New Zealand offers vibrant local food, iconic film locations, and great wine, making it a favored destination for travelers in their 30s.Japan draws thirtysomethings with its diverse attractions, from culinary delights to swift transportation, catering to travelers’ varied interests.In South Africa, visitors can experience an array of adventures, from thrilling ocean dives to historical tours, within a limited timeframe.
Your 30s are a magical time. You’re a fully formed adult with all the responsibility that adulthood entails, yet you might have the added bonus of disposable income. In other words, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a truly epic trip.
To help narrow down your list of destinations, we worked with a few seasoned travel experts to identify the best trips to take in your 30s worldwide. Whether you’re looking to geek out on a Lord of the Rings film locations tour in New Zealand, trek to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu, or sample the Douro Valley’s finest wines in Portugal, there’s something for every type of travel style and budget. Celebrating a milestone birthday? A private island resort in Tahiti might be just the ticket. Read on to see the rest of our memorable trip ideas for people in their 30s.
Japan
Two women in traditional dress in Kyoto’s Imperial Palace.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
“Japan is everybody’s passion these days, particularly among thirtysomethings,” says Lisa Lindblad, owner of Lisa Lindblad Travel Design. “It’s expensive, but if they have disposable income, there is really something for everybody—food, design, clothes, and architecture.” Andrea Malis, the former managing director of Camelback Odyssey Travel, agrees, adding that “Japan has a booming culinary scene beyond sushi and teppanyaki, which should not be missed. Add a fish market, whiskey, or sake tour, and your trip would be amazing.”
According to Lindblad, health nuts flock to Kyoto’s ryokan, or traditional Japanese inns, especially Beniya Mukayu in artsy Kanazawa. First-time visitors to Japan will appreciate the ease and legendary speed of the country’s transportation system—especially its efficient Shinkansen bullet trains.
South Africa
Coastal landscape of South Africa.
Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure
In general, 30-year-olds “are not looking to save money necessarily, they’re looking to spend it quickly,” says Malis of her millennial clients. And since so many in this age group are pressed for time, it isn’t uncommon to see travelers pack as much as they can into a fairly short time frame. “In four days, they’ll do what a retiree would take three weeks to do,” she says.
For this reason, Malis says, “South Africa is an amazing place for people to go visit,” as “you have the ocean experience, where you can shark dive” and can also enjoy a few nights in the Cape Winelands outside Cape Town, the country’s mountainous answer to Napa Valley. In Johannesburg, you’ll find several walking tours focusing on the country’s turbulent apartheid history and legendary South African leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. A stay at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg will suit a luxury-minded crowd in need of a spa treatment after a safari.
New Zealand
Hiking through snow in New Zealand.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
When it comes to far-flung trips to take in your 30s, “New Zealand is huge with the 30-year-old market and adventure market,” says Lynda Turley, president and luxury travel advisor at Alpine Travel of Saratoga. The food is locally grown and sustainable—think freshwater salmon, green-lipped mussels, fresh cheeses, and pit fruit—while the local wine is superb.
“Wellington is a super-fun college town and great jumping-off point for seeing The Lord of the Rings filming locations,” says Turley, while visiting Waiheke Island “is like going to Tiburon or Sausalito for the day in California.” Just a 35-minute ferry ride from the Auckland city center, it’s perfect for day trips to wineries like Casita Miro. Or, if you want to stick around and explore more of the island, plan a few nights at one of its many boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or vacation homes.
Argentina
Landscape of Brealito Lagoon in Argentina.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
From the café culture of Buenos Aires to Patagonia’s rain forests and Mendoza’s mouthwatering parillas (local steakhouses), Argentina travel offers a little something for everyone. It’s the perfect fit for foodies and wine-loving millennials with a fondness for nature. “You have the wine region, but then you have the active component—hiking and biking,” says Malis. Lindblad agrees, adding that the geographically diverse country is “very outdoorsy” with its snowcapped mountains and dreamy coastlines.
Italy
A village on Lake Maggiore in Italy.
Kristjan Veski/Travel + Leisure
For foodies and hikers alike, Marjorie Shaw, founder of Insider’s Italy, recommends the stunning Amalfi Coast and Trentino-Alto Adige region in the far north. She advises visiting the Amalfi Coast in winter during the area’s low season to avoid the crowds of the warmer months. (Just make sure you confirm the places you want to visit will be open in winter.) If, however, you insist on going during the summer, you’ll be rewarded with hikes and “excursions to Greek temples and villas destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius,” she says.
Late spring to early autumn is best for the Trentino-Alto Adige region, which borders Austria and Switzerland and offers an enticing array of cultures. For instance, Shaw says you’ll find “small Latin communities scattered throughout” the largely German Alto Adige side.
Belize
A private island resort in Belize.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
When time is of the essence, “Belize is really popular, even just for four nights,” says Turley. That’s especially true among newlyweds, who want “to stay somewhere close to the U.S. but want to get away for a last hurrah before they’re a bit more tied down.” She recommends “staying part of the time at the beach for excellent snorkeling and diving, and then part of the time in the rain forest for the culture and nightlife.” Turtle Inn, one of The Family Coppola resorts, is a favorite thanks to its white-sand beach, and plethora of water and adventure activities, including zip lining.
Iceland
Mountainous landscape of Iceland.
Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure
“You’ve got your chance to see the Northern Lights in winter; in summer, you’ve got endless days,” says Lindblad about the best times to visit Iceland. Best of all, the country is highly accessible, making it ideal for time-crunched travelers. “It sits so close to the East Coast, you can go on your way to England,” she says. “Or, for a long weekend, spend two or three days there, and then carry on or come home.” Lindblad says staying at Hotel Rangá is an attractive option, while there are many well-positioned lodges outside the capital city of Reykjavik.
Peru
Landscape of the Andes mountains in Peru.
Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure
“Peru is a really achievable destination for somebody in their 30s,” says Malis, mostly since the price of airfare is so reasonable. Plus, there’s the allure of fulfilling the trip of a lifetime—like seeing the ancient city of Machu Picchu appear out of the morning mist, a delightful scene whether you’ve completed the epic Inca Trail trek or arrived by bus. As for other easier-to-reach historic sites, it doesn’t get much better than strolling through scenic Plaza de Armas in Cusco or making a Sacred Valley day trip to view the impressive Incan ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, or Sacsayhuamán up close. You can even tour the country by luxury train.
Peru is also a foodie paradise, so be sure to sample some ceviche and try a pisco sour or two during your trip. If you’ve got time to kill in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Lima, the ChocoMuseo offers a fascinating look at the history of the sweet stuff and offers chocolate-making workshops.
Portugal
Landscape of Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Sophia Kravets/Travel + Leisure
Turley says Portugal is a great value. The country is slightly cheaper to visit than its Spanish neighbor and fits the millennial bill thanks to its serious wine culture. “If they’re not spending a lot of money in Lisbon, they can blow a little in the Douro Valley in the north,” the world’s first designated wine region, Lindblad says. Splurging on a luxurious stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley, a 19th-century manor house overlooking the vine-covered hills, isn’t a bad idea either.
Tahiti
Aerial view of The Brando in Tahiti.
Courtesy of The Brando
For those in search of tropical climates, Turley says the largest island in French Polynesia is a wonderful option. Of course, whether you go will depend on your budget since airfare to this part of the world isn’t usually the most affordable. If you can swing it, Turley highly recommends The Brando, an eco-friendly resort oasis on the private island of Tetiaroa, reachable via a 20-minute flight from Faa’a International Airport in Papeete. “It used to belong to Marlon Brando, and it’s been opened as a resort,” she says. “And again, it’s got everything: excellent food and wine, all included; all your wellness is there.”
Uruguay
A busy beach in Uruguay.
Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure
The South American country of Uruguay is super accessible, Lindblad says, especially for those heading east from Buenos Aires. It’s just a 2.5-hour fast ferry ride (or a slower boat ride of 4.75 hours) from Argentina’s capital to Montevideo, where you can enjoy a stroll on its white-sand beaches. Visit Ciudad Vieja, the city’s oldest neighborhood, or hit one of the many bars and nightclubs, where tango performances are done in a lively tradition. Perhaps the most alluring aspect, Lindblad says, is that you won’t need a tour guide.
Australia
Bird’s-eye view of the Bronte Baths in Sydney, Australia.
Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure
Whether you stick to the busy nightlife-laden cities of Sydney and Melbourne or venture into the spiritual “Red Centre” for a more reflective experience, Australia is an incredible country full of adventure. Beach lovers can explore Queensland’s seaside cities, Brisbane and Gold Coast, on the eastern side of the continent, or head to the blue waters of the Indian Ocean in Broome or Perth in Western Australia. Nature lovers can plan an unforgettable road trip through the Northern Territory from Darwin to Kakadu National Park, or farther south past impressive desert landscapes to Alice Springs and Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. Whatever you decide to do in the land down under, it’s bound to be a memorable trip.
South Korea
The river walk in Seoul, South Korea.
Don Eim/Travel + Leisure
Your 30s are a time to treat yourself, whether that means splurging on dinner at one of Seoul’s many Michelin-starred restaurants or visiting one of the city’s coolest cocktail bars. The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offers an upscale base of operations in the city center. Or, follow in Korean-born author R.O. Kwan’s footsteps and stay in artsy boutique hotels like Josun Palace, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection, or the plush Signiel Seoul, located inside the Lotte World Tower building. Another option: you could leave the city behind in favor of a few days of R&R and sea views at the JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa on Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kenya
Herd of giraffes in Kenya.
Manoj Shah / Getty Images
Animal lovers should go all out and plan their dream safari in Kenya during their fourth decade. To enhance your animal-themed adventure, stay a night or two at the world-famous Giraffe Manor in Nairobi—T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Africa—before or after your trip. Or, spend a few days luxuriating in the JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi’s full-service spa, where you can treat yourself to a facial or relaxing massage before heading back home.
Costa Rica
Beachgoers in Costa Rica during sunset.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
You really can’t go wrong with a trip to Costa Rica. From hitting the markets in the bustling capital city of San José to embracing the pura vida lifestyle at a peaceful family-friendly resort like Silvestre Nosara, there’s something fun for every type of traveler, taste, and budget. Whatever you do, leave time to explore the country’s natural side, which includes active volcanoes, beautiful white-sand beaches, and impressive cloud forests teeming with wildlife.
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