ad collaborative post written by me // I’m turning 30 in September and if you didn’t know already (which you absolutely did because I do not stop talking about it), I’m dreading it. I have a lot of stuff I need to work through in regards to my age and my life, something that I’m not going to go into here (don’t worry, there’s a post coming about that!) but I want to touch on one aspect of life, now that I’m turning 30. And that’s travel.
I’m not very well travelled. Until now, that’s not something that hugely bothered me that much, probably because for most of my 20’s, I was dealing with a debilitating anxiety disorder that left me too nervous to leave my town, let alone the country. The bitterness around my anxiety and all it took from me is something I’m very much working through.
And travel and experiences is definitely one of those things.
I couldn’t realistically dream of travel for the majority of my 20’s but now that I no longer suffer with anxiety, I’m more aware than ever of how much time has gone by where I could have been travelling and experiencing new things, new cultures, new countries and meeting new people.
I can’t say I’ve ever been someone who has wanted to backpack around Thailand or up sticks and live on the road but obviously that’s not the only way to travel. I am however, someone who thrives on experiences, changes of scenery and jumping outside of my every day routine.
Now as I enter my 30’s (nearly), my thoughts on travel are a bit jumbled. I’m definitely going to want to have kids in the next few years, so that’s something that you’ve obviously got to take into consideration, if you want to do any sort of travelling.
Money is also always going to be a factor. I’m saving to buy a house so realistically, with house buying and children having, would that leave me any time, money or energy for any meaningful travel?
I say meaningful because that’s what I want my travel to look like.
When I went to Bulgaria in 2011 (before my anxiety disorder started), we went to such a touristy location that we might as well have just stayed in our home town because it was exactly the same – just hotter. We even saw a TON of people we knew from back home whilst we were there!
I struggle with having a sense of purpose and the idea that anything in this life even means anything. I know that stems from my depression quite a lot so it’s likely I’m thinking about these things much more than your average person. But these are just a few of my scrambled thoughts about travel as I enter my 30’s.
A little travel wish list for the next decade
So whilst my thoughts might be pretty jumbled, I’ve created a little travel wish list for the next decade of my life. Realistically, I know I’m probably not going to get to all of these places but a girl can dream, right!
Disneyland Paris
Okay I just wanted to get this one out of the way first. I’ve already been to Disneyland Paris 3 times but it’s been a dream to go back. This would be meaningful travel for me because Disney holds a special place in my heart. Make of that what you will. Let’s move on.
Copenhagen
The land of Hygge. I would love to visit Copenhagen because it looks like such a beautiful place to go, with great food and a slower pace of life. Sounds like exactly what I need.
Greece
Greece was the place my parents first went on holiday together and I would love to visit. I’m a huge fan of Greek food and high up on my list would be Kos and Santorini. Especially after looking at these Santorini luxury hotels!
Scotland
Yep, even this close to home. I’ve never been to Scotland and I have no idea why. The closest I’ve come is Cumbria. The Scottish Highlands would be a dream or even the NC500.
Austria
Austria would be a dream. It’s such a beautiful country and I would absolutely love to go when the Formula 1 Grand Prix is on. It’s the home race of my favourite team, after all!
I’ve kept this list short and sweet so it’s more realistic for me to consider when I look back at it. Travel is such a huge part of life for so many people, I don’t think it’s surprising that I have so many thoughts and feelings about it. But ultimately, everyone has a choice of whether they want to travel or not and there’s certainly no right or wrong!