  How to Travel Alone for the First Time

4. You’re More Assertive About Your Needs

As you get older, you’re much better at setting boundaries , and have probably cultivated a stronger sense of self-love and self-worthiness. 

This means confidence, baby. Nowadays I speak up a lot more when I’m feeling bothered or overwhelmed. And this straight-forward attitude benefits me on my trips.

I’m not even kidding guys. You need to act in an assertive manner when you’re traveling alone. ESPECIALLY when you’re traveling alone.

Why? No one else is looking out for your best interests, meaning you’re required to speak up when you’re lost in the middle of Madrid or dissatisfied with your accommodation in Prague. 

If you’re unhappy, then you need to use your voice and express your thoughts. In your thirties, you’ve developed the confidence to vocalize your problems. Great job for putting yourself first!

5. You’re Willing to Stray Off the Backpacker Trail

In my twenties, I stayed close to the biggest tourist destinations and most popular cities, because I didn’t want to wander too far from where all the other backpackers congregated in hoardes.

Haha, I actually used to plan my trips around destinations that had the highest concentration of social hostels. Yup, I’d go to hostelworld and decide my cities based on the reviews I found there.

Not anymore! Now I go wherever my heart and interests take me. 

For example, on my solo trip to Italy, I stayed overnight in destinations such as Parma and Camogli instead of strictly staying in Milan. I wanted a true mixture of cities and towns.

In your 30s, you’re ready to try new places. Which means you don’t mind if you’re the only single tourist in town. Look at you and your bravery! 

6. You Value Your Own Company

At 30, you’re perfectly fine keeping your own company. I actually like having alone time to replenish my energy. 

In my 20s, I purposely stayed at the most social hostels possible so I’d always have new friends to entertain me. Sometimes I’d even skip dinner because I didn’t want to venture out by myself. Isn’t that sad?

Nowadays, I’m fine if I don’t meet anyone else on my solo adventures. I learn about my new destination on a much deeper level if it’s just me. I’m not distracted. I can simply exist in the moment.

Without a doubt, in your 30s, valuing your own company is essential for happiness, and it’s even better to fall in love with yourself in a new and exciting destination. 

7. You Care Less About Naysayers and Nonsense

Receiving criticism for traveling alone? Luckily, you’re now at an age when you don’t care about what other people think. 

I used to take it very personally whenever someone judged me for my solo travels. This didn’t happen a lot. I have a very supportive family and wonderful friends who understand that travel means the world to me. They accept me. 

However, I would sometimes encounter naysayers who simply couldn’t believe that a woman would want to travel instead of focusing on finding a man or buying a house. Say what?

In your 30s, you’re better at ignoring any criticism. You realize that your life belongs only to you. You don’t have to sacrifice your happiness to make your existence acceptable to near strangers.

8. You’re Less Likely to Succumb to Peer Pressure

Solo travel in your 30s is great, because you won’t tolerate peer pressure.

After all, with your new added confidence, comes less willingness to follow the crowd. In my 20s, I eagerly participated in the activities that newfound pals at my hostel wanted to do. Not the case in my 30s!

If I want to check out a new restaurant or world class museum and no one else wants to go, oh well! I’m fine on my own! 

I’ll admit that I did some stupid things traveling in my 20s that I wouldn’t repeat today. I wanted people to like me. I want to impress others. 

Now I care a lot less about what near strangers think of me. … uh, are we sensing a pattern here? 

Honestly, this lesson is wonderful even when you’re not solo traveling, but staying at home.

Consider your needs. If you feel pressured to go someplace and act in a certain way, then think long and hard about the situation. Don’t stay around people who exert mental force on you. They’re not your friends. 

9. Let’s Face It: You’re Still Young!

Last but not least, you should do solo travel in your 30s because you’re still young. Yes, I promise you’re still young.

Due to a plethora of reasons, society has us convinced that once you hit your 30s somehow you’re officially old. Done. Discarded. Useless.

I think this awful “used up” feeling is even worse for women due to the whole idea that your fertility (supposedly) jumps off a cliff at 35. 

However, you need to ignore what society tells you and embrace logic instead. Life expectancy is almost 79 years old in the United States . So unless you have a horrific accident or succumb to a rare disease, you’ll likely live that long.

Mathematically speaking, in your 30s, you’re probably not even halfway through your time on earth yet.

So how exactly is this decade considered “old?!” GET OUT THERE AND EXPLORE! Now! Right now!

So why do you think that solo travel in your 30s is an awesome endeavor? What places have you traveled in your 30s? What are your top destinations for this decade? Share all of your thoughts in the comments. 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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5 reasons why travelling in your 30s is amazing (and why it can be difficult).

Half my life ago, as a starry-eyed 18-year-old boy, I had my first experience of travelling and it blew my mind. But when I went on another long trip overseas in my mid-30s – an ‘adult gap year’ – the experience was somehow a much more fulfilling one. Exploring the world can be incredible at any time of your life, but there are many reasons why you just can’t beat travelling in your 30s.

When my best friend and I traversed Europe via Interrail for a month as 18-year-olds, it was my first serious time away from home, and I loved it. I could go where I liked and stay out late without fear of what my parents would say.

I met people whose boldness and free-living nature filled me with awe. I saw places that had previously only existed to me on TV screens and the pages of books. Whatever the ‘travelling bug’ was that people talked about, I had caught it – but I didn’t think it would take another 16 years for me to go on another big adventure.

Now, after returning home once again, I reflect on five things that make travelling in your 30s amazing – and also why it can be difficult.

Why travelling in your 30s is better

1.  you appreciate it more.

In those years between backpacking at 18 and setting off once more at 34, I concocted many plans to hit the road again. But life always found a way to obstruct them.

Lost jobs, financial difficulties, broken relationships, competing ambitions. Once Lisa and I set our sights on a year-long career break in our 30s, it still took five years of saving and planning. But looking back on the experience now, I’m actually grateful that it took so long to come about.

“I can now appreciate what a luxury it is to have extended time off work.”

First and foremost, after the years of failed plans and unrealised dreams, I knew just how lucky I was to be travelling again. Every moment mattered.

Travelling at 18, I flew through each day as though there were a million tomorrows. But as a thirty-something, I am acutely aware of how quickly life can take over, and I know this might be the last chance I ever have to do something like this.

Consequently, I savour the experience of travelling more than I would have at any earlier stage of my life. What’s more, having been in full-time employment for the best part of 15 years, I can now appreciate completely what a luxury it is to have extended time off work.

My first travel came before I had barely done a hard day’s toil, other than a few bitty part-time jobs.

2.  You’ve earned it

For my European adventure at 18, whilst I put some of my own meagre savings into it, I also relied a lot on help from my family, and a cash gift that my grandfather had put in a bank when I was born.

There aren’t many people who can afford to fully self-fund a backpacking trip at that age; the majority of gap year students receive support from elsewhere. 

Conversely, all of the travel that Lisa and I experience now, whenever backpacking in our 30s, is funded by cash we’ve earned ourselves and diligently saved.

We saved for many years to take a travel career break, making many sacrifices along the way. As we continue to travel whenever we can, we pay for it through our own hard work.

There is something much more satisfying about spending money you have earned yourself. You understand what has gone into accruing it, and you savour the rewards at the end of it. As an 18-year-old backpacker I didn’t quite get that.

3.  You can (probably) afford to do more

The chances are that as you progress further in your life and career, you will have more disposable income. This isn’t true for everyone of course, but it’s a likely trajectory as you gain more working experience and ‘climb the ladder’.

While there are many ways to travel cheaply or even freely these days, having more money makes it less stressful and means you can indulge more. You can afford some of the big experiences that may have been out of reach when you were younger.

We decided to spend more time saving for our gap year in our 30s, for precisely this reason; we wanted the financial freedom to enjoy it more. It meant we could do things like the Inca Trail (which I could barely dream about as a tight-up 18-year-old).

We could treat ourselves to nice food when we wanted, and the occasional hotel room when we fancied a break from hostels.

4.  You’re more curious than ever

One thing I have learned is that a greater wealth of life experience enables you to get a lot more out of travelling.

The older I get, the more comfortable I am in myself, and the more I find enjoyment in exploring the world around me. The teenage me was on a voyage of self-discovery. But as a fully-fledged adult, you know much more about the kind of person you are, and the kind of people you like.

Don’t get me wrong: there is still an aspect of getting to know yourself while travelling in your 30s. I’m not sure that particular journey ever quite stops – but it’s never quite as intense as it was in those formative years.

As an older traveller, this means you can focus on enjoying the things you know you enjoy, as well as trying new experiences and learning new career skills .

5.  More people are doing it

Whenever we’re on the road, I am struck by how much the demographics of the travelling community have changed since that first trip when I was 18.

Back then, many hostels were still called ‘youth hostels’, and almost every backpacker we encountered was on the fresh-faced side of 25. Now, travelling has become a sport for all ages.

For every gap-year or post-degree backpacker, we meet someone in their late 20s, 30s, 40s or older; usually like-minded people who we can connect with easily. And the travelling industry is catering for this shifting landscape more and more. (If we ever open the hostel we keep fantasising about, it will be focused on the older traveller!)

Here’s a real-life example. When we were in Fiji on our recent travel career break, we stayed for two nights at Beachcomber Island – a place known as a bit of a party resort. It’s basically a hostel with a dining area and a huge bar/club on a tiny island that you can walk around in ten minutes.

I had heard stories from friends who had been there years ago about how it made Magaluf look like a children’s birthday party (that turned out to be a bit of an exaggeration, but still… you get the picture).

We came to Beachcomber at what must have been a quiet time, with perhaps 20 people on the island. During our only full day there, we went snorkelling in the morning and rocked up in the bar before the bell rang for the lunchtime happy hour.

We soon got chatting with a couple from Derby in their 50s who were taking a three-month retirement holiday, an Essex gal in her early 30s, a 33-year-old New York firefighter who we had already met on another island (you can read more about his cool story here ), and a Swedish woman in her early 20s.

We stayed in the bar all day with that awesome group of people from different generations and countries. It’s still one of our very favourite travel memories. Before that big trip, we were worried that we would always be the oldest people in the bar, but the reality was far from it.

Downsides to travelling in your 30s (and how to get over them)

Prejudices still exist.

The social side of travelling is perhaps where it gets more difficult in your 30s, or at least it has for us. While we do enjoy a drink, no longer is every day a party the way it once was.

Inevitably this means there are nights we spend in our accommodation when we feel like the only people who don’t want to go out, and our emotions get stuck somewhere between fatigue and FOMO.

And, being a bit older, people make assumptions about you; particularly when you’re travelling in a couple. People are less likely to approach you.

While on a ferry crossing we overheard someone say “I don’t usually speak to couples because they don’t like to socialise”. Not true! But these prejudices mean that it can be hard work to make friends.

But while the social aspect of travelling may not be as non-stop as days gone by, we still had a total blast and meet people from all walks of life, many of whom will be friends for a lifetime.

You don’t have quite as much energy

When I was 18, I could spend all day walking around a city, hiking, swimming, or doing some other physical activity, and still be bursting with energy at the end of it.

I could go out for a heavy night and then wake up ready to do it all again the next morning. That’s not the case any more.

Each year that passes, it gets a little harder to keep up the pace. We take more rest days now when we travel. But that can be an enjoyment in itself.

When you reach your 30s, you understand your limits better and you learn to pace yourself. And some of that energy is replaced by new-found resilience.

“When you reach your 30s, you understand your limits better and you learn to pace yourself.”

At 34 I completed the W Trek in Torres Del Paine , which was probably the greatest physical achievement of my life. This was a challenge that required mental stamina and endurance that I don’t think I was capable of in my late teens and 20s.

So, for every downside of travelling when you’re a bit older… there is usually a much better upside to counter it.

Maybe in ten years’ time I will be writing here about how great it is to travel in your 40s. Or maybe I’ll be taking my kids abroad and telling them stories about our days on the road. Who knows?

What I do know is that travelling isn’t just a young people’s game anymore, and I will be enjoying it one way or another for a long time to come.

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Alex trembath.

Alex is the co-founder and lead content creator at Career Gappers. He is an award-winning communications leader with 20 years of leadership experience, a career that has taken him across the world working with international organisations. Alex has travelled to over 50 countries and is a passionate advocate for blending work and travel by taking career breaks, sabbaticals, workations and business trips.

11 thoughts on “ 5 reasons why travelling in your 30s is amazing (and why it can be difficult) ”

I think that every age has it’s own traveling style. I have backpacked Europe when I was in my early 20s and I have backpacked Central America at the beginning of this year, when I am 30. I still stay in hostels, I still go on walking tours and I still engage in a lot of challenging activities. However, I have noticed that now I do slip in a night or two in a nice hotel and I do go for meals in restaurants rather than buy from the supermarket. As long as we keep traveling, it doesn’t matter how old we are!

Indeed, I agree. Travelling in your 30s is different. Definitely you notice and observe and take in more, because you have learned more about the world and know what things may mean behind the surface.

Agree with Joanna Davis “As long as we keep traveling, it doesn’t matter how old we are!”. And thanks for the nice article.

I can relate with each point here, it may be difficult, but ignoring all the difficulties I feel it is better to travel when you are young and energetic and can find the ways of earning while travelling.

I think you get different things out of travel when you travel at different ages. Don’t let age ever stop you from travelling because no one is too old to try out new things and have new experiences. Keep up the spirit and keep that travelling bug going! 🙂

I really enjoyed this post. I could really relate and have travelled in my 20s, 30s and now 40s both solo and with friends and now my family at times. At times traveling solo as an older (ugh….middle-aged!) woman can be isolating and meeting people when traveling with my husband and son can also be much harder. But when I push myself to initiate connection with others (locals or other travelers) I am richly rewarded. I hope I continue to approach travel in this way as I continue to grow older.

I loved this! So interesting to read your two different travel experiences. Is it bad that I relate to this though and I’m only 27?! Hahaha.

I can totally relate! Im in my 30s and i will never stop traveling! Still feel like a 20 year old!

I agree and i think when you are younger you will experience a lot of things for the first time and that could sometimes be nice! Having an experience sometimes makes things a bit expectable. Thanks for sharing 🙂

HI I am 75 and a retired USA teacher who enjoys solo travel. I often stay in small family run lodging or hostels. I take day trips to see nearby places that I cant get to easily on public transport. I loved reading this blog since I have had travel adventures in Greece/ Eastern Europe/ Cambodia+Thailand and Ecuador. in 20 19 I’m thinking of Peru or China or South Africa.MY MOTTO: If not now…then when? I will never be younger/ richer/ or healthier than I am now! So just keep going and enjoy each decade of travel adventures.

I just started travelling when I was 29. It was hard at first, but now I actually love it. I meet plenty of young people who don’t seem to enjoy themselves because they ran out of money. Because of my steady job, I don’t have to worry about that, which is so much more relaxing! Good post, thanks for writing about this 🙂

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• Travelling in your 30s and 40s is best – here’s why

Matt Risley 24th Nov 2023 7 min read

When I was younger, I made many, many mistakes. From the mullet that launched a thousand Facebook Memories, to the hours I spent obsessively learning the lyrics to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s Greatest Hits, we all have our own personal eye-rolling sins to bear. But with age comes wisdom (or so they tell me) and hindsight that makes you appreciate the value in those oft-facepalming learning curves.

I hadn’t realised this quite as much as when noticing the difference between travelling in my 20s and then in my 30s and 40s. Youth may be wasted on the young, but adventure, experience and travelling only gets better with age. Here’s why I believe that travelling in your 30s and 40s is better than in your 20s.

5 reasons to travel solo in your 30s and 40s

1. You don’t rely on a drink to find your comfort zone

I imagine most of us who drink alcohol can relate to the cringe-worthy morning after, and the attempt to piece together a litany of embarrassing escapades from the night before. The combination of social anxiety, backpacker booze culture and thrifty living meant that boozy nights at 7-for-1 bars were a common occurrence during my 20-something travels.

But as an older, wiser traveller in my 30s, with a decidedly more delicate liver, I don’t feel the need to rely on a drink to find my comfort zone anymore. Walking into a group of strangers is nowhere near as worrisome when you know you’re all there for the same shared experience. Even better, when you’re travelling in your 30s sober, you can soak up each new place undiluted, allowing for a more ‘in the moment’ holiday and memories you can actually remember.

2. Solo travel is a form of self care

Something I’ve learnt with age is that it’s important to treat yourself every now and again. Travelling in my 20s, I didn’t have cash to spare. But travelling in my 30s and 40s there was a little fiscal wiggle room – something I wholeheartedly embraced. In ten years’ time, I guarantee I won’t remember what I spent on that hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia , private boat trip and local hammam in Turkey . I’ll only remember the happy, joyful feeling of what it was like to live it.

I’ve found that taking a breather from the madness and monotony of a professional and personal life becomes ever more important the older (and more responsible) you get. Which means that when I travel to a new location and soak up all the new sights, smells and sounds, I appreciate every second all the more. Contentment is about balance, perspective and living in the moment, and travelling in your 30s and 40s allows you to experience each and every one of those in surprising harmony.

3. You are more assertive

It doesn’t matter how high your IQ is, there are some common sense life lessons you only learn through trial and error. That innate sixth sense for knowing when ‘going with the flow’ has slowly morphed into ‘oh whoops, what have I done and how do I get out of this predicament’. I’ve found that it factors into your travelling experience on a daily basis and becomes a finessed self-preservation instinct the older you get.

Next time, I won’t follow a complete stranger to a bar purely because they’re offering a margarita BOGOF deal. Next time, I won’t hitchhike with an overly smiley stranger because they reckon they know a quick shortcut that’ll shave minutes off my travel time. These all provided such beautiful interactions with strangers but I now, as a traveller over 30, find other ways to do that. And yes, I will live to a riper old age with many more stories to show for it.

4. You make your own travel memories

For me and many others, the fear of leaving the pack to follow your own path is an anxiety-sparking issue in your 20s – especially when you’re travelling with best friends or significant others. But when travelling in my 30s and 40s, I’ve realised that while having someone else to do something with is lovely, you don’t need anyone else to make the memory – just the confidence and happiness to blaze your own path.

If you’ve always wanted to explore the sights and delights of Japan or Peru but you don’t have anyone ready to join you on the adventure, then it shouldn’t stop you from doing it anyway. Especially when companies, like Flash Pack , which specialise in group travel for 30-40-year-olds , exist and are ready and willing to pair you up with other like-minded people equally as excited to explore.

5. The people you meet are more interesting

Not only did I find it easier to connect with others the older I got, but – shhh, whisper, and definitely don’t tell the best friend you’ve had since primary school – the people I’ve met on my trips are usually infinitely more interesting. When travelling in your 30s and 40s, everyone’s lived a life. Everyone has a backstory (or ten) and multiple reasons for joining the trip in the first place. While the ‘I’m just out of uni’ conversation starters I endured when I was younger were all well and good, as a traveller in my 30s I’m now more likely to meet people with fascinating jobs, eyebrow-raising life situations or Pulitzer-worthy travelling tales of their own.

Because of travelling in my 30s and 40s, I can now count the owner of a billionaire member’s club, an ex-yogi to the Hollywood stars and an ultra-marathon runner as friends – something I never saw coming. But they are all relationships that have brought a lot of laughter, happiness and opportunity into my life as a result.

How to embrace solo travel in your 30s and 40s

There’s no doubt that solo travel in your 30s and 40s is enriching – but there are still several ways to approach it depending on the experience you’re looking for. Here are the two most common routes you could take.

Go it alone

Committing to ‘ going it alone ’ entails planning the whole of your trip (flights, accommodation, excursions, the itinerary – everything) by yourself. Truly putting the ‘solo’ in solo travel. This means you can enjoy the freedom of not having to please anyone else, but it may also be a daunting prospect if you’re travelling alone for the first time.

Join a guided solo travel group

Another way to experience solo travel in your 30s and 40s is by joining a solo group with Flash Pack, where the hassle is taken out of travel planning, giving you access to unique experiences that are difficult to arrange on your own. You’ll also be paired with a small group of like-minded adventurers so you can make lasting friendships .

Explore our adventure trips .

Experience the freedom of travelling in your 30s and 40s

Thinking of taking your next solo trip in your 30s or 40s? Join Flash Pack today to go on an adventure with other like-minded travellers.

Got a story or adventure that could inspire a solo traveller like you? Tag @flashpack on social or email [email protected] to be featured.

Images: Flash Pack

Big joy: how to light up your life with “micro-acts” of kindness and connection

By Anna Brech

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Backpacking in Your 30s: Travelling When You’re 30+

Two months before my 30th birthday I went travelling. My long term relationship had finished – almost six months to the day before my 30th – I had some savings, and my side hustle – this blog – was going well. So well that sometimes it felt like I was doing two jobs.

It was time to leave the rat race in London, and take me and my blog on the road. I went backpacking in my 30s.

It’s mad that that was five years ago now.

FIVE years.

Before we’d ever even heard the word ‘Brexit’. Woooahhh. 

Time goes so weirdly fast, yet, I’ve packed an absolute lifetime of adventures in those five years – including buying a house, and meeting Ben, and after three years on the road, coming back to England to live.

Travelling at 30

My gap year at 30 lasted three years . Three years of a crazy freedom most people don’t get to experience for a week. I feel so, so lucky that I get to do this travel blogging and content creation for a job. Honestly, writing and travelling is what I’d do if I won the lottery. I already have my absolute dream career.

It did take a gamble and a leap of faith or two though. And a lot of hard work.

During those three years of travel I used to write for my old employer, gapyear.com, and the other day I came across this blog post I’d written, about taking a gap year in your thirties. It was a time warp for me, a flashback to those first few months of exploring the world and getting to experience all the places I’d read about in my previous two jobs in travel journalism.

Today is my 35th birthday. Five years since I sold everything and went travelling. So, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to publish the edited version on my blog.

Too old to travel?

As we get into our thirties, forties, fifties on so on, I think it’s easy to claim we’re ‘too old to do that’. Talking ourselves out of the many wonderful opportunities that are open to us because we’re worried about our age, and the age of those around us. I know I do this. The thing is though, you’re never going to be as young as you are now.

See, you’re already older.

I think travel is one of those things. Going travelling when you’re that bit older often isn’t as easy as it is for people in their twenties. But we’re not going to let a little thing like a few challenges get in the way of us and our dreams, are we?!

If you’re thinking of travelling long term, but you’re worried about being older than the average, then I hope this post will give you the push you need, or at least something to think about. And if you’re not, well just read this and bank it for the future. You never know what could exciting adventures are waiting in your future.

Backpacking in your 30s

– From VickyFlipFlop a la 2015

I started my gap year at 29 years and 10 months old. Eight months in and it’s without a doubt one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I didn’t go on a gap year after school.

As is the case for most people who take a gap year in their 30s, rather than in their teens, 20s or retirement, there was a sink or swim catalyst. Two in fact. My five-year relationship was over and my freelance writing business was really taking off.

About 20 minutes after I was dumped I decided that this was the sign I was waiting for to stop worrying about age, money and what other people would think and just go backpacking . Two months later, jobless and homeless, I was loving life at Latitude Festival in Suffolk – the first baby step on my tour, which so far has taken me to the following countries since July 2014:

·         July-September = Slovakia > Hungary > Romania > Bulgaria > Italy

·         October-December = Mexico > Guatemala > Belize

·         January-April = Japan > Taiwan > Philippines > Singapore > Indonesia > India

Of course I worried that I was too old to be hanging out in hostels. I worried that I’d ruin a career that I’d worked hard for, and spent a lot on. Nervous that I’d get lonely and be back in a few months with my tail between my legs. Worried about what other people would think. And finally, for now, I was concerned that pretty much all of my peers were either married, pregnant or both, and why didn’t I just want to be like them?

But, following the usual life processes and parent pleasing that everyone else was doing just wasn’t right for me. I wanted to get out there and see some of the other 180 or so countries in the world. I wanted to meet interesting people who’d grown up differently to me, who had diverse life interests and wildly different goals to the people I’d known for years. It was time to see different landscapes and to experience every day as special.

I wanted to see what else the world held beyond the life I’d lived.

I’ve taken extensive travelling trips at 20, 21 and 26 but there’s no doubt in my mind that 30 is a perfect age to travel.

You’ve done enough to bring some cool stories and perspectives to the table, your eyes are open enough to see that travel isn’t just about getting hammered in the clubs with all the other Westerners, and you have the strength of soul and mind to do exactly what you want rather than following the pack.

Taking a gap year at 30 is definitely a different experience to that of all the 20 year olds out there; you make the most of your tips and you’ll find it’s actually even better…

READ MORE 

The Best Duffel Bags for Your Travels – goes to The Broke Backpacker

Backpacking accommodation in your 30s

There’s an art to dealing with hostels at 30+ – particularly after what seems like a lifetime of a cushty bed with your beloved. All of a sudden you have to share with 6 or 7 strangers snoring, farting and rustling plastic bags in the early hours.

I’d definitely recommend staying in hostels over hotels though – this is how you get to meet people, find out the cool things going on and make your money last a lot longer. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy hostels when you’re 30+.

·         Never stay in more than a 4-bed dorm, unless in extreme circumstances.

·         If there’s even an option of more than a 10-bed dorm for super cheap the place will be overrun with noodle-sucking, bucket-bombing 18-year-olds. Abort.

·         Never go for the cheapest (see above).

·         Never, ever choose a hostel with metal bed. Wood every time.

·         Treat yourself to a private room every so often / as much as you can.

·         Always read the reviews for potential red flags (creatures, bad Wi-Fi, constant late night parties etc.)

One of my favourite hostel experiences was at La Boheme Hostel on Gili T, in Indonesia. I ended up meeting a great bunch of people and hanging out with them to enjoy all the best things to do on Gili T – our ages didn’t even come into it. Although, they were definitely all younger than me.

Backpacking activities when you’re 30+

If you join a ‘friends on arrival / orientation’ kind of tour, expect to find inexperienced and nervous travellers. Have the confidence to just go it alone. Tours are definitely a good idea but read the small print, check out their social media and think about what kind of person they will attract. Certain companies and groups are sure to be filled with younger travellers. If that’s not a problem for you then it’s sure not a problem for them, but just so you know.

I’ve done tours with G Adventures and Tao Expeditions and both have been some of the best times I’ve had on my travels. I’m actually keen to do more in the future.

Working visas for the over 30s

Unfortunately some of the more popular visas, such as the working holiday in Australia or New Zealand , are limited to those under 30, but if you’re not eligible there are still loads more paid experiences to be had around the world. [ 2019 update – think this has changed ]

If you’re from the UK, you can work anywhere in the European Union, for money [ 2019 update – for now! ] . Obviously the linguistics could be a problem but it could be fun to take a relevant language course while you’re preparing in the UK, and then an intensive one when you get to your chosen destination.

If you’re not worried about making lots of money but want to work on a project with others, you could work in a more senior role out in the field for companies like Raleigh or Smaller Earth. Or if you’re on a major budget, check out sites like workaway.info and WWOOFing for free or paid opportunities.

Your career when you go travelling

Once you’ve reached the heady heights of 30 there’s a good chance you’re a few rungs up on your career ladder and you don’t want all your effort, hours and qualifications to go to waste. In fact, this rates highly on the spectrum of things potential 30+ year old travellers fear for their return. But why not do something for your career in your gap year?

If you use your gap year wisely it could be the perfect opportunity to enhance your wider skillset than you currently use in your job for your return, or for using your skills for other countries where they can be of lots of use helping the local communities.

Always leave your current work on good terms: explain to your manager why you think some time out is important, why you want to do it, and how it will improve your skillset. Keep on their good side and you might even be able to pick up some freelance work while you’re out there to keep you going and to stay on their radar. Maintain the communication lines and if you do come back, they’ll be there to help, whether that’s with a glowing reference or possibly even a job.

If your trade is something that can be done online start profiles on websites like elance.com and odesk.com – you could pick up a bit of work to keep your current skills going. If your trade is more practical, such as a hairdresser, a musician, or the many other ways to make money abroad, make yourself a website to show people as you travel and to have somewhere to direct them.

And if you’re not interested in working at all while you’re travelling then just make sure to enjoy every second!

Love and relationships travelling in your 30s

This is a tough one, and annoying. If you’re travelling with your partner, fine. But as an older solo female traveller I’d say I’ve been asked every day for the last 8 months where my boyfriend or husband is. I can’t vouch for whether this happens to guys too but if you’re travelling in Asia you’ll have to come to expect it.

As a solo traveller, of course love is on the mind. I’m sure it is for any kind of traveller actually. If you’re worried about keeping up with the weddings and babies at home I wouldn’t even think about it. In fact, travelling is the perfect way to avoid them all.

If travelling at 30 is something you want to do you’re much more likely to meet someone on the same excellent wavelength as you on the road than you are sticking about at home being miserable. So don’t let the worry of meeting someone be a deciding factor as to whether you take a gap year or not.

Keep an open mind and you never know who you might bring home to mummy dear next time you see her.

Returning to work after travelling in your 30s

If getting a job on return is something you’re worrying about, you need to learn to spin your experience as positively and as relevantly as possible. Your backpacking adventure can be an interesting talking point if you’ve made an effort to make it a talking point.

Get what I mean? 

As I’ve said, I’ve been on the road for 8 months now and have met people of all ages with all kinds of different reasons to travel. I’ve never felt out of place or too old. Maybe it helps that people usually estimate I’m around 25 when the stalwart ‘how-old-is-everyone’ game comes about. And the fact that my mentality is stuck at even less than that probably helps too.

I’ll be blunt. You’re only going to get older and so if you don’t do it now, you never will. There are all kinds of excuses waiting in the wings of the future so go now before you fall in love / get (someone) pregnant / sign up for a new phone contract / whatever. Don’t look back and have regrets, just go for it, and if it doesn’t work out, at least you tried something different with your life.

Think to the future. Can you really see yourself thinking ‘Wow, I’m so glad that I decided to work an extra year of my 30s instead of seeing the world and having crazy adventures’?

I definitely can’t, and I for one won’t have to!

Related Posts:

• Am I Lonely, Travelling Solo?
• How to Be Location Independent in 12 Steps
• Why We Should Have a Gap Year After High School
• My Tips for Travelling Vietnam Solo
• How I Afford to Travel So Much (+ 7 Tips for You Too)
• My Female Travel Podcast: So She Travels

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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Hi Vicky, thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts. I planed to visit Vietnam next year. When I booked the flights I was very exited to go on another backpacking adventure. But then I became I bit worried, since my last solo backpacking tour has been a couple of years ago and I turned 35 last month. So I was a bit afraid if it would be awkward to stay at hostels with all the younger travelers. Your post really helped to decide about where to stay and to get the exited mood back =). Safe travels Maren

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Bucket List Places to Visit During Your 30s

Your travel bucket list during your 30s (and beyond!) will probably look a little different to your 20s. By now, most of us will replace the faster pace backpacking days of our 20s with a desire to explore the unique destinations of the world, and hopefully with a little more cash to splurge on travel. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply have a case of travel wanderlust, this list of 30 bucket list places to visit during your 30s is bound to provide bucket-loads of inspiration!

Total Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List:  19/30

Travel Bucket List Experiences

1. spot wildlife on safari in africa.

Even if you’re not an animal lover, spotting ‘the big five’ in the wild on safari will be an experience of a lifetime. Spend your days in an open air jeep tracking and anticipating the next lion, elephant or zebra, and lazy evenings watching epic sunsets with a sundowner drink.

For a first time safari, you can’t beat South Africa with the big five animals, accessible safaris and accommodation ranging from DIY camping to luxury lodges.

For the best wildlife spotting opportunities and a more rugged feel, visit Tanzania or Kenya where you may be lucky enough to witness the great migration crossing the plains and rivers.

For an epic self-drive safari adventure, check out  Namibia where you can experience surreal desert scenery, game reserves and adventure activities at your own pace.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Namibia Self-Drive Safari Itinerary

2. Soar Through the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon

There’s something totally romantic about setting off at dawn to float through the air in a hot air balloon, admire the scenery from above, and finish with a champagne breakfast.

Excellent places to experience a hot air balloon include Cappadocia in Turkey with its famous fairy chimneys (photo above), the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania where you can spot the great migration from above (see Bucket List Item #1) and Bagan in Myanmar where you can float above ancient pagodas (see Bucket List Item #21).

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No … possibly not ever, terrified of falling out of the sky

3. Chase the Northern Lights

Watching the northern lights dance across the sky is a classic bucket list experience. Rug up warm and stay up late and you might just be lucky enough to see otherworldly bursts of colours light up the sky in all shades of blue, green, pink and purple.

The northern lights are best seen in far north destinations including Norway, Iceland, Alaska and northern Canada from around September to April when the lights are long and dark.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes … technically, although the lights weren’t bright

Read More: Visit Yellowknife, Canada’s Northern Lights Capital

4. Float in the Dead Sea 

There’s only one way to describe the feeling of floating in the Dead Sea, and that’s surreal. Or in the infamous words of Notting Hill, surreal but nice.

The Dead Sea is actually a salt lake, and is one of the saltiest water bodies in the world at around 10x the salinity of ocean. As you walk into the Dead Sea, you’ll be gently lifted by the salt and can float with zero effort. For a free spa experience, cake yourself in mud, dry off in the sun, and then rinse in the therapeutic waters for baby soft skin.

The Dead Sea is bordered by Jordan and Israel, is accessible from either country, and is at the lowest elevation on earth.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Jordan

5. Take an Alaskan Cruise

Cruises … some people love ‘em, some people hate ‘em, some people think they’re a little naff. But there’s no doubting that you’ll get the most out of Alaska’s rugged scenery and diverse wildlife from the deck of a ship.

On an Alaskan cruise, you can experience glaciers, visit small towns, spot bears and other wildlife, go kayaking, hike in Denali National Park, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, when the weather is the most pleasant. If you want a chance to witness bears fishing for salmon, visit during the warmest (and busiest!) months of July and August.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List:  No

6. Go Wine Tasting

Now that you’re in your 30s, spend a relaxing and classy week wine hopping around one of the world’s beautiful wine regions. (Or party like a 21 year old on a boozy wine tour, no judgement here!)

Wine tasting is both picturesque and fun. Plus, by the time you’ve reached your 30s you’ve hopefully developed a more sophisticated pallet and appreciate the good stuff.

An awesome thing about wine tasting is that most people can indulge close to home or, if you prefer, you can visit a premier wine region on the other side of the world.

The world’s best wine tasting destinations include the Napa Valley USA, Marlborough New Zealand, Margaret River Australia, Bordeaux France, Tuscany Italy and Cape Town South Africa.

You can even try one of the world’s lesser known wineries, like Red Mountain Winery in Inle Lake, Myanmar … no guarantees about taste though!

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes … several times over!

Read More: 20+ Beautiful Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

7. Take a Multi-Day Hike Through the Desert 

The African desert somehow manages to be both barren and incredibly beautiful at the same time. While you can experience the desert from your jeep or car, you’ll be much more immersed in nature and removed from daily life if you explore the desert on foot.

Namibia is the perfect country for taking a multi-day guided hike through the desert, without forsaking creature comforts and with just a little luxe. For something really special, join the Tok Tokkie Trails three day / two night hike through the breathtaking Namib Desert where you sleep under the stars but with eco-luxe comforts, three course meals with drinks and a hot bucket shower.

Read More: Tok Tokkie Trails Hike, Namibia | Trans-Kalahari Walk, Namibia

8. Travel Solo

The AF travelling solo in a favela overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The thought of travelling solo may feel a little uncomfortable and even daunting at first. But travelling solo is actually one of the most liberating and empowering experiences you’ll ever have. Plus, if you feel a little lonely, it’s pretty easy to make friends by rocking up to the local bar, especially if you’re in a tourist area!

Dip your toes into solo travel by taking a relaxing weekend trip near home. Once you’re more comfortable, why not take your dream trip that none of your friends are down for?

9. Fly First Class or Business Class

Yeah yeah we know, flying is expensive enough as is, and it’s really just a means to an end. However, if you want to take a literal reading of the phrase ‘it’s about the journey not the destination’, then you HAVE to indulge in a long-haul first class or business class flight at least once in your life.

Forking out for luxury travel is beyond most of us. The most cost effective way to travel first or business class is to save up your flight or credit card points and splurge on an upgrade. Champagne here you come!

Travel Bucket List Destinations

10. drive the ring road in iceland.

Iceland is a country of incredible natural beauty, with active volcanoes, rugged mountains, soaring glaciers, the blue lagoon, spectacular waterfalls, the northern lights, stunning hiking trails … the list goes on.

The best way to see Iceland is to hire a car and drive the Ring Road. The Ring Road circles the entire country and is around 1300 km / 800 miles. While it’s possible to drive the Ring Road in a couple of days, it’s best to take a week or two to explore the natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

11. Step Back in Time in Havana, Cuba

Havana-oh-na-na, half of my heart is in Havana-oh-na-na. Yup, as the song goes, Havana will absolutely capture your heart with its time warp feel, friendly locals and complex revolutionary history.

Havana is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in all of Latin America. The city is packed to the brim with colourful and slightly dilapidated colonial buildings, grand palaces, ancient forts, narrow alleyways and classic cars. Havana is equal parts chaotic and laid-back, but always vibrant and welcoming.

Read More: 30 Awesome Things to Do in Havana, Cuba

12. Get Adventurous in Patagonia

Patagonia is a rugged and remote wilderness region in southern Chile and Argentina, and is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

The highlights of Patagonia include quiet solitude, magnificent glaciers, mountain peaks, scenic lakes, epic multi-day treks, whale watching and horse-back riding. Life is tough.

13. Take a Boat Trip Around the Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, which are famous for their unique wildlife and landscapes.

These islands are a bucket list destination for good reason: the Galápagos Islands is home to endemic species that you’ll find nowhere else in the world, including species of giant tortoise, iguana and sea lion. The wildlife of the Galapagos has absolutely flourished and evolved with little human presence and no major predators. In fact, the Galápagos Islands made a major contribution to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

A popular way to explore the Galápagos Islands is to take a multi-day cruise around the islands. Galapagos National Park regulates the number and type of boats to minimise the impact on the environment.

14. Drive Around New Zealand in a Campervan

New Zealand’s scenery is nothing short of drop dead stunning. (Yes, I grew up in NZ. No, I didn’t know how beautiful it was. Yes, I mainly complained about long car trips and windy roads.)

New Zealand’s South Island is famous for its dramatic mountains, stunning lakes and incredible scenery at every turn. Conversely, the North Island is home to beautiful beaches, geothermal and volcanic activity and National Parks.

New Zealand is one country where it really is about the journey and not the destination. Hire a campervan to make the most of NZ’s spectacular scenery, and park up to sleep in some of the most beautiful spots on earth.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No … several trips around NZ but none in a campervan!

15. Take an Epic USA Road Trip

It’s an oldie but a goodie. Hire a car, grab a map, plan a rough route and set out for an epic road trip adventure across the diverse nation that is the U-S-of-A.

There’s something for everyone here. Drive the classic Route 66, California’s Pacific Coast Highway or the Hana Highway in Hawaii, explore the beautiful National Parks of Utah and Colorado, check out the fall foliage on the East Coast, get acquainted with the Deep South or invent your own adventure!

16. Journey Through Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is an overland train adventure across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok of epic proportions. At over 9,200 kilometres / 5,700 miles and around 6 days non-stop, this is no walk in the park.

Better yet, take a rest from the monotony of the train and have a few exploration stops along the way. Popular stops include beautiful Lake Baikal, historic Yekaterinburg, industrial Kazan, bustling Moscow, and an extension to cosmopolitan St Petersburg.

Alternate trains routes are the Trans-Mongolian route which cuts from Ulan Ude in Russia to take in Mongolia and Beijing, and the Trans-Manchurian route that goes further through Russia before crossing Chinese Manchuria to Beijing.

17. Visit all 7 Continents

For the hardcore traveler, explore the four corners of our incredibly diverse world or, in this case, the 7 continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia (or Oceania), Europe, North America, and South America.

Each of the world’s continents has unique cultures, history, landscapes and peoples, and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No (and possibly not ever … have visited 6/7 but the thought of crossing the treacherous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica gives me a serious case of hives)

18. Visit One New Country Every Year

Next country on The AF’s bucket list … Spain. Believe it or not, I’ve visited over 40 countries but Spain is not one of them!

Now that you’re a frequent traveler, it can be tempting to return to your favorite haunts where you have a sense of familiarity. Before your get too comfortable, why not maintain that spirit of adventure and wanderlust by committing to visit a new country every year. The world is your oyster after all!

Travel Bucket List Monuments

19. trek around the lost city of petra in jordan.

That moment where you catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Petra Treasury peaking through the soaring canyon walls of the siq will be one of the most memorable travel experiences of your life.

Petra was the ancient Nabatean capital for centuries from around the 4th century BC. The city was largely lost to the world after being destroyed by an earthquake, until it was discovered by a British explorer in 1812.

Petra is now a massive archeological site and is remarkably well preserved. It’s full of architectural gems like the famed Treasury and Monastery, a Roman theatre, extravagant tombs, a colonnaded street, plus many temples and other structures.  

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Petra, Jordan

20. Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

The temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are some of the most impressive temples you’ll see in your life. Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple in the 12th century, and was converted into a Buddhist temple later that century. In fact, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world,

While most famous for the eponymous Angkor Wat, the Angkor Archeological Park is actually a massive area with over 1000 temples dating from the 9th to 13th centuries.

21. Visit The Magical Temples of Bagan in Myanmar 

Bagan is an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site where the countryside is dotted with hundreds of magical pagodas and stupas (aka temples).

Amble around the countryside exploring temples on a bike, take a hot air balloon over the temples at dawn, or simply relax along the river soaking in the serenity.

Read More: 10 Day Myanmar Itinerary

22. Soak in the Romantic Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a majestic white marble mausoleum which was commissioned by an emperor in the 17th century to house the tomb of his favourite wife.

Incredibly romantic and of grand proportions, the Taj is one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in the entire world, and is absolutely a travel bucket list destination.

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India, around 220 kilometres / 135 miles from Delhi. While you’re there, don’t miss the imposing Agra Fort and Itmad-un-Dahlan, aka the ‘baby Taj Mahal’.

23. See the Churches of Lalibela Ethiopia

Lalibela in northern Ethiopia is home to magnificent medieval rock-hewn churches that were made in the 13th century. Each church was carved underground from a single massive piece of rock. Impressive indeed.

24. Marvel at the New World Wonder Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan civilisation, and is one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Chichen Itza is easily accessible from the boho-beach town of Tulum Mexico .

The highlight of Chichen Itza is the Pyramid of Kukulcan with its mathematically correct proportions. The pyramid has four faces, with 91 steps on each face, and 1 top step, adding up to 365 days of the year.

Read More: Best Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

25. Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of wall like fortifications winding up and down China, which were built to protect the country over many centuries starting from around 700BC.

The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stretches to around 22,000 kilometres or 13,000 miles. The most accessible sections of the wall are near Beijing.

Travel Bucket List Accommodation  

26. swim off your overwater bungalow.

Our row of villas at Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives!

A common feature on travel bucket lists is to stay in a luxury overwater villa. Imagine waking up each day to the water softly lapping against your private balcony, swimming directly from your room with tropical fishes, and watching the sun go down directly over the water.

You’ll find some of the best overwater bungalows in the world in the Maldives and Tahiti. They don’t come cheap at often over $1000 / night, but this is one trip that you’ll absolutely remember for a lifetime.

Read More: Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives 

27. Stay in a 5* City Hotel

At least once in your life, indulge yourself by staying in a luxury city hotel. Start your day with a full buffet breakfast, explore the city by day and retreat at night to room service, plush robes and 1000 thread count sheets.

28. Go Luxury Glamping

Glamping at Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls, ZImbabwe

Yup, that’s right. Glamping. Not camping. Aka, ‘glamorous camping’. Now before you scoff at that, picture this: a sturdy canvas tent with a comfy queen size bed, fully functioning bathroom, little luxe touches, delicious meals shared with other guests and often a beautiful outlook over nature. And no putting up your own tent!

Glamping has long been the flashpacker’s way of going on safari in Africa. However, these days glamping is popping up all over the globe, from New Zealand to India . In fact, there may even be glamping near you!

Read More: Namibia Travel Guide

29. Rent Out a Villa with Friends

As you get older  more experienced, one of life’s absolute pleasures is spending quality time with good friends and family. Why not make a holiday of it and rent out an entire villa for your group?!

While this may sound a little indulgent, renting a villa can actually be surprisingly good value. For beach bums, check out the laid-back luxe villas in Bali, Indonesia. For wine buffs, why not rent a castle style villa in the Tuscan countryside.

30. Camp with the Bedouins in the Desert

Bedouins are nomadic Arabic people who live in the deserts of the Middle East and Northern Africa. Many Bedouins now make a living as desert guides or by running Bedouin camps where you can experience traditional Bedouin life in the desert.

One of the most popular and accessible places to stay in a Bedouin camp is in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. The desert is dotted with Bedouin camps tucked away in the dramatic rocks and moon-like scenery.

While you’re at camp, explore the desert wilderness in a Jeep tour or take a romantic camel ride through the desert. At night, experience a traditional Bedouin meal cooked beneath the ground and spot starts in the dark night sky.

Read More:   Stay in a Bedouin Camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan

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Travelling in your 20s and 30s is the new year out – here’s why

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written by Steph Dyson

updated 11.01.2021

A year out was once the preserve of 18-year-olds seeking direction in life but today things have changed. Forget spending 12 months in a haze of alcohol, harem trousers and sunburn. Travel in your late 20s and early 30s is now an acceptable, and often far more rewarding, time to explore the world.

1. There’s no pressure to follow the crowds

2. your eyes are wide open to the world and its challenges, 3. you know that too much partying – and the after effects – aren’t fun anymore, 4. you’ve probably got more money – and know how to spend it, 5. you’re more open to an adventure, 6. it’s a perfect time to push yourself – and reap the rewards.

A year out is perfect for those seeking a new challenge, or anyone looking to discover our spectacular planet while learning more about themselves in the process. Travelling is an investment you’ll never regret, and will leave a lasting and powerful impression on your life. Here are a few reasons why travelling in your 20s and 30s is the new year out:

One of the most liberating features of travel in your late 20s and 30s is that, while you might not have everything in your life sorted, you’re probably that bit closer to knowing what you want when you travel. Party your way through endless cities on the tourist trail? No thanks, you’d rather take it slow and find your own way instead.

And while top tourist sights are often incredible experiences, sometimes there’s nothing better than stepping out of your hostel and discovering a new city, country or landscape without the expectations of what others think you should be visiting weighing down upon you.

Check out our lists of places to get off the beaten track in India , Southeast Asia and South America for inspiration.

It’s easy on your first backpacking trip at the ripe age of 18 to waltz through countries in a haze of wonder, awe and confusion at the culture explosion that assails you from each new destination. But as a traveller in later life, you’ve probably got a clearer understanding of what you’re seeing, whether it’s the abject poverty you have to face in an Indian slum or the serious threats affecting the Amazon jungle that you visit in Peru.

Experiencing life’s inequalities first-hand will make sure that you never forget about the tiny, fortunate position you have in the world and will make you realise how your contribution as a tourist to the economy can have a valuable, lasting impact.

While backpacking in your late teens might have revolved around an ill-considered litre of cheap tequila, travel in later life and you’ll probably want to step away from that bottle and embrace some of travel’s other fine qualities.

Yes, a few glasses of delicious Argentinian Malbec won’t go amiss on a sun-laden terrace – when in Rome (or Mendoza ) and all that – but staying up until 3am to bop drunkenly to Enrique Iglesias’ The Twilight Years in a seedy Peruvian nightclub might no longer be your cup of tea.

You might splash out on a four-bed dorm, or even a private room, so you can escape the party and get some kip. Not exactly wild, but practical: you’ve got a sunrise to admire the next morning, after all.

Now while your bank balance might still be optimistically awaiting that lottery win, chances are you’re in a better financial position to travel than ten years ago.

Backpacking is a wonderful lesson in budgeting, but there’s no shame in having more cash to travel with a little extra comfort. Being in the position to spend a little extra for that fully reclining seat and the luxury of a toilet on your 24-hour bus journey is something you won’t live to regret.

But, even if you’re still scraping around for the money to travel, go anyway . There will never be a time when everything is perfectly aligned, and no time is better than the present.

© Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock

Australia may have ranked top of our list of most popular gap year destinations , but for those in their late 20s or 30s, you’re probably ready for more of an adventure.

Grab your rucksack and encounter some of the globe’s most spectacular and under-visited destinations. Explore undiscovered India , learn about the revolution in Cuba , study indigenous languages in Bolivia , or engage with rich culture and community life in Uganda.

Ultimately, if you feel yourself stuck in a metaphorical rut in your career or life in general, travel might be the best way to spice things up again. Not only can travel be personally rewarding, but it’s life experience desired by many an employer these days. If you’re looking for a change, you could use a year out travelling to learn a new language or skill to make way for a new career when you return.

Live your forgotten dreams: conquer the odds and summit some of the world’s most challenging mountains , get involved in a body-destroying coastal trail-running and hiking event in Sweden , rent a vehicle and travel Namibia in your own four wheels or settle down for a few months and volunteer .

Inspired? For more gap-year ideas, listen to Episode 5 of The Rough Guide to Everywhere ( iTunes ; Soundcloud ) where Tim Key shares stories from his time in Kiev and our very own editor Freya Godfrey tells tales from her stint in India.

If you're thinking of a year out, check out The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World . Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go. Header image via Pixabay/ CC0 .

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RB ITALIA Blog

How Traveling The World Can Transform Your Life In 17 Positive Ways

Posted: July 4, 2024 | Last updated: July 4, 2024

Life is full of surprises and lessons, most of which we learn when we start traveling the world. Traveling may be a privilege for some people, but for those who frequently experience it, it can reveal some shocking things about the world. Here are some of the most life-changing things traveling teaches us:

Coming out of your comfort zone

Traveling makes you leave your comfort zone and try things you’ve never done before. You find yourselves in situations that you never planned for, foods you never thought of tasting, and cultures you never knew existed.

Experiences over materialistic things

Once you start traveling, materialistic things take a backseat. All that matters to you is the moments that took your breath away, the snowcapped mountain that you hiked, the sunset over the beach, lying under the starry sky, and more.

Going with the flow

Traveling teaches you the art of going with the flow and realizing that the best moments come from the most unexpected situations. This flexibility makes you more resilient, and you start to enjoy more.

Accepting the change

Seeing the world teaches you that everything changes, but you have to accept that to move forward in life. Embracing change becomes your core strength, and you’re always ready for the next adventure.

Learning a new language

Learning a new language doesn’t only increase your knowledge but also helps you interact with people from different countries and cultures. Though learning a language is challenging, it’s equally rewarding.

Overcoming your fears

Stepping into the unknown means being confronted with your fears, the fear of being alone, trying something new, or experiencing an unforeseen incident. Traveling teaches you to overcome these fears and build the courage to face any kind of situation.

Appreciating different cultures

The best part about traveling is experiencing new cultures. You learn to find beauty in the differences and celebrate the traditions you’re totally unaware of. Being exposed to this tapestry of cultures is a precious gift that fills your life with beautiful memories.

Making friends with strangers

Traveling teaches you to make connections with people you never met before. You meet strangers from different cultures, share experiences together, and create a bond that is unique and pure.

Being patient

Traveling teaches you patience. Whether it’s navigating through the crowds or waiting for a train at a busy station, you learn to stay calm in any condition. This patience helps you appreciate life more and understand that the best things take time to unfold.

Boosts confidence

Navigating through a new city, learning phrases of a new language, or finding your way back to your hotel after a day of traveling, each of these victories builds your confidence. You start to see yourself as a brave and confident person who is ready to face any situation.

It makes you grateful

Traveling across the world and watching the struggles of people and how they are living under different circumstances makes you feel grateful. You start to appreciate things like a roof over your head, food on your table, or even the opportunities you’ve, which many people are deprived of.

You become independent

Last but not least, traveling makes you independent. From figuring out the safe areas to visit to finding public transport in a foreign land, every challenge you face makes you strong. You start to rely on yourself and trust your decisions, and that helps you in your personal life, too.

Exposure to global issues

Traveling the world exposes you to issues that economies are facing, such as poverty and climate change. You understand the global challenges and work towards making the world a better place by joining a charity or volunteering your time.

A lifelong learning

Finally, traveling teaches you lessons that classrooms don’t. You learn about history, geography, economics, and much more through firsthand experiences. This broadens your knowledge and helps sharing with others as well.

Discovering New Foods

Trying new foods and cuisines opens up your taste buds to a whole new world of flavors. It also encourages you to experiment with new recipes at home and brings a taste of your travels into your everyday life. Additionally, it allows you to connect with locals and fellow travelers, enhancing your traveling experience.

Boosts Happiness

There’s nothing like the joy of new adventures and memorable experiences when traveling. Exploring new places and trying new things can really lift your spirits. Those positive vibes stick around you, making life feel more joyful and fulfilling. You also learn gratitude and focus on positive things only.

Leave A Positive Impact

Traveling teaches you how to protect the places you visit and respect the communities you meet along the way. It inspires us to be mindful of our planet and its inhabitants in various ways, such as supporting local businesses, participating in conservation efforts, and volunteering for projects that can create a lasting impact.

More For You

Enjoy your solo travel with these tips . If you are traveling alone for the first time, these tips will help ensure a smooth trip.

This article was first published at Rbitaliablog .

The post How Traveling The World Can Transform Your Life In 17 Positive Ways appeared first on RB Italia Blog .

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9 Best Places to Live in Your 30s, According to Real Estate Experts

Top-notch entertainment, a stable job market, and a wealth of recreational activities await young people in these nine cities around the world.

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The city we live in impacts every aspect of our personal and professional lives — from access to jobs and health care to how likely we are to own a home and find a partner. Today, people in their 30s make up a considerable part of our country's population , which also applies to expats . Accessibility to air travel, flexible work arrangements, and the availability of digital nomad visas have allowed many young professionals to move abroad. 

And as the life of an average 30-year-old has changed dramatically over the last 40 years , certain cities provide more opportunities than others. Cost of living, access to quality and affordable education and child care, high salaries, jobs, generous parental leave, recreational opportunities, and a good work-life balance are all factors we considered when selecting the nine best places to live in your 30s.

Denver, Colorado

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About a quarter of Denver's population is between 27 and 42 years old, and the city was the second most popular destination for millennials in 2019 . With a lively craft beer scene , easy access to various outdoor activities , proximity to the mountains, an international airport, and a strong workforce, the Mile High City is a magnet for young people. 

"Tech and energy jobs are pulling young workers into Colorado from many areas of the U.S., and once they arrive, they generally put down permanent roots," Gretchen Rosenberg, CEO of Kentwood Real Estate, told Travel + Leisure. 

She explained that while first-time buyers may find the Denver city market expensive — the median home value in February 2023 was $560,000 — plenty of affordable options exist in the city's suburbs. Another reason to buy your first home here? Rosenberg added, "Property taxes are generally more reasonable than many other cities of similar size. Denver is a great choice if someone is looking for fun, sun, and spectacular mountain views."

New York City, New York

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"One's 30s are for exploring all that life has to offer while growing a career. There's no better city in the world than New York City to accomplish that," said Matthew Hughes, a Manhattan broker with Brown Harris Stevens. 

The diversity and top-notch entertainment in New York are unrivaled. According to a survey by MoneyNerd , the Big Apple is also among the top five cities in the world for work-life balance, ranking the highest in job opportunities and average salary. Unfortunately, the city also has a notoriously pricey real estate market. But this shouldn't discourage first-time buyers. 

Hughes explained, "While it is expensive, we have plenty of beautiful and residential neighborhoods in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx at more reasonable rates than Manhattan. Given how resilient residential real estate has been in New York City, I firmly believe there is also no better place to make an investment."

Zurich, Switzerland

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

The largest Swiss city regularly ranks among the top for best work-life balance and overall standard of living. Residents there make, on average, $82,191 a year and score high on happiness ratings, according to a recent survey . Zurich also has an excellent health care system, plenty of jobs across several industries, and great infrastructure. Plus, it's very safe.

And if you like spending time outdoors, this is definitely the city for you. Hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and skiing are all favorite pastimes for locals and visitors. Another bonus? Since the city is centrally located, it's a quick flight from other major European destinations.

Last but not least, the majority of the region's population was between 30 and 39 years old in 2021.

Austin, Texas

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Austin is a magnet for people in their 30s. In fact, the median age here is 35.8 years , and the Texas capital was among the top cities that attracted the most millennials in the U.S. in 2019 , according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The reason? "You name it, it's here: music, comedy, food, art, sports, nature, or the opportunity to just be a workaholic," Shay Millheiser of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty in Austin told T+L .

Those who would like to stay here permanently are in luck, too, as the city's real estate market has remained relatively affordable.

"Austin is a great place to own a first home because there are options at every price point within 30 to 45 minutes of almost anything the city offers," Millheiser explained. According to Zillow , the median home value in the city is $561,613, but according to Millheiser, prices in nearby suburbs average around $350,000.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Young people love the Danish capital because it's safe, has great health care , affordable public transportation, and a good education system. Plus, Danish people self-assess as one of the happiest in the world , which makes sense given employees work, on average, 25.9 hours a week and get 25 days off a year (not including public holidays).

By law, new parents in Denmark get 52 weeks of parental leave, and child care is subsidized, so kindergarten tuition doesn't exceed the equivalent of $590 in Danish krone . So, what do Copenhagen residents do in their free time? They explore the city's many parks , museums, and restaurants. And even better, Copenhagen is bike-friendly .

Vancouver, Canada

Paul Biris/Getty Images

As one of North America's most livable cities , Vancouver offers many social benefits for people in their 30s: great health care and education , low unemployment, safety, and a world-class entertainment and arts scene. And that's on top of Canada's generous parental leave, which is certainly an important factor for those wanting to start a family. Postcard-worthy views are easy to find here, too, with the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean as its backdrop.

"Vancouver is home to a growing tech sector, including both startups and established employers like Microsoft, E.A., and Amazon," Jonathan Cooper, president of Macdonald Real Estate Group, shared with T+L . "Neighborhoods that combine access to amenities with condominium or townhome offerings include Mount Pleasant, Fraser Street, and Yaletown."

Portland, Oregon

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The Pacific Northwest is one of the most popular areas for people in their 30s , who comprise almost a third of Portland's population . 

"Portland is pet-friendly. It's bike-friendly. It's kid-friendly...We have access to the mountains, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon coast — all within one to two hours. A plethora of outdoor adventures await — from fishing, camping, hiking, wind sports, skiing, we really have it all," Kathryne Psihogios of Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty told T+L .

Unlike many major metro areas along the West Coast, Portland's real estate market also favors first-time buyers. Millennial homeowners grew by 146 percent in the city in the last five years.

" Depending on budget, there are several great Portland neighborhoods that are attracting the 30-something buyers," said Aimee Virnig, principal broker at Windermere Real Estate. "For larger budgets, we are still seeing a desire to be in the inner core — Irvington, Laurelhurst, Alameda, Hawthorne, and Sellwood. But many first-time buyers don't have unlimited budgets. For this group, we are prioritizing what's most important — size of home and yard, proximity to work and schools — and finding some great fits in neighborhoods like Cully and Roseway in Northeast Portland, which offer older bungalows and craftsman homes, and Parkrose and Argay Terrace in outer Northeast Portland, where there's a nice stock of mid-century properties on larger lots."

Stockholm, Sweden

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Stockholm consistently ranks as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world , thanks to its stable economy, excellent public transportation, many parks, and top-notch health care and education systems. As the seat of the Swedish royal family, the city is also home to many historical landmarks and cultural institutions, transforming it into a haven for history and art enthusiasts. 

"Stockholm is surrounded by natural beauty, with numerous parks, lakes, and forests offering opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and other outdoor activities," Anders Elbe of Snellman Sotheby's International Realty told T+L . "During the winter, there are also opportunities for ice skating, skiing, and other winter sports."

Elbe explained that Stockholm's real estate market remains stable, so it's an excellent place for investing and building wealth over time. He added that the median price for a single-family home in the city is around 6.8 million SEK (approximately $659,000 USD).

Washington, D.C.

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Our nation's capital has become a buzzing hub for young people, with entire neighborhoods popping up and transforming the city. The main draw for people in their 30s remains the strong and stable job market, which ensures a high quality of life. D.C. also offers plenty to do year-round — in the summer, residents head to the beaches of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina . And in the winter, West Virginia and Pennsylvania offer the perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. 

"It's hard to imagine a more ideal place to buy a first home than Washington, D.C. , particularly in your 30s," Andrew Pariser, a broker at Long & Foster Real Estate, told T+L . " And when thinking of future resale value, since this is the nation's capital, real estate prices tend to be more impervious to the swings we see in other areas of the country."

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Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s how to avoid the rush

FILE - Motorists head southbound in the local and express lanes on Interstates 90-94 in slow and thickening traffic as a CTA train enters a station on the first day of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, July 1, 2022, in Chicago. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Travelers walk with their luggage through Union Station in Washington ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, July 1, 2023. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

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July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.