30 Places to Visit in Your 30s

There are so many places I still need to visit and I’m sharing 30 places to visit in your 30s. Some of these places I want to visit and with the help of other travel bloggers, these are suggested places to visit in your 30s.

This month is a big milestone for me. I turned 30!  I can’t even believe that this time has come, but I am here to face it head-on. There are a lot of things I have to be grateful for from the last decade. I have made many mistakes, fixed a lot of mistakes, learned so many new and cool things. I have been lucky to have a career that allows me to travel.

Since I am reaching the big 30 I thought I would make a list of some of my favorite countries and some countries I want to want to visit solo. There are so many reasons why solo travel is better in your 30s. With the help of several Female Travel Bloggers, many of them have listed the reasons why these are the 30 places to visit in your 30s.

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30 Places to Visit in Your 30s

1 | Spain

Spain is one of my favorite places that I believe should be part of the 30 places to visit in your 30s. There are so many wonderful things about traveling to Spain from the tapas, the late night food, the beautiful scenery, great public transportation, and safety. Spain is a magical place to visit especially if you enjoy art, food, and culture. Spain has so much to offer for any age group out there.

There are many places to visit in Spain including Barcelona, Madrid, Grenada, Bilbao, Seville and if you are more into partying, Ibiza. Each city has a different special quality about it, making a perfect addition to 30 places to visit in your 30s.

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2 | Italy

If you have not yet traveled to Italy, I highly suggest you do. Italy is a place that is perfect to visit for any age out there. There is so much beauty about Italy which makes it one of the most traveled to places to visit.

For someone in their 30s I recommend visiting more of the off beaten paths. Visit areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast for some gorgeous views. These places are perfect to relax, eat authentic Italian dishes and enjoy the beautiful, yet magical scenery.  Italy has some of the best food around and some of the most well-known food around the globe. You can experience every step of cobblestone and culture here. Everyone speaks English and it is a pretty easy place to travel around.

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3 | Myanmar

According to Tasha Amy from Backpacker’s Wanderlust, Myanmar is the perfect country to travel in your thirties with many beautiful sights and equally beautiful locals. The ideal blend of adventure and relaxation you can spend a busy day exploring and enjoy a comfortable evening at an extremely affordable high-quality hotel.

With many attractions to offer the city of Yangon is the perfect introduction to the country with old colonial buildings, the famous Shwedagon Pagoda and the must do circle train. Make sure you hit up Bagan to appreciate some of the most famous sights of Myanmar and enjoy your days exploring the thousands of pagodas.
You could easily spend a month here, enjoying some of the other popular cities as well such as Inle Lake and Mandalay. Also, if you are wanting even more adventure in your life there are plenty of trekking opportunities here which will take you off the beaten track and right into nature.

4 | Thailand

Thailand is the perfect place for those who love to travel to tropical places. There are so many places to enjoy the beautiful clear blue waters. The reason I thought this is a good place to visit in your 30s.  If you happen to be a new traveler, I feel this is the best location to have your first international country. Thailand is a very friendly country with a lot of vegetarian food options available.

What makes this country a beautiful gem is the friendliness of the people and their love and passion to show you around. You will enjoy some of the best beaches and islands in Phuket, experience volunteering at elephant sanctuaries in Chang Mai and visiting the busy city of Bangkok with some of the best street food. ,

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5 | South Korea

South Korea is my favorite country to visit. I have a bit of a bias since this is where my family is from. There are so many things to do in South Korea from K-Pop Dance Classes to watching K-Dramas in personalized video rooms, singing karaoke, eating and drinking with friends and visiting some of the most beautiful temples. Korea is a place that is perfect for the 30-year-old because maybe you have been a bit more experienced in traveling and Koreans tend to be shy when it comes to speaking English. Enjoy some of the most amazing cafes in Korea from Dog Cafes, Flower Cafes, and more.

Traveling around Seoul is a very easy task to do with Seoul having about 19 and more subway lines to take you from point A to B. If you want to take the subway, just down the subway map app. The map is constantly updated and is easy to navigate.  Additionally, they have a bullet train from Seoul to Busan so that you can visit more than just Seoul. You can explore the streets of Gangnam, to the touristy areas of Hongdae and Itaewon, all the way to the less popular areas. Be sure to add this to your 30 places to visit in your 30s.

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6 | India

Shivani from The Wandering Core says India is like a mesh of layers of nature, history, and urbanism amalgamated into a single unit. You may have heard, India is not for everyone, and it’s true in a sense. Overshadowed by its poverty, chaos, and crowds, India is a place you should when you feel you can take a beat at all of these. The Himalayan range in the North & East India, the beaches of the South, and historical marvels of western India will mesmerize you. But what will charm you the most will be the humble people with amazing hospitality.

The deep-rooted religious values, the charisma of Varanasi & Haridwar will be best understood when you visit them in your 30’s. It the age when we’re almost on the verge of big life changes. Why not travel to incredible India in this amazing phase of your life. I can assure you’ll never forget the experience, and who knows, you might even fall in love with this fascinating country.

7 | Jordan

According to Elaine & David from Show them the Globe, Jordan is full to the brim of stunning scenery, amazing historical sights, delicious food, and chaotic cities Jordan is a truly a bucket list country. It is the perfect destination for those magical 30s travels when you want to escape from it all, take a step back in time, appreciate its mind-blowing history and culture and feast on epic Middle Eastern dishes!

The vibrant Amman, Jordan’s capital city, is built on 7 hills and is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern and has a thriving social scene. The iconic rose-red city of Petra has to be seen to be believed and it’s the perfect place to both lose and find yourself while hiking its desert trails and discovering ancient treasures. Floating in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth is a magical experience as is following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in the majestic Wadi Rum desert. Jordan has it all!

8 | Morocco

According to Annika from Midnight Blue Elephant, the Scarabeo Camp outside of Marrakech in the Agafay Desert is a truly unique place and you could rightfully call it a million stars hotel. Unlike Sahara desert camps, the Agafay desert is easy to reach from Marrakech and you can get here in under two hours. While there are no rolling sand dunes here, the gravel and stone desert makes up for it with its very own charm.

At Scarabeo you don’t camp, you glamp and all tents come with comfy beds, a small patio, and even a proper bathroom. Especially the meals are great and quite a lavish affair offering either sweeping views of the landscape with your tagine or a cozy fire in the evenings.

Activities include camel tracks as well as quad biking tours but first and foremost this is a place to disconnect: take in the scenery, enjoy the solitude and learn the art of doing nothing without your smartphone.

9 | Egypt

Monica from Ahlan Monica explains why Egypt is a place you should visit.

While in recent history Egypt has had its share of ups and downs, stability is quickly returning to the country and so are the tourists! This is the perfect place to make your hard earned dollars go further and feel like an (Egyptian) queen. Imagine sitting on your hotel balcony, sipping some Arabic mint tea, while you watch the sunset behind the Pyramids – yes that could be you, Cleopatra! Be transported in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Cairo and discover that there is so much more to the area than the Sphinx and the Pyramids. Immerse yourself in the history and explore the way the ancients did and sail down the Nile. Travel from Luxor to Aswan and experience temples and have the ruins almost to yourself. The real question you’ll ask yourself is why you waited so long to come to the cradle of civilization!

10 | Singapore

This is the perfect country to add to your 30 places to visit in your 30s. While you may still visit this location in your 20s, you may be able to find it more enjoyable in your 30s. Singapore can be an expensive place to visit with luxury skyrises, beautiful skylines and gorgeous and up to scale restaurants. Although, on a budget, it is possible with many of the amazing hawker centers where you can get some of the most amazing dishes for a discount.

Singapore is a fabulous place to visit because of their advanced technology and ways to create beautiful magic yet eco-friendly designs to be displayed as beautiful art like at the supertree groves. Additionally, they have created some magical biodomes where you can experience different plants and climates like the cloud forest.

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11 | Peru

What I loved most about Peru is how beautiful every street corner was. Peru surprised me more than I ever expected.  Peru was on my list of places to visit, although it wasn’t very high. So when I finally had the opportunity to visit, I had no idea what to expect. I knew I wanted to see Machu Picchu but was there more to experience beyond that? The answer is definitely yes and even more! There was so much food culture here and friendly people who were very knowledgeable about the history of their country. Spanish is the main language for Peru. However, many people still speak Quechuan which is the language of the Inca people. It was interesting to learn about the Inca and everything about their history.

I always felt like Peru would be a country I would visit when I was retired. However, I am so glad I was able to experience it now and I wish I would have visited sooner!

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12 | Portugal

Mexico | Photo by El Antitour

13 | Mexico

Read what Pilar from el Antitour says about Mexico below.

Spring break in Cabo, tequila shots and mariachi. Those were the things that popped into my mind while planning the next stop on our trip.  The things is, Mexico has a bit of a reputation. Most friends that had visited would just go on and on about the exclusive resorts, the never-ending party and the rushed tours to visit crowded ruins. But I knew there was more to this country, and I had my mind set on discovering it. 5 months after the day I entered bustling Tijuana, I was crossing the border into Belize with a new favorite country on my list.

I had my 30th birthday in Mexico and I couldn’t think of a better place for such occasion. Visiting in my early 20s, I also would have probably focused solely on the tequila-fueled nights and the infinity pools looking onto the Caribbean. But from a more mature perspective now, I could unveil another side of Mexico. One filled with rich culture, welcoming people and a fascinating history. Where nights can be spent gazing at the stars in tranquil beaches or surrounded by lush forest in the middle of nowhere. Mexico is so much more than Cabo or Cancún: captivating destinations are everywhere to be found. From astonishing waterfalls in the Huasteca to desolate beaches in Baja and ancient ruins in the jungle of Chiapas, this country is a traveler’s paradise.
Discovering Mexico at this stage in my life could not have been more fitting. It is definitely an experience I recommend to anyone in their 30s looking to have their minds blown away!

14 | Japan

Matilda from the Travel Sisters says, if you have not already traveled to Japan then you should definitely make sure to visit this wonderful country your 30s.  There are so many reasons why everyone needs to visit Japan: the tasty food, the hospitality of its people and its culture which is a mix of modern and traditional.  There are so many great places to see in Japan, that you will never run out of interesting things to see and do.

If your time is short and you only have 7 days in Japan, you can visit Tokyo and Kyoto, or you can stay longer to explore more of this incredible country.  If possible, I recommend staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a more authentic cultural experience. While Japan is most well known for its interesting cities, it is also full of natural beauty especially if you time your visit to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring or colorful autumn leaves.

15 | The Philippines

What can I say about the Philippines that I haven’t already talked about? I absolutely love the Philippines. If you have traveled to Thailand, you will have similar vibes to the Philippines. What I love about the Philippines more than Thailand is the beaches are less filled with tourists. However, you will experience more tourists in places like Boracay or Cebu, and it is filled more with locals. I love just being able to spend time with locals and untouched sandy beaches. Filipinos are some of the most friendly people in the world. There are so many things that are very affordable here in the Philippines like alcohol, food, and places to visit.

You can experience some of the best waterfalls in the Philippines! What is best about the Philippines is that it is warm all year long. This makes it perfect to visit any time of the year.  It is important to add this to 30 places to visit in your 30s because I would say that it is for the more experienced traveler. The Philippines is a place where you go with the flow and things don’t always happen on a schedule. As they say, you run on Filipino time.

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16 | Iran

Ellis from Backpack Adventures says personally, I think your thirties are the best age to travel. You have become a little bit more mature and gained some travel wisdom along the way. Because of that, I appreciate some countries more than I would have in my early travel years. One of these countries is Iran.

People asked me if it wasn’t dangerous to go there, especially as a woman traveling alone. I can assure you that it was absolutely safe and I had a wonderful experience, but it helped that I no longer in my twenties. I felt I had a better understanding of the political situation and my surroundings.

It was easy to connect to other women of my age and it was interesting to hear the challenges they had to face. Some issues were particular to Iran, like having to wear a headscarf, while others were similar to the stories I have heard from women in the other places I traveled.

Iran is a great country with some of the friendliest people I have ever met and some of the best food I have eaten. Despite all my travels, Iran was a country that kept amazing me. The perfect destination for travelers in their thirties.

17 | The United Kingdom

According to Tasha from Tasha Oyster, the UK is the ideal place to visit in your 30s, it has everything you might want. There are mighty mountains to hike and many cities to get lost in. This year I climbed a mountain in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, and it is definitely the most beautiful landscape I’ve seen in the UK. In complete contrast to this hike, are the busy cities like London. Here, you can go to a West End musical, eat any type of cuisine you could want and explore fascinating museums like the Natural History Museum.

A couple of weeks ago I climbed the O2 building which is an activity not to be missed in the big city. For a typical English experience, I’d recommend visiting the Cotswolds; a collection of picturesque villages and towns. My favorite place here is Castle Combe which is considered to be the prettiest place in England; it certainly lived up to its reputation.

18 | United Arab Emirates

According to Jill from Reading the Book Travel, the United Arab Emirates, nestled on the shores of the Persian Gulf, has all the benefits of a warm, sunny and exotic location alongside a rich local culture and all the flashiness of the modern world. Most visitors center their stay on the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where Emirati life still exists but has been dwarfed by skyscrapers, shopping malls, and world-class hotels.

You would be forgiven if you forgot you were in the Middle East; 65% of inhabitants are from overseas, and while local Emiratis can still be spotted amongst the throng, the cities are modern and multi-cultural. But an Islamic country this still is; societal norms are easy to forget but strictly enforced, and some parts of the country are more conservative than others.

Whilst in the UAE, take time to admire the cities and their futuristic and ambitious plans for the future. But be sure to seek out traditional life as well. Dubai’s Creek still bustles with traditional dhows being unloaded, and abra ferry boats criss-cross the water carrying locals in flowing robes. Heritage parks give a glimpse into days gone by, or why not check out the fish market where traders sell the day’s catch to local residents?

And don’t forget the desert. Take a jeep safari into the dunes, or a boat cruise up the coast to admire the physical beauty of this desert land. The possibilities are endless.

19 | Turkey

According to Shweta from Zest in a Tote, Turkey is a fascinating country to visit in your 30s. If you are culturally inclined, you are spot on! Istanbul’s strategic position straddling 2 continents and the ruling Ottoman Empire led to a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history.

There are so many historic monuments to visit, from the stunning Blue Mosque to the incomparable Hagia Sofia, the grand old Topkapi palace to the modern Dolmabahace Palace. The exotic colors and smells of Grand Bazaar and Spice market are not to be missed. Add to that the vibrant nightlife and hospitality options make it a great getaway with friends.

I loved the visit to the ancient city of Ephesus and the stay in the beautiful Sirince valley. If adventure and rugged landscapes excite you, don’t miss out on Cappadocia. My hot air balloon experience here was memorable. There are several hikes and trails in Cappadocia to be explored for the independent traveler. Then there is a large coastline dotted with small towns and villages, some great resorts options, Mediterranean weather, beaches and good food. Your laid-back holiday is totally covered.

20 | Croatia

Read what Lavdi from Kosovo Girl Travels says about her recommended places to visit in Croatia. If there is one unavoidable recommendation you’ll get from everybody when visiting Zagreb – that’s the Museum of Broken Relationships. That’s a place that is welcoming for everyone (even those with perfect – or close to – relationships) as it tells many personal stories that make you think, feel, and even act if necessary. All those break-up stories (not only romantic but also parental or friendships) will affect you deeply and make you consider and appreciate your beloved ones. Plan to spend about 2 hours there and read through those stories. You probably, if you’re emotional like me, will leave the Museum (almost) crying, but it’s for sure one of the best and special museums you’ll ever go to.

P.S. Check out for their password note in the cafeteria. I don’t know if they change it or keep the same one, but this one they had during my visit made perfect sense (well, at least, according to me).

21 | Armenia

This country might not top everyone’s bucket list (yet), but the world’s first Christian nation and one of the global birthplaces of winemaking has a lot to offer inquisitive travelers.

Armenia is a great place to visit once you’re old enough to appreciate the country’s long, complex history. (It also helps if your palette is seasoned enough to appreciate Armenia’s incredible national cuisine!) Yerevan, the capital, is one of Europe’s oldest cities. The Armenian Genocide Museum and Tsitsernakaberd memorial explore a horrific chapter of world history that’s often overlooked, but which every global citizen should take the time to learn about.

With a huge diaspora (there are an estimated 8 million Armenians living outside the country, which has a population of just 3 million), Armenia has traditionally been a place that people leave. But economic, social and now political change has seen an increasing number of ‘re-pats’ coming back to invest in new social ventures, businesses and artistic projects. Everything from technology to tourism is on the rise in Armenia, making it an incredibly dynamic place to visit.

22 | Sri Lanka

A mix between a serene island getaway and a jungle adventure Sri Lanka has something for everyone. The inner island has a large collection of UNESCO heritage sites including the unique and beautiful Dambulla Cave Temple. The coast offers fantastic beach towns with surfing if that is your cup of tea. The mix of cultural activities, landscape, and relaxing vacation make it a great place for those on a budget but want it all!

23 | Cuba

For a traveler, especially one coming from the USA, Cuba offers an eye-opening perspective of the world. It is a place where old lives along new in a very interesting dichotomy. You can use the internet, just in public squares where you routinely see old American Cars in different levels of upkeep go by. You also are inundated with a variety of unique and incredibly practical but visually interesting fixes to things due to the difficulty of procuring a lot of materials with the different trade embargo’s against the island. Visiting Cuba opens up your world view in a way you didn’t realize you needed and that makes it a great place to visit before your 30th birthday!

24 | New Zealand

Jackie from Life of Doing says that New Zealand is the best country to embrace your inner adventurer during your 30s. Forget about bouncing from one city to another in New Zealand’s North and South Island. Consider “slow travel” and explore the scenic routes in 1-2+ weeks on a road trip in a camper van or car. You’ll love the natural beauty and the pristine landscapes from mountain glaciers to colorful geothermal pools to turquoise lakes.

Staying healthy is important and New Zealand has many adventurous activities. Hiking is recommended with numerous day hikes, multi-day trails, and helicopter/hiking tour (heli-hiking) to experience. Our favorite hikes are Roys Peak in Wanaka and Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook. The views are amazing from the mountain summits. Other adrenaline rushing activities include zorbing, bungy jumping, caving, and more.

You can’t visit this country without seeing filming locations from the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies. Since we’ve grown up with the book series and movies, it’s awesome to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and see the Shire.

25 | Cambodia

Maire from Temples and Treehouses says I think Cambodia is an excellent country to visit in your 30s because there’s so much more to see, do and understand than the typical buckets-of-alcohol beach destinations that a lot of people gravitate towards in their 20s. (Although there are breathtaking beaches in Cambodia too!)

It’s an amazing, diverse country. Apart from the incredible ruins of Angkor Wat, there’s lots of history to be discovered, and a sobering past to understand. There are also a couple of unbelievably beautiful islands just off the south coast.  I stayed on Koh Rong, which has the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. Apart from a couple of more touristy areas it’s also very peaceful and undeveloped. I was also totally bowled over by Cambodian food — it was just so tasty and different from most food I’d ever tried before.

26 | Switzerland

According to Michelle from the Munching Traveler, Switzerland is a country many teenage travelers avoid when heading to Europe. Its various attractions and mountain visits often cost quite a bit. Their inter-city train tickets may even cost as much as your Easyjet and Ryanair promotional plane tickets! However, Switzerland is still a must-visit for its beautiful sights and natural landscapes and it is the best place for those in their 30s. Being financially independent allows you to take in the sights with ease. (I’ve been in Switzerland on the exchange as a student and it really isn’t fun to be scrimping and saving my week’s budget just to enjoying a plate of rosti and fondue in a restaurant.)

Furthermore, you’ll still be young enough to ski or snowboard down the wintery slopes during winter and go on hikes during summer. When you head to Switzerland, go for the full experience.  Head to Zermatt to view the magnificent Matterhorn or up to Jungfraujoch and enjoy a cuppa at the top of Europe!

27 | Canada

According to Liliane from My Toronto my World, there are plenty of countries in the world (100s in fact) that you could choose to visit in your thirties but the best one by far is Canada. Before you protest, let me explain why. Canada honestly has it all. And I’m sure you could say that about some other countries as well but it’s actually true for us! If you’re into the party/bar scene our major cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver can party it up just as hard as New York, London or Los Angeles can. If nature is your thing you won’t find it any prettier than here! Between our 1000 of lakes, more than 40 National Parks, 100s of provincial parks, waterfalls, forests, mountain ranges etc. you can find every form of nature you could ever desire here. If you’re into small-town charm – we’ve got 100s of cute little towns to visit in all of the province and territories. If city exploring is your thing, then Canada has to be your thing! Our country was built on multiculturalism and as a result, our cities are full of culture and so much food (seriously, so much food)! Have I convinced you yet? Come to celebrate your 30s in Canada!

28 | Greece

Read what Cris from Look n Walk says about Greece below.

Each of us is in a different life stage in our 30s but, regardless of what stage that is, Greece can offer you a great time.

Single? Perfect! Bring your best friends and party the night away on one of the Cyclades!

Dating? There are so many romantic places to visit, that it’s impossible to even list them all. Fly into Athens and then plan a day trip to the island of Hydra. Or watch the sunset at Temple of Poseidon.

Engaged? Pop the question on Santorini. Then hide from everyone as you do a Cyclades island-hopping. Or maybe even get married in Greece.

Married? Spend your wedding anniversary on the island of Ios or Amorgos.

Traveling with kids? Athens is a treasure trove of historical sites. Make sure to visit the Acropolis along with its museum. Close by, there’s the Roman Agora, too. Finally, once you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the capital, spend time in the National Gardens.

29 | USA

30 | Brazil

According to Jill from Reading the Book Travel, Brazil is a dream destination in your 30s. Warm most of the year, full of color and vibrancy, music and dance, Brazil’s appeal is unmistakable. But as a budget destination it leaves something to be desired – distant from most other countries and with security issues in the lower-income areas, it is a country which needs a 30-something’s budget to make it safe and achievable.

Furthermore, Brazil is incredibly diverse, from the Amazon rainforest in the north to the Pantanal wetlands in the west and the buzzing coastal cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo in the south. Visit the north-eastern cities of Salvador and Recife for color and history or mighty Iguacu Falls in the south for natural splendor. It is a vast country, which needs more than one trip to do it justice.

Brazil sways to the rhythm of samba during Carnival time, but music is everywhere in this easy-going country. Food is diverse and tasty, with great seafood on the coast, and the unofficial national spirit, cachaça, gave the world Caipirinha cocktails which come in a multitude of flavors in its home country.

In your thirties, with an established income and fewer family ties, Brazil is the perfect destination.

What were some of your favorite 30 places to visit in your 30s? Leave your comments below!