30 places to travel in your thirties

Being in your thirties means you are much more mature, reserved, tame, responsible, and sophisticated than your previous decades.

Just kidding. We know you’re still a hot mess. But maybe you’re better at faking it now?

Either way, once you’ve checked off all the hot spots from our list of 20 places to travel in your twenties, now is the time to continue broadening your horizons by exploring new ones.

Here are our recommendations for the top destinations to hit up in your thirties.

1. Paris, France

Now that you’re old enough to really appreciate the finer things, what better destination to visit than the city that exudes grandeur and sophistication? Even the balconies in Paris are fancy. Go shopping down the Champs-Élysées, sip a glass of wine on a terrace, and marvel at the detail in the architecture. Paris is always a good idea, but especially now.

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has everything you could want in a travel destination: dynamic culture, heritage, local flavours, stunning beaches and unexpected adventures. Get your adrenaline pumping with a zip line through the rainforest, treat your taste buds with world-class cuisine, and salsa dance the night away. The vibrant culture in San Juan is sure to capture your heart.

3. Vancouver, Canada

We here at the Daily Hive HQ are a bit biased, but our home of Vancouver is somewhere every 30-something-year-old should visit. The combo of mountains, downtown skyline, and Pacific Ocean make for a stunning Instagram photo. You will soak up the active outdoor lifestyle in no time.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

The scenery of Iceland is like a whole other planet. Touch down in the capital of Reykjavik and road trip through this land of waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, and hot springs.

5. Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is the slightly more mature older sister of the infamous Koh Phi Phi Island. Yes, you still party every night on the beach and yes, there are fire dancers and buckets and body paint and mobs of young drunk tourists, but the age demo is slightly older, and you can still find spots on this little island paradise that aren’t completely overrun… yet. So get over there asap!

6. New Orleans, USA

With a charming blues band popping up on seemingly every corner and the most delicious fried everything, New Orleans will capture your heart and your stomach.

7. Positano, Italy

Positano is a magical little slice of Italian heaven. The pastel-coloured buildings stacked upon the cliffside paired with luscious vineyards, lemon trees, and all the lavender, will be the highlight of your Euro trip. And by Euro trip, we mean life.

8. Queenstown, New Zealand

If you’re 30 and looking for an adventure, rent a van and road trip through the vast landscapes of New Zealand – or just post up in Queenstown for beautiful scenery, adrenaline-rushing activities, and overall good vibes.

9. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a beautifully unique place that needs to be on every traveller’s bucket list. Get lost in this world of neon lights, Harajuku fashion, orgasmic food, and robot waiters.

10. Monaco

You’re in your 30s, so that means you have money to spend, right?! Kidding, we know this still probably isn’t true, but either way, visiting Monaco is a fabulous glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Put a couple bucks on black for us at the Monte Carlo casino, will ya?

11. New Delhi, India

India is a fascinating country, and it’s absolutely something you should check out if you’re in your 30s and looking for an eye-opening experience. Start with its capital New Delhi and hit the ground running!

12. Cusco, Peru

This charming town is a great launchpad for the ultimate bucket list destination, Machu Piccu. Spend a few days in Cusco to admire the colonial architecture and fascinating culture – and adjust to the altitude before heading on your trek. And don’t forget to get a photo with a llama.

13. Kauai, Hawaii

Soak in the sun alongside sea turtles or monk seals on the beaches of Poipu, or try your hand at surfing at the shores of Hanalei Bay. With mountains and waterfalls, Kauai is a lush tropical paradise that still has areas that feel off-the-beaten-path.

14. Prague, Czech Republic

Goulash, dumplings, beer – what more could one ask for in their 30s? Prague is an epic city with so much to offer. Check out the castle, the Charles Bridge, and if you’re feelin’ frisky, the five-level club. You know you can still rip it up on the d-floor in your 30s.

15. Borneo

Made up of the countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, Borneo is a wild rainforest island that you need to visit immediately. It’s one of the only two land masses where you can see orangutans in the wild, along with a whole variety of other animals you’ve probably never seen like the pygmy elephant, sun bear, and proboscis monkey.

16. London, England

There’s always something going on in London. There’s iconic landmarks, funky restaurants and bars, and lovable neighbourhoods to explore. You’ll find locals and expats spilling out onto the streets sipping beer the minute happy hour hits, and we think every 30-year-old should just go join them.

17. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The capital of Argentina is exactly the dose of sensual adventure you need to spice up your 30s. Known as the Paris of Latin America, Buenos Aires will sweep you away with its enticing music, movement, and mamacitas (and papacitas but it didn’t fit with our alliteration so, you know).

18. Copenhagen, Denmark

It’s true that Copenhagen is a bit on the expensive side ($20 for a pint, anyone?) but you’re in your 30s so you can afford it! Stroll or bike down the beautiful clean streets and soak in all that this friendly metropolis has to offer.

19. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio summed up in one word: EPIC. With vibrantly coloured favelas crawling up the sides of its many mountain peaks splattered throughout the city, the stunning beaches and mosaic-tiled sidewalks of Ipanema and Copacabana, and next level nightlife that will make you samba till dawn. You gotta visit Rio. You just gotta.

20. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is a trendy, happening, gorgeous city, and if you haven’t made it here in your first three decades, now is the time, people. Check out the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and Manly Beach across the harbour. Cap it off with a cocktail in the charming neighbourhood of The Rocks.

21. Havana, Cuba

If you’re looking to get off the grid, come to Havana. It feels like a preserved time capsule from the fifties. Everything from the old school cars to the vibrant street music to the salsa dancing till dawn will make you fall in love with this rich, unique, captivating culture.

22. Petra, Jordan

This archeological marvel in the heart of the desert is a truly mindblowing sight to see. You will feel like you are stepping into ancient history as you explore the “Rose City,” named for its pink sandstone cliffs that have been carved into tombs and temples.

23. Diani Beach, Kenya

The coastline of Kenya offers a beautiful getaway with all the off-the-beaten-path allure that you crave in your 30s. Set yourself up at the white-sand tropical paradise of Diani Beach just south of Mombasa, for an exotic getaway that you won’t regret.

24. Cappadocia, Turkey

We are the heart-eyed emoji for Cappadocia. The whimsical scene of hot air balloons soaring over moon-like rock peaks as far as the eye can see is what your 30-year-old dreams are made of.

25. Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal is a breathtaking land with so many incredible landscapes and societies to explore. Visit its largest city, Kathmandu, and check out the temples, gardens, and other iconic sites that make this destination a must-visit.

26. Maldives

The tropical islands of the Maldives offer another level of luxury with overwater bungalows atop insanely clear turquoise waters and stunning coral reefs. Islands such as Biyadhoo have some of the best scuba diving in the world, with manta rays, sharks, and fish of all colours of the rainbow.

27. Venice, Italy

If you haven’t gotten there in your previous three decades (does that make anyone else feel old?), Venice is something for everyone to see. Live in a painting as you get whisked down the canals as your gondola captain sings sweet nothings in Italian – or tries to tell bad jokes while you humour him. Either way, it’s a must-do experience for all travel lovers.

28. Moscow, Russia

Following the excitement of the 2018 World Cup, Moscow has made its way to the top of many globetrotters’ bucket lists. There is a ton of history, culture, and architecture to explore in this city – and also vodka to drink. You’re in your 30s, so this is allowed.

29. Windhoek, Namibia

Namibia has some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and incredible wildlife. This includes a quater of the world’s population of cheetahs. If that’s not enough to entice you, we don’t know what is! Start at the capital Windhoek and explore every inch of this beautiful country.

30. New York City, USA

New York has something for travellers of every age. We know if you’re in your 30s that means you’re looking for a tame night out – perhaps enjoy an upscale dinner in NoLita, catch a Broadway or a comedy show, cap it off with a cocktail on a rooftop. And if that all fails, pound back some beer at a dingy basement pub and dance till dawn.

Your 30s really are your time to shine, so get out there and live your best life! The whole world awaits.

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