Solo Traveling in Your 30’s: 7 Reasons Why It’s Better

I know what you might be thinking… solo travel in your 30s, can that really be fun? Won’t I be lonely, bored, out of place? What if I am in my 40’s or older, can I do this?

If you have never traveled solo, I can understand why it may sound intimidating and maybe a little scary. 

But let me assure you, the older I have gotten, the better experiences I’ve had!

Below are 7 reasons why solo travel is just better in your 30s! 

Is Solo Travel Fun in Your Thirties?

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Solo traveling when you are in your 30s can be so much better than any other age!

I know this because I traveled solo since my late twenties and now I am in my 40s, so I speak from experience!

Here are the 7 reasons why you are going to love it!

#1. Financially Responsible |You Are More Established

The older you get the more you learn to manage your finances. In my 20’s I used to charge everything. I had no real concept of how to properly manage money. As a result, I got into a bit of debt. 

Traveling broke & on a tight budget sucks. Pinching pennies and having to stay in not-so-nice hotels to get by, I don’t miss that.

The older and wiser you are in your 30s sets you up to be able to travel to a great place in style.

And, that is one of the many reasons solo travel in your 30’s is better!

#2. No Hangovers | You Rather Be Rested Than Out Late

Okay, so if I learned anything, it’s don’t drink more than a couple of drinks on vacation.

When you are young and in your 20’s going out and being responsible just falls to the wayside once the music starts pumping. 

Waking up hungover on vacation is a total life ruiner. Hate to admit that it happened to me a few times.

When you are solo traveling at an older age, you are more likely to get to bed early than hang out in a smoke-filled bar till 3 a.m. 

Also, it’s nice not to have your best friend there yelling YOLO in your face at 2 a.m.

And to be clear, I am all for the “you only live once.” Just not when it leaves you hung over, wishing you were dead the next day.

#3. Being Selfish | And This Doesn’t Make You A Bitch

One of the best things about solo travel getting to be selfish. For example, I am not a museum person.

Cue the gasps. I know that most people love to visit a museum when traveling. Not me! The best part about traveling solo is getting to do whatever the hell you want. 

There will be no one else dragging you to that statue you just don’t feel like seeing.

For once in your life you have that unquie opportunity to do exactly want you want to do. If that is staying in the hotel and get room service for dinner, you do that. It’s all up to you!!

Making all the decisions on vacation is very liberating. This is especially true if you’ve spent previous years being the one just going along with the plan.

#4. Meeting New Interesting People | It’s Easier To Do When Solo

Okay, so maybe you are reading this and are thinking that you are just too old to make new friends.

Perhaps, you consider yourself too shy or not social enough to start a conversation with a stranger.

Chances are, you will make a friend on your trip without a lot of effort. 

If you take any of my advice in my solo traveling guides you will join some sort of walking tour or bike tour.

When I visit a new place, I almost always will come away with a new friend on Facebook or Instagram. Meeting people when you travel solo is easier than you think. 

Female solo travelers also seem to find each other. I’ve noticed this happening a lot more in recent years since we all have social media.

More and more females getting out of their comfort zones and giving solo travel a chance. You could be surprised how many you see sitting at dinner solo.

#5. New Life Perspective | You Could Start A Whole New Life

The best part about traveling when you are older is being more in touch with who you are.

Knowing yourself a little better opens the door to growing outside of your small world. This new perspective comes more easily and isn’t as scary. 

Had I never traveled solo when I was just coming into my 30s, I wouldn’t have had the life-changing experience of moving abroad.

Nor would I have grown into the woman I am today, not having made any of these incredible life changes. 

Solo travel really gave me the strength to move abroad. If I had waited to find that special someone to go to Europe with, I would still be waiting.

Going alone will change your life perspective in the most positive ways.

#6. Letting Go of Old Patterns | We All Need Help To Do This

When you are traveling alone, you really have the opportunity to evaluate your life. The solidarity in your own company gives you time to reflect on what is working in your life and what is not.

Identifying some old patterns that have you stuck in life will become very clear.

This time of reflection gives you a chance to set new goals for your future. I travel solo and go inward to figure out some elements of my life that may need adjusting.

As someone who believes we are constantly evolving, this has been very beneficial for me.

#7. Better Taste in Everything | Aged Like A Fine Wine

I don’t know about you, but I certainly have developed better taste in everything as I grew older—better friend choices, a smarter sense of style, and a more evolved culinary palate.

Traveling for me now is enhanced by trying out the cuisines of the world. It has really enriched my experience in new countries.

If I were still in my 20’s, it would have been, “Where is the cheapest food that won’t give me food poisoning?”

Now my favorite travel experience includes finding that bistro restaurant and enjoying its signature dish. When you are older, you appreciate the dining experiences just as much as you would have a night out dancing.

Quick Solo Travel Tips

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1. Pack light to zip through airports and hop onto that next adventure without the baggage drama.
2. Keep copies of your important documents in separate places, and have pictures of them in your phone – because better safe than sorry.
3. Embrace local eats at bustling markets – it’s where the flavor’s at and the locals vibe.
4. Eat at local restaurants and stay in nice hotels in neighborhoods referred to as “hidden gems”.
5. Learn a few phrases in the local language – it’s like a magic key to hearts and smiles.
6. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, bounce out and find a scene that’s more you.
7. Don’t just see, do – take that class, join that tour, dive into the culture headfirst.
8. Stay connected with a local SIM card, because getting lost isn’t as romantic as it sounds.
9. Keep your daily plan flexible – some of the best stories start with a change of plans.
10. And hey, journal it up – one day, these scribbles will be your personal treasure trove.

Best Places to Travel to In Your 30s

In my 30s I was still down to eat street food and hit a little bit of the party scene, but I was also looking for a different experience.

I wanted to go to a place filled with friendly locals and good food.

Conclusion: Why Solo Traveling in Your 30s is the BEST

Like anything you try for the first time, you might not get it right. I urge you to keep that in mind when you plan your first solo trip. It might not go as smoothly as you imagine it would. I don’t say this to scare you.

In my experience of solo traveling, you might have a hiccup or two with logistics, or maybe a disappointing hotel. All things that would happen if you were traveling with someone. When you are going alone, you just feel these setbacks harder.

Traveling alone is a chance to get a new perspective on life. When you are older and wiser, you can handle any situation better, and see opportunities more clearly.

Traveling solo was the best possible thing I could have ever done for myself. I believe in the benefits so much that I created an entire blog dedicated to the subject.

Having all the right travel accessories and gear to make your life easier is an absolute must!

Check out my packing for carry-on, solo female essentials guide here!

Since safety is always my #1 concern, I created a 7 tip safety guide here! Download it for your journey, and stay safe!

Stay In Touch!

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