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My 20s were great, but here’s why your 30s are better for solo travel

My 20s were great, but here’s why your 30s are better for solo travel

Worried you’ve missed the boat to start your trip? Spoiler: There’s no such thing as too old! As a solo traveler in my early 30s, I believe my best adventures are yet to come.

After graduating from college, I desperately needed to see the world, so I made it my mission to see the world. For several years, I worked, saved money, traveled, returned home, and the cycle started again.

In true twenty-something style, I stretched my budget as far as possible, staying in the cheapest hostels, taking advantage of backpacker drink deals and street food (that last part hasn’t changed; street food is still the best). I had a great time.

But as I entered my 30s, the idea of ​​living in a 20-bed dormitory and wasting my mornings nursing headaches became less appealing. Instead of scrambling to check off every destination, I started fine-tuning my destinations real I want that from my travels. It’s less about the Instagram-worthy highlights and more about appreciating the little moments along the way.

Traveling doesn’t get any less fun or adventurous just because I’m older—and, dare I say it, I’m getting wiser. In fact, the opposite is true.

Memories of backpacking days in my early 20s

Why your 30s are a great decade to travel

If you rarely traveled in your 20s and thought it was too late, I’m here to tell you why your 30s might be the best time to start traveling.

you are more confident

Your twenties are a whirlwind of trial and error. They’re filled with firsts—first jobs, first big decisions, first heartbreaks—even figuring out what it means to be an “adult.” In this decade, you learn who you are and how the world works. By your 30s, you understand yourself better and can accept new experiences more easily.

All of these experiences will make you a more confident traveler. First, you’ll become more comfortable in your own company, which means you can book that trip you’ve been dreaming of for years, even if your friends can’t join you. Traveling with loved ones is great, but it shouldn’t hold you back if they can’t take time off from work.

You also gain the confidence to step outside your comfort zone, which comes in handy when you need to make decisions on the go and overcome new environments and language barriers.

Looking back on my trip last year, the moments that went wrong—lost luggage, a flat tire, a group of people getting sick after an unsafe fish dinner, getting lost in a thunderstorm on foot—I look back fondly. I attribute this carefree and positive attitude to years of practice. – Liz, USA

You know what you like (and don’t like)

In my early 20s, I said yes to almost every activity on my trip. Pub crawl? let’s go. White water rafting? Sign Me Up Even though I always have fun, sometimes I join in even if it’s not really my thing, just to be with my friends. Nowadays, I only pursue things that truly excite me. You’re more likely to find me in a cooking class or hiking than rushing down a rapid – even if that means doing it alone.

Understand what excites you and carefully create a plan that allows you to travel on your own terms. After all, it’s your adventure.

Traveling in your 30s gives you a deeper sense of purpose. You can immerse yourself in meaningful experiences and enjoy your travels in a way that feels richer and more fulfilling. “ – Laura, Australia

Two travelers enjoy traditional food in TürkiyeTwo travelers enjoy traditional food in Türkiye

you know your limits

Most of my friends agree that weekends get quieter in your 30s. That’s what we’re here for! The same goes for traveling. In my 20s I would often stay up late while traveling, and in my 30s I would wake up early (and feel fresh) Hike up the volcano to watch the sunrise Or watch local life at the morning market. It may also have something to do with the fact that hangovers in your 30s are a different kind of thing. I still love kneeling but now it looks like singing my heart out at the top of my lungs at a concert Japanese karaoke bar Or drink Aperol in the Roman Forum.

But you know what’s even better? Travel with like-minded people They share your passion for making the most of every day.

‘”“Older, wiser” may be a cliché, but I’ve made better travel decisions in my 30s. Spending more time in fewer places, getting to know the destination before moving on, and developing stronger connections with the people and places I visit are some of the themes from recent travels. – Gemma, Australia

you may have more money

For many people, being in your 30s often brings more financial stability. While money can’t buy happiness, it can make traveling more fun and comfortable because you can prioritize what’s important to you.

In my 20s I would put up with extra transfers or dragon Save some money by traveling by bus and powering through dormitories full of snores. I admire the resourcefulness of my youth, and I still love a bargain, but I’m now more focused on value rather than squeezing out every dollar.

I may not be backpacking for months at a time now, but I will cherish every moment. This doesn’t mean spending money on a luxury hotel; it means booking a private room and giving yourself a good night’s sleep, hailing a cab instead of lugging a backpack up a mountain, or giving yourself a trip you’ve been wanting to do for years bucket list experience.

Additionally, the budgeting skills you develop in your 20s can help you become a more financially savvy traveler.

Three tourists ride in a traditional canoe with local Vietnamese womenThree tourists ride in a traditional canoe with local Vietnamese women

You value connection more

The more life experience you have, the stronger your communication skills will be. When I was younger, meeting people often meant exchanging travel itineraries or sharing laughs over dorm room games. It was fun, fleeting, and just what I needed at that stage of my life. Now, I connect more by sharing experiences—like learning to prepare a hearty Indian meal or doing morning yoga, Morocco Surf Lessons. Events like this are a great way to make new friends as they lay the foundation for sparking meaningful conversations and getting to know each other while having fun.

When you are in your 30s, You are more mature and independent, with a clearer sense of who you are. Now is a good time to join a group trip and connect with people outside your circle, since making friends becomes more difficult as you get older. “ – Brittany Australia

Are you ready to make your 30s the decade of travel?

Planning a solo trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to give it a try, a small group tour might be your best option. Whether this is your first trip or your tenth, you’ll feel at ease knowing everything is taken care of.

of the fearless 18 to 35 seconds Travel is designed for young travelers (yes, 30 is young!) who want to explore with like-minded peers. It’s the perfect way to travel alone without feeling lonely. With local leaders happy to share their culture (as well as the best photo opportunities) and flexible itineraries, you have the freedom to spend your travel budget and free time however you wish.

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A traveler clinks glasses of milk tea with chai wala, IndiaA traveler clinks glasses of milk tea with chai wala, India

The best travel destinations for over 30s

Intrepid offers more than 60 adventure activities for 18- to 35-year-olds around the world. Here are some of the most popular destinations:

India

you can visit India Ten times and it still feels like you’ve only scratched the surface. Immerse yourself in the flavors and colors of Rajasthan on this epic 16-day adventure. Learn the art of chai tea-making at a homestay in the desert town of Bikaner, camp under the stars in the Thar Desert (no tent required), and witness the iconic Taj Mahal sparkle in the morning light.

travel: real rajasthan

turkey

Experience a cultural melting pot turkey A 10-day adventure filled with gozlime and baklava. Step back in time in Ephesus (one of the world’s most impressive ancient cities), soak up the sun on a Mediterranean cruise, relax in the waterfall hot springs of Pamukkale, and relax in a former Roman spa resort.

travel: real Türkiye

Egypt

Check 9 days wish list icon Egyptian travel. Follow in the footsteps of the mighty pharaohs of the Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza, sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca, and enjoy koshari, Egyptian falafel, and mint tea at local hotspots.

travel: Egypt must visit

Check out Intrepid’s full range of 18 to 35 second trips

Feeling inspired?