Most of the time, I traveled by myself, chasing parties worldwide. It resulted in many days wasted, money spent, and nights forgotten.
Friends would come and go, and at the time, I thought this was how travel was supposed to be. But as I entered my 30s, I realized I wasn't a 21-year-old on a mission to party five nights a week anymore.
Now, I prioritize exploring different cultures, connecting with new people, and learning more about local history.
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Travel is way better this way.
My priorities began changing for the better as I entered my 30s
In time, my idea of a bucket list stopped being to see how many European bars I could cross off my list. Now, I try to see how many local haunts and historic sites I can visit during a trip while still giving myself time to relax.
Some of my most treasured days are spent cruising around the Croatian Islands with friends, wandering through the Scottish Highlands, and learning about the cultures through the eyes of the locals.
I also started putting myself out there and participating in group walking tours and hostel-organized activities to learn about cultures and local cuisines.
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By doing things I truly enjoy, I began to find others with similar interests along the way. And exploring an unfamiliar country is even better when you do it with friends you can relate to.
I've also learned how to let myself rest. In my 20s, I'd jump from hostel to hostel with a backpack and a plan to live on the edge.
No matter how tired I felt, I'd tell myself to keep going and power through. I've since realized some of the best evenings come from staying in with good friends.
And I know now that I'm not missing out on anything if I don't rush through my travels.
I also find myself making stronger connections now that I'm older
A decade ago, I was bouncing around countries and friendships.
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The people I met in hostels were friends I'd drink with — we felt no need to talk about feelings or real-life problems.
In my 30s, I find myself chasing deeper connections.
I'm more mature in my approach, too. Dinner dates and coffee talks, where I learn more about people in a few hours than I used to in weeks, are my new norm.
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Sure, I still go on the occasional hostel bar crawl, but I find more of my nights end in deep chats at 3 a.m. with friends I'll keep in touch with for life.
I'm more sure of myself, and I've gotten comfortable making my own decisions
With 30 comes a whirlwind of emotions and insecurities, but it also comes with a whole new appreciation for life, relationships, and the beauty of exploring new cities to find our place in the world.
It's come with confidence that's allowed me to open up and share experiences with new people. Now, I've got friends around the world.
No longer am I the timid girl in her early 20s, unable to say no and make difficult decisions. In my 30s, I tell myself I hold the dice and the odds are always in my favor.
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Really, I've found my travel bliss — a harmonious marriage between freedom and independence.
I traveled a lot in my 20s, but solo travel is the best now that I'm in my 30s. I did a lot of solo travel in my 20s but I like it even better in my 30s. I've matured and I value making connections around the world. I've also realized I don't need to rush or try to cram everything into one trip.
Solo travel in your 30s can be pretty awesome! I still had a lot of energy to go around to multiple destinations in a single trip. I felt a lot more comfortable being on my own and meeting new people.
If you've never done it, solo travel can be daunting but I warn you, it is so addictive. Solo travel in your 20's offers complete and utter freedom. It's the chance to embrace whatever adventures are in store for you and meet fantastic people along the way.
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.
Many people travel in their 20s after graduating from high school or during a post-college gap year before they start their careers. If you feel as if you've missed the boat, rest assured that people in their 30s can still enjoy traveling the globe. In fact, traveling at this age is even better.
But in reality, while everyone's life has been full and incredible, there is always more out there to see and do. There isn't a real time limit on adventures of any kind and travelling means you can keep having adventures. You don't have to slow down and stay inside as you age!
The average solo traveller is aged 47, with 84% being female travelers and only 16% being male. 12% of 18-24 year old's have been on a holiday by themselves. Research conducted by ABTA Consumer Survey: Holiday Habits Report, show that around 15% of us are now taking holidays alone.
Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.
No, it's not.It's never too late. Imagine this: You are 95, on your death bed, full of regrets, and you still haven't set foot, not explored even the tiniest bit. Scary.
Your 20s is a time of mistakes, fun, and figuring out life but it can be lonely, and I don't think light is shed on that part. There is this pressure put on people at the early age to know what you want to do and to figure it out and try not to fail.
Never.You are only as old as your actions. I am 47 and still travel like a backpacker/flashpacker. Having traveled to 72 countries now I have met 66 y.o. backpackers, 18 y.o.s and every age in between.
Now is the time when travel turns from exciting to amazing. Kids are maturing and as much as they want to have fun, they also want to explore. As you travel you'll notice the kids taking the lead. You may have planned the trip, but they'll make it their own with personal observations.
Under 5 years - 'Flying Solo' service is unavailable, however, the child MUST travel with someone over the age of 18 years. 5-12 years - 'Flying Solo' service is available and can the child can travel on all flights. 13-18 years - The child can travel alone or we would be happy to offer the 'Flying Solo' service.
Here's why we believe travelling with kids aged 10 -14 is the perfect age to travel and adventure: They learn so much while travelling – kids are like 'sponges' and at this age they're learning and remembering it all. Our boys have learnt so much from their travels around the world.
When you're in your twenties, you tend to live hard and long, capitalizing on all the energy during the week, and resting hard on the weekends to make up for it. But by your thirties, you understand that days off are sacred, and there's too much cool stuff out there to waste the day under the covers.
But in reality, while everyone's life has been full and incredible, there is always more out there to see and do. There isn't a real time limit on adventures of any kind and travelling means you can keep having adventures. You don't have to slow down and stay inside as you age!
Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379
Phone: +2678139151039
Job: International Administration Supervisor
Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports
Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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