Worried you’ve missed the boat to start travelling? Spoiler: no age is too old! As a solo traveller in my early 30s, I’m convinced my best adventures are yet to come.
After graduating from university, I felt an urgent need to see the world, so I made it my mission to do so. For a few years, I worked, saved, travelled, returned home and repeated the cycle.
In true twenty-something style, I stretched my budget as far as possible by staying in the cheapest hostels, taking advantage of backpacker drinks deals and living off street food (that last part hasn’t changed; street food is still the best). I had a blast.
But as I entered my 30s, the thought of staying in 20-bed dorms and wasting mornings nursing a sore head became less appealing. And instead of racing to tick off every destination, I started to tune into what I really wanted from my travels. It became less about the Instagrammable highlights and more about appreciating the smaller moments along the way.
Travelling isn’t any less fun or adventurous just because I’m older – and, dare I say, a little wiser. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Memories from my backpacker days in my early 20s
Why your 30s are a great decade to travel
If you didn’t travel much in your 20s and think it’s too late, I’m here to tell you why your 30s might just be the perfect time to start.
You’re more confident
Your 20s are a whirlwind of trial and error. They’re full of firsts – first jobs, first big decisions, first time navigating heartbreak – and figuring out what ‘adulting’ even means. It’s the decade where you learn about who you are and how the world works. By the time you hit your 30s, you know yourself more and embrace new experiences with a little more ease.
All that experience makes you a more confident traveller. For a start, you become more comfortable in your own company, which means you can book the trip you’ve been dreaming about for years even if your friends can’t join you. Travelling with loved ones is great, but if they can’t get the time off work, it shouldn’t hold you back.
You also have confidence in stepping out of your comfort zone, which comes in handy when you need to make decisions on the go and navigate new environments and language barriers.
‘Looking back at the trips I’ve taken in the last year, it’s the moments where things went wrong – lost luggage, flat tires, a whole group of sick people after a dodgy fish dinner, getting lost in a thunderstorm on foot – that I look back on with the most fondness. And I attribute that carefree-ness 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 travels. Bar crawls? Let’s go. Whitewater rafting? Sign me up. While I always had fun, I sometimes joined even when it wasn’t really my thing just to stick with my friends. These days, I only pursue things that genuinely excite me. You’re more likely to find me at a cooking class or on a trek instead of rushing down rapids – even if it means going solo.
Knowing what lights you up and being intentional about your plans lets you travel on your terms. After all, it’s your adventure.
‘Travelling in your 30s, you have a deeper sense of purpose. You can immerse yourself in meaningful experiences and enjoy travel in a way that feels more enriching and fulfilling.’ – Laura, Australia
You know your limits
Most of my friends agree that weekends in their 30s have become quieter. And we’re here for it! The same goes for travelling. While travelling in my 20s included their fair share of late nights, my 30s are about rising early (and feeling fresh) to hike up a volcano for sunrise or watch local life unfold at morning markets. It might also have something to do with the fact that hangovers in your 30s are a different beast. I still love a good knees-up, but now it looks like singing my heart out at a karaoke bar in Japan or sipping Aperol in a Roman piazza.
But you know what’s even better? Travelling with like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for making the most of each day.
‘”Older and wiser” might be a cliche, but I’m making WAY better travel decisions in my 30s. Spending more time in fewer places, getting to know a destination before moving on and feeling more connected to the people and places I visit are a few themes from recent trips.’ – Gemma, Australia
You may have more money
For many people, your 30s often bring more financial stability. While money doesn’t buy happiness, it can make travelling more fun and comfortable as you can prioritise what matters to you.
In my 20s, I’d endure an extra layover or looong bus journey and power through snoring-filled dorms to save a few bucks. I admire the resourcefulness of my younger self, and I still love finding a bargain, but I now focus on value over squeezing every dollar.
I may not go backpacking for months at a time now, but I make every moment count. And that doesn’t mean splurging on luxury hotels; it means booking a private room for a good night’s sleep, grabbing a cab instead of lugging my rucksack uphill or treating myself to a bucket list experience I’ve wanted to do for years.
Plus, the budgeting skills you develop in your 20s can help you become a more financially savvy traveller.
You value connection more
With more life experience comes a greater ability to connect. In my younger years, meeting people often meant swapping travel itineraries or sharing laughs over hostel games. It was fun, fleeting and what I needed at that stage of life. Now, I connect more through shared experiences – like learning to whip up a full Indian meal or doing a morning yoga and surf session in Morocco. Activities like this are a great way to make new friends, as they lay the groundwork to spark meaningful conversations and get to know each other while having fun.
‘In your 30s, you’re more mature and independent and have a clearer sense of who you are. It’s a great age to participate in group travel and connect with people outside your circle, as making friends can be harder as you get older.’ – Brittany, Australia
Ready to make your 30s the decade of travel?
Planning a solo trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Small group travel could be the way to go if you’re umming and aahing about taking the plunge. Whether it’s your first or tenth trip, there’s something freeing about rocking up knowing everything’s been taken care of.
Intrepid’s 18 to 35s trips are designed for younger travellers (yes, 30 is still young!) who want to explore with like-minded people of a similar age. It’s the perfect way to travel solo but not feel alone. With a local leader psyched to share their culture (and the best photo ops) and flexible itineraries, you have the freedom to spend your travel budget and free time how you want.
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Best destinations to travel in your 30s
Intrepid has over 60 adventures for 18 to 35-year-olds all over the world. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
India
You could visit India ten times and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. Immerse yourself in the flavours and colours of Rajasthan on an epic 16-day adventure. Learn the art of chai-making at a homestay in the desert town of Bikaner, camp under the starry skies of the Thar desert (no tent needed) and witness the iconic Taj Mahal shimmering in the morning light.
Trip: Real Rajasthan
Turkey
Experience the cultural melting pot of Turkey on a 10-day adventure filled with gozleme and baklava. Step back in time at Ephesus (one of the world’s most impressive ancient cities), soak up the sun on a sailing trip along the Mediterranean and relax in a once-Roman spa resort at Pamukkale’s cascading hot springs.
Trip: Real Turkey
Egypt
Tick off bucket list icons on a 9-day Egyptian journey. Follow in the footsteps of powerful pharaohs at Valley of the Kings and the pyramids of Giza, sail the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, and feast on koshari, Egyptian falafel and mint tea at local hotspots.
Trip: Essential Egypt
See Intrepid’s full range of 18 to 35s trips
