9 Best Trips to Take in Your 30s, According to Travel Experts

South Africa

“South Africa is one of the most dynamic destinations in the world for travelers in their 30s. It offers wildlife, wine, hiking, culture, and some of the most welcoming social energy anywhere,” says Thompson. “You can hike Table Mountain in the morning, visit Stellenbosch in the afternoon, and be on safari within days.” While he notes this type of trip can be “high-impact,” it doesn’t feel “frantic.” If you want to go the luxury route, you can fill your South Africa itinerary with high-end hotels, amenity-laden safari camps, and business-class flights.

Even if you’re traveling solo, there’s a good chance that you’ll leave South Africa with new friends. “South Africa also fosters connection; we have consistently seen South Africa rank as one of the best places to make genuine friendships,” adds Thompson. “Shared adventure creates fast bonds, but there’s also enough downtime to deepen those connections.”

India

As a travel writer in my 30s, I spend a lot of time in the air—checking out small towns, big cities, and far-flung countries. A few trips, however, stand out as adventures that have been particularly impactful or perfect for this time of my life. One of the most recent was a nine-day tour of India, a trip I never would have thought possible in my 20s, when my PTO was limited to 12 days a year. I started the solo trip in high-energy Delhi before hopping on short flights to Khajuraho, a quieter destination known for its 1,000-year-old temples and nearby tiger preserve. Paired with a final few days in the lake city of Udaipur, the experience provided excitement, relaxation, and full immersion into history, culture, and the layered beauty of India.

Japan

“I see so much interest in Japan (mostly among my clients in their 30s to 40s), which I think you could attribute to a deeper interest in culture in your 30s and a desire to experience a culture very different from our own and see how that could make our lives more meaningful,” says Claire Riley, a travel advisor and the owner of Duende Travels. Skiers in their 30s may have already checked off the Rockies and the Alps, so mountainous regions of Japan may be the next stop to experience the country’s famous powder. Or you may want to use this trip as a time to visit the more under-the-radar destinations in Japan—like Awaji Island, the Izu Peninsula, and the onsen town of Kinosaki.

Europe

“If you have not visited Europe by 30, it’s an absolute must to plan an extended trip to explore iconic cities like Paris or Rome. In your 30s, you will be better positioned to appreciate the culture, cuisine, and history,” says Calhoun. You don’t necessarily have to visit the larger, well-known cities, though, especially if you don’t want to spend your precious vacation days walking 20,000 steps a day, sightseeing, and popping in and out of museums. She recommends Italy’s Lake Como—and specifically suggests staying at the famed Il Sereno hotel—and Sifnos, Greece. The Greek island, she says, is “the perfect place to go for a beach vacation with kids.”

“It’s laid back and far less crowded than some of the more notable islands like Santorini,” she adds. “The foodie scene is incredible, with some of the best meals I’ve ever had, and the shady beaches along quiet lagoons are ideal for little ones.”

Savannah, Georgia

Big-budget, week-long adventures can certainly be appealing in your 30s, but this is also a busy decade. You might be working more (and harder) than you did in your 20s, or you may be trying to fit in a bit of “you” time around family events and activities. This often makes domestic weekend getaways easier to achieve. I’m personally a fan of Savannah, Georgia, a historic Southern city that’s small enough to explore in just a couple of days, yet it’s still dynamic and full of art, culture, history, and nature. To up the ante just a bit, book a suite at one of the city’s top hotels: Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, or Hotel Bardo Savannah, a relatively new addition to the hospitality scene.

Patagonia

“An adventurous trip to Patagonia to hike in Torres del Paine National Park is perfect for active 30-year-olds. I’m so glad my husband and I did this before kids, when we could comfortably handle a challenging 13-mile hike and enjoy the quiet in this remote region,” says Calhoun. “I still can’t get over the vast natural beauty here.” If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the “Big Five,” guanacos, pumas, Andean condors, huemul, and rhea—plus a plethora of other native species. Patagonia is also known for its luxury lodges, so you can splurge and bookend your hiking trip with stays at Awasi Patagonia or Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa.

Costa Rica

“For 30-somethings who want both adrenaline and restoration, Costa Rica delivers. You can surf, zip-line, explore volcanoes, and then spend days slowing down in nature,” says Thompson. “That duality really fits this life stage, and it is adventurous without being exhausting. You still want excitement in your 30s. You just don’t want chaos.” While you may start your trip in San José, you’ll likely travel on to Monteverde or one of Costa Rica’s many beach towns, where you can spend your days hiking, surfing, sipping coffee, and generally just enjoying the nature the country provides. And for those who want to lounge and nap as much as possible, Costa Rica has plenty of all-inclusive resorts that are conducive to complete relaxation.

Peru

“I also think a trip like the Inca Trail in Peru (or really any physical challenge that takes you totally off the grid) is a perfect fit for a lot of people in their 30s,” says Riley. “You’re likely in shape enough to be able to do them with some moderate training, and I think the process of preparing for a challenge like that can really disrupt your routine in a positive way.” In the off chance you already hiked the Inca Trail in your 20s—and have been searching for a reason to come back to Peru—consider tackling the challenging Huayhuash Circuit, walking the Salkantay Trek (you can stay at luxury lodges along the way), or completing the Waqrapukara Trek, a short side trip from Cusco.

The Arctic or Antarctica

“Most of the travelers I know in their 30s want to get out and appreciate nature and go semi- or totally off the grid—and a far-flung expedition is the perfect way to do that,” says Riley, who recommends carving out a couple of weeks to explore Antarctica or somewhere in the Arctic. “My partner and I went on an expedition to Svalbard (near the North Pole) a few years ago, and it remains the most life-changing trip for both of us. Watching polar bears and other Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat was an extremely humbling experience, and it really puts everything into perspective,” she says. “The world is way too big and beautiful to let yourself get submerged in day-to-day anxiety about things that don’t ultimately matter.”