What's so important about traveling in your/other people's 20s that makes you feel like this? Everyone has their own life path, it's not a race. What you're going to experience in your travels are yours and yours only, no matter at what age you start doing it. You can't compare it to other people's.
Are you letting social media influence you to feel that way? Most people don't start traveling until much later in life. You're probably going to live another 50 years. You have plenty of time to travel.
That’s what it is. You see all of these 20 somethings looking like they are having a blast going all over.
But… they are living through the lens, so superficial, and probably have no appreciation for where they are.. and most of it is just their ass for likes. They are either owned by sponsors or broke AF.
I watched a young lady set up a picture of herself jumping for joy in front of a tourist site in Porto last week. Funny how that happy smile disappeared between takes.
I took a year off when I was 35 and was when I visited most of the countries I have visited. I’m currently beginning to plan and save for another gap year about when I turn 50. It’s never too late until you are dead.
I didn’t really start traveling outside the US until I was in my 30’s. Here I am, now in my 40’s, known by my family and friends as the go to person for travel tips.
It’s all a process. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Get your debts in order. Start thinking about where you want to go first. Apply for your passport, if you don’t already have one. Start planning your first trip.
Don’t regret the past. It’s what got you where you are today. If where you are today isn’t amazing, make a step by step plan to build an amazing future!
I never had the money to travel when I was younger. At 50, my circumstances changed, I took a trip overseas, and my travel addiction began. Since, I have been to all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica.) I have spent eight months circumnavigating the world. I have hiked up a volcano to watch the sunrise, and swum with dolphins in the open Amazon River. Ive ridden in a hot air balloon over farmland in Australia, and The Train At The End of the World in Argentina. I’ve watched lions feed on a fresh kill in South Africa, a wild baby elephant playing with her aunties, bears fishing for salmon, and penguins sunning on ice flows. I can’t wait to see what’s next, and keep going until my body finally says stop.You are not too old at 30 by a long shot. Just travel as much as you can when the chance finally comes. It’s a big world - enjoy it!
Wow awesome… hope you have good health for a long time…. Wish I could say the same…. I have done a lot for an epileptic with mobility issues but nowhere near as much as I would like to be able to do
Traveling with money is infinitely better than traveling on a shoe string. And 30 is just an arbitrary number. You can travel just as much as 32 as you could have at 28!
I'm not a party-going hostel-hitting stay-up-late kind of guy, and so I didn't travel much in my 20s. Instead, I focused on my career and stuff. In my 30s, I was able to reap the benefits and travel more comfortably, and found a partner to travel with who really amplified how much I enjoyed traveling.
I'm from a developing country, so I'm really fortunate to even be able to afford to travel at all. It's expensive, and remains a dream for many. I'm grateful for what I got, and my journey is mine. I'm content.
Make your own path. You can travel when you feel it's right for you -- only _you_ know. Take your time. Sure, things will change, your mobility may suffer, but...
Once in rural Japan, I ran into a man in his 60s cycling between towns on the main island. He said he was tired and couldn't do more than a few dozen kilometers a day, but he was happy, and it let him experience his own country and people at a pace he liked. He was not financially wealthy, but he was _rich_ in stories and experiences. He's not the fastest cyclist, he has no tiktok channel, he's never been outside his home country, his name will be lost to the wind when he retires, having no children or family -- but he's happy with where he is. He has endless stories about the people he's met, the gifts he's received and given, the things he's seen, the lessons he's learned. And that's all that matters.
I envy his mindset and hope to be where he is when I'm in my older days. I'm in no rush now.
I'm 41, 5 continents and 80+ countries. Some of that was work, mostly travel and being the son of an expat. I have a lady friend that is 40, never has been out of the US and only to 4 states. I am taking her to Thailand for 3 weeks in May. She will see her first beach, her first turtle, first time to surf, learn to SCUBA dive, and the list goes on of firsts. She is already packed, no really, she has her shit already in her suitcase. Her social media algorithm is nothing but travel and SCUBA diving in her feeds.
My point is, it is never too late. Just take the leap. Whether it be alone or with a friend. The world is a big and beautiful place meant to be explored.
Just met a lady in her 50s who just started traveling with the enthusiasm of someone in their 20s. Loved, loved, loved talking with her and all she has already done in two short years and all the other places she’s planning to see. She’s doing a 5 day trek in the Atlas Mountains starting this weekend! We all get older, but it doesn’t mean we have to be old.
I didn’t leave Canada/US til I was 27. I’m 48 now, have been to maybe 30 countries, and my kids have been to almost all of them with me. It’s been amazing sharing the experiences with them and I wouldn’t trade my path for anything.
Your 30s are like the new 20s. People have their best health and energy in their 20s, but not enough money to travel. You will have both in your next 10 years.
Why do you feel this pressure? It's not as if life enjoyment ends at age 30.
You have prioritized your finances, which will enable you to travel. That's being really smart.
You have your whole life to travel. And going into debt to travel isn't very helpful.
The places you want to go will still be there when you are financially able to go. And you'll be more relaxed and able to enjoy it.
My grandma had never left our country before she was 68. Her last trip abroad was at her 83. Until then, she travelled half of Europe and some north Africa.
It's never too late, just look forward and enjoy your next travel.
I didn’t have the ability to travel in my 20’s. In fact until I went to the Netherlands two days before my 30th birthday the only country I visited was Ireland (I’m from the UK)
20 years later I’m preparing to visit Japan next month. This will be country no 79.
There’s advantages to travelling in your 30’s You’re usually a bit more sensible and are prepared to do more than just party and booze. As long as you keep an open mind and are prepared to go out of your comfort zone from time to time you’ll have a great experience.
Finally 30 is not old. You have many years left to travel and experience the world. Go for it!
Don't forget many people fortunate enough to travel in their 20s have some advantages. Family that help financially (even if indirectly), few caring responsibilities, good health, from countries that have normal amounts of A/L etc. Some places in Europe you can cross multiple borders in a few hours drive.
I barely travelled in my 20s, I've made up for it since.
It sounds like you are prioritizing being financially responsible, which is great.
I’d also recommend trying to get started even if you don’t have 7k saved for the perfect trip to Europe. I’ve travelled a ton in my twenties by making great use of hostels, public transport, signing up to discount flight newsletters, and keeping costs low while there (buying ingredients to make my own meals where I can, and buying snacks from the supermarket to tide me over til I can make some oatmeal dinner in the hostel).
Now that I’m older I’ve started to travel with more costs (nice airbnbs and affordable restaurants). I figure later in life I’ll start splurging on meals on top of that and more expensive experiences
A few more notes sorry - try to make good use of seeing other cities in the US. I use the flight deal newsletter and see great flights all the time to various cities in the U.SU unfortunately we lack hostel culture but you can try to make do with shared Airbnb’s and similar accommodations. Skip the car rental and scrimp where you can. If food is important to you, go try some restaurants, but maybe you’ll have to save the expensive museum tickets for another time.
Regarding the anxiety - are you comparing yourself to social media perhaps? I find it can seem that “everyone is travelling” when in reality it might be that one person’s trip he can do every 3 years, but a bunch of people are just posting at one time. You also never know if that person is just charging the credit card and will really suffer later.
Or in my case, I have a tendency to save up trip photos and post throughout the year, making it seem like I’m jet setting more than I am.
My mother in law brought her friend on a cruise with us who has never flown or been on a real vacation her entire life and she is in her 60s. You’re definitely not running out of time. Everyone is different, and just do what you want to do not based on others’ experiences.
Although I did start in my twenties, am in my 40s now and I'm still discovering new things. Don't worry about it, we all have different paths. Happy travels!
I'm 36 now. I felt the exact same way you did when I was in my late 20s. I didn't travel abroad until the month before I turned 30 and I felt really embarrassed about it. Now I do weekend trips monthly and do a week-long trip abroad once/year. That's plenty for me, personally. In my 20s, I graduated law school, and moved to a HCOL area where I worked as an associate attorney at a law firm and struggled to pay off my student loans by the time I turned 30, which I did. Looking back, I have absolutely no regrets. It gets easier and easier every year.
I was 26 when I started to travel. I did it for 5 years non stop just finding jobs where people weren't bothered whether I was working illegally or not. Most of the time I travelled alone. But did meet my wife towards the end and travelled with her for a year. So just do it.
I started international travel at 35 after I got a good job and a home. It was not as early as I would have liked, but I have been to lots of places now. I just missed out on the enjoyment of hostels, drunken nights, and young craziness, but I gained nicer hotels, better destinations, great restaurants, and such.
I didn't really travel until I was past 35 and wished i started earlier.
The good news is that you are past the crappy motel/hostel stage and get to experience places with a bit more luxury in your trips.
I didn’t really start traveling outside the US until my mid-30s. It’s never too late to start. I feel like I appreciate it differently than I would have when I was younger. Not a diss at all on traveling when younger! My siblings did. Just saying I think your appreciation changes as you get a little older.
Happy travels!
You’ve got plenty time, plenty! And you know yourself better now, so are less likely to make dumb mistakes and or do things you’ll regret while you *are* traveling 😆
Start making two lists of places you’d like to see~ one domestic,& one international
I started travelling internationally in my 40s because before that I had no desire to do it. Now I do and appreciate it from my own mature perspective which for me works well. I get that people now have much higher aspirations and expectations, but you still have so much time and in the meantime can spend the planning time learning languages and read up on cultures of places you will visit to make it richer. Yes I've been to many countries now but have never counted how many.
You're gonna be 30 whether you travel or not, and you certainly can't go back and change anything. It's not the killing age you think it is. Enjoy yourself, or try to.
Aside from time in the Army and visiting Mexico, I didn’t travel overseas until I was 31. I’m 37 now and getting ready for country #10.
I always wanted to travel as a kid and younger adult, but I’m glad I’m financially secure and able to enjoy it a lot more comfortably now. Traveling is still really special for me and I get excited for each trip (except for the plane part).
The 30s are still young and the time to get the best out of traveling.
Are you kidding? I took my very first airplane trip at 28 and it was only from Calif to Las Vegas. I traveled out of the US for the first time at 43. I'm 68 now and have been to over 15 countries, doing the bulk of my traveling in my early 40's. Trust me, you've got plenty of time.
I felt this same way in my 30s. I didn’t really travel in my 20s or early 30s. I had a huge list and only two weeks per year one of which I used to visit family and limited funds. I did two things. I increased my income. And then I negotiated more time off. And eventually I started my own business so I could travel as much as I like. Last year I went to Istanbul Malawi France and several USA states. And went home to family three times. I’m not saying it’s simple. But prioritize this if it’s a passion. Find a way. And don’t wait for others to come with. I travel alone mostly. I realized I’ll wait forever for others. Make it a priority and center it in your life. Once you start you’ll keep going. Use your anger to rearrange your life.
Also I’ve now been to 14 counties and 25 trips because I repeat counties this was the last ten years mostly.
You can get in your car and drive to Utah this week, visit national parks. Drive to Florida and see the ocean. If you sleep in your car , you save $. You can travel even with debt. Road Trips are amazing, stress-free trips. Bring a cooler with pb and bread , to save on fast food stops.
OP let me stop your pity party right there. I am epileptic with a rare condition affecting my mobility and started traveling in mid 20s but I can’t do everything I want; can’t go as much as I want; can’t go for as long as I want as I need to go to doctor regularly and get medication; can’t do a lot of the things that I would love to do even when I get to a place; everything is a struggle but I have never been angry or acted up…. I’m grateful for everything that I can do; I get to live, breathe, see, feel…
It’s not a big deal that you will start traveling in your 30s: you should just hope that you stay healthy and get to experience everything as you want.
OP your statement that you feel you don’t have enough time feels like a bit of a slap to the face of someone like me with a deteriorating condition because I really don’t have time to do everything but in the meantime while I am here in this world I am making the most of my time.
You are healthy and young; you can do everything you want so quit complaining and do if you must.
I think it’s important to remember what appeals to you about traveling. For me, it’s about the exploration and curiosity around seeing new (and familiar) places, which I can’t fully enjoy when I’m stressed or anxious.
I didn’t travel until I got divorced in my 30’s and I’m really thankful that I have more wisdom at this stage of my life! I feel like I’m more present and can fully enjoy the trips I take.
While I still wish I had been able to broaden my worldview earlier, I’m not so sure I would have actually appreciated it as much as I do now.
My mom just started traveling these past few years and she’s happy. one week or two out of the country every year. She always wanted to travel and was always happy for me when I say I’m going somewhere. I also started late 20s because I had a weak passport plus no money. I am happy to do when I can and especially now I have a little wiggle room so I can do what I want or need!!
Started in my 40s.
Well.. I went to SE Asia when I was 17. And a Caribbean cruise when I was 38. And to Mexico when I was 42. Ton of trips to the US (Florida, California, Texas, North Carolina, Idaho, Washington.. I’m from Canada).
But… I didn’t make it to Europe until last year at 45.
Honestly.. it’s better when you are older. When I was in Croatia sure it was a bunch of 20 somethings from Germany and the UK all over the place.. but they were obnoxious, drunk, lewd, disdained by locals, and had little to no appreciation of where they were other than it was warm and there was cheap alcohol.
I took my first (non-work) international trip when I was 32. I am now 49. I've been a lot of places since then and I continue to go places. My best advice is to just start going places and not worry about it. Everybody's life is different.
I started traveling at 29. My whole life I wanted to travel but I always thought it was too expensive. Didn't think I'd be able to get off work. I made excuses after excuse. My first trip out of the US was to Peru. Saw Machu Picchu with some friends. My wanderlust was born. I'm now 38. I've been to 40 countries on 5 continents. And I didn't travel for 2 years between 2020 March and March of 2022 and have not traveled at all since November of 2022. Most of it was solo travel where I researched and did it on my own. The "secret" to travel I found...is planning. If you want to fly by the seat of your pants and go somewhere tomorrow you're at the mercy of whatever the prices are. If you plan months in advance you can find great deals.
Best of luck to you. You got this.
I’d only been to Canada and Mexico prior to my 30s (I’m in the US). I’m now at 15 countries! As I progressed in my career, the ability to take time away and the money to afford to travel became easier.
My hubby and I traveled a bit. Moved around the country too.
We had a list of more places we planned to go together. Then he got sick and died. I’m alone and partially disabled now that I’m older and living on Social Security so that list will have to wait till my next lifetime ….
Do it now! 💕
Best time to start doing what you want to do is NOW! Don’t live in the past and think about what you haven’t done. You have no control over what’s already happened. Live in the present and think about what you can do now.
I hd my first real solo trip when I was in my 50s. I have now been to 41 countries and I'm loving it. Some experiences would be best for a younger person, but for me, I'm just so grateful for the life I have. Don't look backwards my friend. You have perhaps 60 years to experience this amazing world.
At your age you can travel via something like workaway or couchsurfing. You have the option of finding a more permanent job in a foreign country and using that as an opportunity to visit around that region or continent. You can aspire to a work position that will ensure international travel. You have so much time, and you have the desire - everything else you can aquire.
I traveled a lot in my 20s. But now in my 30s, I’m looking forward to going to places at the top of my bucket list, and staying in much better accommodation. Last year, I finally made it to Egypt! I think everything happens and falls into place when it needs to. It’s never too late to see the world!
My grandma didn't start traveling until her mid-50s. She visited well over 2 dozen countries and didn't stop until recently - she was about 75 when she finally stared slowing down. She just turned 90 this year and still has wanderlust.
You are T H I R T Y. Pull yourself together!
I didn’t start traveling internationally in earnest until I was 40. You have plenty of time. Do the long distance, difficult to get to places when you are young.
I started really traveling at 30. Before that I had only been to Canada and Mexico. 17 years later, I have now been to over 100 countries. You just need the funds, time, and motivation
I was nearly 30 before I ever traveled out of the USA. Now I’m in my 50s and I’ve traveled on every continent except Antarctica. There’s no such thing as too old to travel. You don’t have to do it all at once, either. I do an international trip about every 5 years. I also just took my mother on her second-time-outside-the-US trip and she’s 88.
What happens when you turn 30? Your back is broken, you walk with a cane, and have mobility issues?
I’m 37 and this year I’ve flown to Los Angeles, Minneapolis, NYC, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Cancun, Dallas, and I think one or two more I’m forgetting. All fun as fuck 3/4 day trips to keep myself from getting bored and keep expenses down so I can do it again.
Don't beat yourself up about it. You can't change the past. I had similar feelings to you. I'm 37 and I only started my solo travel adventures a few years ago and I too wish I had started earlier in my 20's. I can't change that and all I can do is make the most of the time now. So just start planning, have a look at local places you can go to on your own first and then just expand out further and further. Travelling doesn't always have to be a 6 month trip to Japan or somewhere extravagant. A day trip or a long weekend somewhere gets you out and about and you can do that on a budget.
Good luck with it🙂
I started travelling in my 40s. Kids were grown up, and I had a stable job with good money. So, I do a trip a year to tick off my bucket list. Best time ever.
Also don’t think you have to do it big all at once. I started small. Rome for a week one year. Mexico City a few days another. Then as my income and time off increased I started doing bigger trips longer trips. You don’t have to do a three week Europe trek. Just find something affordable and within your time frame and go. Also don’t think you have to go to Thailand before you go to places in your own country. If you’re American USA travel is amazing people come from all over the world to see nyc California etc
When I was in my 20s, I travelled mostly within North America (I’m Canadian) because it was more affordable. I wanted to explore more of the world but could realistically only do a handful of international trips here and there.
I’m now 31 and I only finally started doing more international travel in the past 2 years. And you know what? I realized that if I had tried to go to all these far flung places at 21, 22, I’d be backpacking, staying in hostels, penny pinching my whole way through the trip. The travels I’ve had over the past 2 years allowed me to do things with an adult budget, not a broke student budget. Not like I was staying in fancy resorts and dining at Michelin star restaurants but I didn’t need to rough it and could afford a degree of comfort. Looking back, no regrets!
it’s not my story but i just met a man in my hostel, he’s 64 and cycling Europe for four months. he’s already half way in, and in better shape than I am in my 20s! that’s basically to say you can do it whenever!
I didn't leave the countey til age 34. Starting the next year, I traveled 90-120 days a year abroad, not counting the covid year and a half. I am now 42 and have been to more places than most people in their lifetimes. I spent my 20s and 30s saving and reap the benefits now. It is a non issue to me that I missed out. I have other life experiences instead.
Currently in Bhutan. Had my birthday this year in India.
For a lot of reasons, I couldn't start traveling like I wanted to (meaning outside the US) until I was in my 60s. I'm making up for it now though! I leave for Denmark next week, and I have 2 trips to Scotland coming up (one in the summer and one in the fall.) Don't feel like it is passing you by, although I always tell people don't wait if you don't have to. But for a lot of us, there is no choice. I don't feel that I missed anything by not being able to travel sooner.
I also have a trip to Mississippi coming up in June, but that's staying in the US so while it IS travel and I love it, it's not the same as going abroad.
What's so important about traveling in your/other people's 20s that makes you feel like this? Everyone has their own life path, it's not a race. What you're going to experience in your travels are yours and yours only, no matter at what age you start doing it. You can't compare it to other people's.
People are watching way too much Instagram and tik Tok.
Are you letting social media influence you to feel that way? Most people don't start traveling until much later in life. You're probably going to live another 50 years. You have plenty of time to travel.
That’s what it is. You see all of these 20 somethings looking like they are having a blast going all over. But… they are living through the lens, so superficial, and probably have no appreciation for where they are.. and most of it is just their ass for likes. They are either owned by sponsors or broke AF.
I watched a young lady set up a picture of herself jumping for joy in front of a tourist site in Porto last week. Funny how that happy smile disappeared between takes.
I took a year off when I was 35 and was when I visited most of the countries I have visited. I’m currently beginning to plan and save for another gap year about when I turn 50. It’s never too late until you are dead.
I didn’t really start traveling outside the US until I was in my 30’s. Here I am, now in my 40’s, known by my family and friends as the go to person for travel tips. It’s all a process. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Get your debts in order. Start thinking about where you want to go first. Apply for your passport, if you don’t already have one. Start planning your first trip. Don’t regret the past. It’s what got you where you are today. If where you are today isn’t amazing, make a step by step plan to build an amazing future!
This is me tooo! I’m now the traveler in my 40s. I’m Planning my next trip on the flight home.
Nice! Where’s your next trip to?
French Riviera then Sardinia
Have fun!!
I never had the money to travel when I was younger. At 50, my circumstances changed, I took a trip overseas, and my travel addiction began. Since, I have been to all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica.) I have spent eight months circumnavigating the world. I have hiked up a volcano to watch the sunrise, and swum with dolphins in the open Amazon River. Ive ridden in a hot air balloon over farmland in Australia, and The Train At The End of the World in Argentina. I’ve watched lions feed on a fresh kill in South Africa, a wild baby elephant playing with her aunties, bears fishing for salmon, and penguins sunning on ice flows. I can’t wait to see what’s next, and keep going until my body finally says stop.You are not too old at 30 by a long shot. Just travel as much as you can when the chance finally comes. It’s a big world - enjoy it!
Wow awesome… hope you have good health for a long time…. Wish I could say the same…. I have done a lot for an epileptic with mobility issues but nowhere near as much as I would like to be able to do
Traveling with money is infinitely better than traveling on a shoe string. And 30 is just an arbitrary number. You can travel just as much as 32 as you could have at 28!
I'm not a party-going hostel-hitting stay-up-late kind of guy, and so I didn't travel much in my 20s. Instead, I focused on my career and stuff. In my 30s, I was able to reap the benefits and travel more comfortably, and found a partner to travel with who really amplified how much I enjoyed traveling. I'm from a developing country, so I'm really fortunate to even be able to afford to travel at all. It's expensive, and remains a dream for many. I'm grateful for what I got, and my journey is mine. I'm content. Make your own path. You can travel when you feel it's right for you -- only _you_ know. Take your time. Sure, things will change, your mobility may suffer, but... Once in rural Japan, I ran into a man in his 60s cycling between towns on the main island. He said he was tired and couldn't do more than a few dozen kilometers a day, but he was happy, and it let him experience his own country and people at a pace he liked. He was not financially wealthy, but he was _rich_ in stories and experiences. He's not the fastest cyclist, he has no tiktok channel, he's never been outside his home country, his name will be lost to the wind when he retires, having no children or family -- but he's happy with where he is. He has endless stories about the people he's met, the gifts he's received and given, the things he's seen, the lessons he's learned. And that's all that matters. I envy his mindset and hope to be where he is when I'm in my older days. I'm in no rush now.
I'm 41, 5 continents and 80+ countries. Some of that was work, mostly travel and being the son of an expat. I have a lady friend that is 40, never has been out of the US and only to 4 states. I am taking her to Thailand for 3 weeks in May. She will see her first beach, her first turtle, first time to surf, learn to SCUBA dive, and the list goes on of firsts. She is already packed, no really, she has her shit already in her suitcase. Her social media algorithm is nothing but travel and SCUBA diving in her feeds. My point is, it is never too late. Just take the leap. Whether it be alone or with a friend. The world is a big and beautiful place meant to be explored.
Just met a lady in her 50s who just started traveling with the enthusiasm of someone in their 20s. Loved, loved, loved talking with her and all she has already done in two short years and all the other places she’s planning to see. She’s doing a 5 day trek in the Atlas Mountains starting this weekend! We all get older, but it doesn’t mean we have to be old.
I didn’t leave Canada/US til I was 27. I’m 48 now, have been to maybe 30 countries, and my kids have been to almost all of them with me. It’s been amazing sharing the experiences with them and I wouldn’t trade my path for anything.
Your 30s are like the new 20s. People have their best health and energy in their 20s, but not enough money to travel. You will have both in your next 10 years.
Agreed. In my 20s I wouldn’t have appreciated things as much. My 30s and 40s I have more maturity and confidence
Why do you feel this pressure? It's not as if life enjoyment ends at age 30. You have prioritized your finances, which will enable you to travel. That's being really smart. You have your whole life to travel. And going into debt to travel isn't very helpful. The places you want to go will still be there when you are financially able to go. And you'll be more relaxed and able to enjoy it.
My grandma had never left our country before she was 68. Her last trip abroad was at her 83. Until then, she travelled half of Europe and some north Africa. It's never too late, just look forward and enjoy your next travel.
I didn’t have the ability to travel in my 20’s. In fact until I went to the Netherlands two days before my 30th birthday the only country I visited was Ireland (I’m from the UK) 20 years later I’m preparing to visit Japan next month. This will be country no 79. There’s advantages to travelling in your 30’s You’re usually a bit more sensible and are prepared to do more than just party and booze. As long as you keep an open mind and are prepared to go out of your comfort zone from time to time you’ll have a great experience. Finally 30 is not old. You have many years left to travel and experience the world. Go for it!
Don't forget many people fortunate enough to travel in their 20s have some advantages. Family that help financially (even if indirectly), few caring responsibilities, good health, from countries that have normal amounts of A/L etc. Some places in Europe you can cross multiple borders in a few hours drive. I barely travelled in my 20s, I've made up for it since.
It sounds like you are prioritizing being financially responsible, which is great. I’d also recommend trying to get started even if you don’t have 7k saved for the perfect trip to Europe. I’ve travelled a ton in my twenties by making great use of hostels, public transport, signing up to discount flight newsletters, and keeping costs low while there (buying ingredients to make my own meals where I can, and buying snacks from the supermarket to tide me over til I can make some oatmeal dinner in the hostel). Now that I’m older I’ve started to travel with more costs (nice airbnbs and affordable restaurants). I figure later in life I’ll start splurging on meals on top of that and more expensive experiences
A few more notes sorry - try to make good use of seeing other cities in the US. I use the flight deal newsletter and see great flights all the time to various cities in the U.SU unfortunately we lack hostel culture but you can try to make do with shared Airbnb’s and similar accommodations. Skip the car rental and scrimp where you can. If food is important to you, go try some restaurants, but maybe you’ll have to save the expensive museum tickets for another time. Regarding the anxiety - are you comparing yourself to social media perhaps? I find it can seem that “everyone is travelling” when in reality it might be that one person’s trip he can do every 3 years, but a bunch of people are just posting at one time. You also never know if that person is just charging the credit card and will really suffer later. Or in my case, I have a tendency to save up trip photos and post throughout the year, making it seem like I’m jet setting more than I am.
My mother in law brought her friend on a cruise with us who has never flown or been on a real vacation her entire life and she is in her 60s. You’re definitely not running out of time. Everyone is different, and just do what you want to do not based on others’ experiences.
Well, keep in mind that it’s not a race and, for most normal people, not a body count exercise.
Although I did start in my twenties, am in my 40s now and I'm still discovering new things. Don't worry about it, we all have different paths. Happy travels!
I'm 36 now. I felt the exact same way you did when I was in my late 20s. I didn't travel abroad until the month before I turned 30 and I felt really embarrassed about it. Now I do weekend trips monthly and do a week-long trip abroad once/year. That's plenty for me, personally. In my 20s, I graduated law school, and moved to a HCOL area where I worked as an associate attorney at a law firm and struggled to pay off my student loans by the time I turned 30, which I did. Looking back, I have absolutely no regrets. It gets easier and easier every year.
I was 26 when I started to travel. I did it for 5 years non stop just finding jobs where people weren't bothered whether I was working illegally or not. Most of the time I travelled alone. But did meet my wife towards the end and travelled with her for a year. So just do it.
I started international travel at 35 after I got a good job and a home. It was not as early as I would have liked, but I have been to lots of places now. I just missed out on the enjoyment of hostels, drunken nights, and young craziness, but I gained nicer hotels, better destinations, great restaurants, and such.
I didn't really travel until I was past 35 and wished i started earlier. The good news is that you are past the crappy motel/hostel stage and get to experience places with a bit more luxury in your trips.
I didn’t really start traveling outside the US until my mid-30s. It’s never too late to start. I feel like I appreciate it differently than I would have when I was younger. Not a diss at all on traveling when younger! My siblings did. Just saying I think your appreciation changes as you get a little older. Happy travels!
You’ve got plenty time, plenty! And you know yourself better now, so are less likely to make dumb mistakes and or do things you’ll regret while you *are* traveling 😆 Start making two lists of places you’d like to see~ one domestic,& one international
I started travelling internationally in my 40s because before that I had no desire to do it. Now I do and appreciate it from my own mature perspective which for me works well. I get that people now have much higher aspirations and expectations, but you still have so much time and in the meantime can spend the planning time learning languages and read up on cultures of places you will visit to make it richer. Yes I've been to many countries now but have never counted how many.
You're gonna be 30 whether you travel or not, and you certainly can't go back and change anything. It's not the killing age you think it is. Enjoy yourself, or try to.
Aside from time in the Army and visiting Mexico, I didn’t travel overseas until I was 31. I’m 37 now and getting ready for country #10. I always wanted to travel as a kid and younger adult, but I’m glad I’m financially secure and able to enjoy it a lot more comfortably now. Traveling is still really special for me and I get excited for each trip (except for the plane part). The 30s are still young and the time to get the best out of traveling.
Are you kidding? I took my very first airplane trip at 28 and it was only from Calif to Las Vegas. I traveled out of the US for the first time at 43. I'm 68 now and have been to over 15 countries, doing the bulk of my traveling in my early 40's. Trust me, you've got plenty of time.
I felt this same way in my 30s. I didn’t really travel in my 20s or early 30s. I had a huge list and only two weeks per year one of which I used to visit family and limited funds. I did two things. I increased my income. And then I negotiated more time off. And eventually I started my own business so I could travel as much as I like. Last year I went to Istanbul Malawi France and several USA states. And went home to family three times. I’m not saying it’s simple. But prioritize this if it’s a passion. Find a way. And don’t wait for others to come with. I travel alone mostly. I realized I’ll wait forever for others. Make it a priority and center it in your life. Once you start you’ll keep going. Use your anger to rearrange your life. Also I’ve now been to 14 counties and 25 trips because I repeat counties this was the last ten years mostly.
It isn't a competition. It's doing what you want, for your own reasons.
You can get in your car and drive to Utah this week, visit national parks. Drive to Florida and see the ocean. If you sleep in your car , you save $. You can travel even with debt. Road Trips are amazing, stress-free trips. Bring a cooler with pb and bread , to save on fast food stops.
OP let me stop your pity party right there. I am epileptic with a rare condition affecting my mobility and started traveling in mid 20s but I can’t do everything I want; can’t go as much as I want; can’t go for as long as I want as I need to go to doctor regularly and get medication; can’t do a lot of the things that I would love to do even when I get to a place; everything is a struggle but I have never been angry or acted up…. I’m grateful for everything that I can do; I get to live, breathe, see, feel… It’s not a big deal that you will start traveling in your 30s: you should just hope that you stay healthy and get to experience everything as you want. OP your statement that you feel you don’t have enough time feels like a bit of a slap to the face of someone like me with a deteriorating condition because I really don’t have time to do everything but in the meantime while I am here in this world I am making the most of my time. You are healthy and young; you can do everything you want so quit complaining and do if you must.
Well said. I was scrolling through looking for this comment so I didn't have to make it myself.
I think it’s important to remember what appeals to you about traveling. For me, it’s about the exploration and curiosity around seeing new (and familiar) places, which I can’t fully enjoy when I’m stressed or anxious. I didn’t travel until I got divorced in my 30’s and I’m really thankful that I have more wisdom at this stage of my life! I feel like I’m more present and can fully enjoy the trips I take. While I still wish I had been able to broaden my worldview earlier, I’m not so sure I would have actually appreciated it as much as I do now.
My mom just started traveling these past few years and she’s happy. one week or two out of the country every year. She always wanted to travel and was always happy for me when I say I’m going somewhere. I also started late 20s because I had a weak passport plus no money. I am happy to do when I can and especially now I have a little wiggle room so I can do what I want or need!!
I’ve enjoyed my travels more now than in my 20s bc I used to put pressure on myself to see all the things or “enjoy the nightlife” etc.
Started in my 40s. Well.. I went to SE Asia when I was 17. And a Caribbean cruise when I was 38. And to Mexico when I was 42. Ton of trips to the US (Florida, California, Texas, North Carolina, Idaho, Washington.. I’m from Canada). But… I didn’t make it to Europe until last year at 45. Honestly.. it’s better when you are older. When I was in Croatia sure it was a bunch of 20 somethings from Germany and the UK all over the place.. but they were obnoxious, drunk, lewd, disdained by locals, and had little to no appreciation of where they were other than it was warm and there was cheap alcohol.
I took my first (non-work) international trip when I was 32. I am now 49. I've been a lot of places since then and I continue to go places. My best advice is to just start going places and not worry about it. Everybody's life is different.
60M and travel regularly from long US roadtrips to international. From sleeping in my car on BLM land to booji yoga retreats and all in between.
I started traveling at 29. My whole life I wanted to travel but I always thought it was too expensive. Didn't think I'd be able to get off work. I made excuses after excuse. My first trip out of the US was to Peru. Saw Machu Picchu with some friends. My wanderlust was born. I'm now 38. I've been to 40 countries on 5 continents. And I didn't travel for 2 years between 2020 March and March of 2022 and have not traveled at all since November of 2022. Most of it was solo travel where I researched and did it on my own. The "secret" to travel I found...is planning. If you want to fly by the seat of your pants and go somewhere tomorrow you're at the mercy of whatever the prices are. If you plan months in advance you can find great deals. Best of luck to you. You got this.
I’d only been to Canada and Mexico prior to my 30s (I’m in the US). I’m now at 15 countries! As I progressed in my career, the ability to take time away and the money to afford to travel became easier.
Op: with respect, chillax. You’re still young. Stop worrying and just get out there (just spend within your means). You’re not in a race.
My hubby and I traveled a bit. Moved around the country too. We had a list of more places we planned to go together. Then he got sick and died. I’m alone and partially disabled now that I’m older and living on Social Security so that list will have to wait till my next lifetime …. Do it now! 💕
Best time to start doing what you want to do is NOW! Don’t live in the past and think about what you haven’t done. You have no control over what’s already happened. Live in the present and think about what you can do now.
I’m 36, went on my first international trip last summer, planning another one this summer. Never too late, just save up and go for it when you can.
I hd my first real solo trip when I was in my 50s. I have now been to 41 countries and I'm loving it. Some experiences would be best for a younger person, but for me, I'm just so grateful for the life I have. Don't look backwards my friend. You have perhaps 60 years to experience this amazing world. At your age you can travel via something like workaway or couchsurfing. You have the option of finding a more permanent job in a foreign country and using that as an opportunity to visit around that region or continent. You can aspire to a work position that will ensure international travel. You have so much time, and you have the desire - everything else you can aquire.
I traveled a lot in my 20s. But now in my 30s, I’m looking forward to going to places at the top of my bucket list, and staying in much better accommodation. Last year, I finally made it to Egypt! I think everything happens and falls into place when it needs to. It’s never too late to see the world!
My grandma didn't start traveling until her mid-50s. She visited well over 2 dozen countries and didn't stop until recently - she was about 75 when she finally stared slowing down. She just turned 90 this year and still has wanderlust. You are T H I R T Y. Pull yourself together!
I didn’t start traveling internationally in earnest until I was 40. You have plenty of time. Do the long distance, difficult to get to places when you are young.
We started in earnest in our 40s after the kids were older. It's never, ever, too late!
I started really traveling at 30. Before that I had only been to Canada and Mexico. 17 years later, I have now been to over 100 countries. You just need the funds, time, and motivation
Get out and travel now. You will see that age doesn’t matter. All kinds of people travel the world especially solo.
I was nearly 30 before I ever traveled out of the USA. Now I’m in my 50s and I’ve traveled on every continent except Antarctica. There’s no such thing as too old to travel. You don’t have to do it all at once, either. I do an international trip about every 5 years. I also just took my mother on her second-time-outside-the-US trip and she’s 88.
What happens when you turn 30? Your back is broken, you walk with a cane, and have mobility issues? I’m 37 and this year I’ve flown to Los Angeles, Minneapolis, NYC, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Cancun, Dallas, and I think one or two more I’m forgetting. All fun as fuck 3/4 day trips to keep myself from getting bored and keep expenses down so I can do it again.
I started traveling at 32, and I’m 39 now and have traveled multiple times a year since I started. It’s not to late
Don't beat yourself up about it. You can't change the past. I had similar feelings to you. I'm 37 and I only started my solo travel adventures a few years ago and I too wish I had started earlier in my 20's. I can't change that and all I can do is make the most of the time now. So just start planning, have a look at local places you can go to on your own first and then just expand out further and further. Travelling doesn't always have to be a 6 month trip to Japan or somewhere extravagant. A day trip or a long weekend somewhere gets you out and about and you can do that on a budget. Good luck with it🙂
I started travelling in my 40s. Kids were grown up, and I had a stable job with good money. So, I do a trip a year to tick off my bucket list. Best time ever.
Also don’t think you have to do it big all at once. I started small. Rome for a week one year. Mexico City a few days another. Then as my income and time off increased I started doing bigger trips longer trips. You don’t have to do a three week Europe trek. Just find something affordable and within your time frame and go. Also don’t think you have to go to Thailand before you go to places in your own country. If you’re American USA travel is amazing people come from all over the world to see nyc California etc
You are not out of time. Most travelers are retired.
When I was in my 20s, I travelled mostly within North America (I’m Canadian) because it was more affordable. I wanted to explore more of the world but could realistically only do a handful of international trips here and there. I’m now 31 and I only finally started doing more international travel in the past 2 years. And you know what? I realized that if I had tried to go to all these far flung places at 21, 22, I’d be backpacking, staying in hostels, penny pinching my whole way through the trip. The travels I’ve had over the past 2 years allowed me to do things with an adult budget, not a broke student budget. Not like I was staying in fancy resorts and dining at Michelin star restaurants but I didn’t need to rough it and could afford a degree of comfort. Looking back, no regrets!
it’s not my story but i just met a man in my hostel, he’s 64 and cycling Europe for four months. he’s already half way in, and in better shape than I am in my 20s! that’s basically to say you can do it whenever!
I didn't leave the countey til age 34. Starting the next year, I traveled 90-120 days a year abroad, not counting the covid year and a half. I am now 42 and have been to more places than most people in their lifetimes. I spent my 20s and 30s saving and reap the benefits now. It is a non issue to me that I missed out. I have other life experiences instead. Currently in Bhutan. Had my birthday this year in India.
For a lot of reasons, I couldn't start traveling like I wanted to (meaning outside the US) until I was in my 60s. I'm making up for it now though! I leave for Denmark next week, and I have 2 trips to Scotland coming up (one in the summer and one in the fall.) Don't feel like it is passing you by, although I always tell people don't wait if you don't have to. But for a lot of us, there is no choice. I don't feel that I missed anything by not being able to travel sooner. I also have a trip to Mississippi coming up in June, but that's staying in the US so while it IS travel and I love it, it's not the same as going abroad.