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21 trips to take before turning 30

For years I always used to be scared of turning 30 but then some of my closest friends turned 30 and they were having the time of their life.

It dawned of me, 30 years old isn’t that bad after all. Thirty is a great age and I’ve been told it begins a decade marked with knowing yourself better than ever and feeling more deeply connected to those around you. This is why I have pulled together my favourite trips to take before turning 30.

Life might not get easier at 30 (pretty sure that never happens) but it can definitely get sweeter. Travel can play a huge role in that. Adventure is a means of self-discovery; as we learn about the world and experience different ways of living in it, we grow more in tune with how our own skills and passions play a role.

And while life doesn’t end when you pass 29, you will certainly look back on your twenties with fewer regrets if you manage to pack in these once-in-a-lifetime trips before you have to sweat the bigger stuff.

I am now 27 years years old, meaning I’ve got four years to make it count… I’d better get booking those trips! Here are my favourite trips to take before turning 30…

trips to take before turning 30

1. Drive California’s Route

One of the best things you can do in your 20’s is head to the big USA. State Route 1 is a major north–south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of the U.S. state of California. At a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California.

 

2. Road trip around Iceland

This Nordic island nation isn’t far from the UK, but packs in astonishing natural phenomena and take-your-breath-away landscapes. Contemporary cuisine, Lord of the Rings-esque lands, stargazing, endless hours of daylight and geothermal springs. It’s hard to narrow it down. And make sure you take a pit stop at The Blue Lagoon like I did above…..

 

3. Exploring Bali

Highland panoramas, scenic waterfalls, open blue skies, golden sunsets and awesome sunrises across the coastline. There’s a reason why people say that Bali stirs the soul. Explore temples and palaces, go river rafting, sign up to a surf school, volunteer at an orangutan sanctuary, take a yoga class in the mountains and party all night. Best of all, it’s cheap – so you’ll be able to live like a king on a fortnight’s trip here. And if you’re looking for adventure, you can go river rafting!

 

4. Island hopping in Greece

If you’ve never made it to Greece, then schedule in some time to discover its lesser-known islands by boat. Make a two week long itinerary fir Greece and visit Santorini, Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes and and discover little-known gems Astypalea and Tinos. 

 

5. Visit The Great Wall of China

Discover why the Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world. Tick off a visit to this awe-inspiring piece of ancient architecture steeped with history on this ultimate tour through China with Cosmos. This tour also showcases other remarkable landmarks in China including the Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai and the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an with walking tours and sightseeing opportunities to see the architecture at its finest.

READ MORE: Hydra Greece -Discreet Mediterranean Glamour

 

6. Volunteer your skills where they’re needed

We can learn a lot about ourselves when we’re serving others. Your 20s are the perfect time to volunteer abroad, whether it’s in a country you’re passionate about or to put a skill to good use. Learn how traveling can (and maybe should?) be a two-way street.

 

7. Backpack through Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the most accessible regions for the novice traveller – thanks to its mix of volcanoes, rainforests, rice fields, beaches and coral reefs. Some popular stops include Chiang Mai in Thailand, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Laos, Hanoi in Vietnam. Explore thousand-year-old Hindu ruins, rave on the beach, attend a Buddhist ceremony at dawn and hike through the jungle looking for wildlife. The possibilities are endless.

 

8. Take a trip with your best friends

I would 100% recommend taking a trip with your best friends every year. Some of my most memorable trips have been with my best friend Katie, as we travelled the world together. Despite having a boyfriend for the past six years, I make it a priority to plan trips with friends every year.

 

9. Trendy Berlin

Edgy, cool and creative, Berlin is one of the world’s best cities for boutique shopping, brilliantly offbeat nights out and hipster hangouts. Because it’s one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

 

10. Beautiful Islands of Croatia

Ancient walled towns, dreamy deep-blue seascapes, an unrivaled festival scene and guaranteed good weather. What’s not to love about Croatia? Visit festival and wellness island Obonjan, go fun-seeking at Sonus, take a Game of Thrones tour, go white-water rafting, stroll around the museums in Zagreb or simply spend your days enjoying cocktail after cocktail on the beach.

11. Go on an active vacation

I love going on an active vacation, whether its surfing in Bali, scuba diving in Thailand, cycling in France or hiking in Scotland. Who says you need to lie down and sunbathe for a week and not move? Go on an adventure that tests your limits and adopt healthy habits for life. 

 

12. Nightlife in Ibiza

No surprises here – of course the island that never sleep had to make the cut. Even if you go to the white isle once, then you’ve ticked it off your bucket list. It’s one of the best places for under 30’s to play. Nowhere does sunset beach clubs and cocktails quite like Ibiza.

 

13. Spend a weekend in NYC

New York is actually a fairly compact city, despite being one of the most popular cities in the world. And Manhattan alone can be walked in less than 30 minutes. But behind the map, are an array of magical discoveries waiting to be found. There are glorious cafes, bookshops, rooftop bars, shops, museums and much more. 

14. New Zealand

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places on earth, and my favourite country on the planet. New Zealand is home to some incredibly beautiful views, lakes and glaciers. Make sure to take a decent camera, and grab those all important Instagram shots. Make sure you check out my blog posts from my own trip to New Zealand here.

 

15. Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale (also know in Turkish as cotton castle) is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. Ruins here include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km and the famous Antique Pool is stunning with submerged Roman columns, from the result of an earthquake.

 

READ MORE: HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR ANNUAL LEAVE IN 2020

things to do in Basel

16. Romantic Paris

I love a weekend break to Paris, and it’s not just for the couples out there. Grab your girls, or your best friend and head to the city of love (and friendship). You can wander around the many parks and gardens, look at art in the Louvre, and soak up all the creativity of generations gone.

 

17. Explore Italy

One of my favourite places, and where I am getting married in 2020 is Italy. A European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, and a country that has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins and other cities worth a visit include Florence, Venice, and Milan.

 

18. Hipsters in Toronto, Canada

Head to Canada’s largest city for art, food and dive bars by the dozen, oh and the best food – poutine! Here you can find a bustling food scene and boutique stays all across the city. There are plenty of reasons to discover Toronto.

19. Burning Man Festival, Nevada

Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create ‘Black Rock City’, a temporary festival of art, hedonism and self-expression. Because it’s the most outrageous festival of all: alongside meditation and yoga there’s spanking classes, orgies, and naked foam parties. Chances are, you’ll only want to get involved when you’re young enough not to regret it.

21. InterRail Europe

And lastly but not least…. interrailing! Europe is incredible, and totally underrated, especially by us Brits (Brexit much?). There’s so much to see and do in every country, so make sure you head out and explore Europe by train at some point during your 20’s. Get yourself an Interrail ticket and explore!

 

Which ones have you done?! Let me know in the comments! What are your favourite trips to take before turning 30? Let me know in the comments!

 

You can also find me on social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

 

Other posts that may help you:

Ultimate Guide to one week in Bali Itinerary

Visit Lisbon: 9 Day Trips from Lisbon

How to spend 5 days in Switzerland Itinerary: Basel, Zurich and Lucerne

Berlin City Break: How to spend a Weekend in Berlin Germany

Italian Coastal Adventure in Positano

Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia

Beginner’s Guide to Europe Interrail Routes

Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Malmö

 

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Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share it for me with all your friends and family!

Sophie X

 

*In collaboration with Cosmos. 

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  • healthyabsblog
    10/10/2018 at 17:46

    Ah these all sound amazing! Toronto is one of my favourite cities I’ve ever been to and I’m definitely with you on Ibiza I’m desperate to go!

  • Laura
    10/10/2018 at 18:24

    Love this! Totally agree with you here – turning 30 is something to be celebrated, and what better way to celebrate than with adventures? Thanks for sharing your list, I’m feeling inspired!

  • Zoey
    10/10/2018 at 20:59

    To visit Iceland is an absolute dream of mine – hoping to plan to go for my 30th!

    Also Bali, Canada, Greece and Thailand are AMAZING!

    Zoey | http://www.zoeyolivia.com