7 Places To Visit if You’re 30 and Single

[mks_dropcap style=”square” size=”42″ bg_color=”#dda54f” txt_color=”#000000″]T[/mks_dropcap]urning thirty is one of those pivotal milestones in life.

You’re a bit beyond the twenty something rowdy hostel scene, and yet you still crave interactive experiences in new locales. You seek adventure, but perhaps a bit more refined than the travels of your twenties—that crazy period in life addressed recently by a Huff Po article on places to visit BEFORE thirty. At the same time, your thirties are an ideal time to travel, especially all by your lonesome. Consider heading to these points on the map in your thirties, to mix and mingle, and have some life changing experiences along the way.

1.) Berlin, Germany

Germany’s capital proves ideal for the single and over thirty. With its free spirit, Berlin makes it easy for solo travelers to get around on its U-Bahn system. Connecting you with most of the major sites in town, travelers can hop off and on, and experience remnants of the past at every turn. Berlin’s museums and memorials, while quite chilling, can lend a powerful solo travel experience. At the same time, Berlin has a fun and funky side. The nightlife can be both stylish and gritty. The city’s eclectic neighborhoods open up with legendary clubs and bars that run around the clock.

2.) Boracay, Philippines

Located in Southeast Asia, Boracay is only 4 miles long and a mile wide. However, this tiny island, part of the Philippines, packs a punch with white sands, colorful sunsets, and friendly locals. Thirty somethings will find the center of the action on Boracay on White Beach, a stretch of perfect sands dotted with restaurants, bars, and shops. Boracay boasts a rich nightlife scene too, lending plenty of chances to mingle with locals and other travelers on seaside bar crawls.

3.) The Cinque Terre, Italy

Some of Italy’s larger cities can be a bit overwhelming if you’re traveling alone. If you want to dodge the study abroad scenes of Rome and Florence, head for the Cinque Terre. The area refers to a series of seaside villages perched somewhat precariously along Italy’s Ligurian coast, mostly inaccessible to cars. Occupying a dramatic 11-mile stretch of the Italian Riviera, the towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore provide plenty of life and color to keep a solo traveler entertained. The Cinque Terre is very much the Italy of imaginations with rocky cliffs, colorful buildings, olive groves, and vineyards. Thirty somethings are sure to bump into other travelers on the famous hike that takes you between each town.

4.) Vancouver, Canada

Surrounded by snow sprinkled mountains and sandy beaches, you might say Vancouver has it all. It’s a rare destination where you could find yourself skiing in the morning and sailing on the water later in the afternoon, and yet, Vancouver isn’t just a pretty face. It appeals to the single and over thirty crowds with its sophisticated eateries, abundant parks, and lively pubs. Solo travelers will find all the funky nightlife they want on Granville Street in downtown, while Yaletown boasts all of the swanky cocktail bars and clubs.

5.) Sololá, Guatemala

Perched near Lake Atitlán, Sololá hosts a big backpacker social scene. Not only will you find plenty of company to take advantage of the natural surroundings, by way of kayaking and hiking, but you can also hit up one of Guatemala’s largest markets in Sololá. In addition to attracting other like-minded backpackers, the town is also home to a number of yoga retreats if you are looking to unwind and relax.

6.) Cusco, Peru

Towering at an altitude of 11,000 feet, Cusco, Peru tends to be a South American highlight. The city abounds with pre-Columbian and colonial history to unearth with every turn. Once capital of the Inca Empire, it’s also a natural launching point for the trek to the imperial city of Machu Picchu. Solo travelers can bond with other travelers struggling with the altitude. At the same time, you can check off seeing one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

7.) Queenstown, New Zealand

Some in their thirties settle into a routine life with little adventure. If you are seeking just the opposite, head to New Zealand’s South Island. Its capital, Queenstown, has become known for its adventurous spirit. You can partake in a number of activities like bungee jumping, zorbing, horseback riding, and skiing. Despite being into extreme sports, Queenstown also has a refined side for those seeking a bit more. The city boasts a fine dining scene and lively nightlife. If you are into wine, several wineries in the area open up their doors for you to sample the fruits of the land!

Solo travel while single is often generalized into crazy nights in hostels. However, when you hit the big 3-oh, you might be looking for a bit more substance to your adventures. From making the trek with new pals to Machu Picchu, to getting caught up in Berlin’s eclectic nightlife, these spots around the world prove enriching, and yet still lively for single thirty somethings.

Have you recently turned thirty, or perhaps you have great memories of traveling in your 3rd decade? Let us know your favorite thirty something hangout in the comments below.